Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Ranger 175VS 2005 vs Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Ranger 175VS 2005 vs Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 2012 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 2012 has a 135-hp advantage over the Ranger 175VS 2005's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 25 gal and 24 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 2012 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Ranger 175VS 2005 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 21,2 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Ranger 175VS 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model175VS
ModelZ21 Intracoastal
Model Year2005
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam87 in
Beam95 in. With Rubrail: 96.5 in
Beam - Meters2.21
Beam - Meters2.46
Beam - Inches87
Beam - Inches96.5
Depth - Detail22 in
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inches22
Depth - Inches21
Weight - Detail1,340 lbs. (w/Single Console) 1,365 lbs. (w/Dual Console)
Weight - Detail1,875 lbs
Weight - kg619.15
Weight - kg850.49
Weight - lbs.1365
Weight - lbs.1875
Height [transom]22 in
Height [transom]not available
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters5.31
Length overall - Meters6.45
Length overall - Inches209
Length overall - Inches254
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail13.5 in
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.36
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches13.5
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet21.17
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail(1) 25 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail(2) 24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Engine max90-115 hp
Engine maxnot available
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower225 - 250 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,145 lbs
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs
Storagenot available
StorageLivewell: 26 gal. Rod Holders: 7 ft. 6 in. center row 1, 7 ft. center row 2, 8 ft. port, 6 ft. 6 in. starboard
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGVWR (2,995 lbs.)
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 7 in. w/Motor Down 19 ft. 7 in. w/Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open
Trailer - Length over all26 ft. 4 in. with motor down 24 ft. 4 in. with swing away tongue open
Trailer - Width94 in
Trailer - Width102 in
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - WeightGVWR: 5,000 lbs
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee