Ranger 1850 RS 2013 boat specs
Ranger
Ranger 1850 RS 2013
2013
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VS
Ranger 185VS 2005 boat specs
Ranger
Ranger 185VS 2005
2005
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Ranger 1850 RS 2013 vs Ranger 185VS 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ranger 1850 RS 2013 vs Ranger 185VS 2005 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 140 hp for the Ranger 1850 RS 2013 and 150 hp for the Ranger 185VS 2005. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Ranger 1850 RS 2013 carries 34 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Ranger 185VS 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Ranger 1850 RS 2013 and Ranger 185VS 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeRanger
MakeRanger
Model1850 RS
Model185VS
Model Year2013
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam96.5 in. With Rubrail: 98 in
Beam92 in
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Inches98
Beam - Inches92
Depth - Detail25 in
Depth - Detail20 in
Depth - Centimeters63.5
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Inches25
Depth - Inches2
Weight - Detail1,780 lbs
Weight - Detail1,530 lbs. (w/Single Console) 1,555 lbs. (w/Dual Console)
Weight - kg807.39
Weight - kg705.34
Weight - lbs.178
Weight - lbs.1555
Length - Feet18.42
Length - Feetnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Meters5.61
Length overall - Inches221
Length overall - Inches221
Height [transom]not available
Height [transom]23 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail34 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail(1) 40 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters128.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters151.42
Fuel tank capacity - Gal34
Fuel tank capacity - Gal4
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typenot available
Horsepower140 - 175 hp
Horsepowernot available
Engine maxnot available
Engine max150-175 hp
Operational Info
StorageLivewell: 21 gal. Baitwell: 5 gal. Rod Holders: 7 ft. center and port
Storagenot available
Maximum capacity1,700 lbs
Maximum capacity1,365 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all23 ft. 9 in. with motor down 21 ft. 9 in. with swing away tongue open
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 7 in. w/Motor Down 20 ft. 7 in. w/Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open
Trailer - WeightGVWR: 4,500 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Width101 in
Trailer - Width97 in
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - DetailGVWR (3,725 lbs.)

Ranger 1850 RS 2013 vs Ranger 185VS 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 1850 RS 2013 or the Ranger 185VS 2005?
For trailering, the Ranger 1850 RS 2013 has the edge at 178 lbs dry weight versus 1 555 lbs for the Ranger 185VS 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Ranger 185VS 2005 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 1850 RS 2013 tops out at 140 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Ranger 1850 RS 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Ranger 185VS 2005 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Ranger 1850 RS 2013 measures 98" wide, compared to 92" for the Ranger 185VS 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Ranger 1850 RS 2013 or the Ranger 185VS 2005?
The Ranger 1850 RS 2013 has the bigger tank at 34 gallons, versus 4 gallons on the Ranger 185VS 2005. That 30-gallon difference translates to roughly 90–150 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Ranger 1850 RS 2013 and Ranger 185VS 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Ranger 1850 RS 2013 and the Ranger 185VS 2005 are built by Ranger. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.