Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 vs Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 or the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007?

For trailering, the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 has the edge at 155 lbs dry weight versus 1 555 lbs for the Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 tops out at 150 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 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.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 and Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 share an 92 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Are the Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 and Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 and the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 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.

Boat Comparison

Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 vs Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007

Ranger

Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005

2005

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Ranger

Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007

2007

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 vs Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 vs Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 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 175 hp, the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 has a 25-hp advantage over the Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 and its 175-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 with its 150-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeRanger

Model185VX TOUR EDITION

Model188 Intracoastal

Model Year2005

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam92 in

Beam92 1/2 in

Beam - Meters2.34

Beam - Meters2.36

Beam - Inches92

Beam - Inches92.5

Depth - Detail20 in

Depth - Detail20 1/2 in

Depth - Centimeters50.8

Depth - Centimeters53.34

Depth - Inches2

Depth - Inches20.5

Weight - Detail1,530 lbs. (w/Single Console) 1,555 lbs. (w/Dual Console)

Weight - Detail1,550 lbs. with single console

Weight - kg705.34

Weight - kg703.07

Weight - lbs.1555

Weight - lbs.155

Height [transom]23 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 5 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Meters5.61

Length overall - Meters5.69

Length overall - Inches221

Length overall - Inches224

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet18

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches8

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail(1) 40 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters151.42

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal4

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Engine max150-175 hp

Engine max175 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,365 lbs

Maximum capacity1,250 lbs

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailGVWR (3,725 lbs.)

Trailer - DetailGVWR: 3,725 lbs

Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 7 in. w/Motor Down 20 ft. 7 in. w/Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open

Trailer - Length over all24 ft. 2 in. with motor down

Trailer - Width97 in

Trailer - Widthnot available

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 vs Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 or the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007?

For trailering, the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 has the edge at 155 lbs dry weight versus 1 555 lbs for the Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 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 188 Intracoastal 2007 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 tops out at 150 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 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 and Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 share an 92 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Are the Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 and Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 and the Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 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.

← Ranger 185VX TOUR EDITION 2005 full specs ← Ranger 188 Intracoastal 2007 full specs