Ranger 188VX 2008 vs Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 188VX 2008 or the Ranger 191 Cayman 2005?

For trailering, the Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 has the edge at 118 lbs dry weight versus 155 lbs for the Ranger 188VX 2008. 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 191 Cayman 2005 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 188VX 2008 tops out at 175 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 188VX 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Ranger 191 Cayman 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.

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

Both the Ranger 188VX 2008 and Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 share an 92-1/2 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Ranger 188VX 2008 or the Ranger 191 Cayman 2005?

The Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 38 gallons on the Ranger 188VX 2008. That 10-gallon difference translates to roughly 30–50 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Ranger 188VX 2008 and Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger 188VX 2008 and the Ranger 191 Cayman 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.

Boat Comparison

Ranger 188VX 2008 vs Ranger 191 Cayman 2005

Ranger

Ranger 188VX 2008

2008

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Ranger

Ranger 191 Cayman 2005

2005

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Ranger 188VX 2008 vs Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ranger 188VX 2008 vs Ranger 191 Cayman 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 200 hp, the Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 has a 25-hp advantage over the Ranger 188VX 2008's 175-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 carries 48 gallons versus 38 gallons in the Ranger 188VX 2008. 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 and its 200-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Ranger 188VX 2008 with its 175-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeRanger

Model188VX

Model191 CAYMAN

Model Year2008

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam92-1/2 in

Beam93 in

Beam - Meters2.36

Beam - Inches92.5

Beam - Inches93

Depth - Detail20-1/2 in

Depth - Detail14 in

Depth - Centimeters53.34

Depth - Centimeters35.56

Depth - Inches20.5

Depth - Inches14

Weight - Detail1,550 lbs. with single console

Weight - DetailDeck/Hull: 1,180 lbs

Weight - kg703.07

Weight - kg535.24

Weight - lbs.155

Weight - lbs.118

Height [transom]23 in

Height [transom]22 1/2 in

Length - Feet18

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches8

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 8 in

Length overall - Detail19 ft. 1 in

Length overall - Meters5.69

Length overall - Meters5.82

Length overall - Inches224

Length overall - Inches229

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail38 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail(1) 48 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters143.85

Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7

Fuel tank capacity - Gal38

Fuel tank capacity - Gal48

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max175 hp

Engine max200 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,250 lbs

Maximum capacity1,580 lbs

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailGVWR: 3,725 lbs

Trailer - DetailGVWR (4,500 lbs.)

Trailer - Length over all24 ft. 2 in. with motor down 22 ft. 2 in. with swing-away tongue open

Trailer - Length over all23 ft. 5 in. w/Motor Down 21 ft. 5 in. w/Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open

Trailer - Width99 in

Trailer - Width100 in

Ranger 188VX 2008 vs Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 188VX 2008 or the Ranger 191 Cayman 2005?

For trailering, the Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 has the edge at 118 lbs dry weight versus 155 lbs for the Ranger 188VX 2008. 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 191 Cayman 2005 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 188VX 2008 tops out at 175 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 188VX 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Ranger 191 Cayman 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.

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

Both the Ranger 188VX 2008 and Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 share an 92-1/2 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Ranger 188VX 2008 or the Ranger 191 Cayman 2005?

The Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 38 gallons on the Ranger 188VX 2008. That 10-gallon difference translates to roughly 30–50 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Ranger 188VX 2008 and Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger 188VX 2008 and the Ranger 191 Cayman 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.

← Ranger 188VX 2008 full specs ← Ranger 191 Cayman 2005 full specs