Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 boat specs
Ranger
Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005
2005
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VS
Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012 boat specs
Ranger
Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012
2012
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Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 vs Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 vs Ranger Z521 Comanche 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 Z521 Comanche 2012 has a 25-hp advantage over the Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005's 200-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 Z521 Comanche 2012 carries 24 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeRanger
MakeRanger
Model2300 BAY RANGER
ModelZ521 Comanche?
Model Year2005
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam100 1/2 in
Beam95 in. With Rubrail: 96.5 in
Beam - Meters2.57
Beam - Meters2.46
Beam - Inches100.5
Beam - Inches96.5
Depth - Detail17 in
Depth - Detail21 in
Depth - Centimeters43.18
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inches17
Depth - Inches21
Weight - Detail2,640 lbs
Weight - Detail1,900 lbs
Weight - kg1197.48
Weight - kg861.82
Weight - lbs.264
Weight - lbs.19
Height [transom]24 1/2 in
Height [transom]not available
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Meters7.06
Length overall - Meters6.48
Length overall - Inches278
Length overall - Inches255
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet21.25
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail(1) 70 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail(2) 24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Gal7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Engine max200-300 hp
Engine maxnot available
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower225 - 250 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,190 lbs
Maximum capacity1,700 lbs
Storagenot available
StorageLivewell: 26 gal. Rod Holders: 7 ft. 6 in. center, 8 ft. port, 6 ft. 6 in. starboard
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGVWR (5,400 lbs.)
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Length over all27 ft. 3 in. w/Motor Down 25 ft. 3 in. w/Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open
Trailer - Length over all26 ft. 2 in. with motor down 24 ft. 2 in. with swing away tongue open
Trailer - Width102 in
Trailer - Width99 in
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - WeightGVWR: 5,000 lbs
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 vs Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 or the Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012?
For trailering, the Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012 has the edge at 19 lbs dry weight versus 264 lbs for the Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 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 Z521 Comanche 2012 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 tops out at 200 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 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012 is certified for 6. 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 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 measures 101" wide, compared to 97" for the Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012. 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 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 or the Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012?
The Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012 has the bigger tank at 24 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005. That 17-gallon difference translates to roughly 51–85 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 and Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Ranger 2300 BAY RANGER 2005 and the Ranger Z521 Comanche 2012 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.