Ranger 520VX 2008 vs Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 520VX 2008 or the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005?

For trailering, the Ranger 520VX 2008 has the edge at 1 725 lbs dry weight versus 1 885 lbs for the Ranger 521VX 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 520VX 2008 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Ranger 520VX 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005 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.

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

Both the Ranger 520VX 2008 and Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 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 520VX 2008 or the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005?

The Ranger 520VX 2008 has the bigger tank at 52 gallons, versus 26 gallons on the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005. That 26-gallon difference translates to roughly 78–130 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Ranger 520VX 2008 and Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger 520VX 2008 and the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 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 520VX 2008 vs Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005

Ranger

Ranger 520VX 2008

2008

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Ranger

Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005

2005

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Ranger 520VX 2008 vs Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ranger 520VX 2008 vs Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 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 225 hp, the Ranger 520VX 2008 has a 25-hp advantage over the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 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 520VX 2008 carries 52 gallons versus 26 gallons in the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 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 6 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 520VX 2008 and its 225-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005 with its 200-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeRanger

Model520VX

Model521VX TOUR EDITION

Model Year2008

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam92-1/2 in

Beam92 1/2 in

Beam - Meters2.36

Beam - Inches92.5

Depth - Detail21-1/2 in

Depth - Detail20 1/2 in

Depth - Centimeters55.88

Depth - Centimeters53.34

Depth - Inches21.5

Depth - Inches20.5

Weight - Detail1,725 lbs. with single console

Weight - Detail1,860 lbs. (w/Single Console) 1,885 lbs. (w/Dual Console)

Weight - kg782.45

Weight - kg855.02

Weight - lbs.1725

Weight - lbs.1885

Height [transom]23 in

Length - Feet2

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches9

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 9 in

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 3 in

Length overall - Meters6.32

Length overall - Meters6.48

Length overall - Inches249

Length overall - Inches255

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail52 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail(2) 26 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters196.84

Fuel tank capacity - Liters98.42

Fuel tank capacity - Gal52

Fuel tank capacity - Gal26

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine max225 hp

Engine max200-250 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,500 lbs

Maximum capacity1,550 lbs

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailGVWR: 5,000 lbs

Trailer - DetailGVWR (5,000 lbs.)

Trailer - Length over all25 ft. 2 in. with motor down 23 ft. 2 in. with swing-away tongue open

Trailer - Length over all26 ft. w/Motor Down 24 ft. w/Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open

Trailer - Width97 in

Ranger 520VX 2008 vs Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 520VX 2008 or the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005?

For trailering, the Ranger 520VX 2008 has the edge at 1 725 lbs dry weight versus 1 885 lbs for the Ranger 521VX 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 520VX 2008 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 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 520VX 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005 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.

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

Both the Ranger 520VX 2008 and Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 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 520VX 2008 or the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005?

The Ranger 520VX 2008 has the bigger tank at 52 gallons, versus 26 gallons on the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005. That 26-gallon difference translates to roughly 78–130 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Ranger 520VX 2008 and Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger 520VX 2008 and the Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 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 520VX 2008 full specs ← Ranger 521VX TOUR EDITION 2005 full specs