Ranger 618VS 2005 boat specs
Ranger
Ranger 618VS 2005
2005
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VS
Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 boat specs
Ranger
Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007
2007
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Ranger 618VS 2005 vs Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ranger 618VS 2005 vs Ranger VS Series - 178VS 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 150 hp, the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 has a 35-hp advantage over the Ranger 618VS 2005's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 26 gal and 25 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 VS Series - 178VS 2007 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Ranger 618VS 2005 with its 115-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeRanger
MakeRanger
Model618VS
ModelVS Series - 178VS
Model Year2005
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam83 in
Beam90 in
Beam - Meters2.11
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Inches83
Beam - Inches9
Depth - Detail20 3/4 in
Depth - Detail20 1/2 in
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Inches20.75
Depth - Inches20.5
Weight - Detail1,445 lbs
Weight - Detail1,460 lbs. with single console
Weight - kg655.44
Weight - kg662.24
Weight - lbs.1445
Weight - lbs.146
Height [transom]21 in
Height [transom]21 1/2 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Meters5.49
Length overall - Meters5.38
Length overall - Inches216
Length overall - Inches212
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet17
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches8
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail(1) 26 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail25 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters98.42
Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64
Fuel tank capacity - Gal26
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Engine max115-150 hp
Engine max150 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,375 lbs
Maximum capacity1,145 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGVWR (3,725 lbs.)
Trailer - DetailGVWR: 2,995 lbs
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 9 in. w/Motor Down 20 ft. 9 in. w/Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 10 in. with motor down 19 ft. 10 in. with motor down & swing-away tongue open
Trailer - Width94 in
Trailer - Width96 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass

Ranger 618VS 2005 vs Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger 618VS 2005 or the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007?
For trailering, the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 has the edge at 146 lbs dry weight versus 1 445 lbs for the Ranger 618VS 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 VS Series - 178VS 2007 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger 618VS 2005 tops out at 115 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 618VS 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Ranger 618VS 2005 measures 83" wide, compared to 9" for the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007. 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.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Ranger 618VS 2005 and Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 26 gallons and 25 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Ranger 618VS 2005 and Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Ranger 618VS 2005 and the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 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.