Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 boat specs
Ranger
Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007
2007
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VS
Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013 boat specs
Ranger
Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013
2013
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Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 vs Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 vs Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 at 17,0 ft versus Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013 at 18,7 ft. At 146 lbs and 155 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 150 hp for the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 and 150 hp for the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013 carries 33 gallons versus 25 gallons in the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007. 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: The Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 and Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeRanger
MakeRanger
ModelVS Series - 178VS
ModelZ518 Comanche
Model Year2007
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam90 in
Beam92.5 in. With Rubrail: 94 in
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Meters2.39
Beam - Inches9
Beam - Inches94
Depth - Detail20 1/2 in
Depth - Detail20 in
Depth - Centimeters53.34
Depth - Centimeters50.8
Depth - Inches20.5
Depth - Inches2
Weight - Detail1,460 lbs. with single console
Weight - Detail1,550 lbs
Weight - kg662.24
Weight - kg703.07
Weight - lbs.146
Weight - lbs.155
Height [transom]21 1/2 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet17
Length - Feet18.67
Length - Inches8
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Meters5.38
Length overall - Meters5.69
Length overall - Inches212
Length overall - Inches224
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail25 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail33 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64
Fuel tank capacity - Liters124.92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal33
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max150 hp
Engine maxnot available
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower150 - 200 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,145 lbs
Maximum capacity1,200 lbs
Storagenot available
StorageLivewell: 24 gal. Rod Holders: 8 ft. port, 8 ft. center
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailGVWR: 2,995 lbs
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 10 in. with motor down 19 ft. 10 in. with motor down & swing-away tongue open
Trailer - Length over all23 ft. 7 in. with motor down 21 ft. 7 in. with swing away tongue open
Trailer - Width96 in
Trailer - Width99 in
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - WeightGVWR: 3,725 lbs

Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 vs Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 or the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013?
The Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013 is the longer of the two at 18,7 feet overall. The Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 1,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 or the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013?
For trailering, the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 has the edge at 146 lbs dry weight versus 155 lbs for the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013. 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013 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 Z518 Comanche 2013 measures 94" 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 or the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013?
The Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013 has the bigger tank at 33 gallons, versus 25 gallons on the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007. That 8-gallon difference translates to roughly 24–40 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 and Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Ranger VS Series - 178VS 2007 and the Ranger Z518 Comanche 2013 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.