Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 vs Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 or the Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008?

For trailering, the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 has the edge at 19 lbs dry weight versus 1 825 lbs for the Ranger Z520 Comanche 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 Z520 Comanche 2008 is rated to a maximum of 250 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 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 Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 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 Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 and Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 share an 95 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 Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 or the Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008?

The Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005. That 24-gallon difference translates to roughly 72–120 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 and Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 and the Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 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 Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 vs Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008

Ranger

Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005

2005

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Ranger

Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 vs Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 vs Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 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 250 hp, the Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 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 Z520 Comanche 2008 carries 48 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 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 Z520 Comanche 2008 and its 250-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 with its 200-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeRanger

ModelZ21 COMANCHE SERIES

ModelZ520 Comanche?

Model Year2005

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam95 in

Beam - Meters2.41

Beam - Inches95

Depth - Detail21 in

Depth - Centimeters53.34

Depth - Inches21

Weight - Detail1,875 lbs. (w/Single Console) 1,900 lbs. (w/Dual Console)

Weight - Detail1,825 lbs

Weight - kg861.82

Weight - kg827.81

Weight - lbs.19

Weight - lbs.1825

Height [transom]23 in

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 2 in

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 9 in

Length overall - Meters6.45

Length overall - Meters6.32

Length overall - Inches254

Length overall - Inches249

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet2

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches9

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail(2) 24 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85

Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7

Fuel tank capacity - Gal24

Fuel tank capacity - Gal48

Engine max200-250 hp

Engine max250 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,800 lbs

Maximum capacity1,650 lbs

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailDual Axle Trailer GVWR (5,000 lbs.)

Trailer - DetailGVWR: 5,000 lbs

Trailer - Length over all26 ft. 4 in. w/Motor Down 24 ft. 4 in. w/Swing-Away Tongue Open

Trailer - Length over all26 ft. 5 in. with motor down 23 ft. 9 in. with swing-away tongue open

Trailer - Width102 in

Trailer - Width99-1/2 in

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 vs Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 or the Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008?

For trailering, the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 has the edge at 19 lbs dry weight versus 1 825 lbs for the Ranger Z520 Comanche 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 Z520 Comanche 2008 is rated to a maximum of 250 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 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 Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 6 passengers, while the Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 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 Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 and Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 share an 95 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 Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 or the Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008?

The Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 has the bigger tank at 48 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005. That 24-gallon difference translates to roughly 72–120 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 and Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Ranger Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 and the Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 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 Z21 COMANCHE SERIES 2005 full specs ← Ranger Z520 Comanche 2008 full specs