Buying A Used Ranger........

[revs2ninegrand]

Wondering if it's worth it? I've found a couple used 2012 Z521's but they're priced at about $45000. I don't necessarily need a 21ft boat, but the price of a 18ft new is about the same if not a bit more expensive. *Haven't found too many used 18-19ft*

 

Would you spend the money on a used 2012 Z521 or a new 18ft in the same price range? 

 

I'd like to get used seeing as the first owner took the residual value hit already, but not knowing how they cared for it scares the crap out of me. I will be financing and would like to keep whichever I choose for a very long time. 

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

 

Used 21 footer I don't need or a new 18 footer that I do.

 

I'm going New right there.

 

A-Jay

[flyfisher]

Welcome aboard and i am with A-Jay on this one...go new.

[clh121787]

I've got a used 18.5 foot skeeter for sale. Just saying...

[Bluebasser86]

I'd go new every time as long as it fit my needs. 

[WIGuide]

Welcome to the forums. If you have the means and you're dead set on a 18'-19' I'd probably go new especially since you're planning on keeping it for a long time.  I know these boats won't be local, but when you're looking at spending that kind of money, it's worth a trip to go get it. After a  really quick look, I see there's a certificate for a new 518 on there for $35,000 and you'd have to pay for accessories you want, but that's a pretty good deal on new. 

[slonezp]

Which one will suit your needs better? New boats come with warranties

[revs2ninegrand]

Thanks for all the response! What I meant is that when I first started looking, I only looked at the 18-19ft range because that was all that was in my budget for a new boat. Now that I've stumbled upon some newer, used, bigger boats I got myself thinking that maybe I should get a bigger boat.

[A-Jay]

Thanks for all the response! What I meant is that when I first started looking, I only looked at the 18-19ft range because that was all that was in my budget for a new boat. Now that I've stumbled upon some newer, used, bigger boats I got myself thinking that maybe I should get a bigger boat.

 

 

Which one will suit your needs better? New boats come with warranties

 

You know this but the highlighted text right there may be part of the final decision.

 

A-Jay

[revs2ninegrand]

Yeah, I think I've made my decision and I'll go new!

[DTack]

Used Z520 would be my choice, with a bit of engine warranty left on it.  All the new boat gremlins have been worked out at that point and you can cut the price in half versus new. 

[DTack]

Yeah, I think I've made my decision and I'll go new!

Used boats come with warranties too...  There are options out there...  Plus you don't lose between 15-30k when you drive it off the lot.  Just depends how long you want to keep the boat too and how much you plan to use it!

[Fishes in trees]

Where do you fish?  20 footers handle chop MUCH better than 18 footers do.   Oh - I looked again - Manhattan KS.  It gets windy there often.   Might want to look at some multi-species boats than handle chop and waves better than bass boats do.

[revs2ninegrand]

Used boats come with warranties too...  There are options out there...  Plus you don't lose between 15-30k when you drive it off the lot.  Just depends how long you want to keep the boat too and how much you plan to use it!

 

That was my thinking on going used

[revs2ninegrand]

Where do you fish?  20 footers handle chop MUCH better than 18 footers do.   Oh - I looked again - Manhattan KS.  It gets windy there often.   Might want to look at some multi-species boats than handle chop and waves better than bass boats do.

 

Yeah it does and I plan on taking trips to LOZ

[DTack]

That was my thinking on going used

I don't see much that can be argued that it makes more sense financially, unless you just really really want the feeling of being the first owner of the boat or getting the exact colors you'd like.  There's no right or wrong...  There are a lot of demo boats out there too especially in the 20-21 foot class that have one year of use on them with low to high hours and can be purchased with warranty!

[A-Jay]

Used Z520 would be my choice, with a bit of engine warranty left on it.  All the new boat gremlins have been worked out at that point and you can cut the price in half versus new. 

 

 New Boat Gremlins may have been worked out but then there's the concern regarding how many used boat gremlins have been worked in ? ? ?

 

 

 

A-Jay

[DTack]

 New Boat Gremlins may have been worked out but then there's the concern regarding how many used boat gremlins have been worked in ? ? ?

 

 

A-Jay

Very true!  Still wanna take the time to look the boat over!

[scbassin]

Is it the 521 or 521C & what engine is on it?

[revs2ninegrand]

Is it the 521 or 521C & what engine is on it?

 

Apparently bc it's a 2012 they didn't have the "C" but it is a Comanche. Less than 190hrs

[fishnkamp]

There is a reason you are having trouble finding good 18 to 19 foot boats.  It is simple.  For years the tournament circuit only allowed 150 horse power engines, so 18 to 19 foot with a 150 were the norm.  Even most bass guides ran them. When the limits tournaments allowed went through the roof the most popular boat became 20 foot long powered by 200 to 225 HP.  Then it became 21 foot, after Champion made a 21 foot 300 hp boat. The longer boats ride better and a lot more storage is available.  The down side of all of this is the everyday working person can not afford them along with the massive list of " must have" accessories.  Look closely to the asking price of those used boats, subtract out the cost of electronics, power poles if any, etc.  Now you are looking at the true price of the used boat minus the add ons you would be paying extra for on a new boat.  If the used boat has most of the options you would add to a new one the "value" of the used one may become more attractive.  The one advantage to a new one, besides warranties,  is you do get to pick your options (brands, models) colors  etc.  Pay attention to the "Coupon" mentioned earlier. This is a situation where a tournament angler wins a boat, already has one so he accepts a factory coupon instead.  He may win more then one boat per year, if he wins often enough.  Often you sill see them offered for a reduced cash price on sites like this, as already mentioned.  Here you get a discount on your price, but that coupon is good for one new boat from factory X.  It could be your best option.     Either way enjoy your new toy. 

[BaitMonkey1984]

I am going to say the bigger used boat. 3 years old is not very old. Just take a deep look into the maintenance records and have an experienced independent boat mechanic go over everything. I bought a 19ft and for 2 years it was great. I was fishing from an aluminum before my first bass boat. Now 5 years in, the 19ft is way too small for me. Then again, I am the bait monkey.

[1BADAIR]

my first boat was a nx750.  Last year I was kinda looking at z119's. Then my buddy said his tournament partner was selling his 521.  I looked at it and thought it was huge-but i bought it anyway. The difference is crazy. Cruising speed with the 521 is pretty much WOT on the 750.  Way more storage than i need. Only problem I have is that its a little to big for the lake i grew up fishing, but Lake st clair fishing is 100x better anyway lol

[revs2ninegrand]

Thanks for all the opinions guys, I think I'm going to slow the process  down and really take my time and go check out many new and used boats. 

[RyneB]

You can get a brand new decked out 19 foot Skeeter for under that price tag of the used ranger. Power poles, electronics, brand new, full warranty etc.