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

[slonezp]

I can't stress enough to let your fishing style dictate the size boat you get. I went from owning (2) 17 footers to a 20 footer. 3 feet is a lot of boat. Especially when trying to fish and maneuver around docks. The larger boat is going to draft deeper so, some of your shallow spots may not be accessible anymore. Operating costs will be more. Will your tow vehicle be able to handle the larger boat? Launching the boat solo will be more difficult. If you fish big water, I wouldn't hesitate on the larger boat because it will be a safer choice. $45k is a lot to spend to be unhappy.

 

My only regret of buying a 20 foot boat is maneuverability around docks. Otherwise it's was like upgrading from a Chevy to a Caddy 

[revs2ninegrand]

Ahhh!!! So many valid points!! Why must you all make perfect sense?!?!

[Trek]

  I own a Z519 and love it. I bought it because it is the size boat I like. I fish smaller lakes and it has a great hole shot and I think is easier to move in and out small coves. The Z520's will get you a better resale down the road but I bought this boat of me to keep. If your going to pay that kind of money and your going to finance then get the boat you want. If not then your going to be looking at boats in a few years. So my advice is buy a new boat the way you want it. Then your not buying boat after boat and never really happy with any of them. Also max the motor and trolling motor. Going cheap on those makes it a boat you don't want either.

[WRB]

Most quality used bass boats will be garaged, have low engine hour meter and very clean, if it doesn't pass on it. 21' bass with a jack plate is over 25' long on the water and not easy to maneuver in tight fishing areas. For this reason the 19' bass boats are very popular.

Tom

[scbassin]

I have a Ranger Z-21 with a 10" jack plate. My previous boat was a Ranger VS-185 with out a jack plate. If you fish a large lake the larger boat is a better choice hands down. There is a couple of places I can' get the Z-21 into that I could get the VS-185 in. The room & storage & large front deck is much better in the Z-21. I like the big rod lockers a lot it's easy to find the rod I want. Hands down it is better fishing fishing platform & a much better rough water boat.  Take the boat you have intrest in for a test ride & have the engine put on the computer to check it out

[revs2ninegrand]

Thanks again everyone, I think the wife and I are going to check out some upcoming boat shows and see how that comes along!