M_Fields. Posted December 28, 2007 Posted December 28, 2007 I have been looking at upgrading my boat for some time now. I have been looking at Ranger and Skeeter. I was on the Ranger site, followed the link to Evenrude, I would think the boat should go faster than 73. Does any one own the Z520 or know someone that does? I would like to know what their opinions are. I also think that the I class is slow compared to the ZX series. I would like more real information on the Z520. M_Fields Quote
Super User Tin Posted December 28, 2007 Super User Posted December 28, 2007 I got to test one out at the Forest L Wood Cup over the summer in Hot Springs. Besides a little bit different storage and larger front deck it is no different than any of the Z Comanche series boats imo. We were in some choppy waters on Lake Hamilton and the ride was no better or worse than that of a Z20. Quote
Super User Tin Posted December 28, 2007 Super User Posted December 28, 2007 I'm pretty sure it comes standard with a E-Tec 250 though instead of the 225. When the sales rep. of Ranger was talking to my buddy and I at the local dealership that was the main pitch of the boat he was trying to sell besides the bigger front deck. So either he doesn't know his stuff or that is one of the BIG differences, lol. Quote
SkeeterZX225 Posted December 28, 2007 Posted December 28, 2007 Don't have any experience with Ranger, but I did just trade my Skeeter SX190 in on a 2007 ZX225 with 225 Yamaha HPDI about 3 weeks ago. Only got about 2 hrs on the motor but I had it up to 68 mph Saturday and still have throttle and trim left to go. Weather was to cold and windy so I had to back out of it. Everything I've read says the ZX225 should run mid 70's with the proper setup. and I've seen a few closer to 80. Quote
TournyFish001 Posted December 28, 2007 Posted December 28, 2007 that E-tec 225 is one animal of a motor- I would get the smaller ranger with the 225 and not the larger one with the 250 IMO. Quote
bassnleo Posted December 28, 2007 Posted December 28, 2007 I've ridden in a Z20 with an Evinrude 225, it also ran low to mid 70's so I'd say that 73 is pretty close. I also rode in a Z19 with a 225, holy cow, that thing rocked. It was actually a little too fast for my liking. Quote
Super User cart7t Posted December 28, 2007 Super User Posted December 28, 2007 Rangers have never been known as fast boats. Quote
Super User Tin Posted December 28, 2007 Super User Posted December 28, 2007 Bassnleo, Was anything done on that motor done up or anything? Different prop? Was it GPS or speedometer? Just curious.. I have been in 6 different z20's, never had touch 70, all upper 60's boats. I think RedLine's is one of the few Ranger's I have ever seen go over 70, and that was on the GPS in one of LBH's videos. The z20 in my avatar would do 67 on the gps. Quote
TournyFish001 Posted December 29, 2007 Posted December 29, 2007 saying how fast your boat goes is like a big you know what contest- who knows til everyone whips them out at the same time and place- J/K elevation has a huge effect on boat speeds- set up is also very important- I have seen a 225HO evenrude stratos 200 go 73 at 2500' elevation- I know because he passed me- my zx250 skeeter with a 300HP VMax is good for 70 fully loaded with gear two full live wells two limits of fish and two passangers- granted the stratos had one person and was not loaded as it was his first maiden voyage in the boat- very impressive tho- Quote
M_Fields. Posted December 29, 2007 Author Posted December 29, 2007 Thanks guys, Just trying to dig up some info. I will most likely hold off one more year, but we will see. This coming year I plan on only fishing as a Co-Angler in the Ozark division. So I will be riding in some different boats. I do want a 20' boat with at least 225. I currently have a 1999 Skeeter ZXc 185 with a 150 Yamaha dual prop. There is nothing wrong with it, I just need a little bit more elbow room. I will most likely buy a pro staff boat or something along those lines, I do not want to spend full retail or anything close. Living on a Army budget, I need to spend my money wisely. What is your opinion on a Z-9? M_Fields Quote
Super User Redlinerobert Posted December 29, 2007 Super User Posted December 29, 2007 My first Ranger was a new 2000 520 DVX. I loved that boat, had a 225 Opti on it. never had any real issues and he storage was just aweosme. It did start to feel small after a while, which is why I went with the Z22 this year. You may want to take a look at the Z21, which has the same front deck space as the 22 but a smaller rear deck space. Being able to run at 85 mph may be great, but for me it's all about having plenty of room for my tackle and a comfortable casting deck area. Quote
bassnleo Posted December 29, 2007 Posted December 29, 2007 Bassnleo, Was anything done on that motor done up or anything? Different prop? Was it GPS or speedometer? Just curious..I have been in 6 different z20's, never had touch 70, all upper 60's boats. I think RedLine's is one of the few Ranger's I have ever seen go over 70, and that was on the GPS in one of LBH's videos. The z20 in my avatar would do 67 on the gps. I don't think the motor had anything special done to it but it was not my boat and don't have all the details on that. I rode in the Z20 in Pittsburgh this past October. The speed was GPS. Quote
michbass Posted December 30, 2007 Posted December 30, 2007 My first Ranger was a new 2000 520 DVX. I loved that boat, had a 225 Opti on it. never had any real issues and he storage was just aweosme. It did start to feel small after a while, which is why I went with the Z22 this year. You may want to take a look at the Z21, which has the same front deck space as the 22 but a smaller rear deck space. Being able to run at 85 mph may be great, but for me it's all about having plenty of room for my tackle and a comfortable casting deck area. Have an 04 520Dvx and love the lay out and that model in general. The new Z520 looks sharp though. Looking forward to the up and coming boat shows. Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted December 31, 2007 BassResource.com Administrator Posted December 31, 2007 Have an '03 520DVX w/225 HPDI, and it runs in the low 70's - about 8mph faster than when I got it from the dealer. Just takes a little tweaking, that's all. Love the room, handline, and smooth ride. My next one will probably be a 22 footer like Roberts.... just because I can. Quote
bassnleo Posted December 31, 2007 Posted December 31, 2007 Have an '03 520DVX w/225 HPDI, and it runs in the low 70's - about 8mph faster than when I got it from the dealer. Just takes a little tweaking, that's all. Love the room, handline, and smooth ride. My next one will probably be a 22 footer like Roberts.... just because I can. Glenn, isn't your Ranger green? If so, I'd like to see a pic of it, my wifey says a new boat may be in the works next year. She is dead set on me getting a Ranger that is has a color similar to forest green! Quote
M_Fields. Posted December 31, 2007 Author Posted December 31, 2007 Glenn, I have seen your boat at our club events and I like the way it looks. I like the green color. I miss being in Washington. Take care and be safe. M_Fields Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.