2012 Ranger Z518C vs New Nitro?

[Rick99]

Hi Everyone,

 

I have a 2012 Ranger Z518C with a 175 Verado. Its in good shape with low miles. I still owe about 20k on this boat. In my area, it looks like I could probably sell for about 28 - 32k. I keep reading how much better Nitros have been made in the last coupe of years. I would really like to upgrade to a 20ft boat with a 250 four stroke but the new Rangers are out of my price range. The Nitros however are about 20k cheaper. What are your thoughts about moving from an older Ranger to a New Nitro, good or bad? Thanks for any input.

[slonezp]

I don't think anyone makes a bad hull nowadays. Some are better than others. Have you crawled thru the Nitro to see if you like it?

[Rick99]

44 minutes ago, slonezp said:

I don't think anyone makes a bad hull nowadays. Some are better than others. Have you crawled thru the Nitro to see if you like it?

Yes not to bad. They seem nice. I heard all kinds of rumors like their seats fall apart within a year stupid stuff like that. The boat looks nice, it felt nice sitting in it but I did not take it for a ride.

[slonezp]

I have not looked at Nitro's bassboats since 2012 and almost bought one prior to purchasing my 2013 Lund. I have however looked at the Nitro multi species line within the last 12 months and I'm not impressed when comparing them to both Lund and Ranger. The difference in price vs quality is noticeable. The question I would be asking myself is will I miss that extra $20k in quality.

 

I have contemplated buying a new boat only, opposite of you, I was thinking of downsizing. I can't get myself to do it. I'm already in the Cadillac of fishing boats, and I can't see myself in the Chevy, if that makes sense. Your Ranger is top of the line. The Nitro, while still a really good boat, isn't a Ranger.

[813basstard]

Come on man..if you have to ask, your mind is made up. 

Get it and be the first one at the boat ramp, and get on it slightly before ‘resume normal safe operation’ just because..

 

[Rick99]

1 hour ago, slonezp said:

I have not looked at Nitro's bassboats since 2012 and almost bought one prior to purchasing my 2013 Lund. I have however looked at the Nitro multi species line within the last 12 months and I'm not impressed when comparing them to both Lund and Ranger. The difference in price vs quality is noticeable. The question I would be asking myself is will I miss that extra $20k in quality.

 

I have contemplated buying a new boat only, opposite of you, I was thinking of downsizing. I can't get myself to do it. I'm already in the Cadillac of fishing boats, and I can't see myself in the Chevy, if that makes sense. Your Ranger is top of the line. The Nitro, while still a really good boat, isn't a Ranger.

Thats my issue. I have a Ranger and feel even though I am upsizing that I may be losing out getting a Nitro. However, I have heard Nitro has taken huge steps forward over the last 3 or so years and are making good boats. I would very much like a bigger boat and a 250 with warranties (as my boats warranties are done). I just can not afford a new Ranger but can afford the Nitro. Thanks for the input.

7 minutes ago, 813basstard said:

Come on man..if you have to ask, your mind is made up. 

Get it and be the first one at the boat ramp, and get on it slightly before ‘resume normal safe operation’ just because..

 

LOL thanks

 

[TOXIC]

I really am not being a fan boy but there never has and never will be a NITRO that compares with a Ranger in Build Quality.  I'm not putting a NITRO down as I had one for my guide boat for many years.  I do have to question your 20k difference though.  I have yet to see that much difference in price between comparably equipped boats.  If I were you, I would upgrade to a lightly used, newer Ranger if you are trying to save $$.  

[Rick99]

Ranger z520 is running for @ $70k, Nitro z20 is running for @ 52k 

[TOXIC]

19 minutes ago, Rick99 said:

Ranger z520 is running for @ $70k, Nitro z20 is running for @ 52k 

Look at the standard features of both.  Traditionally the NITRO will have smaller engine, TM size and other options as their package deal along with a lot of other "add-ons" that are standard on the Ranger.  

[FryDog62]

If it would mean getting the new Nitro but financing it for the next 10-15 years - then I would say to keep your Ranger until it’s paid off.  Re-evaluate your options at that time... just my .02

[J Francho]

I just priced out a Nitro Z20 with some extras I would want, like hydraulic bike seats, extra graph, upgraded Ultrex, tandem axle trailer, port console, cover, and it came out to $60k.

[Rick99]

Thanks Guys .... I did price it out aBrand New  Z20 2019 Nitro for $51,175. Crazy how cheap it is with all these features. This is why I am struggling on trading in my Ranger or not. Thanks for all the replies!

 

• Bow Humminbird® HELIX™ 9 DI G3N gimbal-mounted fishfinder w/MEGA Down Imaging, CHIRP Digital Sonar & GPS
• Console Humminbird® HELIX™ 10 SI G3N flush-mounted fishfinder w/MEGA Down Imaging, CHIRP Digital Sonar & GPS
• 2 Minn Kota® 10’ (3.05 m) Talon shallow-water anchors (bracket mounted, dealer installed)
• Minn Kota® Ultrex® 36V, 112-lb. (50.80 kg) thrust, 45” (1.14 m) shaft trolling motor w/Universal Sonar 2 & i-Pilot® Link™
• 3-way Ethernet communication between bow & console fishfinders & trolling motor
• Power-adjust pneumatic lumbar support for driver’s seat
• T-H Marine G-Force Conservation livewell culling system
• Factory-applied keel protector
• 1 standard & 1 automatic bilge pump
• Hot Foot™ throttle
• Pro-Trim lever
• 4-bank, 40-amp battery charger
• 1 extra trolling battery
• Retractable transom trailer tie downs

[TOXIC]

Looks like a pretty good deal.  Whats the big motor?

[Big Rick]

34 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

Looks like a pretty good deal.  Whats the big motor?

I'm thinking that's gonna be the big difference right there... Big motors change the numbers in front of the comma drastically. 

[Rick99]

Its a 250L Pro XS Four Stroke with torque master. If I downsize to a 225 it drops to 49,999  Its a great deal. Just hard to let my 2012 Ranger go but I think the Nitro would the smart move

[Scott F]

What is missing from the Ranger that makes you want to get rid of it? How much are you going to get if you sell it?

[GReb]

What’s the difference in your current interest rate and the rate of Nitro?

[Rick99]

i have a Verado 175 on my Ranger Z518c I owe 20k at 5.6% for about 10 more years. Looking at other Rangers for sale like mine I believe I can sell close to 30k. I do pay more monthly so it will payoff faster. I want a Bigger Boat with at least a 225 on it and it would nice to get a warranty with the new boat for a few years if needed. I believe the interest rate should be at 6% for 15years with 10k down.

[FishingGeekTX]

You have two questions hitting you.

1. should you financially make this move

2. if you make a move, is the Z20 a good move

 

#1 is your call.  Life is short..as long as you aren't putting your finances at serious risk or anything, if you invest time in fishing as a priority...your call. 

 

2. As to the z20, Have you sat in the Z20?

If the fit and finish, layout, feel, match your expectations, then there is no reason not to consider the Z20.  You already own a ranger, so if you sit in the Z20 and it feels good...then trust your judgement.  And that's an incredible amount of boat, warranty, and likely nearby dealer, for such a (relatively) low price.

 

I'm pricing out a Ranger Z518 new with a 150 G2 and it's like $54K ($58 with custom color and 12/10 inch humm)   Staggering compared to the Nitro.

 

No, if the actual boat feels right to you, then why the heck not.  What if a seat fails...so what...warranty.  If it becomes an issue, get new seats, that's what, $800?  You're still under $52K...no reason to hesitate if that's the boat you want.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jig Man]

Rick I was in your position 3 years ago.  The Z20 Nitro was $16,000 less than a comparably equipped Ranger + I was trading my Champion in.  The Nitro dealer offered me more trade in than the Ranger dealer.  So I opted for the Nitro.  I won’t own another one.

 

The Z20 tends to porpoise and takes constant trim attention until about 50 mph.

The brakes locked up and ruined an axle and bearings.

The 4 bank charger quit and had to be replaced.

The carpet looks like it is 15 years old.

The trailer bunks are in need of being replaced as they have let the boat settle until it touches the spare tire.

If I had do overs I would look at the Phoenix or go to a different Ranger dealer but I would not own a Z20.

[Rick99]

THANKS GUYS FOR THE RESPONSES.  I am holding tight and finishing this year with my Ranger. I am nervous about this move so if my gut is nervous Im going to listen to it and reevaluate in the offseason. 

[Shimano_1]

I would have absolutely zero issues buying a new nitro. I think they're the best bang for the buck out there. I couldn't justify an extra 20k for a ranger tag and some better quality seats. My issue would be this....I traded my triton 20x2 with a 250 pro xs earlier this year for a smaller aluminum Triton 18tx. Made more sense for me and my family.  I love the aluminum rig but it took a cple months to get all the kinks worked out. Loose carpet on lids, noisy steering helm. Point being, if your ranger is solid and you like it I'd hang onto it. I'm satisfied now but I'd be lying if I said I didnt regret the heck out of it while dealing with the quality bs.  I'm a firm believer there is no "quality" in anything we buy these days. 70k boat and 50k truck and you'd be the exception if you didnt have problems with both.  Not acceptable at all but it's the world these days.