New for 2016: Ranger Z518C Intracoastal

Industry-leading features, more compact design for the skinniest inshore waters

FLIPPIN, AR - Ranger's acclaimed Intracoastal Series of boats brings tournament-ready features and performance to bass platforms designed to handle the rigors of chasing big bull reds, specks and other inshore species. Modeled after the legendary Ranger Z500C Series, the designs are equally at home in freshwater or saltwater.

The new Z518C Intracoastal brings an 18-foot-8-inch, 200-horsepower option to near-shore anglers who want the same versatility in a smaller package.

"I think this is a great addition to the Intracoastal lineup," said Ranger Pro and acclaimed saltwater guide Billy Nicholas. "I've spent a lot of time in the Z520C Intracoastal and this new 518C brings all the features and performance characteristics with a little smaller footprint. The extra maneuverability and compact size is a real bonus for certain fisheries and conditions. It's a strong addition to the Intracoastal lineup and should fill a real niche in the market."

Available with a variety of precision-matched outboards, the new Z518C Intracoastal comes standard with a Minn Kota Rip Tide SF 80BGH trolling motor, 8-inch manual jackplate, power trim and an on-board Dual Pro 15x3 charger. The Ranger Z518C Intracoastal is highly customizable to suit the needs of the most discriminating inshore anglers, with factory-installed options like trim tabs, anchoring systems and flush-mounted electronics all available.

At the bow anglers will find built-in cup and tool holders to keep gear and other essentials organized. The bow's off-set location for mounting electronics also helps keep cumbersome trolling motor cables tucked neatly out of the way, which is especially important given that the boat can easily accommodate electronics with massive 12-inch screen sizes. In addition, the navigation lights are built into the deck of the boat, eliminating the need for a forward light post and complementing the clean, unobstructed look of the bow.

The boat's Soft Touch skid-resistant flooring provides improved aesthetics and delivers a surface that stays cooler, dries faster and is easier on the knees and feet than traditional non-skid applications. Integrated measuring boards and tool holders flank both sides of the front deck step inside the cockpit of the Ranger Z518C Intracoastal, providing a centrally located workstation.

Underneath the padded front casting deck, the port and center rod storages feature a lined, gel-coated interior that are linked to the patent-pending Power Ventilation Rod Storage (PVRS) System, which circulates air from a blower throughout the storage boxes to help dry out tackle and equipment after a busy day on the water. With room for rods as long as 8 feet, the rod storages also include integrated tackle management features and improved access from outside of the boat. There is also tackle storage and an integrated cooler located just forward of the driver's console.

Available in single- and dual-console configurations, the driver's console can accommodate large-screen electronics in the dash without the need for exterior mounts or brackets. The boat also comes standard with an adjustable driver's seat built on slides to accommodate anglers of all heights.

Other standout features include a remote drain plug, divided livewell and a battery selector switch which allows all electrical draw to be cut off with the flip of a switch when the boat is parked and also allows anglers to select which battery is used for starting in the event that the cranking battery is ever drained.

The Z518C Intracoastal rides down the road on its own custom-built aluminum RangerTrail® tandem-axle trailer with matching fiberglass fenders. Not just for good looks, the matching fenders make it easy to load the boat and help protect the boat when trailering. Designed and built in the same factory to the same, exacting standards as all Ranger boats, RangerTrail® trailers are custom aligned with individually balanced wheels, equipped with torsion axle suspensions and locking, swing-away tongues. The trailer also features LED lights, aluminum wheels, retractable tie downs, a center swing jack stand, and Ranger's COOL Hub® lubrication system as standard equipment.

2016 RANGER Z518C INTRACOASTAL
Overall Hull Length: 18 feet, 8 inches
Beam: 94 inches
Maximum HP: 200
Engine Shaft Length: 20 inches
Inside Depth: 20 inches
Fuel Capacity: 37 gallons
Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 1,265 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight: 1,550 lbs. (single console); 1,575 lbs. (dual console)
Trailer GVWR: CF3725

About Ranger Boats
Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation's premier manufacturer of legendary fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, which include series of bass, multi-species, fish 'n play, waterfowl utility and saltwater boats. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water. For more information, go to RangerBoats.com.