518 or 520 ?

[Luther14]

Alright I've been reading a lot of reviews online but I was wondering what your thoughts are on these boats I'm looking at a getting a 2003 or newer 518 or 520 what is the pros and cons of each one also is the 520 worth the extra money ? I see a lot of 188's for sale as we'll but I think I'd rather have a 518 over a 188. What length rods are you guys getting in the lockers on each one of these boats?

[mark poulson]

I don't know the difference between those boats, but I do know that, if your rod locker has hard plastic tubes closed at the bow end, you can open your bow access panel and cut off the tips of those tubes to extend your rod capacity. You will need to use some kind of a rod sleeve on your rods in storage, so the top guides don't get caught on the opened ends, but it's not hard to do.
If rod locker length is concern, when you find one of the boats you're looking to buy, open the access panel to see if you can extend the rod length capacity that way.

[ihookem]

If it is not a storage problem or money problem then 520 all the way. More storage, better riding boat, probably better resale value. I was in a 519 the other day and the rod tips were hanging over the edge of the deck into my (passenger side) rods. Not a problem in a 520. In addition I got wet from spray which I do not get in my 520. Not much to consider.

[basstards23]

I've had a had a 461, 519 and currently run a 520. Hands down 520, it is well worth every penny!!

[norcalracer]

I have a 2002 205 dvs and love it, you dont see many not sure why but great boat 7'3" rods on one side and 8" rods in pass side.The front deck is a bit shorter than the 520 but has a good size Rear deck. it measures 20"6"

[tankyota]

I have a 2009 520 Great boat!

[Luther14]

i would really like to get a 520 but would it be better to put the extra money if i get a 518 and do power pole and graphs ?

[FredP]

Depends how big your garage is. I wanted a 520 but had to settle for a 518, it fit my garage. 520 the best overall boat for max storage but both fish very well, your pocket book.

[Luther14]

Anyone looking to sell there 518 ?

[Long Nguyen]

Keep your eyes open for the 518VX, 519VX and 198VX. Those are all re-badged versions of the 518 hull. The 520VX was also re-badged for one or two seasons after the Z520 was released but I forgot the hull number assigned to it.

Hands down, the 520 is the superior hull to the 518. Next to the 488, some have said it may be the best hull Ranger ever designed. It's not a speed demon, but does everything very well. Where it really shines is under trolling motor thrust. It is a GREAT fishing platform.

The 518 isn't a bad boat by any means and it fishes very big for it's 19' size. The front deck carries the wide beam forward very far. It's performance is more agile than the 520. It's quicker and funner to drive. Eight foot rods fit in the lockers w/o issue.

The 188 is a smaller boat than the 518. It's a redesigned 185. I think it's rated to 175HP. I'm not familiar with the layout but would likely choose the 520 or 518 due to larger size and larger engine.

Rough water....a lot of that comes to the driver. Years ago, I sat shotgun while Gary Dobyns drove my 2001 520 on the delta and I could never get it to drive as well as he did. I couldn't believe my eyes how well the hull drove across the white caps in the San Joaquin. He's got the magic touch. Sometimes getting wet from wind spray is inevitable no matter what hull you're in.

I would suggest getting the 520 rather than a 518 w/ power poles and graphs. Those are luxury items and aren't a requirement to get you on the water. You can always upgrade those accessories piece by piece. I think it's more important to get the better hull, which is the 520.

[Gary Dobyns]

Thanks Long for the kind words. Fun, I can remember that day well too...even in my old age

Luther, both these boats are very good....but that 520 is special. It's also not as easy to find because guys keep them and there's always guys looking for them. I had a guy call and ask me yesterday if I knew where to find one. The 520 is an excellent rough water boat and has lots of storage. It can handle the long rods too. I'd say 520 all the way and you won't ever be disappointed in her!!

[Luther14]

I live on the central coast so I'm pretty much fishing. Santa margarita or Lopez . So not big lakes or ruff water . I plan on maken a trip to clear lake or the delta bout once a year or so . So I'm kinda thinking the 518 would fit me good . Like u say the 520 are hard to find and are 7-10 k more.

[fishinman]

The 461Vs with a 175 is a little Ferrari and holds 8 food rods with a quick draw rod holder setup. Runs a little rough in chop but with the 175 you can run like a bandit over waves if your a good driver. In smaller lakes it's easier to tight cove backs and turns on a dime and 8' rods fit on the passenger side, paried with a 112 Lb thrust fortrex I'll bet you can troll at 10Mph from point to point.