If anyone is considering...

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 1:44 pm

...buying a 2006 Ranger Z-20, please check this out.

http://www.westernbass.com/classifieds/ ... owhtmllist

CN · Post by CN » Sat Jan 21, 2006 4:29 pm

Ron have you been running the "Z" series currently and if so how do you compare them to the 500 series.I have read a few thing's from that other OKIE from up north and from what i get out of it he seem's to prefer the 500 series.Please dont quote me on that i could be incorrect.

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 4:54 pm

...that had a 250 Verado on it and I absolutely LOVED the boat. While it was not quite as fast as my previous 521 (which had a 250XS racing motor on it), the Z-21 was the smoothest (and quietest) boat that I have ever run. It sure was nice not having to mess with putting oil in it either.

Even though the Z boats are not quite as fast as the 500 series, they handle better than their predecessors.

The BO (Big Okie) from up north actually had one of the very first Z-20's made and he had some issues with it. This was actually a good thing because he worked with Ranger to get the bugs out. It is now their best selling boat. By the way, the BO just ordered another Z-20.

CN · Post by CN » Sat Jan 21, 2006 5:51 pm

Like i said I dont have nearly the experiance as you and other's that frequent this site,which is very good,but if I may ask another few question's.Isnt there a size limit to the outboard motor in some circuit's,which i thought was 225hp :?:And are you really convinced on these 4 stroke motor's.

I currently own a 2000 519vs and the Ranger magazine i looked through rated it at 20'6" and the 520 series were not in it yet were they not available at the time

Also you stated that BO has a z20 on order.Do you have a choice on the model when you order your new boat's and why would you go down to the smaller,if you can call a mere foot smaller,boat.I am fortunate enough to be able to perhap's buy a new boat RANGER ONLY and have allway's liked Envinrude,no i dont care how fast my boat goes,and was leaning toward's the ETEC.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 10:42 pm

The ETEC is a pretty hot motor from what I've heard. Ron, what do you know about the Merc 225 XS? Is it better than the regular Opti?

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 8:33 am

...Like its big brother the 250 XS, the 225 Pro XS was developed out of Mercury's Racing division. The primary difference between the 225 Pro XS and the regular 225 OptiMax is the maximum RPM's at WOT. The 225 Pro XS is 5500-6000 and the regular 225 Opti is 5000-5750. The E-TEC is 4500-5800

Here are the specs for all three:
225 Pro XS: http://www.mercurymarine.com/225_pro_xs2
225 OptiMax: http://www.mercurymarine.com/229
225 E-TEC: http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/Engines/2 ... s/225.H.O/

One big factor to keep in mind Brian is the availability of service. We are very fortunate to have one of the best Mercury service centers right in our own backyard in Anglers Marine (albeit a little closer to your backyard than mine).

I will say that I have heard nothing but good things about the 225 E-TEC, but I have heard exactly the same about the 225 Pro XS, as well.

I would love to see Mercury come on board with FLW for the cash bonus incentives, but I don't think that will happen for a while.