'08 Rangers, Ranger pros chime in

[Marlowe]

I heard the rumors and now see the reality of the boat line changes made by Ranger for the 2008 line-up. Looks like the 520 is now a Z-series like boat and called the 620. They took the 519 out and made it the 598vx or something like that.

Since the Ranger website appears in transition to fully show the new boats, I was wondering if any Ranger pros or other guys know more.

How do you feel about the loss of the 5-series?

Jon

[DanIsaac]

The 520 VX is still available for 08', the 519 is now the 198 VX,
and the new addition to the Z-Series is the new Z520 which is
4" longer than the 520Z. The new Z520 is also rated for a 250hp
motor., where as the 520Z is rated for a 225.

The new 198VX should be a big improvement over the 519 but time will tell.

Hope this helps,

Dan Isaac

[Dewayne]

That Z520 is pretty exciting stuff. I have only seen limited info on the boat, but from the few pictures I have seen it looked like a hit. Maybe BDO or Keith to tell. I think they were at the Dealers meeting.

[eddremax]

talk to Jim Moulton (new owner at c& c Modesto) or Rick .Jim drove it last week and got it up to 75 gps .Talk is 20' 9" 520 hull but set-up like a 521 (big front deck w/ center rod compartment) z cap.
rick & jim have 1 coming.
Ed

[Murph]

If we see Mr. Don Payne get in to one of these new Z's, then , we know they got it right this time.

[Lance]

Here you go

http://www.rangerboats.com/flash/galler ... 1&series=z

[Dewayne]

The weight/seats have been moved back from the 520VX. The storage setup looks good. It has the style of the Z series without the metal rails and latching system of the Z. Comes standard with a boarding ladder. To me it looks like a boat built from the feedback given by the pro-staff on what they would like to see in their dream tournament rig. I am usually not a fan of new (first year) products, but this one seems to be an assembly of many proven features rolled up into a new package. I can't wait to take one for a test drive.

[Hipster]

Dewayne,

Ditto Ditto Ditto

[Lance]

Hey Dewayne,

Looking at the below pics Ranger did a few things, some good some huuu??

1. It looks like the layout (deck sizes) are proportanal to the 521, smaller back deck, bigger front.

2. Made more distance between consol and seats so the bigger guys dont hit there knees....more leg room.

3. I dont quite understand why the front deck on the Z520 is even lower than the Z or the 520, look at the depth of the gunnel (sp), its deep.....why?

4. Im a fan of the looks of the Z series and everthing flows nicley. But the Z520 consol looks like an after thought , it doesent blend into the front deck like the Z
does.
Z520
<img src="/shared/photos/photoother/resized/440_resized.jpg">
Z20
<img src="/shared/photos/photoother/resized/438_resized.jpg">
520
<img src="/shared/photos/photoother/resized/439_resized.jpg">

[flippenfool]

Hi John,
I just bought a 2008 Z21 with a 250 Merc Pro Xs a few weeks ago and love it. I have some literature that Ranger gave me for 2008 if you have any questions. Or if you want to go out for a ride let me know.
Mike Moreno

[gt5bass]

Looks like the Z520 is also the replacement for the 521 as they no longer list the 521VX as an available model.

[plungers]

Yes I got the privilege to drive the new Z520! WOW What a fun boat. Tons of bow lift, and a 250 pro xs. Its not like the Z21 at all, you have to drive this thing. The center rod storage / tackle organizer is a great idea. Wide front deck with the consoles pushed back makes for a solid fishing platform. Looking forward to getting some in stock!
Also drove the new 177TR. Its an entry level boat with some old school styling to go with it. Not a bad ride for a 17' 7" boat. It comes with a 115HP outboard.
The way I understood it is that ALL new Rangers are going to have the boarding ladder as standerd equipment.
If my facts are a little off I'm sorry. I have had a ton of stuff thrown my way in the last two weeks. Thanks Jim Moulton

[Larry Hemphill]

Though I haven't seen the new Z520, I like the openness in the console area. As a guide, I think I would miss the area in the back for a second or third client to fish from - "their space". Also a child often wants to fish with dad and there is room for both. I wonder if the 2 huge locker areas in the back has been made up in the front? The think my '06 520 VX only goes about 30 mph because of all the stuff in it. That is why I got another 520 instead of the Z20 - storage area. For 2 tournament guys though, it looks like the Z520 is a real winner!!!!

[Lance]

Got this from BBC today:

"The gunnel height is exactly 1 1/2 inches higher than the Z20 - The deck is almost 6" wider at the back edge of the front carpet pad and nearly the exact width at the consoles. The gunnel is higher because of the console design."

[Dewayne]

My answer was going to be a lower center of gravity for improved stability in the corners.

My thought is I would like the deck higher for pitching and added storage, but I have to assume there is a good reason. I can't wait to take one for a spin and look though the compartments.

[ash]

Good Lookin boat, the gunnel hiegth is now about the same as my Bass Cat. The pros, I dont accidently knock stuff off the deck and strait into the drink. The cons - harder to get in the boat if you are a big boy and fall off. When pitchin and flippin it does not get into my way, so I really dont see this as being an issue.

So Lance are you buying new?

[Lance]

It looks like it. It comes down to what will fit in the garage. A friend tried to get a 520 w/no jack plate in my garage (test fit) and it wouldnt go, I needed about 5 inches more clearance. But about 2 weeks ago I had the garage guys come out to the house and they have a new system to give me more clearance, for about a grand . I did try a Triton 20X2 and it went right in with 4 inches to spare. So I guess it comes down to a Z20, I think.

By the way I think a boarding ladder is now standard on the Z520

[Lance]

Got the price on a 08 Z20 today

Dont think I'm worth that much

[Murph]

Just think- - - $1,000,000.00 check.

[brambo0311]

I think Im gunna have to get me one. I will wait a year though and see what people think of them. I really like to take care of my non-boater so I dont like that they made his world smaller.

[Ricky-S]

Picking up my 08 Z21 on Friday.

You only live once.

[Gator]

Hey Ricky - Wanna come to NorCal and gimme a test ride??

J/K - Congrats on the ride!!

[Ricky-S]

Anytime Gator.

[Kevin]

I've been in the boat and the deck height is really not noticeable. It is a little higher right in front of the console but who fishes from that spot anyways.