Bass Fishing Forum - Westernbass.com

Correct me if I'm wrong. The Z520 has the good ride and the good hull that the discontinued 520 series boats had. And the Z20 boats were the first Z boats with the not so good hull.

I believe you are correct ...


In fishing the WON Delta last June I backseated in a Z20 on Saturday - and it was jarring getting just across Franks for myself.

On Sunday I backseated in a 521VX (last year of production I was told) and that was the smoothest boat I have ever riden in ! That boat was likea Caddilac on steroids with it's 250 Opti.


Alot of people still say the older hulls than that - were are better than the newer hulls - example - the 488VS.

Correct me if Im wrong, but I think this is what your ask'in.

The 488 like Dan had mention was the very first proformance boat that met all the needs of the Pro fisherman. Smooth ride, fast, Layout, and fishable once laying in the wind without stress.

Then came the 500 series with a little problems, ironed out over the years. The 520 was the best.

Then came the Z series that was the elite of the line. Problem was it didn't ride has smooth as the 520.

Todays Ranger Z520 is a cross between the Z and the hull of the 520 (Cap a Z and the Hull 520).

Its smooth, performs will in ruff water, turns on a dime. and has a low profile sitting in the water with little or none resistance to weather conditions.

Rich Thiel
Calbassguide.com

IMHO, as a Z20 owner having ridden in the Z20, 520VX and Z520 in places like Mead and such, the Z is a bit smoother ride, but the 520 hull is more high-performance. The Z, to me, is like a Caddy as opposed to the 520 hull, which is more like a Vette.

I love my Z boat, and after having ridden in the Z520 at Mead during the US Open I'm going to hang on to my Z-boat for some time to come. I love the deck and compartment layout of the Z520, but it didn't have nearly the holeshot as mine and didn't quite ride as smoothly.

These are, of course, my own opinions and everyone knows what opinions compare to...

Roger

I was a 488 owner for ten years, said I'd never sell it. Best boat I ever rode in, until the one I have now. Want smooth, want dry, want fast, want fishability, want affordability? There is one that stands out and above them all in those areas. "RIDE WITH A LEGEND" Not sponsored but one happy owner!

Hardshell

Thanks Rich, thats what I was looking for. Just to many models out there anymore to keep track of.

I just picked up my 2009 Z520 and I have had a Z20, 520, Z21 and this Z520 is faster and smoother than the 520 or Z20.

I am currently running 74 gps with two people, full gear and gas. I am running a Merc Fury prop.

All I can say is WOW. This boat is the real deal.

Come on now Rick that's with a 250 XS and you only weigh 110 soakin' wet. LOL!!! No they do run faster, the Z520 that is. You pretty much have to run a 250 though right? Most people would also agree that a SMOOTH running boat has a lot to do with driver input. I'm turning 72 with a Z20, 225 E-Tech with a 27p tempest.

Hey there Milligan-I'm drinking milk and I weigh 111 now. LOL.

Really-this boat is the real deal. It has lift and handling like no other boat that I've driven.

Perfect mix between the Z21 and the 520.

I've only got 7 hours on it and I am still playing around and I haven't raised the jackplate any. This might be a 75 mph fully loaded Ranger boys.

Z520-AKA the Skeeter and Triton killer. LOL

My two cents. In July I took delivery of my 2009 Z520 with an Evinrude 250. Supposedly I got the first Evinrude in CA with the new graphics on the side of the engine. Got my boat from Marine Unlimited in Santa Rosa. Okay. The deck layout I agree is really nice. I don't like the height of the gunnel rail, I wish it was the same height as the Z21. My last boat was a 1996 Skeeter ZX200 and I thought it was fast. Yes, this Ranger Z520 is also fast. From 0-68mph it's good. From 68+ you have to drive this boat. And 75+ it chine walks like no other boat I've been in. I talked to Scott Green from Marine Unlimited. He says you have to drive through it and Dobbins has had his boat 78+. Well for this kind of money it's a chine walker. Maybe it's just me and I'm used to a Skeeter. At 73mph I could take my hands off the wheel of the Skeeter and it would go straight. But the Z520 you're holding on tight after 68+. But the boat is fast. My top speed fully loaded is 76.3mph on GPS. That's my story. I'm thinking of going to a 4-blade prop. Does anyone have any suggestions on a 4-blade versus a 3 with this boat? I'll be at a tournament Sat 9/20 out of Brannan Island if anybody wants to race, hee hee.

Triton Killer!!!! Are you on some kind of mind altering substance Ricky?????? Nice boat but you may want some references before making that statement......try calling Van Wagner first and he is a way better boat driver than you

well it probably is the fastest thing YOU have ever drove.....then again my jig box weighs more than you do.........

RW I really think you want to stick with a 3 blade. The Rudes are running pretty good with the Tempest or the Fury Prop. I really think the chine walk from 68 up will be corrected with more seat time. Every boat is different but I have never heard that the Z520 is a chine walker. I don't care what boat it is but over 70 plus you have to drive any of them a little. Engine height may be causing some of your chine walk but in most cases it is a driver issue and not a boat issue. Please don't take that as a bash it is not intended. A little more time behind the wheel of that boat and I am sure the chine walk will be less. Watch getting that engine too high. Unless you have a hole shot issue I think the four blade is the wrong way to go and hole shot is usually not an issue with that boat. Oh and race....................sure!!!! but I don't think I want to run next to ya!!!!!!

good luck at Columbia
kb

I've had mine up to 76 and have zero chine walking. Maybe you are over trimming.

KB-You're funny. I think the Z520 might sneak up on you when you're not looking.

I could say something about the Triton X2HP (KB's Boat) vs the Ranger Z520 race but I'm keeping my mouth shut.

I just returned from a FLW tournament on the Columbia River in WA and got to put the Z520 through some real world tests. All I can say is WOW.

I have about 12 hours on my 250 Merc and I was runnning 75.8 gps with two people, full gas and tournament gear. Once I filled the livewells with little brown fish the boat ran 73 gps.

That is flat out fast for any boat. I was fishing a river system and easily past 10-15 boats each morning. Not that it was a race but this boat gets up and goes.

I am running a 25 Merc Fury and it is about 1 mph fast than the 26 Tempest that came with the boat.

This boat runs high on the pad, which requires great attention to your driving skills. You must trim down when goving over waves or boat wakes.

I had zero chine walk but I could tell that the boat can be overtrimmed. It doesn't require a lot of trim. I am thinking of sending the Fury to be worked on to see if I can get another 1-2 mph out of it.

The Z520 is about 2 mph faster than my 2008 Z21. This boat is a rush. The new lettering on the 2009 is really cool.

Test drive one and you will be amazed. This isn't your grandpa's Ranger.

My friend and I borrowed a Z520 for a tourney and here are my comments on this model Ranger. First some positives:
Great hardware.
Sits super flat on water fishing
Super stable and really w i d e.
Lots(as in tons) of room
attractive
Now a few "negatives"
Bow takes waves over it fairly easily when fishing.
Live wells smaller than some competitive brands.
Hope this is somewhat helpful.
Can't comment on the Z series 20 and 21 as I've only been in older 370's (owned 2) and the 520.

I have to agree with Ricky-S. All the time I had my Z20, I regretted not having the 520. then I heard about the Z520 (I hybrid of all the good of each). After being in one, I have to say 'Nice Job' to Ranger. However, they are not the only ones to make a Z520.

Here's my next Z520, take a look:

http://estateseries.icpresskit.com/

hippie:
nice to seeya back

Peace,
James