Ranger Z518

[ifishinxs]

I may be moving and will need to down size to fit in the garage. I’m looking at the Skeeter Zx190, Ranger Z518, Phoenix 818 pro. I’ve got 22ft to work with. Width isn’t an issue. I’m leaning toward the Ranger at this point. I fish smaller lakes so big wave handling is a non issue. Front deck room and ease of maintenance ( battery area access etc) and a good lay out. 150 hp or 200 hp? Mercury or Yamaha.

[printman71]

Ranger with whatever the dealer sells engine wise.

[Cgs1967!]

I have a 2018 Z518c with a 200hp rude and love this boat.

[captainrab]

I’ve had both. Zx190 isn’t in the same league. Save yourself a lot of time and money

[ifishinxs]

Thanks guys I appreciate the insight. My closest dealer is 2 1/2 hrs away and is more of an Order one in kinda of place.

[Jaw62]

Go with the 518 with the merc. 200 great boat. I fish a lot of small lakes and even very large lakes.

[J D]

Just came out of a 518C with the 200 Mercury ProXS 2 stroke. Absolutely loved that boat. Front deck was huge for a 18’ boat. Storage... way more then I needed. Stability was fantastic. It ran 68 with a full tournament load 71 without the load.

[ifishinxs]

Just came out of a 518C with the 200 Mercury ProXS 2 stroke. Absolutely loved that boat. Front deck was huge for a 18’ boat. Storage... way more then I needed. Stability was fantastic. It ran 68 with a full tournament load 71 without the load.

Thats great info. I understand the Z185 is the same hull different top cap. They are a few grand cheaper. Wondering what the difference could be.

[GOTTA BIG SACK]

I’d go with the ranger. The Skeeter and Phoenix doesn’t have near the storage as the Ranger

[avidbasser]

Own a 2019 Ranger Z518 w/ 150 Merc 4s...it's amazing! I can hit around 55 MPH on plane in seconds, and that's with 3/4 tank gas, 2 people, and water in the live wells.

Space is abundant, big water is no problem. The deck is big and has space for two when sight fishing and you're not standing on each other.

You couldn't choose a better platform.

[ifishinxs]

Own a 2019 Ranger Z518 w/ 150 Merc 4s...it's amazing! I can hit around 55 MPH on plane in seconds, and that's with 3/4 tank gas, 2 people, and water in the live wells.

Space is abundant, big water is no problem. The deck is big and has space for two when sight fishing and you're not standing on each other.

You couldn't choose a better platform.

Thats what I’m seeing as I can’t go sit in one to find out.
How is access to the battery compartment. Swinging 60lb batteries isn’t fun if the space is really tight.

[cwalsh]

Great boat, huge front deck, ride and handling is very good for 18’ boat. Access to the batteries is same as a 520 and by that I mean excellent. Very easy boat to get to everything.

[sk ocho]

I have a 2014 Z518c and love it. I downsized from a 2010 Z521.

At 22' you may be limited on your engine selection. I see website says 21'7" but I would guess that is no plate and Mercury 150 4 stroke.

I have the 2 stroke ProXS and jackplate and my garage is 22' 8" and fits with a few inches to spare.

Tom

[BrianFLA]

I have a 2019 z518 and absolutely love it , the 2019 was maxed out at 150, and solo I see 56 -57 wot. If I was to get a 2020 I would get the 200 , not so much for a faster boat, but for resale, always heard when getting a bass boat max out the hp . As far a performance with the 150 it jump right up on plane solo or with 2 in the boat, mid range power on the 4 stroke pro xs is great and really good on mpg. Storage and deck space is awesome. Bilge area has plenty of space to get batteries out. Cannot think of anything I would change on my boat, look forward to every weekend getting on the water. Good luck with your decision

[Crankin]

I have an older model 185 vs with 175 HPDI . The storage is more then enough and I think it's even better on the newer models. My only thorn is the ability to store rods on the Deck. Make sure that you can fit the longer rods people are using today. I would maximize your engine, skip the power poles and get an Ultex with spot lock.

[cfm56doc]

If you were closer I have a garage kept 2013 Z118 I would sell you for a great price.

Good luck and this is a great smaller platform!

[StevenMCC]

I have the same garage issue, but mine is only 21'10" so I had to get the Ranger Z185. If I had 22' I preferred the skeeter storage as a center rod box takes up a lot your storage for plastics and lures(my cooler is full of plastics). The 518 comes with a 200 and you can go fast. The pheonix 818 I rode in was awesome with a 175, but storage was sketchy in my opinion. I would order without rod tubes as they really limit storage. I have had the Z185 two years now a 2018 and its a great boat, but storage is limited (no rod tubes in the port locker would change this). In short if I had 22' to work with I would have gotten a 518 with a 200 and no rod tubes in the port locker. Don't forget bass cat if you have just over 22', Pantera II. The Sabre is just too short for me.

[mbeachy]

I looked at the same options you are looking at plus Triton and went with Ranger 518 200 merc. The Ranger is far superior with the foam filled hall and the wide deck and storage.

[Finlander]

I also have a mild garage issue at the moment and decided to go with a Ranger Z519C. When you say you have 22' to work with, you should know that Ranger Trail trailers are approximately 6" more in front of the bow w/tongue folded. My Z519 is 19'6" + 2'2" of motor + 9" of Atlas + 6" of Fulton winch and folded tongue for 22'11" with motor turned sideways or a touch over 23' with motor straight. The 18'10" Z518L is 8" shorter in OAL hull length and another 2" for the 8" jack vs 10" jack plate puts you at 22'1" with the motor turned. You may need to look at an 18' C model which will give you back 2". Sorry Ranger but most other brands tuck the folding tongue well under the bow so you could get more boat inside your 22' garage with a competing brand.

[ifishinxs]

I actually have 22’4””

My Skeeter is almost exactly the same length as your 519 on the trailer. The 518 should fit perfectly although still tight.