(Save your money. The difference in ride between the 185 and the 518 in rough water will be very little. The only reason I would make that change would be 4 a newer motor/electronics at a steal of a price, otherwise I would hold not make the change!)
Above is what I wrote when you first brought up your upgrade idea! It is not to late to keep the 185!
Last edited by diveshades; 11-11-2019 at 08:55 PM.
FLORIDA BOAT: 2016 Ranger 519, Mercury 225 Pro XS, Atlas 6" hydraulic jack plate, Motor Guide Tour Pro, Humminbird Helix 12SI Mega chirp on console, Helix 12SI up front, dual 8' power poles, livewell pumpout
LET US NOT LOSE SIGHT OF HOW FORTUNATE WE ARE TO ENJOY FISHING AND THE OUTDOORS! CATCHING JUST MAKES IT A BIT SWEETER!
In 2005 I had a 1996 Ranger 461VS that I sold to "upgrade" to a new ProCraft SuperPro 200 with a 200 Optimax. Even though the ProCraft was a beautiful boat and it was everything that I was looking for at that time, I really missed my Ranger. Still do to this day.
Well in selling my boat I have been searching and I haven't found a boat that I would buy so I don't feel bad. As I consider lowering my listing price I'm hesitating because I'm not finding any boats that offer what mine is for the money. That has me saying why am I selling?Originally Posted by diveshades
The only boat I regret selling was my 2005 519VX. It was the perfect size boat for me with an excellent layout and fishability. I do not miss its rough water ride as it was very average. If it could hold 8' rods, I would buy it again.
Running a Z520c now but keep thinking about my old 519VX although it has been gone for eight years.
I know how you feel.I like the quick handling of my Z519 at 30-50 way better than my Stratos 201 but flip that script when hitting 60 plus. My 519 easily hits 70 but is not hands off the wheel smooth. I have always liked the old 198 VX layout and like everything Ranger did with the 11 thru 13 design. It just looks better to me than the Optimus Prime console they have now. So, I am wondering if I will regret selling my 12?
2012 Ranger Z519 Comanche - Merc. 225 Pro XS - 24 Razor 4 XL/25 Tempest Plus
See what I keep hearing is that everyone misses either their 518, 519, or their 198. They are all the same hull so it makes me want to upgrade to get it .
You are not gaining anything with a 518 other than options. I recommend going all the way to a 519 for 6" more length on the front deck and more than a couple inches of beam at the front cleats.
2012 Ranger Z519 Comanche - Merc. 225 Pro XS - 24 Razor 4 XL/25 Tempest Plus
So I getting confused. I was told that the 518 from 99-03, the 519 from 04-07 , and the 198 from 08-11 were the same hull. Am i mistaken?
They were the same hull. The console changed in the later years. I too miss my 518vx. Although my Z20 is a good one too. If they were in identical condition, I would go with a 500 series boat over a 185/188. Sounds like your boat is in very good condition, don't settle for a boat in less than condition. They are out there.
2006 Ranger Z20
Thank you for all the advise. The new owner picked up my boat today so the search is on.
Reply With Quote