Z175 owners ~ ~ Talk to me !

[Hair Jig]

Been without a boat for a while now and am seriously considering the Z175. I am in Texas and we do get some wind here from time to time. I'm not a tournament fisherman, and I have enough sense to know when to go out and when to stay on terra firma.

So ~~~ What do you think of your Z175 and it's ability to handle a little rough water if you need to? Overall fishability? Storage? General build quality?

Thanks for the info !!!!!

[Udee2159]

I have the Z117 (2013 model). Similar footprint overall, but slight differences. I’ll reserve specifics for actual Z175 owners. Mine does alright in rough weather, but not great. I fish Okeechobee, Kissimmee, and the rest you’d expect. Not fun with winds over 15 mph, but handles alright.

Storage and tackle is decent for one guy and a partner traveling light. I run it with a CB foil and a 19p Trophy. With two power poles and tourney gear, I get max 51mph, but normally 47-49. Fish ability is good and it fits my needs. I got it brand new in Oct 2013 and haven’t felt a big need to go bigger (garage fit is awesome and easy).

Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks.

[Hair Jig]

Thank you for the input. Trying to decide between the Z175 and Z185. I'd prefer (obviously) to save the money difference but not at the cost of safety.

[Udee2159]

Yeah, I hear ya. You’ll gain a little bit of safety with each foot you get, but probably not night and day differences until you’re in a z520.

[coloblt]

I have fished out of a 117, and I owned a 2018 z185, I felt like there was a pretty big difference between the two. I really liked my z185. To me the foot longer and 35 extra horse power makes a big difference.

[jc2bg]

You’ll gain a little bit of safety with each foot you get, but probably not night and day differences until you’re in a z520.

Succinctly put [see above]. And I agree. I will also say this, though: for $4800 more, if the Z185 is significantly better riding, etc., that’s not a bad price differential. In the bigger boats, there’s $10k or more difference every time you add a foot and a bigger engine.

[Whiteboat]

Resale will be better with the 185.

[XingEyeballs]

When looking for my first Ranger I was set on the Z175, drove four hours with cash in my pocket to buy one I had my heart set on. During the test drive, too me, it just felt small. I was coming out of a 16’ Alumacraft and it just was missing something. I drove home without the boat and started searching over again. I found a 185VS for a couple grand more and pulled the trigger. Long story short, as long as your garage, tow vehicle, and wallet can spend a couple thousand more....I would go Z185/118. Like others have said, larger motor, better resale, and a very good platform for most people and most conditions. The 175 is a great boat, the extra foot offers a lot.

[Hair Jig]

Resale will be better with the 185.

My wife will have to deal with that. This boat will last me until I die.

[BrianFLA]

I fished out of a 2015 Z117 for 3 yrs, great smaller boat, but as others stated 17 foot on big water can get hairy, Last year I moved to a 2019 z518 same size as 185 and absolutely love it, they ride is awesome, huge front deck and storage and i dont get beat up in it. drive both before you pull the trigger.

[LewStulePH.D.]

My wife will have to deal with that. This boat will last me until I die.

If this is the plan, look around for a year old "hold over" and get the 518

[cwilt]

I have the 178 which is a couple inches bigger than the 175. I have never had issues with safety. I got caught on okeechobee with a small craft advisory (was at the shoal and had to go back to okeetanee) , was it hairy? you bet! But just take it slow and you'll be alright. Lots of boats even 20 ft class boat were going slow. That tourney had 2 boats sink that day. Like you said your not a tourney fisherman. Pick and choose your fishing days and you will never have a problem with the 175.

[Dirtyeggroll]

185 or 518 if this boat will be the last boat you own.

[jtracc]

I had a triton tr176 with 115 opti. Was a great little boat but very small, I then went to a deeper v tin in a 17.5 footer and hadd tons of space but lacked storage. I missed the bass boat layout and picked up a z118 and couldn't be happier. It is way bigger then the triton was but only like 1 1/2 longer but wider. I think you be much happier with z185 or z518, go with the single console, I hade dual and wish I had single.