Help me decide Z518 or Z519

[llsdjv]

I've went back and read a lot of the discussions between these two boats and have a few more questions. I would be ordering the boats so I would have them with all the same options.

1. I'm unable to see a Z518 but I have looked at the Z185 and Z519. How is the front deck of a Z518 compared to the deck of a Z185 and Z519?

2. I used to own a 198VX. Would the Z518 be about the same since we are only talking 2 inches of difference?

3. Between a Z518 with a 200 and a Z519 with a 225 what boat would probably hold value better?

4. Any reason the Ranger website only lets you build both of these boats with a 80 ultrex? You can get a 112 fortrex so it makes no sense.

5. I don't care about speed so ultimately the difference between the 2 boats to me is coming down to fishability, ride, and resale. No doubt the Z519 will be a little better in rough water but is it that much better? Will the 10 inches extra length be noticed much in the front deck? Ultimately I'm trying to decide if these few differences are worth about another 8-9k

Thanks

[22RangerZ520R]

Definitely get the Z519 and get the 112 Ultrex. Order it without the garbage factory Interstate batteries and put 31 series AGM NorthStar/X2 or Deka batteries in it.

Bigger is better.

Good luck and post pics when she's finished....!

[Kirk R]

I own a Z518 and couldn't be any happier. It has a really wide front deck with plenty of room. Actually I like the Z518 front deck better than a Z519. As far as value, both boats will hold great resale value because they are a Ranger. The Z519 will be a little higher because it is a little bigger and cost more to begin with. As far as fishability my Z518 suits my fishing perfectly. That really depends on the type of lakes you fish. I can't see that much difference for 8-9K. I have fished with a friend who has a Z519 and can't tell that much difference if you are talking ride for the money difference.

[basscat tyler]

If you decide on the 519 I’d get a #112 Ultrex as well if you fish any rivers or bigger lakes

[basscat tyler]

Hey Brad, remember I’m on my 8th year on my Interstates

[llsdjv]

Kirk, what do you like about the front deck of the Z518 more?

[22RangerZ520R]

You're a very very lucky man.........!

Hey Brad, remember I’m on my 8th year on my Interstates

[Big J Mac]

I had a Ranger 188 and got a Ranger Z519 . I would go with the 519 the 188 I had was a good boat but the 519 is like driven a Corvette it handles well.

[Jeff Hahn]

My partner had a Z518 the last 5 years and just ordered a Z519. So,obviously, I haven't fished out of the Z519 yet. But I can comment on the Z518. It was a good boat. Plenty of room on the front deck for both of us. The one problem was if my partner was using a 7 foot rod and side-arming his casts, which he often does. If so, I needed to scoot all the way to the rear of the back deck to avoid getting a bait upside the head. I hope his new Z519 solves this problem.

[J D]

I traded my 518C in for a Z519 back in September. I loved my 518!, no complaints. I absolutely love the 519! Not a complaint but one thing I’ve noticed the center rod/storage is slightly more narrow, again not a complaint. The outboard lockers are slightly wider.
As other have recommended, get the 112! I’ve noticed a better ride, not as good as a 520 but better then my 519.
Really you can’t go wrong with either boat.
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[DoctorJJ]

Z519. No question.

[llsdjv]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Im leaning more towards a Z518. Largely because my tournament use is occasional these days due to work schedules. No doubt the Z519 would be nicer, I just don't know if I can justify an extra 9k to sit in my garage. I also live on a lake and have an aluminum boat I can take out regularly so my fiberglass rig ultimately turns into an occasional fishing trip and occasional tournament.

For people who compete in BFLs and similiar tournaments with a Z518 are you guys happy with it's ability. That would be fishability and driving through some bad stuff occasionally?

[J D]

To answer you last question. I fished several tournaments on Pickwick out of my 518. It did just fine. A couple of those were in some pretty rough conditions. Yes a 521,520, 519 would be better then the 518 but for occasional bad conditions you’ll be ok. You’ll love the 518.

[botrdav]

I have a 2019 518 L and I love it. I started out buying a 520 but with me fishing during the week mostly by myself I didn't want to wrestle the bigger boat myself. I went to the 519 but wanted a single axle trailer so I can maneuver it easily in my garage. So I went to the 518 seemed like the perfect size for me. It handles rough water quite well using common sense. I fish a lot of docks and that is where its size comes to play. Many times I get into position drop the poles and look behind me and if I had another foot of boat the poles would have hit a dock or a boat. This is solely my opinion but for me the 518 fit all my needs,

[FishNCPA]

Is the 519 more narrow than the 518? Noticed that the width on trailer measurement per the Ranger site shows 99” on the 519 and 102” on the 518 (and basically all other models).

Seems odd...

[mactlman]

Hey Brad, remember I’m on my 8th year on my Interstates

mine is 6 and still going strong!!!

[cwalsh]

I have been fishing out of my 518 for 3 seasons now. It is an excellent platform to fish from, most of my tournaments are with a partner and I have no complaints. I really wanted a 519 but for the same reasons I couldn’t justify the price jump which for me was over 15k due to the fact that I have a 150hp. Other than top speed I feel like I am giving up nothing else and I fish Lake Champlain most of the summer which can get as rough as anything and if you slow down and use your head the 518 will get you there and back again safely. If money is not an object then get the 519 (it is what I wanted), if money is a factor and you are looking at the 518 with the 200 then I wouldn’t lose any sleep over buying one.

[BassinLA13]

Get the Z519 no doubt. The extra 9k ... yeah sure that hurts but you'll be spending what maybe 6,7,8 maybe more years in your new ride ? so really it's chump change for a bigger, faster, higher resale boat. Also no regrets every time you go to the ramp and see the longer sleds. I fished one tourney in a 518 - def a nice ride - but it felt small for two 6'+ plus dudes winging crankbaits all over the place.

Also pony up for the Tandem Trailer too. Remember it's just $$$ ... it comes and it goes !!

[Cgs1967!]

I've been very happy with my Z518C. I have run it in rough water on Guntersville and Douglas lake and it does great. I looked at the Z519 but all you get for the extra money is a few inches and 25hp. I have plenty of power and I fish tournaments. I'm 6'2" and 230lbs and my tournament buddy is about the same. Plenty of room for two fishing.

[Crankin]

So as a person who just moved from a 185 to a 519 , I would say go 519. I also believe that there when I was looking to buy I was more then willing to pay the extra $$ for the 519