Originally Posted by
dukhntr
Curious how you can say that? No one has even had one out on the water yet.
Guess I should have said on paper, all the new features, but I’m sure when they’re released and people have seat time on them, it won’t be a disappointment.
From Donkeyhunter,
I had a chance to see it at the Expo. I'm not a Rangerhomer, but I'll give you my 2 cents.
1. The removable passenger console was incredible. He removed it Sunday morning for me in 8 minutes. Two big wing bolts hold it in. When the console is out, there are snap in covers for the holes. It's clean and lightweight. I thought this was a big plus.
2. On the bow, the trim buttons for the motor are large and you can control them with your feet. Very nice touch.
3. The cooler on the step uses a double walled Yeti style cooler and it's about 8" deeper than the current cooler.
4. The port side storage compartment is deeper, there are no rod tubes, just shelves that your rods lay on based on length. The butt of the rod has a hold down for each shelf, with the 7'9" to 8' rods being on top.
5. The center console was what really struck me. It's probably 12" to 16" deeper than the current 520. You can store 30+ boxes and then have 10 rods stored on top of them. I absolutely loved this.
6. The starboard storage uses the same shelf system as port.
7. No change to day box, but upgraded fuse panels.
8. 6 gauge wire used from the front to the back of the boat with 2 large channels available with pull ropes installed.
9. Dash material was new. It's not plastic, it is a material they use on their pontoons and it was visually very nice. Almost looks like carbon fiber, but has a car dashboard feel.
10. Touchscreen is totally configurable. You can see all of your settings, etc there. Color scheme for the screen is also customizable. I said this looks like something that would break and he said it will have a 5 year warranty. Also, all functions from the touchscreen are able to be replicated by the 3 buttons below it.
11. First fish button, fills livewells, turns on aerator and gives you the water temp of the live well. It will alert you if it gets too high.
12. Digital gauge on the transom showing you your cranking and trolling motor battery charge status.
13. Rear ladder folds down into the boat body, completely flush. Very nice.
14. Battery compartment is more accessible. Fold up panel lets you reach the pumps easier.
15. Seats are incredibly comfortable. They are wide, soft and have great back support. I also think they look awesome.
16. Console position lowered for the graph shelf, allowing you to add 15" and still be below the windbreaker on the console. (Not flush, but looks great)
17. Sea Deck in the console area.
18. Baffled gas tank, keeps the gas from sloshing around, moving the boat on turns.
I spoke with Mr. Morris at the show and asked how they came up with all the changes and he said they got every single Ranger pro in a room and told them to pick the 520L apart. Give them feedback on what they like and dislike. This was the result. I have a 2019 Ranger and I love it. It's slow, but that's fine. The Ranger engineer said this boat with 1 person, full tank of gas and loaded with tournament gear will run 71. Empty with 1 person, 76-77.
Take it for what it's worth. I looked at Phoenix, Bass Cat, Caymas and Vexus at the show. There wasn't a boat that impressed me more than this one. I will post compartment pictures in a second.
....... Congrats and keep us posted.
Ryan Bauman 2022 Ranger 520R 250 Mercury ProXS Fourstroke
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