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  1. #1
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    Considering downsizing from a Ranger Z-521 to a Ranger Z-518

    I am getting ready to purchase a new boat. I currently have a 2012 Ranger Z-521 that I store in a storage unit because I am unable to find a house with a garage sufficiently long to contain the boat. I have found several homes with 22 foot garages that I am confident would hold a Ranger-518. I have fished from a 21 foot boat for over 30 years and love the ride, storage and size, but I also love to store my boats at my house. Has anyone downsized from a 21 foot Ranger to an 18 foot Ranger with a 200 horsepower Mercury, and are you happy with the decision to downsize? I currently just fish local tournaments. If I get the Z-518, it will have Lowrance 12 inch graphs in the bow and dash, hydraulic jack plate, 200 horsepower Mercury, Lowrance trolling motor, and all of the bells and whistles that one would likely have on a 21 foot boat. If I could find a home with a sufficient garage to hold a 21 foot Ranger, that is what I would do. Would you guys stay in a 21 foot boat and store it, or would you get an 18 foot boat that you could store in your garage? I am really struggling with this issue and would appreciate any guidance I may get from you guys that have downsized from a 21 foot Ranger to an 18 foot ranger. Thank you in advance for any assistance you may provide.

  2. Member
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    Aug 2015
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    New Bedford,MA
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    #2
    Build out the garage
    Mike

    2019 Ranger 520L w/ 250HO ETEC G2
    2011 Tracker 175TXW w/ 75HO ETEC

  3. Member
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    Apr 2014
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    SW, Ohio
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    #3
    put a metal building up to keep out of the sun no permits likely and your weather is never that cold???
    2022 z519 cup 225 merc 4s ser # 3B210484. 2--hds12 live units. 2 poles, atlas plate, ghost, hamby's, active target, merc digital gauges
    2002 basscat pantera 3 (dad bought new) sold 8-2-22
    2000 stratos 20 ss (bought new) 200 hp Rude ficht great boat/motor sold 11-21
    pulled by a 2500HD Denali
    proud dad of an ARMY Captain
    MAGA
    ASE/GM Master tech before tools

  4. tracer1 tracer1's Avatar
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    Jun 2013
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    Aiken, SC
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    #4
    I have a 30X20 metal carport on a concrete slab. Will be closed in and a 10 foot roll up door added soon. Oh, I have a 2012 Z521 and definitely would not go to a 18 footer. But you have to do what's best for you.

  5. Member
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    Feb 2008
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    Clear Lake, IA
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    #5
    I’d venture a guess that the 518 in a 22ft garage would be really tight.
    2007 Ranger188vs, Mercury optimax 150

  6. RIP Evinrude 1907-2020 JR19's Avatar
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    Feb 2005
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    Columbia, KY
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    #6
    Quote Originally Posted by blkfalc4 View Post
    Build out the garage
    It's actually not as complicated as it sounds. Its even more simple if you do a simple bump out. Just google search garage bump out and look at images for a simple bump out in the back of the garage.

  7. Member nojretlas's Avatar
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    May 2009
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    Turnersville, NJ
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    #7
    Probably would be a big shock for a while to go into an 18' boat, build a garage.
    If no you should look into purchasing my 518L that is for sale!
    Boatless

  8. Member
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    Mar 2015
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    Memphis, TN
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    834
    #8
    My experience comes from the opposite side. I own a z118 (same hull size including a jack plate as the 518 but with a 150hp) and ran a buddy's 521bover the weekend. The differences to me were:

    The 521 had more fishing space between my partmer and I (not an issue if you fish solo alot). We have both fished from the front deck of my boat flipping but he casts from the back.

    521 handled the wakes from ski/wake boats better both on plane and on trolling motor. I would assume this also to be the case in bigger waves. I have never felt unsafe in my boat but I know the limitations and try to avoid 3 footers when I am fishing.

    I could definitely feel the extra weight towing the 521.

    My 118 is much more nimble when maneuvering on both trolling motor and at idle on the big motor. Especially when working around docks or loading into the trailer.

    Top speed is much faster with the bigger motor but I didn't run it over 45 mph anyway so that was irrelevant to me.

    Shorter boat is easier to steer when backing around corners or making adjustments when parking in the garage. Longer boat on dual axle is smother when towing straight.

    Loading/unloading are similar until you need to crank that last 6 inches on the winch. Smaller boat is much easier to do that.

    521 sits higher on the trailer in the garage than the 118. It is easier to reach compartments standing on the garage floor with the shorter boat.

    For me the 521 was too big. Runnjng it over the weekend really got me questioning my desire to go bigger. Maybe it is because I am accustomed to the smaller size. Really think the only thing I would want is a dual axle trailer for it.

  9. Ranger Boats Moderator 22RangerZ520R's Avatar
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    Dec 2009
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    Louisville, KY
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    #9
    I'd keep the Z521.

    I have a "standard" sized 2 car garage and I keep mine in my garage diagonally.


    2022 Ranger Z520R | 2022 Platinum F250
    Apex 19 | (2) Apex 16's | Mega 360 | Mega Live

  10. Member
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    Feb 2005
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    Owens Cross Roads, Alabama
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    #10
    518 is very nice , capable boat. Went from Z 21 to 518 and was miserable in every respect. 18 months later back in 520 L. Everybody is different but a larger, more powerful, faster boat spoils you. Good luck with your decision, it is an important one.
    520 L TDY

  11. Member
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    Jan 2005
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    Albertville, Al
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    #11
    I'm in a 519 and truly believe it's the best of both worlds. That being said If you enjoy fishing from a 21' boat moving to an 18 will be really hard. I would look into all storage, garage addition, pole barns , etc,,, before I moved to an 18' boat.

    You might want to make a post about how big of a garage are guys with 21 ' boats fitting them in on an angle.

  12. Member
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    Jun 2004
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    Cumming, Ga Now!
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    #12
    I have always had 20 ft our bigger rigs. When I moved to GA, I had to find a storage facility for my rig. I loved having my boat at home, but not enough to downsize to 18ft. You just have to decide what makes you happier. Good luck.

  13. Member turfy49431's Avatar
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    Oct 2014
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    Virginia Beach
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    #13
    Quote Originally Posted by Iowabass3826 View Post
    I’d venture a guess that the 518 in a 22ft garage would be really tight.
    My 18 footer fits in my 21 foot garage. A 22 foot garage might hold a 519 at an angle
    Ranger R81VS, Mercury 175EFI w/ 25 Tempest

  14. Member
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    May 2014
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    Sussex, Wi.
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    381
    #14
    I have a z518 with 200 pro xs, atlas jack plate and a 21 foot deep garage. I have to store it on an angle, with the tongue open.

  15. Member
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    Feb 2008
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    Clear Lake, IA
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    #15
    Quote Originally Posted by Esox Z518C View Post
    I have a z518 with 200 pro xs, atlas jack plate and a 21 foot deep garage. I have to store it on an angle, with the tongue open.
    i suspected this would be the case.
    2007 Ranger188vs, Mercury optimax 150

  16. Member
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    Apr 2017
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    Trinity, FL
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    #16
    Here’s my 2 cents…

    Living in Florida and dealing with HOAs…garage space limited and no parking outside the house. I had a Ranger z117, but wanted to upgrade to a bigger boat and still keep it at the house. I looked at the 518s, 519s, etc. I ended up with a Basscat Eyra. Storage length is comparable to a smaller boat, but still is a 20ft with a 250. Agreed with the other posts about potentially regretting downsizing. I have a 17ft aluminum I keep up in MN for Muskie fishing. Every time I come back home and get back into a 20ft, I’m way happier.

  17. tracer1 tracer1's Avatar
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    #17
    I'll keep my Z521.........

  18. Member
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    New Bedford,MA
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    #18
    Funny the op hasn't been back
    Mike

    2019 Ranger 520L w/ 250HO ETEC G2
    2011 Tracker 175TXW w/ 75HO ETEC

  19. Member Finlander's Avatar
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    Aug 2013
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    St. John's, FL
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    #19
    I would let the water fished dictate the boat size needed and not the garage space. The 518 is nice but there is no substitute for OAL length in rough water.
    2012 Ranger Z519 Comanche - Merc. 225 Pro XS - 24 Razor 4 XL/25 Tempest Plus

  20. Member nojretlas's Avatar
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    Turnersville, NJ
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    #20
    Quote Originally Posted by Finlander View Post
    I would let the water fished dictate the boat size needed and not the garage space. The 518 is nice but there is no substitute for OAL length in rough water.
    IMO 518 is good for almost any lake outside if the great lakes. I have been in some nasty stuff with mine and always got home safe.
    Boatless

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