Consider Z519

[BillBrehm]

Currently have a 2014 Z118 and am considering purchasing an excellent condition 2019 Z519. What are the pros and cons of the Z519?

Has the Ranger quality changed much since the BPS purchase? I remember reading loads of comments but it seemed more gossip than truth. I do not particularly care if the support (phones/parts/etc) from the manufacturer has changed as some contend. More so looking for the Ranger quality that I have always appreciated.

Also, I read somewhere where a commenter was talking about terrible ride quality due to hull design of the Z519 (i vs c hull?). He didn't have many details to back up what he was saying so it could have been someone being negative for the sake of bashing a Ranger. I cannot imagine it would be significantly different (hopefully better) than my current ride.

[jc2bg]

I drove a 2018 Z519 for 4 years and have now had a 2022 Z519 for 18 months. Both have been completely trouble free and immaculate boats. There was a design change in 2020, with the top cap made deeper and a little added weight. I can tell the difference in ride, but both designs [pre- and post-2020] have their advantages. You will find that the 2019 is a little flatter ride than the current Z519, by which I mean that it takes off quicker and doesn’t raise the nose quite as high when planing off. We hear it all the time, but the 2019 drives more like a sports car and the 2020+ drives more like a Cadillac. Not Z520/521 smooth, but smoother than earlier models of the same hull. I ran my 2018 way out in Lake Erie many times, passing hundreds of boat wakes from what we call tuna boats. So the ride you’ll experience will not be terrible, yet a Z520, if that’s an option for you, would be a cut or two above in the ride category. Z519s are my favorite bass boat overall: long enough and heavy enough to navigate some pretty strong waves, but fast and maneuverable enough to work really well in tight quarters, too.

Note: Since you’re looking at a specific boat, it should be pretty easy to determine for yourself what you think of the fit and finish. I had 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2014 Rangers and my 2018 and 2022 both have been better made than those previous ones.

[BillBrehm]

I drove a 2018 Z519 for 4 years and have now had a 2022 Z519 for 18 months. Both have been completely trouble free and immaculate boats. There was a design change in 2020, with the top cap made deeper and a little added weight. I can tell the difference in ride, but both designs [pre- and post-2020] have their advantages. You will find that the 2019 is a little flatter ride than the current Z519, by which I mean that it takes off quicker and doesn’t raise the nose quite as high when planing off. We hear it all the time, but the 2019 drives more like a sports car and the 2020+ drives more like a Cadillac. Not Z520/521 smooth, but smoother than earlier models of the same hull. I ran my 2018 way out in Lake Erie many times, passing hundreds of boat wakes from what we call tuna boats. So the ride you’ll experience will not be terrible, yet a Z520, if that’s an option for you, would be a cut or two above in the ride category. Z519s are my favorite bass boat overall: long enough and heavy enough to navigate some pretty strong waves, but fast and maneuverable enough to work really well in tight quarters, too.

Note: Since you’re looking at a specific boat, it should be pretty easy to determine for yourself what you think of the fit and finish. I had 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2014 Rangers and my 2018 and 2022 both have been better made than those previous ones.

Super helpful! Thanks for the detailed reply! I've had several Rangers over the years and I agree that the newer models were as good or better than my older models in terms of quality. But, I have not spent much time in the newest models. While I could swing the 520 in terms of budget it would not be a good fit in the garage and quite honestly overkill for us. I am a weekend angler and fish occasional club tournaments with my son. I live in the Phoenix area and while wind can be a factor at times we do not have the big water concerns that many other parts of the country do. The biggest waters we would fish, and even then would be rare occasions, would be Lake Havasu or Mead. And, being weekend anglers and somewhat fair weather anglers at that if the weather is sketchy we do not venture out.

[nojretlas]

Why not go to the 520 if you are looking to go bigger? Not sure you will see much difference in the 519, may be a tad faster and a bit dryer. But the beam is identical and so is the front deck. There is more space in the cockpit and some on the back deck.
I wish I would have gone 519 over my 518 when I bought it but I am fairly certain I would not make that jump after.

[jimsch]

If it is a good deal and you like it, buy it. It will be faster than your 118 and you will love the ride and handling.
It will fit in most garages and with a tandem trailer will tow great.
Your money, get what will make you smile.

[besnyde]

I went from a 2010 188VX to a 2013 Z119 and it was night and day to me. 225 hp motor vs the 175 and the added room made a huge difference. In your case, if you have the 150 2 stroke you will see a huge benefit from upgrading to the 225 four stroke. That alone would make the switch worth it. The build quality of both the 2013 and the 2021 Z519 I have now have been the same, can't tell a difference in the fit and finish between the two. If you have a good dealer nearby, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it just because WRMG owns the brand.

[XingEyeballs]

As for specific quality concerns I believe Ranger is still building a quality boat and there’s always a few complaints that get blown out of proportion.
119/519 vs 118/518 in my experience I would say the 19 series brings some nice improvements. Surprisingly I don’t feel like there’s that much more storage in my 19’ vs previous 18’. Things it does improve on is the better cruising speed with 225 and it handles a chop a little better both on the trolling motor and on plane, mine has longer rod storage which makes 7’6”+ much easier…both are very nimble and I don’t have any issues handling alone launching or loading.

[krindgen]

Pros = fantastic fishing platform and great layout; Cons = it's not 20ft (perception only)

[Lape0019]

Had a 2016 Z119 and now a 2022 Z519. My personal opinion is that I don’t see much of a difference in quality. The plastics used have changed a bit and the latches are different but both seem to do their job fine.

I will echo JC2bg and say the newer boat definitely rides better than the older models.

[mactlman]

Pros = fantastic fishing platform and great layout; Cons = it's not 20ft (perception only)

19.9 is darn close lol

[BillBrehm]

Had a 2016 Z119 and now a 2022 Z519. My personal opinion is that I don’t see much of a difference in quality. The plastics used have changed a bit and the latches are difference but both seem to do their job fine.

I will echo JC2bg and say the newer boat definitely rides better than the older models.

When you say the newer models ride better than the older models can you specify what years you are referring to? The change he referenced after 2019? The one I am looking at is a 2019. Thanks!

[BillBrehm]

As for specific quality concerns I believe Ranger is still building a quality boat and there’s always a few complaints that get blown out of proportion.
119/519 vs 118/518 in my experience I would say the 19 series brings some nice improvements. Surprisingly I don’t feel like there’s that much more storage in my 19’ vs previous 18’. Things it does improve on is the better cruising speed with 225 and it handles a chop a little better both on the trolling motor and on plane, mine has longer rod storage which makes 7’6”+ much easier…both are very nimble and I don’t have any issues handling alone launching or loading.

Thanks for your comments. If the extra 12-13" over my current boat were on the front deck it would already be a done deal. I'm surprised how little of the extra space was put on the front deck. Feels like the cockpit areas got the most extra space with the back getting the remainder.

[BillBrehm]

I went from a 2010 188VX to a 2013 Z119 and it was night and day to me. 225 hp motor vs the 175 and the added room made a huge difference. In your case, if you have the 150 2 stroke you will see a huge benefit from upgrading to the 225 four stroke. That alone would make the switch worth it. The build quality of both the 2013 and the 2021 Z519 I have now have been the same, can't tell a difference in the fit and finish between the two. If you have a good dealer nearby, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it just because WRMG owns the brand.

Yes, currently have the 150 Pro XS and would be getting a 225 four stroke. At this time that is the biggest draw for me. I do not particularly care about more top end speed but the newer motor and new technology would be great.

[krindgen]

From everything said, and if priced right, this deal would have me aroused. You'd be making a quantum leap in tech.

[Esox Z518C]

I have a Z518c and my regular fishing partner has a Z519c. Both are 2015 models. If I could have I would have gotten the 519. More stable and better ride in big waves.

[520TDY]

2023 Z 519, Merc 225 Prp XS. Same or better build quality as new Ranger boats I have been purchasing since 2005. (6 Total.)
Decent hole shot, 69.4 mph with very, very heavy load. Very nimble and fishes great. Always consider down the road trade-in or outright sale value.
Pull the trigger, you will be pleased.

[Lape0019]

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[Lape0019]

When you say the newer models ride better than the older models can you specify what years you are referring to? The change he referenced after 2019? The one I am looking at is a 2019. Thanks!

I am comparing my Z119c which is the same hull as the 519c to the newer 519/519L. That extra 3” in length and deeper gunwales add a bit more weight and smooths the ride out a bit.

[BillBrehm]

I am comparing my Z119c which is the same hull as the 519c to the newer 519/519L. That extra 3” in length and deeper gunwales add a bit more weight and smooths the ride out a bit.

What year is your Z119? The newer models are 3" longer than the older model?

[Lape0019]

The z119 was a 2016 and it measured in at 19.5. 2022 is 19 feet 9 inches