I am looking I am looking To upgrade and get back in a Ranger I found a 205 but it only has a 200 mercury. My questions are how do the 205 hulls ride compared to the 520 or 19 footers? Is a 200 enough engine for that boat? How are the 205's overall. Thanks Pat
I'm not an expert but I'd guess the 205 is a stripped down 520. 200 hp seems kinda weak.
205's were the shit.
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205's were a different hull than the 520 VX,a little shorter at 20'5" and noticeably narrower at the bow. They didn't have all the bow flare of the 520 and were a little faster,I think due to less wind drag. Less bow flare also made them a little wetter in rough water than a 520. Not a bad hull at all just not the boat that a 520 is. It should be about a 65 mph boat with a 200, depending on set up and load.
Never owned one. But, have been told that it was the original 520. Also, told that maybe the best hull they ever had.
I have a 2003 205vx Comanche. I've owned it for 4 years and it is my first Ranger. Came with the original 225 EFI on it. I was surprised how fast it was, considering all the "lead sled" comments I've heard. Boat will run in the high 60's loaded and break 70 with just myself. Decent in rough water. Front deck is a little tight if I take off the deck extension. Rear deck is huge which suits my wife, kids, fishing partners, etc. Since mine has the Comanche package, all the bells and whistles are on it. Great boat!
Ya my partner and his brother are long long ranger owners can't count all the models they have had, and he is always talking about the 205 don't know about the horsepower part though.Originally Posted by crock1576
I have a 2001 205VS with a 225 Optimax. A great no frills boat that gets the job done. A well running 200 should push that boat fine with consideration to overall load and weight distribution keeping it as light as possible.
The 205 is the 520, I bought a 205 at an auction a while back for $5,000, I brought it home and is identical to my 520 in the other bay of my garage. A 200 is not enough motor for the boat but a lot were sold that way because the 205 was a cheap version of the 520 and to make it even cheaper they put a 200 on it instead of a 225. If you are not interested in going over 45 mph and it is a good buy I would go for it but realize when you go to sell it you are going to have some trouble because the hp is not maxed out.
To the post above saying the the 205 is different than the 520. I had both in my garage at the same time, no difference as I went over both with a tape measure extensively one drunken night (nothing like 3 fishermen looking for something to do in the middle of a snowstorm). We couldn't find any difference other than The extras.
Last edited by STRETCH1; 02-24-2017 at 12:49 AM.
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