Good afternoon. Looking to retire back in a Ranger. Presently looking for a good deal on a Z518c but they are few and far between. The new 518 is within price range but the last thing I want to do is buy a turd that can’t consistently hit 57 or 58. What are you guys running with a fishing partner and say half tank of fuel?
Respectfully,
Captain Rab
V1CO 1:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the
world to put to shame the wise; and God has
chosen the weak things of the world to put to
shame the things which are mighty
I think you can safely say on the 518 you would be looking at 55 to 57 depending on how you have it loaded. The C with a 200 would be in the 65 to 68 real numbers. The thing about the C is you can run it at two thirds throttle at 58 to 60 where as you would be running wide open in a 518, if you want a little more performance that is,,,,,,,RT
With the G2 I consistently run 55-57 with partner, live wells and fuel. I do also have a single talon and a group 31agm cranking battery. Hole shot is always excellent, does not struggle at all to get on plane even in the warmer months. They will run 60 when alone and 1/2 tank of fuel, my best has been 62 but that was with current and have seen 61 without current. Chances are if you are concerned now that there is a good chance you could be disappointed. I wanted the C boat for the 200 and the close to 70mph top end but couldn’t justify 10k more. I don’t think the 200 would have much over my boat up to 50 or the hole shot.
2017 Ranger 518 w/ Evinrude 150HO G2
The price point of the 518c is so close to a 519 that I would think that direction if you want the top end performance then you are talking low 70’s with a 225ho
2017 Ranger 518 w/ Evinrude 150HO G2
If your goal is to consistently run 57 or 58, you can probably get there with a 518 set up for optimum speed: light load in the front end, fixed jack plate, no poles, and some prop tuning. Equally importantly, as Chris mentions, if you power with a G2 you will get blistering holeshot and mid-range. Getting there quicker can be accomplished just as well through fast acceleration as through eking out 1 or 2 more mph on top end. Even the guys with 250’s aren’t all seeing mid-70s, except in price, and there’s nothing sluggish about a G2-powered rig. But if you are set on running high 60s or better, I agree that your most bang for the (Ranger) buck is a Z519. Modestly appointed, it runs about the same price as a Z518c, and is around a 70 mph boat with practically any setup.Originally Posted by captainrab
John Clark — Findlay, Ohio
Capt- I know where there is a 2015 Ranger Z-118 w/Evinrude 150 that is a 'leftover'.. It currently is awaiting it's forever garage in Flori-Duh.
I've had my 14 518 at 72 solo and 68/69 2 people with the XS and a 24 Tempest Plus. I load most of my tackle in the rear compartments and run 4 batteries.
Thanks for the input guys. All have valid points. I’m aware of the 519 option but length is a potential issue. My main concern with the 518 non C is the ability to consistently run 57-59 ish. For the 518 money a 55mph boat is not something I’m interested in. May as wellll wait on a decent used 518C which is why I’m very interested in actuall speed with the 2 stroke and 4 stroke. Keep the data coming and thanks so much for the input. The boat mentioned in Florida is appreciated but unless they set it up or guarantee it’s set up to run 57-59 then I’d rather deal local so I don’t have to drive back and forth to Florida in the event that it is a 55 mph boat.
The research I’ve done varies so much is why I’m asking for legit data on the 150 top speeds. Again many thanks for the candor.
Respectfully,
Captain Rab
V1CO 1:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the
world to put to shame the wise; and God has
chosen the weak things of the world to put to
shame the things which are mighty
One thing that drives me nuts is that Ranger does not at least give the "non c" boat a 175hp rating, this would guarantee the speeds you are looking for. The Nitro, Phoenix, Skeeter and others offer 175hp in the 18'8" class of boats and I would have gladly paid another $1500 for the 175hp but not 8-10K for the 200hp. Can't believe those 3 little chrome bars and a "C" on the end of the emblem are worth 50hp (insert sarcasm) when it comes to the hull rating. I came out of a 98 518dvs with a 175 FICHT and it would run 60 all day long loaded to the gills and 64 with just me. That's really what I wanted but I did compromise with the 150 but all that being said I am not unhappy with it.
2017 Ranger 518 w/ Evinrude 150HO G2
Low 50s in mine. No poles, no jackplate, 23p tempest+ is my setup.
57mph is about as fast as I've ever seen alone. I think the new motors might be a tad quicker though.
Pete | 2011 Ranger Z118 | Yamaha HPDI 150
Mine with a G2, loaded with full fuel empty wells runs 58-60 every day. Throw in a second person and wells full its 55-56. I'm also 350 pounds so I'm technically 2 people myself. G2 is a beast as well, Absoultely love it and the 10 year warranty it came with :)
VC Marine
Cashion Rods
Lew's
Vexus Boats
2022 Vexus VX21, 250 ProXS
My Z185 ran 60.4 with full fuel and gear during a couple of short bursts during breakin. Wasn't even trimmed all the way out yet. Hit 60 with my wife but it was rough so I backed off. I think it had a little more left. Boat got rear ended on the way home with about 2 hours on the motor so now I'm boatless for the time being ;(
;(
- 2019 Ranger Z185 - Mercury 150 Pro XS
Man that is horrible. At least you two are alright. The boat can be replaced. I think I have it narrowed down between a z518c or a z119. I found a z119 in Arkansas but that’s a hell of a drive and he has 2 hummingbird 998c which I’m not too found of but other than that if he were in Louisiana I’d prolly buy it. It’s a 2013 listing for 35k.
Respectfully,
Captain Rab
V1CO 1:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the
world to put to shame the wise; and God has
chosen the weak things of the world to put to
shame the things which are mighty
You might give Toby a call at 270-395-4030, we have a very nice Z1119 with a 225 Optimax loaded,,,,,,,RT
Didn't know you were thinking used.
I run about 55 consistently with one passenger, full tank and equipment in my Z518C 150 merc fourstroke. Actually the fastest I've run is 59 but with a 22" Tempest it carries heavy load very well. Would have liked to go for the 200hp but this model can only carry 150hp in Europe so that's why I've a degraded version. Great boat, easily the best craft in its size I've ever seen.
Bassboat: 2018 Ranger Z518 Comanche. Mercury 175hp PRO XS 4S. 6" SlideMaster jackplate. Lowrance Ghost. HDS Live 16" (dash) & 16" (bow). Power Pole Blade 10ft. Li-on batteries.
Z185 Pro XS average 56 with two people, full gas, full oil, water in livewells, and 20 something rods and gear. I have hit 58 alone with gas and gear, but you have to be going into a head wind.
I have a 2012 z518c with a 200 pro xs I’m about to put up for sale. Email me at lanepeeples@aol.com if interested.
i sent you a private message.
Last edited by basscatlane; 06-24-2018 at 04:45 PM.
2012 Ranger Z518 w/ 200 Pro xs
Dude, your wanting the cheaper boat, but expecting too much performance. 2 - 4 mph less than what you want. I have a 118C with a 150, fastest was 55. Some guys can get 57. all depends on elevation and temp. Not everyone can. you shouldn't expect any more than 55 mph. If you get more, then that is a bonus. so give it up and get something with a 200 hp or higher.
2016 Ranger Z518
Mercury 150 HP Fourstroke
May just be me but to worry about 2 mph seems crazy. Drive 100 miles at 55mph takes 1 hour and 49 minutes. Drive 100 miles at 57mph takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. 4 minutes difference for 100 miles..... Everyone has their way of buying a boat tho. Good luck with your search. I am just jealous.....
well for me it wouldnt be so much the top end, it would be the ability to cruise around 45 or 50 without being at near WOT and the resulting wear and tear and fuel consumption.
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