Qualtiy of Ranger built in last three years compared to other years

[coach76]

I have Ranger Reata 1850 2012 with Yamaha 150 4 stroke on Ranger Aluminum trailer. Before that I own a Ranger Reata 1850 2005. I feel the 2012 Ranger was a better boat than the 05. I wonder if a Ranger 2018 or 2019 would match the quality of my 2012. The reason I ask is that I like to own one more Ranger in my lifetime but afraid of getting an inferior quality boat. I know my Ranger dealer is ordering most of his boats with Mercury engines rather than Evinrude or Yamaha. Appreciate any input on quality of Ranger regardless of model. I did have one negative on my boat and that is all the rivets on most of the lids need to be replaced. Interested in pros and cons on newer Rangers.

[Cestratton]

Your 05 was a Genmar boat, Erwin Jacob's involved a lot of vendors that he had a hand in ownership. For example Tie Down junk.

[coach76]

Your 05 was a Genmar boat, Erwin Jacob's involved a lot of vendors that he had a hand in ownership. For example Tie Down junk.

Sorry, not sure what you mean by Tie Down junk?

[22RangerZ520R]

I had a 2009 Z520, now have a 2018 Z520L. I've noticed zero quality differences between my "Pre-Johnny Morris" Z520 and my current "Johnny Morris" Z520L.

Good luck...

[howieranger]

I had a 2010 Z521 built during the bankruptcy when they were building only 8-10 boats a day with only experienced people after layoffs. That boat was perfect. The new Z521L was almost perfect (there were 2 stripped screws, one holding the counsel sonar panel and one in the splash well cover). The fit and finish is just as good as the 2010 and the wiring is is routed and installed much neater.
I think that most of the problems that sometimes happen are due to the large number new hires as the number of boats has steadily increased in the last few years. Also some dealers just don't prep a boat worth a dam.
Tie Down refers to the brand of brakes axles and hubs that Ranger used 2005-2009, lots of problems.

[coach76]

Thanks 18Ranger and Howieranger, thats very good news for sure

[Ranger 365]

I own a 2018 521L and have only had 1 issue and that is a bad livewell pump. Previously owned a 2004 521vx and I find no difference in Qaulity. Both have been excellent.

[Rip-N-Lip]

I’m going on my 3rd Ranger and will be ordering my new Z520L in the next couple weeks. My last Ranger was a 2017 Z50C and had no issues. I would say Ranger still has the best quality of all manufactured Boats. Although every once and a while there is a problem but no questions asked they will take care of it.

[j791]

I had the dealer write on my 2019 purchase order that I had fit and finish concerns due to rumors all the quality and experienced Ranger employees went to Vexus. My boat arrived pretty much flawless and so far is a dream come true.

[QuarrySlayer]

I've had 3 Rangers in the last 10 years, sold my 2016 z520. I will not be buying a ranger anymore. Every boat was progressively worse. I've heard similar stories from friends who are die hard ranger guys who still won't look elsewhere even though they share my belief. Without personal experience I'd take all of our opinions with a grain of salt.

[Rickybobby]

Quality has always been there but due to the Ranger and Triton going down the same line may be not as much attention to detail but I haven't noticed anything in the last 3 years.But they have moved Triton over to the Legend plant I think it's alot better situation for both brands as you can see why it could be a handle having chevy come down your line then the very next one is a Ford no knock on any brands but they use different equipment so I think that is a plus what a JM done there.....

[jt c]

I've owned 3 rangers. A 2006 z20 was great finish although I didn't buy new. A 2018 z519 that was terrible had several issues so they replaced it and the 2nd 2018 is a much better fit and finish but still having the same issue that caused them to replace it before and that's the livewells leaking into the rear dry storage compartments

[BrianFLA]

I saw no difference in quality between my 2008 and 2015, my buddy who owns a ranger dealership gets a new boat every yr and I have fished out of all of them, quality is classic ranger.. TOP!!!

[bloodman]

My 2018 is much better than my 2014. I have had every panel and screw out of it and much much better. The trailer also.

[West By God]

2018 Z520C no issues fit and finish is what I expected.

[coach76]

I appreciate all the input and replies, I am on a Walleye site since my boat is an 1850 and many of the replies were not good. I am looking at the 1880 Angler and its just seems like the majority of the reports are not so good. I will keep reading and will try to talk to new Ranger owners in NE Ohio and see if I get some better feedback on the 18880. Again I thank all of you in taking the time to respond

[Ka'King]

I had a 2009 Z520, now have a 2018 Z520L. I've noticed zero quality differences between my "Pre-Johnny Morris" Z520 and my current "Johnny Morris" Z520L.

Good luck...

Dilly dilly...same for me.

[Cestratton]

Sorry, not sure what you mean by Tie Down junk?

Tie Down Engineering was the brand of axles and brake components, I believe Jacob's had a stake in that company. I've got a 2007 Genmar and its flawless, unless it has blisters which I'm scared to look. I see no difference between quality in my current boat, our previous 1997, and a new one. I had my axle, brake rotar, and calipers replaced with UFP components. For the last six years I have to thoroughly go through all areas of the factory and nothing has changed except for people lately going to Vexus.

[Jasonray]

had several rangers and several problems...doesnt matter what you get..sooner or later it will have some glitches...but if Im going to have problems...I rather have a ranger



have 520L now...im going back to 520C

[Cestratton]

had several rangers and several problems...doesnt matter what you get..sooner or later it will have some glitches...but if Im going to have problems...I rather have a ranger



have 520L now...im going back to 520C

Why do you prefer the 520C over the L? Just curious.