Getting a new boat soon, thought I wanted a 520 but now find myself leaning towards a 521. Besides storage and maneuverability depending on how you fish what are other down sides to consider? I fish year round in all conditions and feel the extra 7" would be a great benefit. Just looking for other perspective.
thanks in advance
I have a 521 my partner has a 520. Fishing from both i don’t feel any size difference of significance. The 521 has that extra cooler but IMO and it’s just my opinion i feel like the 520 has a slightly better ride and it is faster but it also has that “lighter” feel at the wheel when your driving it. I feel more bow lift in the 520 when running. We run same engine and same prop only difference is he has 8” jackplate and i have a 10” and he for sure carries more tackle than i do.
I opted for the 520 platform for the wider front deck. I've had my Z520 and a buddies Z521 out on the Great Lakes in some nasty stuff and both handled great. I didn't notice a "night and day" difference in the rides in rough stuff between my buddies Z521 and my Z520. I spend 95% of my time at the trolling motor, so I wanted more space up there... I prefer the extra width at the trolling motor vs. the extra overall length.
I also noticed that the port rod box opening is smaller in the Z521 vs the Z520, I like the bigger opening to get my rods out easily. You do gain a compartment/cooler on the front deck of the Z521 like mentioned above.
It's all personal preference, you can't go wrong with either of those two boats.
Good luck with your choice....
2022 Ranger Z520R | 2022 Platinum F250
Apex 19 | (2) Apex 16's | Mega 360 | Mega Live
I run 17 z521. I just hoped in a new 520L at the dealer to check out. It felt really small for me in comparison when sitting at the helm. I noticed the front storage boxes are smaller and shallower than mine...especially starboard boxes. Downside to the 21 is it's longer which rules it out for many with garage size issues and is slower in comparison to the 20.
In my opinion and experience. Both are great rides, but the 520 is easier to keep the nose up and not stuff a wave when you're in big rollers. Especially when you're going with the wind in 5 footers plus, you can easily ride a wheelie in the 520.
The right prop on any 21 foot Ranger, and it can "wheelie" all day long.
I had the same dilemma this time last year; I went with 521. The extra cooler has become my "day box" and I love it. I'm not in 5' rollers as often as I'm in 2-3' chop. I love that I can put the nose into those and just hammer down! I have not found my 521 to be a dog, just have to trim her all the way up and get it out of the water to get that last few miles per hour. Had a solid 70 loaded with a partner last weekend.
2018 Ranger 521C, 2023 Merc 250 Pro XS 4S (3B261295), 36V Ultrex, 10" Atlas, Power Poles, Lowrance 12 Carbon, and 2-12 Lives.
There is no down side to a Z521c...
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I bought my Z521 on a whim.... I wish I would have held out and waited. I strongly feel the Z520c would have been a better fit for me.
David Geske
Boatless Family Man
This!Originally Posted by dean c
I will always have a 21 you couldn't give me a 20. I wish Ranger would of made the 522 with the same back deck as an 21 and added the other foot to the front I would have one.
04 521VX 250 Pro XS
14 521C 250 Pro XS
Came out of a 521 into a 520 L.....definitely feels a bit sportier to drive...thought at first I might regret it but dang I love that 520 it fishes better....really...I think....hahaha....
good luck as it’s a tough decision oh I’m a bit clumsy and a bit older (55) so the extra deck size of the 520 helps that...
Had a z520, now a z521c. I don’t notice much difference. I do like the extra cooler in the 21, as I keep extra bags of ice in there during the summer so that I can cool down the live wells. Also, I like the extra 10 inches in length, as I fish lake of the Ozarks (which gets rough). I did like the wider front deck and sportier feel of the z520, tho.
520 is wider which is nice on the TM, faster and easier to keep the nose up. Can also say sportier which some like but the 21 is mare stable and easier to drive. Personal preference there.
The 21 has better storage, is much better in 2 - 3 foot chop nd feels like a Cadillac.
Pretty close to 50/50 it seems for preference. To me it depends on your style a little bit. I do have a friend that has both and he runs his 521 80% of the time and clearly prefers it.
What type of water do you fish the most and how do you prefer to fish?
AMEN !
I'm in a z521c and you would need dynamite to get me out of it.
Ah dynamite, for when the bite is really tough.
2000 Ranger 520DVX 225hpdi
Have had 521VX, Z21, 521c, and have a 521Lon order, and not once have I ever said to myself out in the boat, "man I wish this was 1' shorter". Love the storage, Love the ride, 21' all day long. Would run a 522 if BASS and FLW would allow 300 or 350HP.
They are both 2 great boats, the only advantage of the 521 is the ability to have a little more storage which I prefer, I would agree the 520 is a bit sportier. Think of it as a Tahoe vs Suburban
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