Thread: New boat advice

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  1. #1
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    Question New boat advice

    All, I am inner turmoil about purchasing a new boat. Im looking at a loaded z518L with new Merc, HDS 9s, Ultrex 80, tandem trailer with challenger wheels. The quote is for $48000 which I think is a good deal. My dilemma is should I spend that amount on an 18 foot boat or take that money and buy larger used boat. Opinions and input is appreciated.
    2016 Ranger Z518
    2018 Ranger Z518
    2019 Ranger RT198P, 150 Pro 4s, Dual Blades

  2. Member
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    #2
    Only you can decide what is best for your needs and budget. I'd personally rather have the full size. Some would rather have new with warranty.

  3. Member
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    #3
    Personally I'd go for a used 20ftr over a new 18ftr every day of the week, but you do whatever makes you happy.....

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    #4
    Your probably going to be in the 14-15 models for the money. Make sure the original warranty is still good and then figure on adding the max warranty. I have never had less than a 20ft, so don't have any real world opinions.

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    #5
    Go bigger.... I made the step from 18’6 to 21’. No comparison in fish ability! The bigger more stable boat is the way to go. IMHO...
    Jim
    2019 Ranger 521L Intracoastal
    2002 Triton TX186 Intracoastal

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    #6
    Biggest issue with larger boats is storage. If you cannot properly store it, I would go smaller boat route.

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    #7
    I feel the same way as all of you. Bigger is better and storage isn’t an issue. The only issue I have buying a used boat is that a 4 stroke motor is hard to come by.
    2016 Ranger Z518
    2018 Ranger Z518
    2019 Ranger RT198P, 150 Pro 4s, Dual Blades

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    #8
    There are a few Yamaha's out there

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    #9
    Can u swing the 19?

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    #10
    Go bigger than an 18ft, no doubt

  11. Member
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    #11
    The 519 is $58k and that’s more than i want so spend given the amount of time on actually in the water.
    2016 Ranger Z518
    2018 Ranger Z518
    2019 Ranger RT198P, 150 Pro 4s, Dual Blades

  12. Member nojretlas's Avatar
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    #12
    Wait I got a quote for much more than that...what motor?
    Boatless

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    #13
    If you're having the "is this boat big enough ??" conversation with yourself then you know the answer to your question.


    (Go with a clean used 519 or 520)
    Last edited by BassinLA13; 01-17-2019 at 06:40 PM.
    2024 Z520R / 2022 250 ProXS

  14. Member
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    #14
    Quote Originally Posted by bamarig06 View Post
    The 519 is $58k and that’s more than i want so spend given the amount of time on actually in the water.
    Mercury Pro XS 4 stroke 225
    2016 Ranger Z518
    2018 Ranger Z518
    2019 Ranger RT198P, 150 Pro 4s, Dual Blades

  15. Member
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    #15
    Definitely leaning toward the used route. Just tough to meet budget with low hours and warranty left. I’ve found a 16 520 with SHO “300” hours with warranty until 2021. At what amount of hours would you cut off consideration?
    2016 Ranger Z518
    2018 Ranger Z518
    2019 Ranger RT198P, 150 Pro 4s, Dual Blades

  16. Member
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    #16
    Quote Originally Posted by BassinLA13 View Post
    If you're having the "is this boat big enough ??" conversation with yourself then you know the answer to your question.


    (Go with a clean used 519 or 520)
    This!

    - 2019 Ranger Z185 - Mercury 150 Pro XS

  17. Member
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    #17
    Quote Originally Posted by bamarig06 View Post
    Definitely leaning toward the used route. Just tough to meet budget with low hours and warranty left. I’ve found a 16 520 with SHO “300” hours with warranty until 2021. At what amount of hours would you cut off consideration?
    I'd imagine the four stroke should last a very long time if maintained, ran properly, and not abused. 300 is considered by some internet gurus to be a lifetime of use but I put 100 hrs/year on myself.

  18. Member
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    #18
    So is 300 hours too many to consider buying?
    2016 Ranger Z518
    2018 Ranger Z518
    2019 Ranger RT198P, 150 Pro 4s, Dual Blades