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  1. #1
    Member Cgs1967!'s Avatar
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    Z518c or z520c question

    I will be in a position to upgrade next year. Is the Z518c or L worth it or just go with the Z520. I would buy a new Z518L or a two year old Z520. What's the better way to go and why? I fish small, medium and larger lakes. Lakes like Douglas in Tn, Guntersville, AL, lake Mitchell, AL, lake Norman, NC. I've had my old 17 foot Ranger on lake Erie inv3 footers. Just cant go very fast and was occasionally getting water over the bow. Usually dont fish the great lakes though.
    2018 Ranger Z518C 200hp Rude.
    12 inch HDS Carbon
    9 inch HDS Carbon

    2022 Ram 2500 6.7l Cummins

  2. Member Kingwood 520's Avatar
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    #2
    I went from 17' Ranger (21 years) to a 2 year old (2016) Z520c last year. GREAT MOVE!!!! Love the Z520c. Ride is great. Space is fantastic. You get used to it almost immediately and can't imagine why you had a smaller boat for so long.

  3. Member
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    #3
    A new Z518L will cost almost as much as a new Z520c Cup boat with the same options. If you can store it, you will probably be happier with the bigger boat.

  4. Member
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    #4
    I fish a lot of the same lakes you fish and have a 2012 Z520.Just ordered a new Z520C. Went with the C over the L for the difference in hulland console design. The Cup price package is also a great deal unless you haveyour heart set on a different motor. I prefer the additional storage space andlarger front deck on the 20. The advantage of a Z518 is it is more maneuverablein tight spaces. In my opinion the 20 rides and fishes better than the 18.

  5. Member
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    #5
    If you have the storage room the 20 footer will be a better choice on larger water. You can always make do with the 18, but in terms of pure comfort the 20 will beat it hands down.

  6. Member Cgs1967!'s Avatar
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    #6
    I was getting a recall on my Ranger done last week. While there the dealer had a new 2018 Z518C with an Evinrude 200hp. He tried talking me into buying it for $50,000 out the door. Then I saw he had a used 2016 Z520C low hours for $55,000. I starting thinking the used Z520C was close to the new Z518C in price. I told him I wouldn't be ready until next year. That's why I figure I will start doing my homework now. I fish by myself 90% of the time. Sometimes a friend or my wife will join me. Just trying to figure out which way to go.
    2018 Ranger Z518C 200hp Rude.
    12 inch HDS Carbon
    9 inch HDS Carbon

    2022 Ram 2500 6.7l Cummins

  7. Member Cgs1967!'s Avatar
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    #7
    Sorry, for the double post.
    2018 Ranger Z518C 200hp Rude.
    12 inch HDS Carbon
    9 inch HDS Carbon

    2022 Ram 2500 6.7l Cummins

  8. Ranger Boats Moderator jc2bg's Avatar
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    #8
    There’s a lot of difference in size between those two boats, with all of the accompanying differences in rough water ride, storage, etc. There’s no question the most bang for your buck is the used boat. Aside from warranty [which always makes one more comfortable if you have at least a year or two remaining], and possibly getting more of the features you desire on the new boat, value-wise you will have much less depreciation on a clean used rig. Also, when you hit $50k with a smaller boat, the resale/trade-in market is much more limited. On a different note, have you considered splitting the difference with a Z519? There never seem to be as many of them around in the low-mileage, used market, but new ones start at just over $50k. It doesn’t ride like a 520, but makes a very nice compromise.
    John Clark — Findlay, Ohio

  9. Member Cgs1967!'s Avatar
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    #9
    Quote Originally Posted by jc2bg View Post
    There’s a lot of difference in size between those two boats, with all of the accompanying differences in rough water ride, storage, etc. There’s no question the most bang for your buck is the used boat. Aside from warranty [which always makes one more comfortable if you have at least a year or two remaining], and possibly getting more of the features you desire on the new boat, value-wise you will have much less depreciation on a clean used rig. Also, when you hit $50k with a smaller boat, the resale/trade-in market is much more limited. On a different note, have you considered splitting the difference with a Z519? There never seem to be as many of them around in the low-mileage, used market, but new ones start at just over $50k. It doesn’t ride like a 520, but makes a very nice compromise.
    Funny you said that. I started looking at specs on the Z519c today.
    2018 Ranger Z518C 200hp Rude.
    12 inch HDS Carbon
    9 inch HDS Carbon

    2022 Ram 2500 6.7l Cummins

  10. Member
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    #10
    For what it’s worth... I had an older Z21, bought a brand new Z519C. It was a great boat. If you fish bigger waves, go with the 20 footer. While I am no longer in a Ranger, I went with a 20 ft boat this time. If you can afford it and store it, go with the 20 footer.
    2019 Phoenix 920 ProXP
    Mercury 250 4S ProXS

  11. Member diveshades's Avatar
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    #11
    Drive to Missouri and buy Ka'Kings boat. Check it out on the Ranger boats for sale before it is gone. I think you will be super happy with his 519


    FLORIDA BOAT: 2016 Ranger 519, Mercury 225 Pro XS, Atlas 6" hydraulic jack plate, Motor Guide Tour Pro, Humminbird Helix 12SI Mega chirp on console, Helix 12SI up front, dual 8' power poles, livewell pumpout



    LET US NOT LOSE SIGHT OF HOW FORTUNATE WE ARE TO ENJOY FISHING AND THE OUTDOORS! CATCHING JUST MAKES IT A BIT SWEETER!

  12. Member
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    #12
    my 2 cents. A new 518L or 519 (both start around $48k) will have the new Mercury 200/225 hp fourstroke. these boats should run close to 70 mph if not over 70. smaller storage or garage needed.

    A used Z520: if you want a fourstroke, you will have to look around a bit to find one. needs more storage or larger garage possibly. could be a better deal because if its rigged already, then you are getting graphs and any other upgrades a discount as well.

    If it were me and i had space to store a Z520, i would get the Z520. Buddy has a Z519 and its awesome. Better ride than my Z118C, a bit more storage. really nice boat.
    2016 Ranger Z518
    Mercury 150 HP Fourstroke

  13. Member Cgs1967!'s Avatar
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    #13
    Quote Originally Posted by badMackrel View Post
    my 2 cents. A new 518L or 519 (both start around $48k) will have the new Mercury 200/225 hp fourstroke. these boats should run close to 70 mph if not over 70. smaller storage or garage needed.

    A used Z520: if you want a fourstroke, you will have to look around a bit to find one. needs more storage or larger garage possibly. could be a better deal because if its rigged already, then you are getting graphs and any other upgrades a discount as well.

    If it were me and i had space to store a Z520, i would get the Z520. Buddy has a Z519 and its awesome. Better ride than my Z118C, a bit more storage. really nice boat.
    Thanks, for your insight.
    2018 Ranger Z518C 200hp Rude.
    12 inch HDS Carbon
    9 inch HDS Carbon

    2022 Ram 2500 6.7l Cummins

  14. Scraps
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    #14
    Quote Originally Posted by diveshades View Post
    Drive to Missouri and buy Ka'Kings boat. Check it out on the Ranger boats for sale before it is gone. I think you will be super happy with his 519
    There are a few really nicely outfitted 519s on the board that have me thinking. One there with a SHO. Some have warranty left.
    2017 Phoenix 819
    2016 200ProXS, s/n 2B359849, Mod 1200P73BD