I am going Ranger in 2020 and just noticed that the 2020 Z521L has been rated for a 300HP. I have never run a 300 and was wondering if someone here has and can comment on the performance difference versus a 250 Pro XS.
I am going Ranger in 2020 and just noticed that the 2020 Z521L has been rated for a 300HP. I have never run a 300 and was wondering if someone here has and can comment on the performance difference versus a 250 Pro XS.
With the 300 just now being installed on Z521L you might have to wait for some real world numbers. Or your dealer may have driven one at the dealer meeting and can give some feed back. It should be a rocket out of the hole and I would WAG a top end 73-74 loaded. My wife would not be happy if I traded now but it sure is tempting.
2018 Z521L 250 PRO XS V8
A 300 would make the Z521 finally a solid 70 mph+ boat. I don't think the difference from a 250 will be dramatic however. Just a good 2-3 mph increase in top end and a little better hole shot. At those kind of speeds the drag (both water and air resistance) increase exponentially.
Butch Derickson
2011 Z521 w/250 hp SHO
Traverse City, Michigan
My Z521C already has hit 73.4 on its best day with a 250 pro XS and a 4 blade fury with an atlas JP 1/2 tank of gas I posted the snapshot here on BBC of the HDS 12 GPS SOG regular speed is 68 to 70 WOT fast enough for me its a big boat and not known to be fast with a 250 but every hull runs different with a different driver.
Yes Topgun, I have an older Z521 (2011) and 68-70 @5840 rpm is what I get with a 24" Fury 4. It wasn't much better with the 25 T1 that I ran previously. I have a SHO. Best speed I have ever seen with the boat is 72.5 mph @6100 rpm. That was in October with 45F air temperature and a slight tailwind and almost no gas in the tank.
The 25 T1 would run 6000 rpm and about 70-71 with a light load.
I have seen several stating they get 70+ @6000 rpm on the 521 with a 25" Fury 4. Mine just wouldn't pull that prop more than 5600-5700 rpm
Butch Derickson
2011 Z521 w/250 hp SHO
Traverse City, Michigan
Take it from me...the 300xs makes a big difference.
RangerBasser
Captain Paul, USCG Captain
Merchant Marine XO
Ranger Z22 Comanche
Mercury 300XS Racing
I ran in the boat with a 300 at the dealer meeting. It ran 68 with about 250 pounds of people. It was slow, but i assume it just want set up right. It was also SLOW getting out of the hole, (Trim all the way down).
Does anyone have any idea about when we can start getting some real use data on this configuration with the boat set up right? I hate to be the guinea pig but I may just do it. Someone’s gotta do it.
I couldn't stand it - I've got one on the way. I'll be sure to post as much as I can regarding prop testing and final performance metrics. Just 8 weeks and counting!
From a 250 to a 300 you’ll prolly see a 5-7 mph gain on a heavier hull boat.
BULLET 20 XRD/250 Merc Sport XS
www.ncboatguy.com
I have a 2021 z521 L w300. It comes standard with a Fury 23p prop and I have the TH Marine hydraulic jackplate. With 2 guys, full tank and loaded gear the hole shot is 2-3 seconds so I am happy there. The top speed for me so far with this load is 68 at 6150 RPM. I am trimmed almost to the max and the Jackplate is set around 12 which if my measurements where right had the center of the prop about 3.25” below the bottom of the hull. I’m hoping to try a Fury 24P this weekend for comparison.
2020 Ranger 521L Tour, 300 Mercury, 112 Minn Kota Ultrex
3 12" Helix Units, Mega Si, Mega Di, Mega 360, Garmin 8412 W LiveScope mounted on Rite Hite Turret.
Why mess around? I think I’d go Jaguar/450R if I wanted a big boat that’s fast.