Looking at a z175

after months of going from dream rig(520C) to practical, meaning will fit into my garage and I don't fish professionally so having an issue with $60k+ sitting in a boat storage building 30 minutes away @ $250/month, i'm seriously considering the z175 w/115 merc command thrust. Anyone have one or fished out of one? How much of a drop from the 518 is it, other than the obvious size/hp.
518 is $10k more, worth it? rough water ride? stability? So guess I'm asking if the difference in the performance of those two is worth the $10K
Upgrades considering:
does it need a jack plate?
fortrex 80(just for the lift assist)
low 7 TI front and back

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Originally Posted by bassin70

after months of going from dream rig(520C) to practical, meaning will fit into my garage and I don't fish professionally so having an issue with $60k+ sitting in a boat storage building 30 minutes away @ $250/month, i'm seriously considering the z175 w/115 merc command thrust. Anyone have one or fished out of one? How much of a drop from the 518 is it, other than the obvious size/hp.
518 is $10k more, worth it? rough water ride? stability? So guess I'm asking if the difference in the performance of those two is worth the $10K
Upgrades considering:
does it need a jack plate?
fortrex 80(just for the lift assist)
low 7 TI front and back

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Pete from Angler's Port did an excellent write up with pictures and numbers for the very combo your talking about. Find it and read it.

did exactly that several times, which is why I even considered it. then went and walked around and in it. test drive is next, but need to know from those that own it.

I do not have a z175, but have a z117 and love everything about it, very stable 17 foot platform, does between 46 and 47 WOT GPS with me solo with a yamaha 4 stroke. I looked at the z175 at my buddies Ranger shop, great looking ride, lots of storage. I would not expect the performance to too much different.

Thank you Brian, exactly what i'm wanting to know!

pulled the trigger today on the z175. Merc 115 4S Command Thrust 24P Tempest SS
nothing too flashy, will add more things as I decide I can't live w/o them:)
2 Low 7 TI's Down and Side
custom raised travel cover
70 MK Edge
keel guard

Id bet that boat will push low 50's if rigged with the new Merc 4s ProXS.

:praying:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bassin70

pulled the trigger today on the z175. Merc 115 4S Command Thrust 24P Tempest SS
nothing too flashy, will add more things as I decide I can't live w/o them:)
2 Low 7 TI's Down and Side
custom raised travel cover
70 MK Edge
keel guard

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i dont know if that motor will spin a 24 tempest. the 150 wont on my sub 18 footer. i did try it, and it struggled to get to 5K. the 23 tempest is what i have.

Congrats. I wish I could downsize but for the waters I fish, it just isn't practical or safe.

That was my thought originally too. However, the command thrust (disclaimer, this is what I've found from merc) has a larger gear case which allows it to turn a much larger wheel than a normal 115hp. Kind of combines the 4s positives with the low end torque of the 2s. my understanding is that it was created for pontoons originally, someone thought about putting it on small bass boats:), over several beers I'm sure.

Anyhow, it came from merc with the huge SS 24P, so guessing they wouldn't put something on it that would cause them to buy me a new motor in the next 5 years:)).

No jack plate, but I will let you guys know what I can get out of it with light tackle and my 225# of pure rock hard sculpted lard.:)))

I'm planning on adding the anchors in the winter and will keep updates on this as well. after I get more feedback from others I would consider a JP if needed. so if you know anyone that has a 175 w/plate let me know I'd like to bend their ear.

Congratulations! Pics pics pics please....

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Originally Posted by BrianFLA

Congratulations! Pics pics pics please....

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^^^^ What he said! Congrats BTW!

sweet rides those 175s

enjoy

Thank you guys. Will post pics, pick up saturday morning. I might put 20 hours on it by monday morning:).
Been lurking on this forum for a few years, specifically Ranger. Amazing how people from all over the country can come together and be so supportive over a common love of fishing and Ranger boats. No care of race, religion, income, or anything (only if you like something other than Ranger:laugh:. But seriously, great to see what happens in society when the govt doesn't try to engineer it.

Will get picks up soon, took it out Sunday, LOVE IT, took down wind to find out how she rode in the white caps. very impressed, by no means riding like a 21 footer, but for 17.5, no complaints. on the water the boat feels larger than what it does on the trailer. Storage: all my junk and plently of storage left, going through break in so hopefully in a month or so I'll be able to get her wide open.

If anyone has a jack plate on a 117 or 175 and give me a go no go, I'd appreciate it. same with the pair of Talons, not thinking the pumps will fit in the back.