Good morning,
I am in the market for a z520c Intracoastal and from the best I can tell they were built from 2014 to 2018. My intended use of it would be pretty much exactly what they were designed for; fishing bass tournaments with my Son as well as going after Speckled Trout and Redfish. However, finding one of these rigs for sale has been a bit of a challenge, which had led me to researching the actual differences between the Intracoastal and the Standard models. Here is what my research has yielded thus far:
--Obviously the Intracoastal model has foam on the deck vs. carpet and I feel like on the Intracoastal model the deck lids were slightly modified to close in the gaps as well as the deck lid lips were finished out as on the Standard model that area would be covered with carpet. However, from the best I can tell they are setup identically below deck as the Port and Center Rod Lockers on both are fully finished fiberglass with rubber matting. Then both models have carpet in the two starboard storage boxes. This surprised me a bit as I figured that the Intracoastal model wouldn't have had any carpet at all in in but from my research (looking at pictures and videos online) it appears that even the Intracoastal model does have carpet in those starboard storage boxes.
--I was able to confirm with Ranger that both models are wired exactly the same (tinned wiring).
--From the best I can tell the Stainless-Steel Hardware and Fittings are the same, I should have confirmed that while I had someone from Ranger on the phone. If it turns out that there is a difference in the grade of Stainless-Steel, then those items could easily be replaced.
--Trim Tabs appear to have been a standard feature on the Intracoastal model and I assume you could simply add them to the Standard model (if you felt they are needed) assuming the transoms were built the same. Again, I should have confirmed that with Ranger when I was on the phone with them.
--The Intracoastal model came standard with an aluminum trailer.
--Trolling motor was a toss-up as there were multiple options. Whichever direction I go I'll most likely put a Garmin on it as it's Saltwater rated and has a good/responsive foot-pedal.
With there being a lack of inventory for the Intracoastal model, I am considering just targeting a Standard z520c (2014-2018) and doing the following to it:
--Pull out the carpet on the decks and cockpit and go back with SeaDeck or something similar.
--I might would even look at pulling out the carpet on the two starboard storage boxes and go back with either some type of webbing spray or SeaDeck in those boxes.
--If I felt like the boat needed Trim Tabs for shallow water hole-shots then I would add them.
--Replace the TM with a Garmin so that it would have a true foot-pedal style TM that is Saltwater rated.
--On the trailer I would just use the tube style trailer until it started rusting out and then replace it with an aluminum trailer. I understand the maintenance and the cleaning/washdown needed when used in Saltwater so it's not like the trailer is going to fall apart after a couple of dunks in Saltwater.
Thus, I am reaching out to you guys that have owned or fished out of the Intracoastal model to see if I am missing something that really sets it apart from the Standard model?
Thanks for your time and input!!
Todd
Reply With Quote
