Bass Cat Pantera Classic vs. Ranger z520c fishabiity

[dean c]

Is this even a question? The Ranger 520C is one of, if not the best fishing platforms ever produced. Not a knock on the Cat, but this is no comparison in my opinion. My experience is from owning a Pantera II, a Z521C and fishing a bunch out of a Z520.

[Runsome]

Dean — just curious as to how you compare the Z521C to the Z520 in terms of fishing platform, since you’ve owned both.

[Rich1]

To me, fishability is how the boat actually handles while fishing. Do not care how it gets there. The Pantera is hands down better on a trolling motor than the Ranger. The Ranger wants to move around too much in the wind. The best fishable boat Ranger ever made was the 361. Fished out of both. I will buy the BC before I will take the Ranger free.

[SteezMacQueen]

To me, fishability is how the boat actually handles while fishing. Do not care how it gets there. The Pantera is hands down better on a trolling motor than the Ranger. The Ranger wants to move around too much in the wind. The best fishable boat Ranger ever made was the 361. Fished out of both. I will buy the BC before I will take the Ranger free.

I have fished out of both. Funny you’d pick the BC. I chose a Ranger 520 after being in most major brands. Money was no object. The Ranger easily checked off more boxes than the BassCat.

[apdriver]

I have fished out of both. Funny you’d pick the BC. I chose a Ranger 520 after being in most major brands. Money was no object. The Ranger easily checked off more boxes than the BassCat.

No doubt the Ranger is a great boat. With the trolling motor down, I haven’t noticed much difference. I’ve fished out of both. Where I give BassCat the nod is in big water keeping you dry. The Ranger will get you wet and just puts a rain suit when fishing big water when the wind blows. The BassCat is a much drier ride. It will keep you dry until the wind gets pretty rough. Way better dry ride than the Ranger. Just my .02

[catdude28]

If your signature is correct then either one of these will be far more stable than the boat you have. The Ranger is bigger all the way around so naturally it should be more stable but that Pantera Classic is a really nice boat and 5 years newer. I would base my decision on the overall condition of the rig, price, and the make/hours on the outboard. You probably can't go wrong.

This is a reasonable response. If the conditions, prices, etc. are comparable, I generally prefer the newer boat. Both will still have a 2 stroke. This is not an apples to apples comparison. The Ranger is a foot longer, much heavier, and has a higher HP capacity. You would have to compare it to one of the larger premium BCB models. The Ranger is more stable for fishing than the Classic. I had a 2019 Classic for 4 years. It was fun to drive, crazy holeshot, and very responsive to the troller.

[dean c]

Dean — just curious as to how you compare the Z521C to the Z520 in terms of fishing platform, since you’ve owned both.

Haven’t owned a Z520, but fished from one many times. Of course I prefer the 521C just for the length in rough water. They both fish great and the 520 is more like a sports car, and the 521 a caddy. Some guys say the 520 has more lift and easier to maneuver in tight quarters. Both great boats. If you’re getting wet in a C model Ranger, it’s a cross wind or a shitty driver. Period.

[WarEagle24]

If you’re getting wet in a C model Ranger, it’s a cross wind or a shitty driver. Period.

Truth.

[Runsome]

Haven’t owned a Z520, but fished from one many times. Of course I prefer the 521C just for the length in rough water. They both fish great and the 520 is more like a sports car, and the 521 a caddy. Some guys say the 520 has more lift and easier to maneuver in tight quarters. Both great boats. If you’re getting wet in a C model Ranger, it’s a cross wind or a shitty driver. Period.

Thanks and I totally agree - I’ve got a Z521c and it’s been real good to me on Ontario, Champlain, Cayuga etc.