Just bought a 2002 520VX!

[KTM]

Hey all,

New here and a new boat owner! I've been fishing all my life here in Oregon, but this is my first experience with a real bass boat. Yesterday I got an 02 520 DVX with an 02 225 Optimax. We used to tournament fish locally, but it was out of a small boat. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions, but just wanted to introduce myself and if any of you have any advice it would be appreciated. Thanks!

[GhostComanche]

Welcome and congratulations..........................That model boat was probably one of Rangers best ever fishing platforms..............................RR

[KTM]

Thanks. Just have to figure out what I'm doing with all this boat and motor now haha. Took it out today and I'm definitely not happy with the outboards' performance. Pretty sure it's the prop. It came with a Tempest plus 27 at the dealers recommendation and it won't get out of it's own way when I get on it. Takes forever to get on plane. From what I've read and seen I think I need a 25 to start with and see how my performance changes. That's before I learn how to use the jack plate and everything else... Lots to learn. The fishing will be the easy part!

[Spinnerb8]

Congrats! You'll love that boat. 520's are awesome platforms.

[Late Bite]

Congrats! We do require pictures here! LOL

[RangerRumps]

welcome and lets see some pics of that rig!!!

[Bassin Bob71]

Welcome and congrats. A 24 Fury or 25 Tempest would be a good starting point fow what prop to run

[dean c]

Congrats!

[Maddog10]

Thanks. Just have to figure out what I'm doing with all this boat and motor now haha. Took it out today and I'm definitely not happy with the outboards' performance. Pretty sure it's the prop. It came with a Tempest plus 27 at the dealers recommendation and it won't get out of it's own way when I get on it. Takes forever to get on plane. From what I've read and seen I think I need a 25 to start with and see how my performance changes. That's before I learn how to use the jack plate and everything else... Lots to learn. The fishing will be the easy part!

This may be a dumb question but since you say you are new to bass boats I'm going to ask anyway. Did you have you motor trimmed down when you took off? That prop may not be optimal for the boats performance, but it should be able to "get out of it's own way." However, if you don't have the motor trimmed down on the holeshot you will get a lot of bow lift and just be plowing water for a few seconds. My boat is an 01 520VX with a 225 Yamaha. Trimmed down it hops up on plane in no time with very little bow lift. Trimmed up is a completely different story. Like I said, may be a dumb question but may also save you from buying a new prop if you didn't know about this.

You will love that boat btw! I know I love mine.

[cxp138]

This may be a dumb question but since you say you are new to bass boats I'm going to ask anyway. Did you have you motor trimmed down when you took off? That prop may not be optimal for the boats performance, but it should be able to "get out of it's own way." However, if you don't have the motor trimmed down on the holeshot you will get a lot of bow lift and just be plowing water for a few seconds. My boat is an 01 520VX with a 225 Yamaha. Trimmed down it hops up on plane in no time with very little bow lift. Trimmed up is a completely different story. Like I said, may be a dumb question but may also save you from buying a new prop if you didn't know about this.

You will love that boat btw! I know I love mine.

+1
Mine is 3 years old to me and the fishing platform is simply amazing...couldn't imagine ever giving her up. If you have the dual rangertrail with fairings I had some horrible oxidation that has been on the bottom of the list of items to take care of since I purchased. Finally got some time this weekend. Meguires polishing compound on the orbital followed by 2 coats of Protec sealer did the trick! If I would have known it would turn out like brand new I would have snapped before/afters. Simply amazing products if you have the same issue. Best of luck and enjoy!

[STRETCH1]

Thanks. Just have to figure out what I'm doing with all this boat and motor now haha. Took it out today and I'm definitely not happy with the outboards' performance. Pretty sure it's the prop. It came with a Tempest plus 27 at the dealers recommendation and it won't get out of it's own way when I get on it. Takes forever to get on plane. From what I've read and seen I think I need a 25 to start with and see how my performance changes. That's before I learn how to use the jack plate and everything else... Lots to learn. The fishing will be the easy part!

Congrats on your new ride. I have a 200 Ranger 520 with a 225 OPTI. The boat came from teh factory with a 25 tempest prop, never an issue with performance. If you have any questions feel free to ask as I have been through everything

[civicrr]

25P Tempest Plus, 25P Trophy Plus, 24P Fury & 25P Bravo 1 XS are all good props for that hull. 27P is way, way too much prop.

[larryhyco]

welcome to the family

[Z518 Comanche]

Congrats on your Ranger!! Enjoy!

[BrianFLA]

Congrats! Welcome to the Ranger family!

[MengRanger]

I had the 01 version of that rig. Unless the motor has been modified, the 25 Tempest is the ticket from my experiences. Other options noted above. Hard to beat the Tempest for top end, but a Fury or Bravo may be more enjoyable all around. You will really love the way that rig fishes!

[wmitch2]

I would suggest a Trophy Plus with small vent plugs. Had a simular problem with mine. Changed to small plugs, now on plane in 3 sec. and runs an easy 68 A 27 is way to much prop !!

[Gator_Fan]

Pic's or it didn't happen LOL
Welcome to the club !

[Carlos H]

good info here and WELCOME to the boards!!

[crawdadking]

Congrats and welcome