Were there any changes in the hull of the 520vx over the years from 2001 to 2008? Anything I should look for in particular if buying one of the early versions? Do they all have ratchet tie-downs on the trailers?
Were there any changes in the hull of the 520vx over the years from 2001 to 2008? Anything I should look for in particular if buying one of the early versions? Do they all have ratchet tie-downs on the trailers?
I'm sure some Ranger experts will chime in but, if my memory serves me right the 520 bottom is the same as the 488. The bottom has not changed since day one. I'm not sure about the top but, I owned a 2006 520 and the top looked like my buddies 2001 520. I will say in my opinion it is one of the best riding and fishing platforms ever made. They are awesome boats.
I have an 01 and live it. My trailer had ratcheting tie downs. Not sure if they all do or not.
I also have a 2001 520. Newer trailer though.
Cant answer about the hull 2001 vs 2008.
Make sureyou give a long hard look at the compartment lids. ANY cracking will lead to soft spots if they arent already soft. I replaced all of mine with custom aluminum ones.
There are some changes to look out for. Unfortunately my reference is for a 1999 model that I owned, but it may help you. the Hull did not change, but some things did. In 1999 the controls for the live well and tanks ran down the side of the boat. I liked it, but not really a big deal that they moved them forward to the console. In 1999 the trailer was painted. I think it was 2002 when they came out with the road armor trailer. That is great at preventing rock chips and rust. In 2003 they came out with SRS (soft ride seats) I love them and find them way better then the seat they had in 1999. In 2003 they came out with digital controls. I have never had them, but I can certainly live without them. Just seems like more to go wrong. Somewhere around 2006 they started pre cutting a place for the recessed trolling motors. That is a must for every boat I own. You can put them in the older models, but it does mean cutting the deck and removing the foam. 100's do it without a problem to include me, but there is always a risk invovled. Please don't hold me accountable for exact dates, but this could be a list of differences to look for in year models.
Thank you all for the info and tips. I will put this stuff on my list of questions for sellers as well as what to look for during my search.Some nice older ones out there I have seen.Just hope to find something a little closer to home.
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Mocatt »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I'm sure some Ranger experts will chime in but, if my memory serves me right the 520 bottom is the same as the 488. The bottom has not changed since day one. I'm not sure about the top but, I owned a 2006 520 and the top looked like my buddies 2001 520. I will say in my opinion it is one of the best riding and fishing platforms ever made. They are awesome boats. </td></tr></table>
When they came out with the 520 in 2000 they did not change the hull at all until 2008 when they came out with the Z520 which is 1.5 inchges wider across the beam and of course they moved the seats back 11 inches. All the 520 in those days were some of the best rigs Ranger had ever made until the Z series came out.
does anyone know exactly what year they came out with the precut recessed trolling motor tray? I had heard that was an option on earlier models but decked over the top of it. Just curious.
One thing I noticed was cosmetic. The top Comanche stripe on my 01 stopped before it reached the bow, like these I found in the Ranger owners gallery.
Later years the Comanche strip went all the way to the bow, which I personally liked better.
I think in 2002 they went to flush Perko style locker lids too. The 01 I had used elevated lids that were painful if stepped on barefoot.
I don't think the hull changed at all, just style changes here and there.
Capt1fish,sharp looking rig.Its amazing how 10 and 12 year old Rangers look like they could pass for much newer boats.I looked at an 05' the other day that looked like it just rolled off the line.They seem to hold up really well compared to other brands.
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by kldad06 »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">does anyone know exactly what year they came out with the precut recessed trolling motor tray? I had heard that was an option on earlier models but decked over the top of it. Just curious.</td></tr></table>
2005 Z boats were the first for pre cut.
Thanks. I have a 2002 520vx and need to put a recessed tray in.
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