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  1. 01-23-2025, 08:42 PM #1
    emillsaps
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    1997 488vs vs 2006 z20

    Shopping for a cheaper used boat, both are extremely clean.
    488vs has a 200 mercury efi with the oil injection deleted, very clean boat priced really well.
    Z20 is a 9 out of 10 but… it has an 06 evinrude etec 225 on it.
    any thoughts?
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  2. 1ranger487vs
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    #2 01-23-2025, 09:21 PM
    Had a 487vs 200 merc. Great boat. Low 60,s
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  3. Jbass123
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    #3 01-24-2025, 05:48 AM
    There are very few to no endemic issues with that year/model E-tec. The only question mark is a reliable Evinrude service place within driving distance. Evinrude has always been well supported here in Ohio, with a large number of servicing dealers who have been around for 40-50 years. Because that generation of E-tecs was around for so long, parts and people who know how to service them are very little issue. Posting this to say that, as with any deal, if you like the 2006 and the price is right, go for it. And if it matters, that 225 Rude will burn 1/2 the fuel that the EFI will.
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  4. shall36
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    #4 01-25-2025, 11:05 AM
    Do a very thorough inspection of the Z20 hull and transom. Not that you can ignore those on the 487 but these are known problem points for the Z series of that vintage.specifically, hull blistering where the boat sits on the bunks and excess flex in the transom leading to cracks.
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  5. Zpilot
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    #5 01-25-2025, 11:10 AM
    On the 06 Z20 check the trailer axle welds, many problems with this year and a couple other years. Lot of good info in the sticky at the top of the page under maintenance tips and tricks.
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  6. OH_Ranger
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    #6 01-27-2025, 02:52 PM
    If your ok with an Evinrude. Freedom just posted a z20 for $20k.
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  7. H2O_Fowl
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    #7 02-02-2025, 09:47 AM
    Hard pass on the evinrude. Finding a place that will work on it could be an issue. Also, resell on the evinrude could be difficult.

    Those years of Ranger boats are probably the best years there are. Although tough to beat a 300 series. 300, 400 and early 500 series boats were Rangers hay days in boats. Best boats they have made to date. I’d probably do the Ranger because that is such a good boat I wouldn’t be afraid to repower it someday if it’s in really nice shape.
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  8. Amistad Tackle
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    #8 02-06-2025, 07:53 AM
    I have a 1999 492vs. Had it since 2001. It’s been an awesome boat and still going strong.
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  9. rangered
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    #9 02-08-2025, 04:16 PM
    I had a 488vs and it was a Great boat. Not the
    fastest but probably the most stable boat I’ve
    ever owned. I Loved that model. Good luck
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