Photo courtesy Ranger Boats
January 22, 2018
By Game & Fish Staff
Photo courtesy Ranger Boats
Anglers have plenty of choices when it comes to buying a new boat. We took a deep dive into latest bass boats, V-hulls and other crafts in our series of 2018 fishing boat reviews.
We found many things we liked and a few we'd change.
2018 Boat Review: Ranger Z520L Comanche Advertisement
One of the first things we noticed sitting behind the steering wheel was the redesigned console with custom 50th anniversary gauges, grill LED lighting, 9-inch Lowrance HDS Carbon (with space to mount a 16-inch Lowrance HDS unit), 12V DC power receptacle and USB port.
The dash is very functional, with the new digital switching keypad design making it simple to control every electronic device including the oxygenator, power ventilation rod storage fan, navigation lights and multiple LED lights throughout the boat.
The integrated Lowrance electronics let you control systems from a touch screen.
The ride is classic Ranger smooth, with new adjustable bucket driver and passenger seats.
The seats are separated by a self-latching center seat storage area, and twin passenger grab handles on the passenger console.
Ranger didn't overlook the back deck.
Its re-circulating aerated livewell with tournament divider, pump out and Venturi Air system manages catches.
A Minn Kota 36-volt trolling motor is standard, as is an on-board, four-bank, 15 amp Dual-Pro charger.
2018 Fishing Boat Reviews
Game & Fish reviewed the following 2018 fishing boats for the upcoming season:
A Minn Kota 36-volt trolling motor is standard, as is an on-board, four-bank, 15 amp Dual-Pro charger.
Fishability The Z520L has a super-large front deck with a recessed trolling motor foot pedal bay, retractable rod straps, plenty of rod storage and flush mounted 7-inch Lowrance HDS Carbon. There's also a step-up/work area for tools and measuring board. The aft deck fold-down seat with power pedestal is sure to keep co-anglers snuggled in comfort.
Handling There is no noticeable chine walking, but it does take a bit of effort to steer while at the top speed of 71.6 mph with two adults and a topped-off tank of gas. The Z250L hole shots in 4.6 seconds and drives effortlessly at a cruising speed of 55 mph with a 250 Evinrude E-TEC G2 power plant.
Newly designed gel coated storage boxes include a fan to keep tackle and clothing dry.
What We Liked The redesigned hull and decking style along with tandem trailer fenders and wheel design gives it a fresh, new appearance.
What We'd Change The extended reach from the driver's seat to the throttle is awkward. Shortening this distance or simply installing an armrest would be a subtle, but significant, ergonomic improvement.
Specifications
Length 20 feet, 9 inches
Beam 95 inches
Dry Weight 1,850 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 53 gallons
Max Power 250 hp
MSRP $68,795
(MSRP includes Mercury 250 Pro XS Optimax and tandem axle trailer)
