Texas Fishing Forum

Looking at a Ranger Z520

Posted By: fish hunt sleep

Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/19/16 10:11 PM

Is anybody running a ranger Z520? I am looking a Z520 with a yamaha 250 sho. Pros vs cons? Does anyone know the difference between the Z520 and the Z520C ?
Posted By: bigbass94

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/19/16 10:13 PM

I believe the Z520 C has more bells and whistles and standard features than just the Z520.
Posted By: 5Redman8

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/19/16 10:17 PM

I love my Z520....250 Merc.

No complaints....no issues.
Posted By: Mark Perry

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/19/16 10:18 PM

I love mine. You can tell it was designed by people that fish. The layout is great.Good performance and a good ride. Incredible customer service. The build quality on mine is awesome too. Not one thing g I dislike.
Posted By: Fishin24-7

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/19/16 10:21 PM

I don't own a Z520 but have fished out of one on several occasions and would not hesitate to own one. Awesome fishing platform.
Posted By: fish hunt sleep

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/19/16 10:43 PM

Can anyone recommend a dealer in the DFW area? (Not Cabelas.)
Posted By: Mark Perry

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/19/16 11:11 PM

Originally Posted By: fish hunt sleep
Can anyone recommend a dealer in the DFW area? (Not Cabelas.)


Just make the trip to Diamond Sports at Fork. Ben and Fred are great.
Posted By: Jaguar6

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/20/16 04:21 AM

Originally Posted By: Mark Perry
Originally Posted By: fish hunt sleep
Can anyone recommend a dealer in the DFW area? (Not Cabelas.)


Just make the trip to Diamond Sports at Fork. Ben and Fred are great.
+1
Posted By: Flippin-Out

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/20/16 04:42 AM

Originally Posted By: fish hunt sleep
Is anybody running a ranger Z520? I am looking a Z520 with a yamaha 250 sho. Pros vs cons? Does anyone know the difference between the Z520 and the Z520C ?


The Z520/521 model years preceded the Z520C/521C model years. I know that 2012 was a "non-C" model year for the Cammanche 500 series because I have a 2012. In a subsequent year (possibly 2013) there were some notable deck layout changes among other things, and the "C" was added to the model numbers. The console and bow were changed to accommodate larger electronics flush-mounted, for instance. Tool holder slots were added and the TM recessed tray changed a bit. There were other style related changes. I understand that the wetted hull didn't change, but I'm not an expert on knowing if that is correct or not.

I have fished from a 520C. I didn't sense a huge difference from the non C models. I don't care for that engine brand, but that's a personal choice on opinion of brand reputation.
Posted By: n_texas_basser

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/20/16 11:36 AM

I've had both a Z520 and Z520C. To add to Flippin-Out's input, the 520C's gunnel is a bit narrower , and the deck is a bit higher to the gunnel on the front deck vs. my 2011 (giving you a bit more deckspace). I believe the console area is a bit deeper providing more leg room. Also, the gas tank sits forward more on the C model, causing the boat to not ride as nose high as the Z520, but still no major compromise on top-end speed. I love the boat, great fishing platform and handle's water pretty good compared to other Ranger hulls.
Posted By: Neal G

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/20/16 12:28 PM

Originally Posted By: fish hunt sleep
Is anybody running a ranger Z520? I am looking a Z520 with a yamaha 250 sho. Pros vs cons? Does anyone know the difference between the Z520 and the Z520C ?


The BBC Ranger Boats forum is your best source to compare the two Z520 & Z520C models. There are some really helpful guys in that group. I can help on the Z520C pros/cons through PM and phone call.
Posted By: patriot07

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/20/16 12:48 PM

My only complaint was rough ride compared to the Z521. It's a great boat with an awesome layout and fishing platform, and it is a dry ride, but not a smooth one IMHO.
Posted By: danwill12

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/20/16 06:13 PM

With some decent shopping you will not go wrong with either model you decide.
Posted By: Shaun Lowe

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/20/16 10:06 PM

The 2016 "non-C" just has a lot less standard features. I think the locks are different and there is less chrome. You can pretty much option them the same way but, if your going to add a bunch of upgrades, it makes sense to just order the C boat.
Posted By: fish hunt sleep

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/20/16 10:44 PM

Thank you all. I think the Z521c is the way to go.
Posted By: C.J

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/21/16 04:56 AM

Give Cilff at Texas Boat World a call!!!
Posted By: Flippin-Out

Re: Looking at a Ranger Z520 - 05/22/16 04:45 AM

Originally Posted By: Shaun Lowe
The 2016 "non-C" just has a lot less standard features. I think the locks are different and there is less chrome. You can pretty much option them the same way but, if your going to add a bunch of upgrades, it makes sense to just order the C boat.


I totally retract what I said earlier. My comparison was for a time prior to 2016, i. e., BEFORE Ranger revived the Z520 model number (that they now call "NEW"). There was a time in past years when Ranger's Z520/Z521 had no "c" on it. Then with a model year bump the c got added and all they offered for those two was Z520c/Z521c. I had not looked at Ranger in a while and had not realized that the old model designation had been recycled to a new hull designation.
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