I've owned a 520C and several Pumas and Cougars. The Cats are more fun while on pad and easily 5-7 mph better on top end speed. The 520 is a better platform with the trolling motor down. I prefer the Skeeter FX or Phoenix Pro XP to the Ranger or Cat.

If the extra width on the front deck is important, you should look at the "FTD" version of the Bass Cat. Both brands are high quality boats. I would ride in each, compare features, price, etc. I have owned 6 Rangers, and now have a Bass Cat. I would look at both brands if buying today.

Glad you were able to help this guy with such knowledgeable insight, parents must be so proud.

Both are nice but I would go with the Ranger just because of the larger front deck and better resale value.

I have a 2016 Bass cat puma ftd I bought used. I'm 45 min from fork 10 min from Tawakoni if you want to ride and fish out of it for a day or half day let me know.

How is that' working out?

I can't help but notice his name is Nitro z7............

A Basscat is like a sports car... Looks great, hauls butt, great customer service and depending on where you live, buy it from Rockwall marine and have great service for the life of the boat.
Ranger boats are like Cadillacs... The have one of the best fishing platforms on the market but not real fast of a boat and the resale is one of the best on the market.

Either way team it with a 250 Mercury Pro xs and you will have one fast boat (Basscat)...

Hmmmm....just leave the keys in it. I'll take it for a full day. On Fork. Fill the tanks up with fuel please. And don't forget to get your gear out. I'll bring my own.

Haha.

Hey great idea what day would you like to do this?

I think you will get better answers over at bbc

Now take this as I say it. I am bias but this is the truth. I went from a z520c to a cougar. At first I was worried about the deck size and the trollingmotor pedal being foward. I was also worried about how hard they are to drive.

First. I fell in love with being on the very nose. I'm a power fisherman and it gives me a better angle. When I fish in my fathers boat. I stand in front of the pedal now. Lol.

Second. I never noticed loosing the size. 90% of the day I have one foot on the trollingmotor pedal. I only use about 5sq feet of the front deck.

3rd. The boat is very diver friendly in rough Rayburn/Toledo water. I do not spear near as many as before. I mainly just clip the top. I am now able to run these waves faster. Never compare the ride with someone else driving. You need to drive it. I can make one ride great just as I can make her get in a hurry.

4th. Top end speed is learned. Anyone can run 70-73mph without driver input. Simply leave it trimmed down. The rest will come with time.

5th. The customer service is wonderful. This depends on your dealer but BASSCAT is just a phone call away. They will help anyone with anything. There is a minimum turn over rate. Everyone is stil there this year just like last year when purchased by correct craft.

6th. I notice some people are questioning the buy out. After attending 2 dealer meetings and a prostaff meeting. There is absolutely zero worry. Correct craft is a very high quality company. They sale high end boats. Not your cheapos

7th. There is a wide nose 20'8" boat in the works. The LYNX will be a
Game changer.

Pm me for any other questions I might can help with.

I would have to go with a Ranger, I just like the looks better and they are really laid out well and fish well.

Ranger or Basscat?

The obvious answer is SKEETER!