Ranger Z520 (reliability?)

[Sinjin Kim]

When I rode in a Z520 at the Delta last year, I fully believed the boater when he said, "this is the badest boat on the planet!" The ride was incredibly smooth at high speeds although there were white caps in the Frank's Tract area. The platform was so stable that I felt I was fishing from a dock.

However, I am hearing more and more accidents occurring on this particular model.

Is this just one fluke after another or was this boat not designed for high speeds properly?

[N.A.R]

Doesn't that entire circuit fish from a Z520 ????? That would make every incident a Z520 incident

[Gary Dobyns]

I had an accident last year in a Z520. It just happened, it was an accident. The boat handles speed better than any I have ever drove. Some brands are so damn squirrelly I can't believe they even sell them. Some of them require a very experienced driver to handle and it's a fight all the time. The Z520 is a dream to drive fast. Mine runs 74 plus with two guys and gear, everywhere. The Delta it ran 79.8 MPH last year but I have a prop that runs better now and It will run over 80. Mine runs strong, but all of them are within a few miles an hour. Smooth and easy ride. There were a lot of accidents last year, many not Rangers. The boats are getting faster and accidents happen. My Z520 is the best boat I've owned.

[mark poulson]

Most boating accidents are operator error, not boat failure, just like automobile accidents.
Of course, that doesn't include my trying to put my boat on the trailer with the trolling motor still deployed. Funny how it just wouldn't go on. The sun got in my eyes.

[Jeff Huth]

I'm with Gary on this one. Of all the Rangers I've owned this one is far and away the best one I've owned, and believe me I never thought I'd find one I like more than my 390VS or my 520. Besides handling well it's bow lift is awesome, driving this boat gives you what the car guys call a "happy butt". Go get a test drive if your in doubt.

[Caudawg]

Wear your PFDS!!!!! Bottom line is accidents happen regardless of whether it's driver error or otherwise. Trust me, my PFD saved my life. I have had 6 surgeries now on my shoulders and elbow... plus 7 eye surgeries. I am lucky as heck to be alive. Listen to Gary's story, my story, as well as many others.

I count my lucky stars daily. Don't be stupid...wear them!!!

By the way, I was not in a Ranger when it happened.

[Sinjin Kim]

Thanks for taking the time to reply to this thread gents.

Regardless how great of a watercraft, I guess operator error is the number one cause of boating accidents. The stress of wearing a PFD is noted and hope my better judgment will prevent me from not wearing a PFD while the engine is on.

[YZKEN250]

Sinjin, I will have mine on while your driving hopefully. lol Hope you get your boat soon. Ken

[492slayer]

I agree with the quality of the Z520, But in regards to the question of accidents... I have one very serious concern that applies to all brands. I don't know your level of skill driving a bassboat, but want to say this: Nobody that I am aware of requires that the person buying a boat know how to drive it. There are no licenses or tests requiring that you show an aptitude of how a high performance hull is driven. Hell, 99% of the guys out there don't know all the rules of boating (Including myself). It works like this... you sign the papers and they hand the keys over and say go have a good time... It's no different than giving an eight year old the keys to a Ferrari and saying go have a good time. The point is most accidents occur because the guy driving the boat did not understand how to operate it to it's potential... or got in over his head. Chine walk, bow-hooking, blow-out, crabbing, on the water hazards... these are all potentially life threatening conditions, that you better understand and know how to avoid. I might sound like an idiot with this post, but the point I am trying to get across is the "safest" boat out there is the one you respect....

[macinckirk]

I agree with the quality of the Z520, But in regards to the question of accidents... I have one very serious concern that applies to all brands. I don't know your level of skill driving a bassboat, but want to say this: Nobody that I am aware of requires that the person buying a boat know how to drive it. There are no licenses or tests requiring that you show an aptitude of how a high performance hull is driven. Hell, 99% of the guys out there don't know all the rules of boating (Including myself). It works like this... you sign the papers and they hand the keys over and say go have a good time... It's no different than giving an eight year old the keys to a Ferrari and saying go have a good time. The point is most accidents occur because the guy driving the boat did not understand how to operate it to it's potential... or got in over his head. Chine walk, bow-hooking, blow-out, crabbing, on the water hazards... these are all potentially life threatening conditions, that you better understand and know how to avoid. I might sound like an idiot with this post, but the point I am trying to get across is the "safest" boat out there is the one you respect....

+ 1000000000000000000

AMEN