Beginning with its debut in 2008, the Ranger Z520 redefined expectations for bass tournament rigs by quickly becoming the winningest boat in professional bass fishing history; the choice of top professionals and competitive anglers everywhere. This year, the highly decorated Z520 continues to raise the bar – combining a wealth of insight from Ranger’s acclaimed pro staff with innovative technology that continually fuels the brand’s legacy of leadership. The result: the Ranger Z520C, the kind of flagship boat model that epitomizes the legendary boat builder’s reputation for quality and performance.

Outside of the previous generation Z520’s acclaimed hull design, the Z520C is completely new from stem to stern, including modern aesthetics and more fishing space than virtually any other boat in its class. Measuring 20 feet, 9 inches and rated for 250 horsepower, the Ranger Z520C is available with a wide range of precision-matched, factory-rigged outboards to deliver an unequalled blend of fishing features and performance.

When the trolling motor is lowered and it’s time to fish, serious anglers will benefit from an amazing list of refinements throughout the Z520C platform. At the bow, built-in cup and tool holders surround the recessed foot pedal, keeping gear and essentials organized. The location also helps keep cumbersome trolling motor cables tucked neatly out of the way, a feature that’s especially important given the fact the Z520C can accommodate bow electronics with massive ten inch screen sizes. In addition, the navigation lights are built into the deck of the boat, eliminating the need for a forward light post and complementing the clean, unobstructed look of the bow.

Underneath the recessed padding on the front casting deck, the port, center and starboard rod storages feature a lined, gel-coated interior and are linked to another industry first; a Power Ventilation Rod Storage (PVRS) system, which circulates air from a blower throughout the storage boxes to help dry out tackle and equipment after a busy day on the water. With room for up to 20 rods as long as 8 feet, 6 inches in the center and portside boxes, the rod storages also feature an entirely new design for securing rods. An angled face substantially increases the size of the target openings for inserting rod tips, while a new rack system keeps them firmly in place once loaded, a benefit that applies equally on the water as it does while trailering. The next-generation Z520C also features a new tackle storage located just forward of the driver’s console, as the insulated cooler has been relocated and integrated into the front deck step.

“There is no doubt the Z520C represents the most detailed engineering in our 45 year history,” said Ranger Boats President Randy Hopper. “Fishability will always be at the forefront of any Ranger design and the Z520C benefits from the insight of a seasoned development team and pro staff. Serious anglers are going to fall in love with the features and layout.”

Inside the cockpit of the Ranger Z520C, built-in measuring boards and tool holders flank both sides of the front deck step, providing a centrally located work hub. The cockpit is highlighted by a new console design that integrates a grill system on the front to provide distinctive style as well as a concealed space for the horn. Available in single- and dual-console configurations, the Z520C can accommodate 10-inch electronics in the dash without the need for exterior mounts or brackets. In dual-console configurations, the passenger console is equipped with cavernous storage that offers a smaller shelf for select items in addition to an enormous, open lower area.

Further highlighting the cockpit, the Z520C also features an adjustable driver’s seat built on slides to accommodate anglers of all heights. Standard with a flush mounted Lowrance HDS 7 at the console and a Lowrance HDS 5 at the bow, the Z520C also comes equipped with a Minn Kota Fortrex 80 24-volt trolling motor and an on-board 15 x 3 charger. The boat also features a new Battery Selector Switch – zig has name, which allows all electrical draw to be cut off with the flip of a switch when the boat is parked and also allows anglers to select which battery is used for starting in the event that the cranking battery is ever drained.

The livewell of the Z520C has been increased in size by approximately 20 percent, offering more space for bigger fish and easier access when culling. In addition to the standard carpeted lid and compression lock system, the livewell is also covered by two transparent splash guards that can be slid open to minimize splash and make the process of removing fish from the livewell even more efficient.

The Z520C also comes paired with a custom-built, tandem-axle RangerTrail trailer. Designed to ideally match the boat for smooth, easy towing and maneuvering, the Z520C’s RangerTrail trailer is equipped with a Road Armor finish, LED lights, aluminum wheels, Boat Buckle tie downs, and the COOL Hub lubrication system as standard equipment. Designed and built in the same factory to the same, exacting standards as all Ranger boats, RangerTrail trailers are custom aligned with individually balanced wheels, equipped with torsion axle suspensions and locking, swing-away tongues. With matching fiberglass fenders and full-size spare, the Z520C’s RangerTrail trailer delivers remarkable peace of mind when trailering and complements the striking good looks of the boat itself.

2013 RANGER Z520C

Overall Hull Length: 20 feet, 9 inches
Beam: 95 inches
Maximum HP: 250
Engine Shaft Length: 20 inches
Inside Depth: 22 inches
Fuel Capacity: (1) 45-gallon tank
Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 1,650 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight: 1,825 lbs. (single console), 1,850 lbs. (dual console)
Trailer GVWR: CF5000

Image courtesy of Blue Heron Communications