New for 2014: Ranger Z520C Intracoastal
OutdoorHub 02.10.14
Serious bass anglers, whether they fish for paychecks or pride, recognize the Ranger Z520C Comanche as the finest tournament boat in production today. It’s a belief reinforced by the millions of dollars won in competition since its 2013 debut.
New for 2014, Ranger Boats introduces the all-new Ranger Z520C Intracoastal, a saltwater-ready incarnation of the legendary boat brand’s flagship. The Z520C Intracoastal raises the bar for inshore fishing boats with proven performance, a wealth of integrated, industry leading fishing features plus distinctive, best-in-class styling that might make an inshore angler feel a little like a top professional bass angler in more ways than one.
“There’s a reason why a tournament bass boat is designed the way it is and why, when there’s significant money on the line, the layout of the boat can make all of the difference in the world,” said Ranger Pro and acclaimed saltwater guide Billy Nicholas. “I’ve spent a lot of time in the Z21 Intracoastal and really didn’t think it could get much better, but this new Z520C design has absolutely blown me away.”
Offering more fishing space than any other boat in its class, the Ranger Z520C Intracoastal measures 20 feet, 9 inches in length while being rated for 250 horsepower. Available with a wide range of precision-matched, factory-rigged outboards, the boat comes standard with a Minn Kota Rip Tide 80BGH trolling motor, 8-inch jackplate, power trim and an on-board 15×3 charger. The Ranger Z520C Intracoastal is highly customizable to suit the needs of the most discriminating inshore anglers, with factory-installed options like trim tabs, anchoring systems and flush-mounted electronics all available.
More than just a retread of its freshwater-fishing counterpart, the all-new Ranger Z520C Intracoastal introduces some new features to the saltwater market to enhance all aspects of boat ownership. In keeping with the sleek, aggressive styling and striking good looks, the Z520C Intracoastal represents one of the most visually stunning saltwater-specific fishing boats on the market today.
A new Soft Touch Skid-Resistant interior not only provides improved aesthetics, but also delivers a surface that stays cooler, dries faster and is easier on the knees and feet than traditional non-skid applications. The new covering provides a cushioning for anglers and represents a significant technological advance that’s not only durable, but visually striking as well.
“This Soft Touch Skid-Resistant covering on the decks and floors compared to other boats is like comparing the cotton shirt I used to wear fishing versus the high-tech performance materials I wear now,” said Nicholas. “It’s just a lot more comfortable and enjoyable to fish with this feature-packed design.”
The best-in-class styling doesn’t just stop with the boat, either. The new boat rides down the road on its own custom-built aluminum RangerTrail tandem-axle trailer with matching fiberglass fenders. Not just for good looks, the matching fenders make it easy to load the boat and help protect the boat when trailering. 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. The trailer also features LED lights, aluminum wheels, retractable tie downs, a center swing jack stand, and Ranger’s COOL Hub® lubrication system as standard equipment.
The Ranger Z520C Intracoastal also shares many acclaimed features with its bass-fishing sibling, from its proven hull design to storage options. At the bow anglers will find built-in cup and tool holders to keep gear and other essentials organized, as well as two pedestal chair locations allowing anglers to pick their most comfortable fishing position. The bow’s off-set location for mounting electronics also helps keep cumbersome trolling motor cables tucked neatly out of the way, which is especially important given that the boat can easily accommodate electronics with massive 12-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 padded front casting deck, the port, center and starboard rod storages feature a lined, gel-coated interior that are linked to the patent-pending 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, the rod storages also feature integrated tackle management and improved access from outside of the boat. There is also tackle storage located just forward of the driver’s console and an insulated cooler built-into the front deck step.
Integrated measuring boards and tool holders flank both sides of the front deck step inside the cockpit of the Ranger Z520C Intracoastal, providing a centrally located work station. Available in single- and dual-console configurations, the driver’s console can accommodate 12-inch electronics in the dash without the need for exterior mounts or brackets. The boat also comes standard with an adjustable driver’s seat built on slides to accommodate anglers of all heights and intuitive features such as the Battery Selector Switch, 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. Other standout features include a remote drain plug and innovative, divided livewell with sliding splash guards to minimize splash and make culling fish easier and more efficient.
For an up close look at the new Z520C Intracoastal, anglers are encouraged to visit the Ranger display at the Miami International Boat Show, scheduled February 13-17 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
2014 RANGER Z520C INTRACOASTAL
Overall Hull Length: 20 feet, 9 inches
Beam: 95 inches
Maximum HP: 250
Engine Shaft Length: 20 inches
Inside Depth: 22 inches
Draft: 13 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: AF5000
