Buying A Used Ranger........ 2024
revs2ninegrand reply :
Wondering if it's worth it? I've found a couple used 2012 Z521's but they're priced at about $45000. I don't necessarily need a 21ft boat, but the price of a 18ft new is about the same if not a bit more expensive. *Haven't found too many used 18-19ft*
Would you spend the money on a used 2012 Z521 or a new 18ft in the same price range?
I'd like to get used seeing as the first owner took the residual value hit already, but not knowing how they cared for it scares the crap out of me. I will be financing and would like to keep whichever I choose for a very long time.
A-Jay reply :
Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~
Used 21 footer I don't need or a new 18 footer that I do.
I'm going New right there.
A-Jay
flyfisher reply :
Welcome aboard and i am with A-Jay on this one...go new.
clh121787 reply :
I've got a used 18.5 foot skeeter for sale. Just saying...
Bluebasser86 reply :
I'd go new every time as long as it fit my needs.
WIGuide reply :
Welcome to the forums. If you have the means and you're dead set on a 18'-19' I'd probably go new especially since you're planning on keeping it for a long time. I know these boats won't be local, but when you're looking at spending that kind of money, it's worth a trip to go get it. After a really quick look, I see there's a certificate for a new 518 on there for $35,000 and you'd have to pay for accessories you want, but that's a pretty good deal on new.
slonezp reply :
Which one will suit your needs better? New boats come with warranties
revs2ninegrand reply :
Thanks for all the response! What I meant is that when I first started looking, I only looked at the 18-19ft range because that was all that was in my budget for a new boat. Now that I've stumbled upon some newer, used, bigger boats I got myself thinking that maybe I should get a bigger boat.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/3/2015 at 12:21 AM, revs2ninegrand said:Thanks for all the response! What I meant is that when I first started looking, I only looked at the 18-19ft range because that was all that was in my budget for a new boat. Now that I've stumbled upon some newer, used, bigger boats I got myself thinking that maybe I should get a bigger boat.
On 12/2/2015 at 10:46 PM, slonezp said:Which one will suit your needs better? New boats come with warranties
You know this but the highlighted text right there may be part of the final decision.
A-Jay
revs2ninegrand reply :
Yeah, I think I've made my decision and I'll go new!
DTack reply :
Used Z520 would be my choice, with a bit of engine warranty left on it. All the new boat gremlins have been worked out at that point and you can cut the price in half versus new.
DTack reply :
On 12/3/2015 at 1:31 AM, revs2ninegrand said:Yeah, I think I've made my decision and I'll go new!
Used boats come with warranties too... There are options out there... Plus you don't lose between 15-30k when you drive it off the lot. Just depends how long you want to keep the boat too and how much you plan to use it!
Fishes in trees reply :
Where do you fish? 20 footers handle chop MUCH better than 18 footers do. Oh - I looked again - Manhattan KS. It gets windy there often. Might want to look at some multi-species boats than handle chop and waves better than bass boats do.
revs2ninegrand reply :
On 12/3/2015 at 2:12 AM, DTack said:Used boats come with warranties too... There are options out there... Plus you don't lose between 15-30k when you drive it off the lot. Just depends how long you want to keep the boat too and how much you plan to use it!
That was my thinking on going used
revs2ninegrand reply :
On 12/3/2015 at 4:06 AM, Fishes in trees said:Where do you fish? 20 footers handle chop MUCH better than 18 footers do. Oh - I looked again - Manhattan KS. It gets windy there often. Might want to look at some multi-species boats than handle chop and waves better than bass boats do.
Yeah it does and I plan on taking trips to LOZ
DTack reply :
On 12/3/2015 at 4:16 AM, revs2ninegrand said:That was my thinking on going used
I don't see much that can be argued that it makes more sense financially, unless you just really really want the feeling of being the first owner of the boat or getting the exact colors you'd like. There's no right or wrong... There are a lot of demo boats out there too especially in the 20-21 foot class that have one year of use on them with low to high hours and can be purchased with warranty!
A-Jay reply :
On 12/3/2015 at 1:39 AM, DTack said:Used Z520 would be my choice, with a bit of engine warranty left on it. All the new boat gremlins have been worked out at that point and you can cut the price in half versus new.
New Boat Gremlins may have been worked out but then there's the concern regarding how many used boat gremlins have been worked in ? ? ?
A-Jay
DTack reply :
On 12/3/2015 at 4:40 AM, A-Jay said:New Boat Gremlins may have been worked out but then there's the concern regarding how many used boat gremlins have been worked in ? ? ?
A-Jay
Very true! Still wanna take the time to look the boat over!
scbassin reply :
Is it the 521 or 521C & what engine is on it?
revs2ninegrand reply :
On 12/3/2015 at 5:24 AM, scbassin said:Is it the 521 or 521C & what engine is on it?
Apparently bc it's a 2012 they didn't have the "C" but it is a Comanche. Less than 190hrs
fishnkamp reply :
There is a reason you are having trouble finding good 18 to 19 foot boats. It is simple. For years the tournament circuit only allowed 150 horse power engines, so 18 to 19 foot with a 150 were the norm. Even most bass guides ran them. When the limits tournaments allowed went through the roof the most popular boat became 20 foot long powered by 200 to 225 HP. Then it became 21 foot, after Champion made a 21 foot 300 hp boat. The longer boats ride better and a lot more storage is available. The down side of all of this is the everyday working person can not afford them along with the massive list of " must have" accessories. Look closely to the asking price of those used boats, subtract out the cost of electronics, power poles if any, etc. Now you are looking at the true price of the used boat minus the add ons you would be paying extra for on a new boat. If the used boat has most of the options you would add to a new one the "value" of the used one may become more attractive. The one advantage to a new one, besides warranties, is you do get to pick your options (brands, models) colors etc. Pay attention to the "Coupon" mentioned earlier. This is a situation where a tournament angler wins a boat, already has one so he accepts a factory coupon instead. He may win more then one boat per year, if he wins often enough. Often you sill see them offered for a reduced cash price on sites like this, as already mentioned. Here you get a discount on your price, but that coupon is good for one new boat from factory X. It could be your best option. Either way enjoy your new toy.
BaitMonkey1984 reply :
I am going to say the bigger used boat. 3 years old is not very old. Just take a deep look into the maintenance records and have an experienced independent boat mechanic go over everything. I bought a 19ft and for 2 years it was great. I was fishing from an aluminum before my first bass boat. Now 5 years in, the 19ft is way too small for me. Then again, I am the bait monkey.
1BADAIR reply :
my first boat was a nx750. Last year I was kinda looking at z119's. Then my buddy said his tournament partner was selling his 521. I looked at it and thought it was huge-but i bought it anyway. The difference is crazy. Cruising speed with the 521 is pretty much WOT on the 750. Way more storage than i need. Only problem I have is that its a little to big for the lake i grew up fishing, but Lake st clair fishing is 100x better anyway lol
revs2ninegrand reply :
Thanks for all the opinions guys, I think I'm going to slow the process down and really take my time and go check out many new and used boats.
RyneB reply :
You can get a brand new decked out 19 foot Skeeter for under that price tag of the used ranger. Power poles, electronics, brand new, full warranty etc.
slonezp reply :
I can't stress enough to let your fishing style dictate the size boat you get. I went from owning (2) 17 footers to a 20 footer. 3 feet is a lot of boat. Especially when trying to fish and maneuver around docks. The larger boat is going to draft deeper so, some of your shallow spots may not be accessible anymore. Operating costs will be more. Will your tow vehicle be able to handle the larger boat? Launching the boat solo will be more difficult. If you fish big water, I wouldn't hesitate on the larger boat because it will be a safer choice. $45k is a lot to spend to be unhappy.
My only regret of buying a 20 foot boat is maneuverability around docks. Otherwise it's was like upgrading from a Chevy to a Caddy
revs2ninegrand reply :
Ahhh!!! So many valid points!! Why must you all make perfect sense?!?!
Trek reply :
I own a Z519 and love it. I bought it because it is the size boat I like. I fish smaller lakes and it has a great hole shot and I think is easier to move in and out small coves. The Z520's will get you a better resale down the road but I bought this boat of me to keep. If your going to pay that kind of money and your going to finance then get the boat you want. If not then your going to be looking at boats in a few years. So my advice is buy a new boat the way you want it. Then your not buying boat after boat and never really happy with any of them. Also max the motor and trolling motor. Going cheap on those makes it a boat you don't want either.
WRB reply :
Most quality used bass boats will be garaged, have low engine hour meter and very clean, if it doesn't pass on it. 21' bass with a jack plate is over 25' long on the water and not easy to maneuver in tight fishing areas. For this reason the 19' bass boats are very popular.
Tom
scbassin reply :
I have a Ranger Z-21 with a 10" jack plate. My previous boat was a Ranger VS-185 with out a jack plate. If you fish a large lake the larger boat is a better choice hands down. There is a couple of places I can' get the Z-21 into that I could get the VS-185 in. The room & storage & large front deck is much better in the Z-21. I like the big rod lockers a lot it's easy to find the rod I want. Hands down it is better fishing fishing platform & a much better rough water boat. Take the boat you have intrest in for a test ride & have the engine put on the computer to check it out
revs2ninegrand reply :
Thanks again everyone, I think the wife and I are going to check out some upcoming boat shows and see how that comes along!
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