The Evolution of the Z500 Series Continues
OutdoorHub 08.11.11
FLIPPIN, Ark. – Carrying a long wish-list of total performance features, the now-legendary Z500 Series has taken anglers across the country to millions in tournament winnings and in the process, became the best selling tournament bass boat of the modern era. In 2012, the integration of new interior features, driven by angler feedback, has once again served to further elevate Ranger’s flagship line – continually distancing the popular Z500 Series from the rest of the field.
Two models in particular, the Z520 and Z522, will enter the 2012 model year with a long list of refinements. Most notably, both boats will feature a raised front casting deck, delivering the optimum height for flipping and pitching in bass-filled shallow waters. Without changing the highly acclaimed hull design, the increased height of the casting deck will in turn allow more space in the boats’ storage and rod lockers. Also on the front deck, anglers will find a recessed foot pedal standard on all 2012 Ranger Z500 Comanche Series models.
“On a tournament day, it’s hard to spot a boat that’s not a Ranger Z-Comanche – that tells you a lot about the boat. People who fish for a living aren’t going to trust their livelihoods to anything less than the best equipment available,” said Ranger Pro Mark Rose, fresh off a FLW Tour victory and currently ranked 3rd in the world among bass anglers. “One or two big fish each tournament can mean the difference between a win and a loss – or making it to the Forrest Wood Cup. And with so many of these big fish up shallow, flipping can often be the only way to get to them. The new raised deck gives me the perfect height for flipping under overhangs and allows me to be even more accurate and efficient with my presentation.”
Ranger’s promise of building boats “by anglers, for anglers” is solidified with so many innovations consistently showcased in the Z500 Series. Originally introduced on the Z521, all 2012 model Z500 Comanche’s will sport Ranger’s innovative console design, which delivers more protection from the elements, increased leg room and space for back mounting today’s popular large-screen electronics. Notable enhancements have been made on the Z500 Series trailers, as well. All 2012 models will feature new style lines and be equipped with an additional step integrated into the fiberglass fender, making it even easier to access the vessel.
In addition to so many standard features, Ranger continues to offer the ability for owners to upgrade their dream rig with a multitude of custom options. Introduced for the 2012 model year, Ranger is now offering a “Touring Package” that combines several of the most popular add-ons in one package. This includes a Hamby’s keel protector, deluxe traveling boat cover, water line stripe, Oxygenator, as well as a trailer parking brake and aluminum wheels from American Racing.
“We’re fortunate to have so many talented anglers running our product,” said Ranger Boats President Randy Hopper. “The evolution of our Z500 Series in particular is a reflection of the feedback we’ve received from our customers and pro-staff across the country. It’s really the best focus group our R&D team could have and never stops driving us to build the absolute best product on the water.”
2012 RANGER Z520 COMANCHE
Capacities and Specifications
Overall Hull Length: 20 feet, 9 inches
Beam: 95 inches
Maximum HP: 250
Engine Shaft Length: 20 inches
Inside Depth: 21 inches
Fuel Capacity: (2) 24-gallon tanks
Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 1,650 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight: 1,825 lbs. (single console) 1,850 lbs. (dual console)
Trailer Capacities/Specifications
Trailer GVWR: CF5000
Length on Trailer with Motor Down: 25 feet, 9 inches
Length on Trailer with Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open: 23 feet, 9 inches
Width on Trailer: 100 inches
2012 RANGER Z522 COMANCHE
Capacities and Specifications
Overall Hull Length: 22 feet, 4 inches
Beam: 95 inches
Maximum HP: 300
Engine Shaft Length: 20 inches
Inside Depth: 22 inches
Fuel Capacity: (2) 32-gallon tanks
Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 1,825 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight: 1,940 lbs. (single console) 1,965 lbs. (dual console)
Trailer Capacities/Specifications
Trailer GVWR: CF5000
Length on Trailer with Motor Down: 29 feet, 2 inches
Length on Trailer with Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open: 27 feet, 2 inches
Width on Trailer: 102 inches
About Ranger Boats
Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation’s largest manufacturer of premium fiberglass fishing boats, which include series of bass, multi-species, fish ‘n play and saltwater boats. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water. For more information, go to www.rangerboats.com.
