Before You Buy A Bass Boat Watch This - Ranger 521C - Part 1 Great Bass Boat Search 2020-21 - Vid 5

[@cadenhutchinson5750]

You don’t know how fast I clicked this video when it came up lol I love this series

[@derrickhouse7063]

Same here lol

[@chefpoet1972]

I agree. This is some of the most interesting fishing related stuff on KZbin right now, in my opinion

[@waynelagarde7956]

Yes indeed

[@jamesmurphy1040]

Just bought 2021 demo Z520L....love it, so far 73mph plenty of room for 6'6" guy like me. Look at others, Ranger had the leg room and this my 2nd Ranger, love the ride!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yes, very spacious boat

[@simondoran6979]

Ken, thanks for the conversation today. Thanks for the example of how you worked your way through the many choices of boats and features to select the best fit boat for you.

[@KenSmithFishing]

You bet!

[@waynelagarde7956]

@Ken Smith when are we getting the Skeeter video? Can't wait for that one to!!

[@ronwallace7563]

Lithium Batteries have not been used in professional bass fishing applications long enough to have me feel safe. Rough water and lithium scares the crap out of me as well. I'm running AGM and I beat the crap out of them (running in rough water) and I don't have any worries. Thanks for sharing this one.

[@slimsbaitco]

I absolutely love my lithiums. Can't say I really gained any speed but the longevity of them is worth the money. I've run three days solid on them and have never had the drop below 50%. In my opinion they're worth every penny. As far the volatility of them, I've dealt with lithiums in my other forms of hobbies over the years and can say yes, the earlier versions were much more finicky than the cells used today. There so many safety measures put into them these days. I've seen more lead acid batteries pop than I have lithiums. Not to say they won't, but they're few and far between enough to not be a concern.

[@PhilClark1976]

I bought a Z185 last summer. One reason I chose it over the Z518 was I didn’t like the seats in the 518. Thought the 185 seats were more comfortable. Not a huge difference in space or layout. The boat I bought did have the third seat which was important so my grandson had a place to sit too. I think the Z185 has some of the best space and storage of any 18 foot boats. Ever want to ride in one for kicks. I’m on Fork. Just give me a shout.

[@ericfilburn817]

Ken, I too use the EGO net and run a 2020 521L. I move the seats forward and put the net behind the seats and slide seats back to secure net. To protect fiberglass I wrap net extend button with towel. Works good but Ranger needs to add something to secure net. Finally, you may be able to use a heat gun on scratches in foam padding in bottom of boat. Really enjoy your videos.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Eric!

[@clatiolais1]

I’ve owned four Skeeters and surprisingly, I did not like the FXR21. I do really like my 2018 Z521c. I am very interested to see the Phoenix video (hopefully a 921 Elite) ! I know quite a few ex-Ranger guys who really love their Phoenix boats.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Chris I am getting very mixed comments on the FXR, interested to drive it. And I’ve had several buddies move from Ranger to Phoenix and they mostly seen to love the Phoenix

[@richardhamilton3163]

I agree about the net storage, better than nothing but a huge trip hazard. The aftermarket rod buckles do fail but work well and hold up pretty good. I think every upgrade you purchased was a good purchase and wish they would become standard as in my view they are basic requirements for safety, performance, fishability and protection of the boat. LED lighting has become increasingly popular, would be interested in knowing what the lighting consists of on these comparisons.

[@MrScallywagSquidbait]

Thanks you for doing these videos. I’m going to be purchasing a new boat later this year and you are providing me with so much information.

[@jasonpierce1118]

Which boat did you end up with?

[@andrewmcclusky3525]

Ran a "mainstream" brand of lithium batteries for 3 years. Won't say name here out of respect. Had charging issues and life issues. On-board DC charger caught on fire as well. Went back to AGM. Performance is better with AGMs hands down. As we all know, high performance bass boats are designed to perform better with weight in the back.

[@sclark371]

Here is another vote for a Vexus VX20 or VX21 comparison. I really like your methodical reviews of the good, the bad and the ugly Thanks.

[@ryanburrows8703]

I’d stick with AGM batteries. Following your new Instagram page. Love the reviews can’t wait to see your thoughts on the caymas I looked at one at lake Conroe last weekend if it rides like the guy claims all I can say is wow. Its a big boat also had a falcon f205 beside it very nice also may have to get rid of the Skeeter soon

[@nolanmanley5359]

I became #65 follower on Insta. hahaha I appreciate you efforts and sharing of the videos.

[@KenSmithFishing]

From now on you are #65 to me!

[@bradhutchison2599]

Have a 2015 z521. Ditto on the seats. I would add The seats hold water back in the corners between the seats and back which makes them the dumbest design ever. Second issue with the seats is that you cant get behind the passenger side. (Drivers side has an adjustable seat). I have a tackle box full of worms and weights back there! Agree with the net storage too. I have knelt on the front deck dozens of times after tripping on that dang net.

[@richardc8695]

Great series, enjoying it

[@michaelmayers7041]

Another great video! If I had Instagram I would help you out but I don’t. As afar as lithium’s go I just switched my wet cell group 27’s for Ionic lithium’s. I have only had them out 1 time so my observations are limited. We spent 2 and 1/2 days on Toledo Bend and I did not have to charge them at all. In fact they were still at 77% charge so I could have gone longer for sure. These particular lithium’s have a blue tooth app that allows you to monitor the charge of each battery so I dont think you would get to the point of running out without knowing well before. I’m not sure of the current status of fire potential but I know this was a concern in the past but have not seen it expressed too much in my research prior to buying mine. I’m just a weekend guy so my opinion is influenced by that. Also, I lost probably well over 100 pounds from the back of my ranger by making the switch. Well that’s my 2 cents. Thanks for the reviews and all of your videos!

[@robertbritt5032]

I WOULD LOVE to see you test the NEW GAMBLER ELITE BOAT. GREAT RIDING BOAT. They are made in SOUTH CAROLINE. COME IN TWO MODELS 20 FT 7 INCHES AND 21 FT 11 INCHES. Please do a review of one of this boat.. thanks.

[@ryanhartman9876]

Lithium batteries aren't the problem, its the processor that is installed in them. I'm currently running a Z521C (2016) with 100ah Lithium trolling motor batteries and have never ran out of juice during a tournament day or beyond. I run a 125ah lithium for my crank battery with my G2 outboard. 900cca and have experienced zero issues starting or running my Solix Units (15 and 2 - 10's). Running pumps on timers, Oxygenator, 3 units, and a radio; im usually around 40% remaining capacity.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Ryan, fire hazard doesn’t concern you?

[@ryanhartman9876]

@@KenSmithFishing not one bit. The fire hazard issue is with the boards that run the units. I run Ionic Blue and fish the toughest waters of Erie. Look at guys like John Crews who have ran Lithium Pro's since day one.

[@brandonmayo4758]

i would love to see a review of the allison xb21 and see how it compares to the rest of them

[@blassi2004]

These are great!!! while im in a way different price bracket, all the info is still relevant to what I'm also looking at. would love to see a video with an xpress x21

[@KenSmithFishing]

Stick with me!

[@lightsout827]

Ranger is probably the best big bass boat for fishable space and stability. For performance/speed maybe the z520 with the 250 would be a little better and still give a ton of space but who cares about a couple mph when u have a z521. Best boat u can get in my opinion

[@KenSmithFishing]

Paul... spoken like a true Ranger owner, I’m being open minded!!!

[@jamssosv]

great review, I hope you review a Nitro Z21 to compare their seats to yours, it seams so strange that Ranger installs uncomfortable seats while their budget-minded line touts the comfort of their seats

[@KenSmithFishing]

Jam they may have improved them because there was a LOT if their pros complaining about the seats in the first year of the “L” boat series

[@jeremybrumley25]

Ranger Boats all the way. I know you love them

[@brianfrechou7989]

If you are looking at wide front decks, you should really check out a Triton 21TRX.

[@FWTBobber]

Are you goi g to be posting a spread sheet of all these boats when you finish this series? Listing all measurements, thoughts, likes, scores, etc. Great series. I could watch you dissect a boat everyday. Following on IG.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Fishin, when we are all done I’ll do some kind of big summary for sure

[@thebasswicker6294]

Hello Ken nice video series! Will you be doing a review on a Falcon?

[@KenSmithFishing]

We will

[@MxSteve133]

After 5 years in my Ranger 2016 DC 520c I say this. Layout is nice I like it. The bad is I can see stress cracks on bottom of hull & spots of fiberglass where they built it with what seems to me not enough was sprayed when boat was being built. I know it can be fixed but why would this boat have stress cracks at 5 years. i have only put 150 hrs on big motor with 50%+ spent at idle. I guess i got the Lemon. I wish i would have went with another brand now. Good review BTW.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Man that’s hard to hear

[@richrichardson8556]

Ken and this is just a quick observance of opinion on the list test. doesnt 1.2 degrees of list over a shorter distance = more tilt than a 1.2 degree list over a longer distance? Im no math man, but it would kind of be like being off with a shot at 100 yards by 1" would equal more of than 1" at 1000 yards... Maybe im digging to deep. Really like the videos though.

[@jimk4267]

other way...wider boat with same degree tilt covers the longer distance vertically

[@alanaho4915]

Instagram done. Thanks for letting us know. Like the reviews. Sharing with my brother who just bought a 2019 z521c... he's in Texas.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Alan love to hear his feedback on his seats

[@alanaho4915]

@@KenSmithFishing My brother "Liked the video, can't say anything about seats good or bad, not enough time in them. They are better then Nitro."

[@MrMarkaci]

Please review a Venus VX21

[@Todom357]

I have enjoyed your videos and your honest opinions and would appreciate any input on my frustrating process of choosing a new boat. I currently have a 2007 Champion 210 Elite. So like every other Champion Owner we hate everything else! 😊. With that said it is time for me to move on. After driving a New 521L a couple years ago I swore I would never buy one. Loved fishing out of it but hated driving it (But I am sure all boats you adapt to). If you have the time could you possible breakdown all your pros and cons on a 521C vs 521L (ARE THEY THE SAME HULL? I HEARD YOU SAY IN A VIDEO THAT YOU DONT LIKE THE "L" PERFORMANCE??). I was leaning towards 521L only because I could put a 300HP on it (Thinking I would get more speed)?? Money is not really the issue. At this point in my Life I want luxury and performance. I love speed but realize I wont get it with a Ranger, but is really the only boat I like cosmetically. I love the new Vexus Interior and am trying to convince myself to like the ugly exterior, but not doing a good job. Plus the really low speed even with a 300HP seems like I would regret. Cant wait to see part three of your review. FYI...I emailed this question to you. Might have went to your Spam

[@KenSmithFishing]

Terry thanks for the email, glad we connected!

[@toddspindler6059]

Glass Vexus is hand down the baddest rig ever built..... Absolutely thought about EVERYTHING... It’s ridiculous honestly of the detail that was thought of.... Pressurized double lid livewells is crazy bad a**.... Pretty sure my Phoenix is about to go... Rigged out Phoenix 95k rigged out Vexus 100k 🤷‍♂️

[@KenSmithFishing]

Ouch....that’s some serious 🦌’s

[@rex2837]

Hey Ken, I don’t know if you read comments from older your older videos. So if I don’t hear back from you I’ll try a different way. My comment is this: I’m in the market for a new bass boat. I’ve had many thru the years. My current boat is a Ranger 205VS w/ a brand new Yamaha 250 Sho. 1/2 the time I fish out of my buddies z521 Intracoastal. Getting to the point, I love Ranger, and it would be a no brainer to buy a new one. But I really have an issue with them selling out to Bass Pro Shops, I feel as though in the future they will become of cheaper quality with poorer service. My sense of pride in Ranger isn’t what it used to be . But not because of the actual product, if that makes sense. What are your thoughts about that, and is this why you’re also considering a non Ranger boat? I really appreciate your vids. I’m leaning towards the Bass Cat Lynx as I type this

[@KenSmithFishing]

Rex I do read all my comments and I’m with you, it’s like buying car parts at a local auto parts store vs Walmart, just a different level of attention

[@sickergixxer]

Do you have one of the new skeeters in the testing lineup?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yep

[@parkerstewart4649]

Skeeter FXR 21 will blow you away

[@KenSmithFishing]

We shall see!

[@baseballgod8065]

Since you have owned four Ranger boats, do you think the quality at Ranger has gone downhill since being acquired by Bass Pro Shops?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Mark they bought Ranger in 2014, my 2014 was built by prior to that transaction, to me, and it’s just my opinion, my 2014 had better QC and certainly more foam (from working under the deck) than my 2018 does. So seems really coincidental the timing doesn’t it?

[@jeffpearson5547]

Are you gonna run a Skeeter FXR or ZXR and show us what it’s like?

[@KenSmithFishing]

That’s the plan

[@jeffreyrivera2271]

Would you please review a 2002 195 vs ranger?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Jeffrey I’m looking at 20+ footers right now and lots of them to work thru

[@jeffreyrivera2271]

@@KenSmithFishing Thank you,im about to buy a 2002 195vs from the original owner in Louisiana and bring it to lake Meredith in fritch texas, it is water ready, if you like to come over I let u use it for your reviews,it is 20'6' in like new conditions.

[@BluntTruth7]

At the cost you spend for lithium batteries and the possibility of them catching on fire and cause more damage to your boat or possibly total your craft, I would stick to AGM marine deep cycle batteries which may not be as lite as the lithiums, but keep their charge just as good. When the manufactures of lithium batteries can guarantee these batteries will not catch on fire as well as cover any damage done to your boat when they do, I wouldn't go Lithium. As an X-Military guy who has worked around lithium batteries for a while and seen some significant fires and explosions from these batteries, absolutely not. Will not take the risk in order to sacrifice safety, at the expense of these batteries, for people on my boat and the boat itself. By the way when are you going to test out the Vexus VX21? Would be nice to see how this boat matches up to what you've already tested out.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I’ve got a guy that has one but probably be a several weeks before I can get to it. Agreed, for now, on the lithium

[@fishingTG]

Wanna give me your boat since you're getting a new one? That's my dream boat!

[@rangerbill9409]

Why don't you compare against the vexus bass boats?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Give me time Ranger Bill, this stuff is a lot of time and effort!!!!

[@solidrockoutdoors]

Wait till you check out a Vexus VX20 or 21 they are Bad A$$

[@kyliesutton1719]

You doing a nitro z20 at all?

[@KenSmithFishing]

One of the big Nitros, not sure which

[@waynelagarde7956]

@@KenSmithFishing Nitro Z21 Pro would be the best one to do. IMHO

[@kendalllunsford775]

Done on Instagram.... Enjoy your page.....!!!

[@johnpilcherfishing5156]

2019 L seats still bottom out on the back edge

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks John, curious if you ran a C boat before the L?

[@johnpilcherfishing5156]

@@KenSmithFishing never been in a C The 521L is a good ride in rough water

[@johnpilcherfishing5156]

I'm curious to see your Phoniex and Skeeter reviews

[@Shaun_millertech]

I can't speak for all lithium batteries but the Mtech lithiums come with a shutoff on the bms and any spark and the battery shut-off. A lot of pro's are using the Mtech's i think there is 9 or 10 guys now. The owners cell phone number is right on there website and they can answer any questions. www.mtechlithium.com

[@KenSmithFishing]

I may reach out to see if he wants to respond

[@Shaun_millertech]

@@KenSmithFishing Matt Lee did a video on them for his channel