Editor’s note: This review comes from our friends at Boatingmag.com. These experts have decades worth of reviewing many types of boats in great detail. For more, visit Boatingmag.com.
There are a handful of premium bass-boat brands at the apex of tournament fishing. Ranger has always been one of them. People were hand wringing after it was acquired by White River Marine, the parent company of Johnny Morris’ Tracker Marine, but the acquisition broadened Ranger’s dealer network, expanded access to service and the company continues to hand build gorgeous, rugged, beautiful bass boats. The new 520R is a perfect example.
Ranger aims for comfortable fishability with reliable, competitive performance. Our test rig, fitted with a Mercury 250 Pro XS, freight-trained over 12-inch-chop and larger boat wakes at 68.4 mph while fully equipped with trolling-motor batteries and a full tank of fuel plus two test drivers. It’s pretty frugal for its size making 3.9 mpg at 40 mph. Handling was pure Ranger legacy; smooth at all speeds easy in turns and never a threat of chine walking at top end. The 18-degree deadrise, multi-strake pad V hull gives a solid, secure feel even in afternoon windblown down-lake chop. A tilt helm with hydraulic SeaStar steering system.
The console is extra tall and wide to accommodate dual side-by-side 12-inch Lowrance HDS graphs plus the Ranger RIDE digital switching screen just below and to starboard. Start it at the touch of a button.
The cockpit seating is plush, deep, and wide. Between the seats is a dry storage box with phone charger and key tray. Both seats have recessed grab handles for safety. The optional passenger console is removable and features a large glove box.
Electronics and trolling-motor options are nearly unlimited. Our tester had a Lowrance HDS 12 with room to spare. The HDS graph works together with the Ghost trolling motor to navigate and control with better accuracy for angling. Ranger’s rod storage systems with tip protectors and room for dozens of utility boxes are unsurpassable. Tons of dry storage is available and compact compartments like the cooler step, forward and the glove box under the aft center step.
Twin livewells are amply aerated and recirculated to get the catch to the scales and back to the water in good health.
Access to the batteries. Pumps, breakers and charger is generous via a full beam hatch. There’s even a spot to secure a spare prop.
Armed with a Slidemaster manual jack plate is fitted and optional dual Power Pole Blades, this new 520R is a natural continuation of Ranger’s leadership in legacy ride, fishability and quality.
High Points
- Tracker lithium batteries are standard, as is a multi-battery charger.
- Gelcoat-finished storage lockers are cushioned with black and red Ranger-logoed mat.
- The entire forward casting deck is padded beneath plush carpet to reduce angler fatigue.
Specs
LOA: 20’11”
Beam: 8’0”
Draft: TK
Dry Weight: 1,850 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 5/1,650 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 54 gal.
Livewell Capacity: TK
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 250 Pro XS FourStroke
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Fury 14” x 23” 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 46 gal.
Crew Weight: 500 lb.
Price: $98,030 (as tested)
Ranger Boats
Flippin, Arkansas; rangerboats.com
