From Lake Erie to Sam Rayburn and places in between, some of the country’s biggest fish make their homes in some of the nation’s biggest and most demanding waters. Cranking offshore ledges, dropshotting deep rock piles or even making check-in time while conditions are rough is no place for undersized – or underpowered – boats.
Whether anglers fish in big waters or just like the comfort and capacity of big boats, the new Ranger Z522D represents the largest bass-fishing platform ever produced by the legendary boat brand. Measuring an expansive 22 feet, 7 inches in length and sporting a 102-inch beam, the new boat revolutionizes big-water performance with what it has below the waterline. Ranger designed a completely new platform that’s longer, wider and built atop a hull that incorporates a deep V reminiscent of the brand’s acclaimed Fisherman Series renowned for unparalleled performance in demanding conditions.
Rated for a maximum 300 horsepower, the new Z522D boasts a smooth, dry ride and supremely comfortable driving experience. The deep-V hull is significantly deeper than other comparable bass-fishing models, which afforded Ranger designers the ability to configure the boat for optimum space and performance. The 56-gallon fuel tank is located under the cockpit on the vessel’s centerline making this true Dream Rig even more stable in the water. Because of its depth and extra freeboard, it’s the first bass boat the company has built to accept a 25 inch outboard engine, and it can transport a combined 2,100 pounds of passengers and gear.
“We learned a lot about what it takes to fish big, demanding water over the years through building our walleye and multispecies series. We took what we learned there and incorporated that information into something entirely new from bow to stern,” Ranger President Randy Hopper said. “The result is the best-riding, driest bass boat available. It’s truly the biggest, baddest bass boat we’ve ever produced and should fill a need for many anglers across the country.”
The new Ranger Z522D comes standard with a Minn Kota Fortex 80 trolling motor, Lowrance HDS7T Gen 3 at the console and bow, as well as an on-board Dual Pro 15×3 charger. Available from the factory with a wide range of precision-matched outboards, the boat also features integrated LED navigation lights at the bow, removable LED stern light, digital switching at the console and bow, hydraulic steering, remote drain plug, stainless steel bow/stern eyes and pop-up cleats.
The vast front deck is padded and features a recessed foot pedal and space for large-screen electronics on a panel offset from the centerline to keep it out of the way of the trolling motor. Fishing from the front casting deck gives anglers access to a tool and cupholder at the bow, an insulated cooler and dry storage forward of the driver’s console and dry storage in front of the passenger area. As well, the front deck delivers gel-coated rod storage on the port side, which can accommodate 10 rods up to 8 feet in length, as well as a gel-coated center rod storage, which holds an additional 10 rods up to 8 feet, 6 inches in length. Both rod storage compartments feature Ranger’s patent-pending Power Ventilation Rod Storage System (PVRS™), which circulates air throughout the storage compartment to help keep valuable equipment dry and functioning properly.
The expansive rear deck features extremely large, urethane-mat-lined dry storage compartments on both the port and starboard sides and dry storage in front of the livewell; easy access to batteries, breakers and oil at the stern plus a recirculating, aerated livewell with divider, pump out and Venturi Air.
The cockpit of the new Z522D, which is available in both single- and dual-console configurations, is lined with a new, non-skid material which dries and drains quickly. Both the driver and passenger have new performance-style, wrap-around bucket seats on adjustable slides, plus a center storage compartment that doubles as a step to the rear deck. The Z522D sports completely redesigned consoles, which enhance the high-performance aesthetics of the vessel while also increasing wind protection and allowing space for multiple electronics displays. The dashboard panel, which includes a full complement of multi-function gauges and digital switches, is wider to further enhance the impeccable attention to detail displayed in the boat’s design, construction and styling. The boat also includes an LED interior light package for easier on-board task management and maneuvering during low-light conditions.
The cockpit also features a work station with tool holders and additional dry storage built into the front deck step, as well as a redesigned passenger side runnin’ rod rack.
A Touring Package is also available for the new Ranger Z522D, as well as for the Z500C Series of boats. The Ranger Touring Package delivers additional custom features commonly installed aftermarket on Ranger’s professional tournament-ready Dream Rigs. The package includes a Hamby’s keel protector, Oxygenator livewell, custom-fitted deluxe Ranger boat cover along with Raptor trailer wheels, trailer parking brake and Rigid LED backup lights.
The new Ranger Z522D comes equipped with a custom-matched Ranger Trail® trailer, the strongest and smoothest traveling trailer on the road. The matching fiberglass fenders and all-channel-steel construction ensure long-lasting protection and complement the sleek design of the fishing platform. Additions to the Z522D trailer are an improved swing jack with a higher gear ratio and more ergonomic handle. Equipped with Ranger’s ultra-tough Road Armor finish, the Ranger Trail® trailer comes standard with LED lights, aluminum wheels, full-sized spare, COOL Hub® lubrication system, torsion axle suspension and a locking, swing-away tongue.
2016 RANGER Z522D
Overall Hull Length: 22 feet, 7 inches
Beam: 102 inches
Maximum HP: 300
Transom Height: 25.5 inches
Inside Depth: 22 inches
Fuel Capacity: 56 gallons
Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 2,100 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight: 1,940 lbs. (single console); 1,965 lbs. (dual console)
Trailer GVWR: CF5000
About Ranger Boats
Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation’s premier manufacturer of legendary fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, which include series of bass, multi-species, fish ‘n play, waterfowl utility 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 RangerBoats.com.