Tournament Loaded Rig
By Capt. Bob Smith
Test Captain
I tested the Z20 recently in the Ozarks a couple hours from where Ranger builds this line of competition bass boats. The FLW tour was on site at Beaver Lake in Arkansas, and I had a chance to see both the Z20 and the Z21 in various color schemes. FLW stands for Forrest L. Wood, founder of Ranger Boat, and pioneer of modern bass fishing.
Quality Trailer
The Z20 package includes a 5,000 pound capacity dual axle trailer. The company treats each one with a patented Armor Coat that protects them from the chips and scratches that cause normal trailers to succumb early. Ranger also has a unique liquid lubrication system that bathes the bearings in oil and has a sight cup so you can easily tell when it needs to have some added. Fiberglass fenders with built-in step pads as well as a swing away tongue and another large step pad make boarding, while on the trailer, much safer. There is a unique center mount trailer jack that keeps the jack further back and out of the way from the tongue. Also included are LED lights, which are bright and practically fool proof.
Forward Fishing Features
In the bow, the Z20 has a standard Minn Kota 74 lb. thrust 24 volt motor on the port side. The panel in the bow has a Garmin 250 depthfinder as well as switches for the trim, lights, and accessories. You can order a recessed panel for the foot pedal if you like. A casting seat can be added to the bow, or can be left open for an expansive casting deck which allows two anglers to work with good stability and comfort. The starboard locker can store 7-foot long rods while the port locker can handle up to 8-foot long rods. The center box has room for several Plano boxes, so you won’t have to leave anything behind.
Comfort and Convenience
The bench seat features Ranger’s Soft Ride seating with high backs for the partner and driver seats. The middle seat easily flips down to become a step to the stern, which will cut back on dirt getting all over the covers. Additional grab handles are tucked in the sides of this seat so you can hang on in the rough water.
The helm comes standard with Sea Star hydraulic assisted steering and the typical multi-function gauges, which allow you to quickly keep an eye on engine performance. Another Garmin 250 depthfinder is located at the helm to the right of the wheel. Digital switching and ignition create a worry-free electrical system on this model. Livewell controls are located on the wall at the driver’s elbow.
Behind the seats in the center of the aft casting deck is a handy cooler, which makes it easy for everyone to get a cool drink. Just aft is an aerated, divided recirculating livewell with venture air. Access to the batteries, oil fill, and the Pro Charger is gained through the three hatches at the stern. If you like to sit and cast, you can add the casting chair back here as well.
Specs
The Z20 measures in at 20’5” overall length and has a beamy 7’11’’ width for a much more stable casting platform. A 10-inch setback at the stern helps prevent the backwash often suffered when you slow down at the no wake borders. This model is rated for 200-225-hp outboards and can be rigged for just about any manufacturer’s engines. Transom height is 23 inches and she weighs 1,735 lbs. with a single console, and 1,760 with the dual console. The Z20 carries two 24 gallon fuel cells for a total of 48 gallons fuel capacity.
Handling and Performance
I tested the Z20 on a fairly calm lake early in the morning. She cruised most economically around 3000 rpm traveling 33.9mph. At cruise speed the Z20 burned 7.1gph for a range of 207 miles on its 48 gallon fuel tank. Top end speed was 70.2mph at 5500rpm with our 225-hp Evinrude with 26 Raker stainless steel prop. The boat’s hole shot performance was a mere 2.9 seconds, and we had her going 30mph in 7.3 seconds. Our test boat was loaded with a load of tournament gear, two men, and ¾ of a tank of fuel. Handling and performance at top end speed was phenomenal. This boat maintained stability and handling, even when crossing wakes from other fishermen running to their spots for the tournament being held on test day.
Ranger has been building competition bass boats for many years now. With their pultruded fiberglass transom, fiberglass stringers, and proven flotation, it is hard to go wrong with Ranger. They are built to win tournaments and last a lifetime of memories.
