The Won Bass, Anglers Marine, and White River Marine Group Team Up for the New 2025 Boat Introductions
The Ranger Z520
By Derrek Stewart 8/20/25
Ranger Pro Brent Ehrler
In the world of professional bass fishing, few names
resonate with as much authority and experience as Brent Ehrler. Renowned for
his relentless pursuit of excellence, and a long-standing record of tournament
triumphs, Ehrler’s endorsement earns attention. His recent spotlight of the new
2025 Ranger Z520 brings both excitement and anticipation, as anglers look to
understand what makes this vessel worthy of a champion’s praise.
Key Elements of Performance, Construction and the Angler
Experience
The new Z520 features the same hull, top cap, and Ranger
Trail Trailer as Ranger's flagship R Series. However, through a few strategic
modifications, Ranger has managed to reduce the price of the Z520 by about
$10,000, while still providing exceptional quality and fishability that anglers
can rely on.
Mercury Marine Power
Just like the R Series, this Z520 features a Mercury Pro XS
250 outboard engine. The Mercury Pro XS series is a testament to Mercury
Marine's commitment to high performance, advanced features, and reliability.
With its impressive power, speed, enhanced torque, acceleration, and improved
fuel economy, Mercury Marine has not just set, but defined the industry
benchmark for outboard motors.
The stainless-steel ‘Slam Latches’ allow for quick and
efficient access to compartments; simply push to close and pull to open. The
compartments come standard with carpet-covered lids and fiberglass boxes.
Additionally, lining the cockpit floor and storage compartments with carpet
instead of traction pads offers significant cost savings for the Z520.
Front Deck Amenities
An insulated 40-quart step-up cooler ascends to the padded
front casting deck. The front deck rod storage lockers feature an integral
Ranger Echelon Rod Storage System. The power-ventilated rod storage
accommodates rods up to 8 feet in length.
Safety, Comfort, and a Spacious Cockpit
The spaciously
appointed cockpit has the comfort features Ranger Boat Owners have come to
expect. Soft Ride Seating features bucket seats with color-matched fiberglass
seat shells, custom-fitted premium marine upholstery, and integrated grab
handles, complete the seating. Nestled between the cockpit seating is a
roomy coin box that doubles as a back deck step.
Moving to the boat operator's seat behind the console, the
Z520 replaces the Ranger Ride touchscreen accessories monitoring system, which
is standard on the R Series, with an analog push-button pad located to the
right of the steering wheel. This strategic feature contributes to a substantial
reduction in the price point of the Z520.
The Essence of Tournament Boats
At the heart of any
great tournament boat is its platform—a foundation that determines stability,
maneuverability, and overall fishability. While some models boast cutting-edge
technology and luxury accessories, others prioritize dependable construction and
straightforward functionality. It’s here that the value of a boat without all
the extravagant features becomes evident.
“The Ranger Z520 is such a great tournament boat. It doesn’t
have all the bells and whistles that the Z520 R has, but it does have all the
essentials that anglers need on the same platform, just less money when it
comes to the bottom-line cost,” – Brent Ehrler.
The
Pro’s Verdict: Why the Z520 Stands Out
Ehrler’s endorsement is not given lightly. His praise for
the new Ranger Z520 is grounded in experience and a deep understanding of what
it takes to succeed at the highest level. He sees the Z520 not just as a
vessel, but as a competitive advantage—one that offers the speed, agility, and
reliability to keep any angler at the top of their game, while also providing
the comfort and fishability that help make every day on the water productive
and enjoyable.
He is particularly impressed by Ranger’s responsiveness to
angler feedback, noting that many of the Z520’s most effective features
originated from conversations with pros like himself. This collaborative
approach ensures that Ranger Boats evolves alongside the sport, staying
relevant as technology and tactics advance.
Angler’s Marine
There is so much more to the Ranger Z520. The friendly,
knowledgeable, and experienced staff at Angler’s Marine in Anaheim, California,
invite you to visit their showroom for a personal walk-through.
2025 WON Bass US Open
This year’s WON Bass US Open will take place at the
picturesque Lake Mohave, from October 6th to 8th. This stunning location, known
for its clear waters and abundant bass, provides the perfect backdrop for this
prestigious event.
In the realm of sport fishing, few tournaments evoke the
same reverence, anticipation, and sheer competitive spirit as the WON Bass US
Open. Often heralded as the premier bass tournament on the planet, the US Open
stands as a beacon for professional and amateur anglers alike, calling forth
those who seek not only personal glory but the chance to etch their names into
the annals of bass fishing history. By participating in the US Open, you become
part of a legacy, a tradition of excellence that spans generations. This year’s
winning Pro Angler will also earn the honor of being awarded a new 2025 Ranger
Z520.
