Beam: 7’6″
Dry Weight: 1,250 lb. (plus engine)
Weight Capacity: 1,200 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 23 gal. More Information: rangerboats.com Ranger Boats
The Z175 is proof that you don’t have to spend $75,000 to get the fishability, performance and benefits of Ranger ownership. Our tests proved that the Z175’s compact package brought the fishability and performance for which Ranger is renowned, but with storage and towing conveniences at a comfortable operating cost.
At the bow, rod storage is all Ranger: It’s tournament ready with dedicated lockers for rods and tackle. Hatches are held open with gas-assist struts, which makes getting or stowing your gear easier, and storage is lockable for overnight security. The bow proved ready to fish during our test and sported a Minn Kota Edge 70 trolling motor, which is operated with a recessed foot pedal. An onboard Dual-Pro charger freshens batteries overnight, and 6-gauge wiring makes efficient use of DC trolling power.
Ranger’s angler conveniences spice every nook and cranny of the Z175, including cup holders, cellphone compartments and fishing-tool storage. A signature Ranger fish ruler is mounted amidships for convenience. Retractable rod tie downs for the owner and partner keep rods in place on the fly. A small gap between the helm console and gunwale makes a nest for rod tips.
The Z175 was sporty, and the Evinrude E-TEC 115 was a fuel sipper. It’s the lightest, most powerful 115 on a pounds-per-horsepower basis, and an under-the-cowl oil tank means there is no reservoir to interfere with access to the pumps, battery chargers and circuit breakers.
Making this the ideal self-storage bass rig for the garage is the Ranger Trail custom trailer. It boasts Cool Hubs for ultimate lubrication and long-range on-the-road safety. Road Armor fenders and finish will keep the hull and trailer looking great for years. A swing-away tongue compresses the overall length for easy storage in a standard garage.
How can you get more fishing fun in a $26,000 package? Start your quest here.
High Points
*Great-looking vinyl and carpet accents add comfort to this glimmering metal-flake ride.
*Matte-finish fiberglass on the cockpit’s sides resists scratches from gear and boots, and hides scuffs, if they occur.
*Ranger custom designs its upholstery in-house so material repairs can be tastefully completed years after purchase.
How We Tested
Engine: Evinrude E-TEC 115
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Rogue 13″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.0:1
Fuel Load: 15 gal.
Crew Weight: 240 lb.
Price
$26,000 (base)
Contact
Ranger Boats Flippin, Arkansas; 800-373-2628; rangerboats.com
