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2005 Ranger Boats Ranger 521 VX Photos
2005 Ranger Boats Ranger 521 VX Test Details
| Category | Bass Boat |
| Length | 21ft 3in / 6.40 m |
| Engine(s) | 1 |
| Dealers | Contact Dealers |
| Buyers Guides | Search For Buyers Guides |
| Boats For Sale | Search For For Sale |
2005 Ranger Boats Ranger 521 VX Description
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Anglers have long been familiar with the Ranger name. In fact, the company has been producing fishing boats since 1968. Since then, the Arkansas-based manufacturer has gone from producing tri-hull designs with basic features to producing a full range of boats designed for fishing in a wide variety of waters. Boats & Places recently checked out the Ranger 521 VX a highly engineered bassboat designed to meet or beat the standards and performance of today's tournament-driven powerhouses.
The 521 VX is a true bassboat design with everything you need, and more, for inland tournament angling. Built on a 21' 3" frame, the 521 VX rates for a maximum of 250 hp and is available as both a single- and dualconsole model. The latest generation of this model sports sleeker, lower profile contours and a high-performance cockpit shifted aft.
The enormous forward casting deck features six spacious compartments. The large carpet-lined centre locker can handle up to six rods and is fitted with a convenient light mounted to the hatch.The large lockers to port and starboard are also carpet-lined and can accommodate additional rods or gear.Three smaller lockers are located on the aft part of the casting deck.The locker to port features a liner so that it can pull double duty as a cooler.
At the bow, our test boat was fitted with a Minn-Kota trolling motor with foot controls.You don't have to struggle to keep the batteries topped to power this unit, as an On-Board Dual- Pro Charger is a standard feature. At the bow, mounted in a small faux burlwood panel, you'll find controls for trim, lights, and the aerator pumps. Our test boat was also fitted with an optional Lowrance Bluewater Pro 124A depthsounder.
The helm sports a Competition steering wheel with Teleflex SeaStar Pro hydraulic steering that is responsive and smooth.A great feature is the keyless ignition, which is quite handy for the stop-and-go running that can happen throughout the day. Once you key in your code at the beginning of the day, you're good to go. Just hit the green button and hang on! Our test boat was also fitted with a top-of-the line Lowrance LCX-104C Colour Recording Sonar with GPS and Plotter. This unit features a massive 10.4" 256 colour display and is outfitted with all the features you'll ever need for a day on the water.
The aft casting deck is also quite large, even with the cockpit positioned further aft. The venturi-equipped livewell with pump-out separates two storage areas just behind the seats and access panels to batteries, oil and other accessories are across the back. Casting seats can be placed in positions in the back casting deck or the front casting deck.
The 521 VX ran down the lake like a machine on a mission. Handling was almost effortless as we took the boat through a series of aggressive turns with little or no slide. A foot-pedal accelerator, along with trim and jackplate controls on the steering column, allow you to keep both hands on the wheel at all times for ultimate control. Time on plane was a very quick 3.5 seconds with a fair amount of bow rise. Running down the lake at 35.9 mph at 4,000 rpm was almost effortless, and when we put the pedal to the deck, the boat registered a top speed of 70.4 mph at 5,800 rpm. Earlier in the day, and with slightly different conditions, our test boat was apparently hitting a top speed in the 74-mph range.
Whether you're a serious tournament warrior or an entry-level angler who wants to fish like one, the Ranger 521 VX has a lot to offer.
2005 Ranger Boats Ranger 521 VX Test Specifications
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Test boat engine: Evinrude 225 High Output, 3.3L (2201 cid), V-6 gasoline outboard turning a 27" pitch Renegade Bass stainless-steel prop.
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