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Getting a Ranger Z175, thoughts?

A

alter ego

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Joined
Apr 22, 2025
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Been without a boat for a bit and now I'm seriously thinking about picking up a Ranger Z175. I'm in Georgia, and while the lakes here aren't exactly oceanic, bigger ones like Lanier or Hartwell can get surprisingly rough especially on weekends with heavy traffic or when summer storms pop up. I'm not fishing tournaments, just more of a weekend guy who knows when to play it safe and stay dry so for those running the Z175, I need to know your take on fishability, storage, and overall build quality? cos I'm tryna figure out if it's the right fit for casual fishing with the occasional rough patch.
 
I own a 2014 Ranger Boats Z100 Series Z117, it's a similar size but has its differences. It performs alright in rough conditions, but it doesn't handle so well above 16 mph. The storage works well for me and a friend, and it runs at about 46-50 mph when loaded. It's still meeting my needs, and I haven't seen a reason to upgrade just yet.
 
The Z175's good for weekend fishing, no doubt, it handles well in choppy conditions, but you'll feel the ride a bit more in rough weather and the storage's decent, but might be tight for gear
 
alter ego said:
Been without a boat for a bit and now I'm seriously thinking about picking up a Ranger Z175. I'm in Georgia, and while the lakes here aren't exactly oceanic, bigger ones like Lanier or Hartwell can get surprisingly rough especially on weekends with heavy traffic or when summer storms pop up. I'm not fishing tournaments, just more of a weekend guy who knows when to play it safe and stay dry so for those running the Z175, I need to know your take on fishability, storage, and overall build quality? cos I'm tryna figure out if it's the right fit for casual fishing with the occasional rough patch.
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If you're used to playing it safe, the Z175 should fit you well. It'll get you to the fish and back without being overkill
 
alter ego said:
Been without a boat for a bit and now I'm seriously thinking about picking up a Ranger Z175. I'm in Georgia, and while the lakes here aren't exactly oceanic, bigger ones like Lanier or Hartwell can get surprisingly rough especially on weekends with heavy traffic or when summer storms pop up. I'm not fishing tournaments, just more of a weekend guy who knows when to play it safe and stay dry so for those running the Z175, I need to know your take on fishability, storage, and overall build quality? cos I'm tryna figure out if it's the right fit for casual fishing with the occasional rough patch.
Click to expand...
My first ranger was an R17 whitch may have been a little shorter than the 175. After getting in some bigger lakes and heavy winds, I sold it and went to a 520. A whole lot safer, wider and longer.
 
Late reply but for Lanier and Hartwell it really comes down to how patient you are with the throttle. The Z175 is solid for weekend fishing, just expect to slow down and pick your lines when it gets rough, it’s not built to charge through chop like the bigger Rangers.
 

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