2017 Ranger Z521 Comanche

2017 Ranger Z521 Comanche
Packed with tournament-bred performance and feature after innovative feature, the advanced engineering of the Z521c is built to reinforce the Ultimate Ownership Experience. At 21′ 7″ in length, this custom design is rated for 250 horsepower and comes with the smooth, fluid handling of Sea Star Pro hydraulic steering. The added comfort of a padded front deck is accented with built-in cup and tool holders surrounding the recessed trolling motor pedal. Underneath the large casting platform, storage abounds. The port and center rod boxes include angled tubes, making it easier to access your favorite rods, while our patented Power Ventilation Rod Storage system circulates air to help remove moisture from gear after a long day on the water. The cockpit of the Z521c is equipped with digital switching, and there’s plenty of room for flush mounting extra-large 12″ electronics in the dash. Combined with a full roster of instrumentation, an on-board charger, tackle management system, and a matching Ranger Trail trailer, this custom dream rig is driven to deliver an even stronger level of leadership.

Specifications
General Information
Manufacturer Ranger
Model Year 2017
Model: Z521
Comanche Model Code: Z521COMANCHE2017
Stock Number: H4333
Hull
Shape Modified Vee Hull Material Fiberglass
Measurements
Length21 Feet 7 InchesBeam8 Feet
Dry Weight 1925 Pounds, Maximum Load Capacity 1700 Pounds
Other
Additional Classes 1 Freshwater Fishing Primary Boat Class Bass Boats
Tanks Fuel Tank Capacity 51 Gallons

2017 Ranger Z521 Comanche: Complete Description
The 2017 Ranger Z521 Comanche represents the pinnacle of Ranger Boats’ high-performance bass boat engineering. It’s the “Comanche” package—the top-of-the-line offering for the Z521 model, denoting premium features, advanced hull design, and luxury-level finishes tailored for the serious tournament angler and discerning bass fisherman.

1. Overview & Market Position
Model: Z521 Comanche (521 refers to 21 feet in length).

Year: 2017 (Part of the second generation of the Z500 series, which debuted in 2015).

Position: The flagship bass boat in Ranger’s lineup for 2017, designed to compete directly with other premium brands like Nitro Z21, Bass Cat Cougar, and Triton 21TRX.

Key Concept: A “hybrid” hull designed to deliver the smooth, dry ride of a deep-V in rough open water, combined with the stability and shallow-water capability of a pad-bottom hull.

2. Hull & Performance
Hull Design: RAP (Rider Advanced Performance) Hull V-21. This is the core of the Z521. It features a variable-degree V (deeper at the bow, shallower at the transom) with a pronounced forward lift pad and reverse chines.

Length: 21′ 2″ (6.45 m)

Beam: 96″ (2.44 m) – A wide beam for exceptional on-water stability.

Approx. Weight: 2,150 lbs (975 kg) (boat only), ~4,200 lbs+ rigged with engine and gear.

Material: Hand-laid fiberglass with composite stringer system.

Performance:

Expected Top Speed: 73-78 mph (117-125 km/h) depending on engine, prop, and load.

Ride: Legendary for its smooth, bow-lifting ride in choppy water. The hull cuts through waves rather than pounding.

Stability: Excellent at rest for fishing, with a stable platform for casting and fighting fish.

3. Power & Powertrain
Standard/Max HP: 300 horsepower (Mercury Pro XS or Verado were common options).

Engine Mount: Standard 25″ shaft.

Jack Plate: Typically equipped with a 10.5″ hydraulic jack plate (Ranger or Mercury) as standard on the Comanche package, allowing for precise engine height adjustment for optimal performance and shallow-water running.

4. Comanche Package Premium Features
The “Comanche” tag signified a fully loaded boat. Key features included:

Wiring & Electronics: Ranger Trailering System with breakaway tongue, LED lighting throughout, and premium switch panels.

StorPro™ Hatches: Gas-assist opening, fully lined compartments with rubber seals.

Seating: Premium, multi-position adjustable helm and passenger seats with custom embroidery.

Console: Dual Console design with a locking glove box, premium Metrophus gauges, and a large, customizable dash for multiple large-screen graphs.

Trim & Finish: “Black Label” aesthetics—black anodized aluminum framing on hatches, black hardware, and distinctive Comanche badging. Carbon fiber-look dash and accents.

Livewells: Two 26-gallon recirculating livewells (front and rear) with timer, recirculate, and aerate modes, plus a unique “Catch & Release” feature that slowly adds fresh water.

5. Fishing & Storage Features
Front Deck: Massive, uncluttered casting platform with a 10’4″ rod locker (holds 8-10+ rods) along the port side.

Rear Deck: Spacious rear deck with a dedicated battery storage compartment and easy access to the rear livewell.

Storage: Ample, including:

Large, insulated front storage lockers.

Dedicated, ventilated battery compartments (4-5 batteries typical).

Lockable, ventilated rod locker.

Multiple smaller gear trays and compartments.

Trolling Motor: Pre-rigged for 36v system (Minn Kota Fortrex or Ultrex 112 lbs thrust was the common tournament setup).

6. Trailering
Trailer: Included a custom Ranger Trail single-axle trailer with the Comanche package. Features included:

“Trailering System” with LED lights.

Swing-away tongue.

Aluminum wheels.

Custom Ranger Boat holding system (roller/bunk combo).

7. Target Angler
Serious Tournament Competitors: Who need speed to run long distances, a smooth ride to stay fresh, and reliability to fish multiple days.

Performance Enthusiasts: Anglers who appreciate top-end speed and cutting-edge hull technology.

Tech-Savvy Fishermen: With ample space for large graphs (e.g., two 12″ units at the helm), networking, and LiveScope integration.

8. Legacy & Reputation
The 2017 Z521 Comanche is considered one of the most desirable modern Ranger bass boats. Its reputation is built on:

Unmatched Rough-Water Ride: Often cited as the best in its class.

Ranger Quality: Known for impeccable fit, finish, and durability (“The Legend Continues”).

Resale Value: Ranger boats, especially the Comanche packages, historically hold their value exceptionally well.