I mean, I know it's probably not in much demand, but it couldn't be all that difficult to upgrade the Z522 that has been around for what, 6 years?  

 

Granted, I've not been fishing in a couple years but I will eventually buy another boat when I actually have time to use it.  

Still waiting for that carbon fiber model?

The 522C would be great. 

if it aint broke dont fix it

New 522C with this hanging off the back would be perfect.

 

http://www.mercuryracing.com/outboards/engines/verado-350-sci/

New 522C with this hanging off the back would be perfect.

 

http://www.mercuryracing.com/outboards/engines/verado-350-sci/

 

With that beast strapped on the transom, you'd better be looking for a new Ranger 525C or 530C!

Yea...the 350 may be a bit much. This isn't Allison. But carbon fiber would be neat if they didn't ruin it with a gelcoat. God....carbon fiber with the 350...looking at roughly a 100,000-150,000 bucks? Is this gonna be Wood approved?

To get the 350 verado you gotta go Basscat.

http://www.basscat.com/jaguar.html

Nah, got a buddy that's a merc dealer. I can get you whatever you need.

Not a fan of Basscat.  I'm confident we'll see 350hp rating on a Ranger soon. 

You will. But how big will the boat have to be? I can't fish Fontana anymore because they closed interstate 129 to vehicles over 30ft. That's including vehicles with trailers. I'm pushing almost 40ft. 15'+/- and 24' of trailer.

I believe Mercury now has  400hp racing Verado in production

It'll be a while before the boats catch up with that. Or if TWRA sees it and buys them for their boats. Wouldn't surprise me.

I'm sure someone somewhere is trying to figure out at this very moment how to hang a 400hp outboard on a bass boat. 

 

Not me.  Promise. 

I'm imagining TWRA thundering up the lake with two of those just pounding away. Forget a cigarette boat....

Donzi's are fun.  But you can't fish from them, they'll beat you up, and you're looking at about $1000 in fuel at every fill up. 

I'm sure someone somewhere is trying to figure out at this very moment how to hang a 400hp outboard on a bass boat. 

 

Not me.  Promise. 

Well this might get your gears turning haha

Got one in white already ordered. Why someone would want this on anything is beyond me. I believe this piece of art goes on the wall in the man cave.

Redline, I remember reading an editorial page in a past Bassmasters Magazine where the editor discussed how bass boat sales have been decreasing in the last 10 years.

 

To offset this trend, Ranger released its line of aluminum boats that are much more affordable than the expensive Z522 and its sisters.

 

Maybe the Z522 needs a facelift and some new features as offered by other boats but it seems the company is relying on its name and a bass boat that has proven itself to be one of the top bass boats in the marketplace today.

 

With Charger entering the east coast it could put a dent in Ranger's sales making the company take a good look at its products and add some innovations like the other boat manufacturers. However, with the Z's price tags only a few can afford a new Ranger.

 

And compounding the situation are the other boat companies who have some wonderful pros on their staffs and offering bass boats costing less than the Ranger Z models.

 

Until Ranger's sales of the Z522 and other Z models plummets down fast I don't foresee Ranger making any changes to a boat that has proven itself over the years.

 

Then again, stranger things have happened.

 

Can't wait for the "new and improved" Ranger Z line of bass boats to arrive.

You and me both.  I've had fishing on the mind a lot.  If all works out I plan to be 'semi' retired in the next 5 years.  I'm in no hurry to buy a boat, but would be nice to get one in the next couple years.  At the current rate, I find it incredible that fully loaded with a 300 Merc a 522 is pushing $100k.  That's insane! 

 

Like you said Sam, stranger things have happened.