Ranger Z175 Review

While they’ve long been a lead player in the luxury bass boat market, Ranger has never lost sight of those anglers who need a smaller boat that can tow behind a mid-sized vehicle and fit in the family garage. For years the company has made a point of featuring well-appointed models built on smaller hulls in its lineup, earning Ranger thousands of fans – and happy customers – from all across North America.

Ranger’s Z175 is compact enough to be towed by mid-sized vehicles, yet fully equipped for the weekend tournament.

For 2016 Ranger continues this happy tradition with its all-new Z175 – a well made, well designed bass boat that comes in at a trim 17 feet, 9 inches in overall length and weighs just 1,250 pounds. Yet in spite of its compact dimensions, the Z175 doesn’t give up much inside.

Let’s start with the enormous front casting deck – the business end of any bass boat. This one is still absolutely huge, even for a 17-foot boat, with plenty of space for two or even three anglers to fish in comfort.

An integral storage slot for a bumper board makes it quick and convenient to check that fish meet minimum size limits.

Fully carpeted for comfort and a sure grip, the elevated front deck conceals three cavernous storage lockers, including a portside rod box that handles rods to eight feet in length. As with all Rangers, the lids on the Z175 are gasketed to keep rain and debris out, and supported by a gas ram so you can use two hands to place or remove gear.

The front casting deck includes a recessed well for the foot control pedal for the electric motor. An adjacent bow panel is the ideal spot for mounting electronics.

Centered in the front deck is a receptacle for a pedestal-mount seat or leaning post, and just ahead of that is a recessed well to house the foot control pedal for the standard Minn Kota Edge 70 bow-mount electric motor. An integrated beverage holder at the head of the well also offers convenient storage for pliers, while a flat bow panel just to starboard is the ideal spot for installing a flush-mount depth finder or multi-function display. Engine trim switches here are a nice touch.

Cold beverages are never far from reach thanks to an integrated in-floor cooler.

You step down into the main cockpit on a carpeted step that conceals a handy beverage cooler. Just to its port side is a panel with secure storage for pliers, hook disgorgers and other tools. Immediately below this is a small, curious little panel that houses a bumper board – the essential measuring stick every angler needs to ensure their catches meet minimum length requirements. It’s quite ingenious how it hides away until needed.

The helm is no-nonsense, with plenty of room for flush-mount electronics.

The Z175’s helm console also makes the most of its available space, with twin analogue gauges (speed, tach, fuel, trim, water pressure) surrounding a large flat panel made for a multi-function display like the standard Lowrance Mark-5X Pro. The sporty chrome-on-black four-spoke steering wheel is comfortable to the touch, and looks great. Another convenient beverage holder, a 12-volt outlet, live well control and a small storage bin for sunscreen and other small items sit just below the engine throttle control.

The side console Z175 still provides some passenger storage space for sunscreen, bug spray and other small items.

To save space Ranger did not spec a passenger console on this model, but there’s still a small console near the passenger’s feet with a beverage holder, storage for small items, and Ranger’s running rod rack along the port gunnel. The boat is rated for four passengers, but has two seats. Ranger makes no bones about the Z175 being a serious fishing boat.

The rear casting deck is surprisingly large for a 17-foot boat – never mind one with such a huge front deck to start with. It too conceals a ton of storage beneath its carpeted surface, including the 15-gallon aerated live well. There’s also a second base for a removable pedestal-mount fishing seat.

Retractable cleats and LED lighting give Ranger’s Z175 an elegant touch.

Throughout, the Z175 is classic Ranger, with an upscale fit and finish. Carpeting is snug fitting and soft underfoot. The metal flake gelcoat gives the boat a rich look, while nice touches like LED lighting and retractable cleats reflect its high-end heritage.

The Z175 is rated to handle outboards up to 115 horsepower. That’s big enough to get you to your spots in a hurry, yet small enough to be easy on the wallet while delivering excellent fuel economy.

A handy tool storage rack on the bow step keeps pliers, hook disgorgers and other essentials close by.

Always wanted a luxury bass boat but never had the space or a truck big enough to haul it? Then look at Ranger’s all-new Z175 – a fully featured bass boat that proves great things do come in smaller packages.

Ranger Z175

Length: 17’ 9”

Beam: 90”

Dry weight: 1,250 lbs.

Passenger capacity: 4

Fuel capacity: 23 gal.

Maximum power: 115 hp

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