Bass Fishing Forum

General Bass Boat Discussion => High Performance Bass Boat => Ranger => Topic started by: Ron Fogelson on April 20, 2014, 10:23:58 AM

Title: 520 C setup
Post by: Ron Fogelson on April 20, 2014, 10:23:58 AM
So I know I need to come up "well I know that I think I need to come up" with the Jackplate.

250 pro xs - Max speed 66.2mph, 5640 rpms, great WP and more chine walk than I ever thought a Ranger would have.  It starts from 60 to 62 mph based on trim and the short bumps to the wheel doesn't help steering from 45 and up is hard 50 mph and up two hands are needed to get her to turn.

Running a 26 tempest plus started with one vent hole open, and two vent holes plugged with the larges hole plugs. By myself it would jump up and once it nosed over I would have to back out of it to keep her from blowing out, add a 2nd person and the only way to get on pad was to ease into the gas very slowly to get her up and running.  Plugged the open vent with a vent cap and now she jumps up on pad without issue. 

I've been told I will want a 25 furry, but my old 225 opti pop spun a 26 tempest plus all day I would think "hope" I could run a 26 furry or maybe a 28 tempest plus, I'd like to see 74 or better but will give up a MPH or 2 for a tight turning & friendly running ride.  This is the boat I'll be teaching Danielle to drive  v~

So why are you guys seeing the jackplate height and what props are you running or know of that are being ran with good results.
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Craig314 on April 20, 2014, 10:52:49 AM
While i don't have a 520, i have heard the guys that do rave about the  Bravo I FS, i believe they run a 26 and start at 2.5 below pad and work up to find the sweet spot. They love the whole shot and how it handles in turns, they do say they lose about 2 mph on top end.
  I haven't heard them talk about chine walk at all with this prop. You can do a search on BBC Ranger section and get a wealth of knowledge on the 520C and what set up they are running. Might save you a lot of time and money. Good luck and let us know how it goes?
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Ron Fogelson on April 21, 2014, 10:11:16 AM
Thanks Craig314  ~c~

I'm hoping to get some folks to jump in here on UB,,,, as an Admin I hate going to other sites because they always think I'm up to something  lo lo
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Craig314 on April 21, 2014, 03:02:36 PM
Well i can understand that and I had to think a lot before i posted it but i figured you could read up some and save a little time. I hope other guys with Rangers chime in here. I do know that the Bravo 1 FS is raved about, several have them for there 520 and 519 Rangers. I prefer a 4 blade on my 518, it jumps out of the hole with a load and since i can hit 70 with it i haven't went looking for more speed. I just have a little torque steer at those speeds but no chine and it turns really well.

  I know GhostComanche aka Roger Rose is a wealth of knowledge on props for Rangers and he is in your neck of the woods in Southern AR and I don't think he would mind that your a Mod here. They don't put up with a lot of BS on the Ranger board there, kinda like here were everyone helps each other out. It is the only section i check out a lot there.
Title: 520 C setup
Post by: Bigwrench on April 21, 2014, 05:25:26 PM
RR would definitely be the man to ask .... But I understand the issue too as I rarely visit the other site :). I have no experience with the 520 setup but can tell ya my Ranger used to skeer the daylights outta me ! Now I'm used to it and know what to expect but above 65 it's still a little worrisome . Blow out on turns scares me more now and I wish I woulda kept my 4 blade. Hopefully we can get some 520 guys to chime in for ya Ron.
Also I have had numerous help from Ranger and got this reply from them recently
"However , if there are additional details you are seeking, you can send us specific questions and we will consult with our in-house experts.  This also applies to set-up questions.

Please let us know if we can assist you further.

Thank you for your business!

René Austin
Ranger Boats
[Please enable JavaScript to see this content]
800-373-2628 "
René has been a lot of help getting me answers and contact with the right people in the Ranger organization.
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Rangerman on April 21, 2014, 08:35:11 PM
OK Guys I have set alot of my Rangers over 45 years to run like a scared dog. lo Not into the last mph anymore. I just got a New Z520C with 250pro XS. I just get thru the break end and not busted it's nut. YET lo The thing you have to decide you going to race or fish, yes son my last Ranger a a 461VS with a custom build 175 lo lo lo 2.5 Pro Max 245 off shore with shaved heads, worked reed blocks, custom tuner and a very special brain dialed in by the Late Tony Reynolds of RPM Marine was a 78mpg gps with two fat boys turning 6750 in about 9 seconds. Now back to the normal world, by back can't take in anymore ~b~ The only real way to gain speed and the first in proper prop. I am starting with a 25 Tempest with Ranger set jack height. I will be busting it's nuts real soon. I will test with about 30 gallons of gas, no water but all tackle on board. Mercury's like 5600-6100 rpm. Each 100 over 5600 the more hp you build. Most factory set up's are 5600 range ??? Play with the jack first and keep going up until you see water PSI drop and the "Da Sweet Spot" then drop 1/4 ". If R's still low check diff props. Now the hard part. You can take 5 same pitch props of same mfg and they will all run alittle diff.  ~shade~shade Once you are close to getting the R's to the 6000 range light, 1/2 load fuel, tackle and not water. get the prop balanced and blue printed. ~sun That is the best money that can be spend on boat set up. Talk to your prop man tell him what you are looking for, like 200 more R's, more lift. Too much lift kills speed ~b~ Rooster tails higher than the cowl of the motors is making air bubbles not speed. Now the real world call, you want hole shot or top end. There is no Magic prop believe me. For the last mpg you going to have a suck bass hole shot and a great hole shot you going to miss the last speed mile. You just got to meet in the middle. I cost a $1000 per mile an hour over 65 in engine work. lo lo believe me I have done in all back in my younger days. Now most of the the Z520C in the area will run 72 with 26 Fury but the bottom end SUCKS lo May go tomorrow with about 30 gallons, tackle and not water an looking for high 60's low 70's with stock set up 8" fixed jack and Tempest will give full report. Not sure if I will get to go Truck in the shop. Quickest way to gain speed is loose boat weight, and increase rpms while keeping psi. I think 5600 is way too low for a Mercury to turn light, mayby heavy ok but not light. My Two Cents. ~sun
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Ron Fogelson on April 21, 2014, 09:01:26 PM
Now hats what I'm talking about great read,,,, got some playing to do  ~bb
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Bigwrench on April 22, 2014, 05:24:25 AM
That's some great info! Now we can dial em both in and learn at the same time :).
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Rangerman on April 22, 2014, 06:10:45 AM
Have been took by set up people on the Z520C the Tempest is a better starting point for fishing and both worlds. I can get 26 Fury from local pro, and a few custom wheels, but fooling they the high end custom props. Now if you got to really go fast get an Allison, Bullet the Rangers are not noted for speed but best ride and getting you back alive. lo with out going to the back doctor lo  Now a little math lesson for sets and top speed. Take RPM X Prop Pitch and divide by gear ratio and again div by 1056 (Yes 1056 the Magic number. and you will get the max speed possible with zero slip ~sun Now most slip is about 10% so take max speed times 90% and you have your speed. By reducing slip to the 7% to 6% which is not easy.  It does work and the 1056 is truely the magic factor number.  5600 RPM X 25 Pitch div by 1.75 gear ratio div by the magic 1056 equals 75.75 with zero slip :-* now 90% is 68.17 now the hard part comes into place set up engine height and proper wheel. Plugs in or out have no effect on speed it's a hole shot deal. You are trying to get a little slip to spin the prop quick to get the boat to break over quicker. Keep in mind warm water and air cuts hp by 200-400 rpms. Winter and cold water Mercurys and others lo do run better and make more horse power. More R's more HP and more speed but also more gas lo Thus end the Rangerman BS lesson on set up for today. Going out now to bust the New Z520C nuts real good. With report back later today or tomorrow.
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Rangerman on April 23, 2014, 08:35:54 AM
Reporting IN 8) Lake very smooth with about 2-3 per hour. Fuel load about 15-18 gallon with no water but a heavy load lo my tackle which will increase by the day lo First run with 25 Tempest with 1.75 gear case and turned 5750 :embarassed: Now the Merc just got out of break in and turned 71.8 with two runs.with wind calm.  ~shade Wind picked up to 5mph and best run was 72.1 down to about 10 gallons of gas, still light, load of tackle. Hole shot a tad under 5 sec. for WAO to break over ~sun Man I love it, fishing not racing lo Going to work with the manual jack first going up about an 1" may be too much but just testing. Once jack set for light load, may screw with the prop alittle. Again not in the racing mode anymore. Not wanting to spend a $1000 per MPH lo. 5750 rpm X 25 div 1.75 gear div by the Magic number 1056 equal 77.78 with zero slip X 90% equal 70.0008 mph. so the magic # still works. Now got to work on slip which can be time consuming and hate to work a new cherry prop, you got to do what you got to do  lo lo lo and get R's up. By going to Amsoil gear lube can gain 100-200 R's on the second change ;) don't know it I'm going to do that. Most likely the prop B&B with the best and easier way to go.































o
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Rangerman on April 24, 2014, 07:37:53 PM
The Z520C seems to preform about the same with a semi load. Had about 30 gallons (SWAG) and wells full with a load of tackle(almost) lo coming in the da chop 10mph still running 71+++ but having to do a little driviing and working the trim.   8) Son the New Z520C is Da Deal Deal 8) The boat speedo is slow by about 8mph on the dash to gps, guess I'm going to have to shoot about 50 psi and loosen the spring
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Rangerman on May 03, 2014, 08:00:15 PM
Spy Networks say try a 24 Fury ??? Will do as soon as my buddy gets back for canceled James River Tournament. At this point not a lot of diff with the school of hard knocks I have done lo lo Rally Rally Oct 25 Lake Norman. Check out this page under Carolina Bass Buddies ~sun Be glad you did :-*
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Rangerman on May 11, 2014, 09:15:19 AM
Going to try a 24 Cherry Tempest and or 24 Fury to get R's up to 59-6K range. The numbers I don't believe will improve speed, but will increase mid range and hole shot. There is nothing wrong with either now but top R's too low for a Mercury. Hoping it will losen up after 20 hours. ~c~
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Rangerman on July 31, 2014, 07:02:17 PM
Fury 24 pitch is the best for heavy load and ruff water.  ~sun Whole shot will blister your I ball's lo
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Ron Fogelson on July 31, 2014, 09:07:34 PM
Quote from: Rangerman on July 31, 2014, 07:02:17 PM
Fury 24 pitch is the best for heavy load and ruff water.  ~sun Whole shot will blister your I ball's lo

What's your prop to pad? and did you go up/down or stay the same going from the Tempest 25?

I'm spinning a Temp 26 and takes a long straight run to hit 5500 rpm's if I came up to much and lost lift and top end, dropped back down and gained it all back but started walking again,,,,, came up a little more and she calmed down but I have to trim all the way out to get the boat on the last part of the pad to see my speed "70.6 GPS" at 5450 ------------ 6200 RPM's is still a good way to go to see max speed and response but I think to get that I'm going to have to drop pitch and in turn will drop some of my top end.  Hole shot is fine but worried I'll have to much blow out if I go any smaller "prop" as it is I have one of the vent hole closed to keep from slinging the wheel free as the boat comes over onto pad.  :-\  I know the right set up is there to see 74/76 without to much issue but dang it's been kinda a pain in the ass to get it this far  :'(
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Ron Fogelson on August 03, 2014, 11:50:11 AM
Getting closer,,,  71.3 at 5700rpm's with 26 tempest

I think I can come down a tad to help because steering is stiff once trimmed up and the last 5mph takes a while  v~
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Rangerman on September 15, 2014, 03:15:34 PM
Try a 25 Tempest and 25 Fury and play with jack ~sun Think you will like it. One you find the better of the two for your rig, then get it custom worked by a pro, Money well spent.
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Rangerman on November 16, 2014, 11:10:37 AM
Roy your R's are way too low for the motor to build max HP. A 25 Tempest is a good prop, fair whole shot, good top end. 71-72 depending on load. With live wells full and gas tank full, whole shot leave alot to be desired until about 1/2 fuel burned off. ::) Going to run the 24 Fury next my spies tell me thats the prop for heavy big boat. If R's not a 6000+ cold water will have it worked from there. Got to get the R's up for Mercury to preform correctly ;) Will drop back when water warm's and summer heat arrives.
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Rangerman on October 29, 2017, 09:23:37 AM
Well update on this old post. The 24 Fury seems to be Magic Bullet lo Turning 5850 with Med Load of Fuel and Fat Buddy and 68-69 mph when water permits lo I do have a Cherry Fury 24 pitch in the box never put on boat for sale. Will sell local for $470 in box.  Looking to purchase a Fury 4 24" for big water and ruff water run.  It improved the good holes shot, mid range improved however top end dropped 2 miles per hour with same load, weather and temp conditions  ;D Just was a big water, ruff water prop for LSC and open water. The four blade as a lot less yaw with is rock side to side in building water. Slower but more power to climb the hills lo
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Rangerman on December 12, 2017, 07:59:41 AM
Report, all you Ranger Z520Z owners need to try a Fury 4 24" ~c~ ~c~ better hole shot, not  a lot but about 1-2 sec with same load.  The real deal is mid range punch, R's increase up into the 6000 range and is a little faster due to R's.  The ruff water ride is 200% better no yaw! or side to side or very little. I'm sure it will run somewhat the same on other  heavy boats.  Most of the local pro here in Norman have gone to these props on the Big Toon's and Ranger.  It is NOT for the gear head looking for the max speed that does not care much about hole shot just top end lo If you will check you power curve on Mercury Motor the max hp is 5850-6000 with Rev. Limiter at 6250. I was really impressed the the Fury 4. Any you boys get to Norman be glad to let you run mine or the 24 three blade Fury.  The 4 blade is going to be the go to prop for big water like Saint Clair, Erie and so one. think it will be great climbing prop for those big rollers. For a very full report on the props we tested on the Z521C full of gas and live wells full check it out on Carolina Bass Buddy's on UB
Title: Re: 520 C setup
Post by: Smallie_Stalker on December 12, 2017, 02:18:47 PM
Quote from: Rangerman on December 12, 2017, 07:59:41 AM
Report, all you Ranger Z520Z owners need to try a Fury 4 24" ~c~ ~c~ better hole shot, not  a lot but about 1-2 sec with same load.  The real deal is mid range punch, R's increase up into the 6000 range and is a little faster due to R's.  The ruff water ride is 200% better no yaw! or side to side or very little. I'm sure it will run somewhat the same on other  heavy boats.  Most of the local pro here in Norman have gone to these props on the Big Toon's and Ranger.  It is NOT for the gear head looking for the max speed that does not care much about hole shot just top end lo If you will check you power curve on Mercury Motor the max hp is 5850-6000 with Rev. Limiter at 6250. I was really impressed the the Fury 4. Any you boys get to Norman be glad to let you run mine or the 24 three blade Fury.  The 4 blade is going to be the go to prop for big water like Saint Clair, Erie and so one. think it will be great climbing prop for those big rollers. For a very full report on the props we tested on the Z521C full of gas and live wells full check it out on Carolina Bass Buddy's on UB

Here's a link to Rangerman's excellent post for those that are interested:

http://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=139006.0 (http://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=139006.0)