Attachment 137793Attachment 137794Attachment 137795Attachment 137796 Although the Phoenix is the best ride,,, I wanted a 'guide' boat. Here is some pictures of my bay Charger. <*)}}}><
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Attachment 137793Attachment 137794Attachment 137795Attachment 137796 Although the Phoenix is the best ride,,, I wanted a 'guide' boat. Here is some pictures of my bay Charger. <*)}}}><
Josh with you being a big guy Ranger, Skeeters, and Nitro newer model boats are very wide with lots of room. There are pros and cons to every boat out there, in my t will be a 2-4 yropinion "nothing fishes like a ranger". The next boat I will get will be a 2-4 yr old Z119(19.5ft) single console with a 200-225 yamaha or mercury. I would love to have a 4 stroke but dont know if I can afford it. Dont get me wrong I would love a 520 but they are way too expensive. EB
That Charger picture above has JOSH written all over it! :twocents.
Merle
I have owned a Ranger 373V. It is the Cadillac of all Bass Boats. I retired and gave myself a 2013 Nitro Z9 with 250 Merc Pro Xs Minn Kota Fortex 101 lb thrust and Lowrance HDS Touch networked to a HDS on the bow. 21' 9". Tons of Storage. I simply could not Afford a new Ranger or Bass Cat. Mine weighs in at 2 tons. wind is no issue. Had it out in 25 MPH wind. Everyone else was getting beat to death. Mine cut through the rough water like a hot knife through butter. 63 gallon gas tank. Bottom line is what can a person afford to spend. I am happy. Makes or a roomy Crappie Rig!
Ranger all the way
CrappieChatt, that is a great looking boat. I have read up a lot on the Phoenix boats and Ranger boats. I looked at a Z9 Nitro, and although it was a sweet looking boat with a ton of room, it had a couple things I didn't like that has possibly knocked Nitro off the list. I am going to try and find time to schedule a ride in a phoenix and then find a dealership that will allow for a ride in a couple models of Ranger boats. I do appreciate all the feedback so far, keep it coming.
I've enjoyed quite a few boats over the last half century. When I was heavy into Bass Tourneys I owned Skeeters and Champions (with some sponsor assistance.) I've also fished out of many other Skeeters, Champions, Bass Cats, ProCraft, and a few Tritons and Nitros (and some others.) A relative spent about 10 years on the BASS circuit, sponsored by Ranger - so I fished with him out of many of their models, as well. EB's advice to get what you want is good advice. I've personally gone a different route from the big fiberglass boat because it fit's my fishing better now. Having said that I certainly would not hesitate to fish out of a Ranger, Skeeter or Bass Cat today. They are great boats and most of the newer ones have a big enough front deck to handle a couple of big guys. Flippin & Pitchin was my favorite. Biffle showed me how when he was just a young guy.Quote:
Originally Posted by swollencrappie
I highlighted a portion of what you said to try and offer some additional advice. Ride and fish out of many different boats as possible in order to make a good decision on what you want to spend your money on. A little further advice is that there are many things in life more valuable than a $30-$40k boat. Your family especially. Don't sacrifice any of those good things to drive a fancy boat. From your fishing reports you seem to be doing pretty good right now.
Man I wish I could afford a boat of this caliber but I can't at this time. So for me it's a 1248 tin. Maybe when the two kids grow up and move out but they are only 1 & 3, lol.
I went from the Lowe 165fm pro sc to a ranger reata recently. With the family it's the best of both worlds, skiing/tubing/goofing off one minute and fishing the next. There are some minor compromises but I can live with them. When we finally hook up and fish together, I'll drive and you can check it out.
I have a 1988 Ranger 374V I bought new. When I bought it some of my buddies told me I was stupid for spending so much for a boat. Well, it still performs like it did the day I pulled it off the lot. I have called Ranger several times over the years, and they have always been happy to answer my questions. It does have a few scratches and the upholstery is cracking a bit, but the carpet is original and looks good. I've replaced some things like live well pumps, the automatic bilge pump; I've updated the electronics and the trolling motor, but the old girl and I are still having great days and occasional nights together. Needless to say, I'm a Ranger man.