My New To Me Ride and My Ol’ Ranger

As many of you know a few years ago I completely restored a 1974 Ranger. I have used it for crappie fishing for several years and even won CDC’s Boat of the Year with it. It is in excellent condition and fishes well. However, my Dad has really started crappie fishing with me quit a bit and loves it. He’s nearly 81 years old, has had 4 heart stints and a knee replacement. Needless to say he just doesn’t get around in a boat like he used too. Now keep in mind he still farms everyday but he’s not as agile as he once was. We had talked about trying to find us a boat that had a flat floor so he wouldn’t have to step up and down on the back deck. So the search began for a Ranger 681vs. I’ve been wanting one of these for a long time but they are really hard to find. I recently found this one in Wisconsin. We made a trip to look at it and ended up buying it before the Coronavirus hit. I have installed rod holders, depth finders and even a Livescope on it since we brought it home. We have had it out several times and he loves it. Once he gets in the boat there’s no stepping up or down because he just fishes from the back. I hate to sell my Ol’ Ranger but hopefully someone else will take care of it and enjoy it for many more years. I will be listing it on the Classifieds shortly. I just thought I’d share a little story and some pics of my boats with you folks. Thanks to everyone who makes this site what it is. It is a pleasure to consider you all Fishin’ Friends even though we’ve never actually met. Stay safe and tight lines to all of you!!

Both beautiful boats. I would like a few pics of the interior or the new ranger. Looks very functional. Glad you and dad are still making memories!

Nice Fisherman series Ranger! I've always been a fan of those, it definitely squashes the waves with that deep hull! It won't win any awards for fuel economy or speed, but the trade-off is well worth it for the comfort!

Congrats! :)

Great looking boats

Old evinrude is it a 90 of 115 ? And new merc. Hp ? And how do like merc compared to rude ?

You did a great job on the old Ranger... Good luck to you and your dad in the new ride.

Nice new boat and I hope you and pops get to enjoy it.

The newer boat is a 1997 model with an Evinrude Intruder 115. It will top out around 40 mph. Definitely not a speed demon but plenty fast enough for us. I had several Evinrude engines years ago but have been running Mercury engines for the past 20 years or so. When I found this boat it was in nearly perfect condition, so regardless of what type of engine it had I was buying it. If I ever have to repower I’ll probably go with a Merc 115. The boat is only rated for 135hp and Merc jumps from a 115 to a 150. A 115 is plenty for me.

The newer boat is a 1997 model with an Evinrude Intruder 115. It will top out around 40 mph. Definitely not a speed demon but plenty fast enough for us. I had several Evinrude engines years ago but have been running Mercury engines for the past 20 years or so. When I found this boat it was in nearly perfect condition, so regardless of what type of engine it had I was buying it. If I ever have to repower I’ll probably go with a Merc 115. The boat is only rated for 135hp and Merc jumps from a 115 to a 150. A 115 is plenty for me.

Thank You!!!