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I am really thinking about a changing up boats and switching to the larger, Faster, and more stable fiberglass boats. I have only been in one once in my life and that was EB's Ranger. Loved the ride, and the fact that he and I can stand up front and the boat barely moved (as you know, I am not a small guy). My thing is, I don't know enough about each one to really decide which brand I want to really consider. So lets hear some thoughts on what brand and why. Good, Bad, Neutral, I dont care.
I have a Skeeter, I am happy with. I really think what you are looking for is one of the newer models that has a wider beam. Next boat I get will be one if those wide Ranger models, in a used boat. Mark and Brian's boats are both wider up front than my current boat.
Josh in choosing a boat it's like comparing apples to apples. All of them shine with a coat of wax. I have never owned a Nitro but I have looked them over pretty closely. Compartments are slip in plastic molded boxes. They are not a tight fit. Lids are aluminum without insulation. Very hot. You need to look for detail of you plan on keeping it for the long haul. Triton well I have never owned one of these either but I owned a Stratos which was made by Earl who designed Triton and there isn't a nickel difference in either. Again compare apples and pay close attention to detail. Ranger well all fiberglass compartments and insulated top to bottom. Lids are fiberglass and reinforce their ride in rough water is solid due to all voids filled with flotation foam. They sit lower in the water and the wind doesn't blow them around as much as other models. I am not a salesman but I have owned many boats in the last 42 yrs and its Ranger for me. You can ask all the guys with me when we dumped my Ranger on the ramp at Wister and they will all tell you there isn't many brands out there that would take a hit like that and the gel coat not spider from one end to the other, my Ranger didn't. It's all about preference Josh and I am not talking bad about any brand of boat out there cause today they are all good it's just comparing apples to apples and what you are willing to donate to put one in your driveway. Just my $.02 worth....Ranger
Mark, one of the big things that is gonna be a Must for me is the wind control. My Aluminum SeaArk is a great boat for weekend fishing and setting jugs, but a small amount of wind and either have to set my anchor or be non stop on the trolling motor. I HATE that. Seeing Brians boat barely move with the wind on Gibson that day really impressed me. So with all the fiberglass that a Ranger has, is it the weight that makes it sit in the water so low or is it a design by Ranger that causes it? I really want to avoid aluminum if I can, thats what I have now and hate it from the heat, to the lids and deck being flimsy if not supported very well by braces. whatever we decide to get, I think I will be stuck with for a long time. no matter what brand, they are all pretty expensive.
Josh it's the mold profile plus the weight that allows a Ranger sit in the water as it does. If I had it to do over again I would not of bought new due to so many really good used ones out there. Just becareful not to buy a Tournament Boat that has had the snot ran out of it. Skeeter also has a really low profile boat that isn't affected by the wind on the water and I considered them as well when I bought but the LW is a big thing to me so with Ranger they are white fiberglass gel coated LW's that you can see the bottom in and not a dark plastic LW that you can't and insulated for cooler water temps in the summer. I know I sound like a saleman. It's just preference and they all have their strong points. Which ever one you choose and decide on its a huge step up for you brother. GOOD LUCK IN CHOOSING ONE YOU WILL NEED IT!!!! LOL...... Ranger
Josh in my opinion get exactly what you want. From length, size, engine, trolling motor, electronics etc.! Then start mastering a technique that you enjoy. You will always catch more fish when you feel comfortable in your boat fishing your favorite way. For example: I really like casting and dragging, but Mark is a master at it, some days he will catch more fish than me because of his love and experience with it! Both of us abdolutely love to get on new water because we have the fullest of confidence in our ability to find fish in our boats. EB
Take a ride in a 'Phoenix',,, then decide. As EB said,,"get what ya want". <*)}}}><
You say get what I want...the problem is I am not sure what I want. Never rode in anything other then EB's boat. Whats a must have for me...newer Lowrance electronics, a big livewell, fiberglass, stable ride, min 225 hp motor, 80 to 101 lb thrust mtr, one console, lots of storage room, other then that I dont know. I know several of you have owned multiple brands during the years and for some reason or another you changed brands, or models. Why? Personal dislikes or due to quality of boat. What was something you found out was a Must Have. I am hoping to save a lot of trouble by learning from your mistakes instead of spending thousands and making my own, if that makes sence. Dual axle trailer or single, 18 foot min or 20'min. So many things to learn when advancing from a small aluminum to a big fiberglass.
I have only had the Skeeter, however I think the Ranger has a better live well system. Like I said broader up front is really nice, think you can get that in most any boat now days. 21foot ain't to much in my book, that's what I have now.
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.
Some might say I was A ranger guy , having a 360 , 392 and a 482 and I loved every one of them until I bought a Triton TR 20 footer , tons of storage takes on rough water smooth and is a bullet , she starts to chine walk at about 65 but if you drive thru it 76 on gps . is easy to handle , never had a problem with both livewells plenty of fresh water large casting deck and dual console which if your married or have someone with you all the time is an a plus,just sayin , the wife loves it . the only thing I don't like about it is the trailer is a pain to load over the ranger trailer. if I buy another boat it will be a center console bay boat but I will keep this one too. good luck choosing .
Headed out tomorrow to test drive a Ranger. Its a 2011 198vx with a Yamaha 200hp SHO. If all goes well..you may be seeing a SeaArk for sale soon!!!!!!
Their,s only one Fishing Boat thats a Ranger!!! Like a remington 700 rifle!!!! Their's Ranger then their the Rest!! You don't see many used ones because once you own one(ranger) its for life!!! Look in the want adds and you will see the other boats for sell you will not see many Rangers!!! They KEEP THEM!!!
And Josh has asked me to go along to look her over and enjoy the test drive. Being a Ranger Man also I jumped all over that invite.....Ranger
This Crappie Trail needs to be sponsored by RANGER!!!! EB
Well now EB put on that smile and give ole Forrest a call and see if you can get that arranged. LOL. Maybe a rigged out boat for the classic winners or gift certificate for some new skins ect. but what ever you come up with we will live with. LOL......Ranger
Were you able to do the test drive today?Quote:
Originally Posted by swollencrappie
All I will say is YEAH BOY WE DID!!!! Ranger
Well the search is over. I am now a Ranger man. Just bought a 2011 198vx. Was an extremely clean boat with low hours. Thanks goes to Eufaula Boy and Ranger09 for your help with this. Cant wait to get out on the water and catch some fish.
Welcome to the BROTHERHOOD....Ranger
I guess I will just limp along in my new SKEETER boal
Josh, awesome news. Wishing you many many happy days and lots of limits of slabs and catfish! Happy happy happy for ya man! rotfl
Thanks Merle! Not sure there will be any catfish in this boat, but I am praying for lots of 2 pound crappie. Going to convert my Pontoon boat over to become my Catfishing boat. So you ready to buy a 18.6 Aluminum SeaArk yet? Has tons of extras and handles Keystone awesome. :)
I need a ride in it at Kaw! Seriously!
Josh, wish I could handle a boat purchase but right now I dont see it in my future. It's a nice boat and I'm sure will be a quick sale! Congrats on the Ranger; can't wait to see it and maybe fish in it a little. When you're ready to sell, shoot me a PM with the detaisl and I will spread the word as much as I can.
Thanks Merle!!!!! And you know you will be in my boat fishing.
Congrats on your new boat, I wish you many tight lines.Quote:
Originally Posted by swollencrappie
How much?Quote:
Originally Posted by swollencrappie
Varmit...I will shoot you a pm with price and what all is included
VH, I have fished in this boat and it is a VERY NICE roomy boat. You can't go wrong with it!Quote:
Originally Posted by swollencrappie