Ranger boats

[Oshi]

I am considering the purchase of a 89 model 371 model Ranger boat powered with an 89model Evinrude 150 V6. Are these boats as good as people say? Are the motors any count? I have heard that the motors will blow up. It would seem to me that if you took care of them then things would be fine. I guess that I am just looking for some general input of owners who can share some stories with me as to why or why not they do not recommend this boat. Thanks for your help!<br />oshi

 

[denniz]

Re: Ranger boats

spend $70 bucks or so and take it to a reputable shop and let them check it out for you. A trained eye can see things that noone else will. Ranger made good boats but that doesnt mean YOUR buying a good boat, get a professional checkout. It may save you $$$$$. D

 

[flashback]

Re: Ranger boats

oshi, any engine can blow up, any boat can sink, any human can make a mistake, if you think the boat is for you, buy it. if it is not, then walk away and find one that is. no one can tell you what to do ........good luck.........

 

[11 footer]

Re: Ranger boats

Whats the asking price?<br /><br />11

 

[eric fairbanks]

Re: Ranger boats

I got a 1995 690vs last summer after I lost a cylinder in the 90 horse johnson, and then found the transom wood to be toast in my '89 Lund Tyee. I got the 690vs for a real good price because the original owner had it rigged with a 115 merc, and everyone that looked at it wanted the 175. Well, the boat is mint and I love it, thought about selling the 115 (runs perfect) and get a newer 150-175, but at 40-44 mph (depending on load). It is the fastest boat I ever owned, any faster and you just pass up all the walleye anyway. PS, mine is the "Fisherman" which is Ranger's deep vee--and it handles lake erie just fine--most of the time on the great lakes you can't go over 25mph without hurting someone anyway. Just make sure that motor is strong, and the boat will be great.

 

[Oshi]

Re: Ranger boats

Thanks guys for the replies. I have also posted some info about the motor in the motor and engine forum. Anyway, I was told that the 86 models did not have the full composite transom, that they did not start doing this until 87. Is this true. I have looked over the transom and it seems fine, no stress cracks or funny sounds. I put pressure on the motor by pushing down and pulling up and do not hear or see anything that would cause me to run. I feel like the boat is good for the asking price of 6400. I am not actually paying that, I am only paying 4900 with the trade in of my carolina skiff j14. I would like to have a full composite transom, but if it is not I think that the wood transoms are good. <br />I agree with fishing or running any faster! Anything over 40 mph is crazy in the lakes and rivers I will use it in. What I cannot get over is the acceleration out of the hole. You get a ton of power! A lot different than my old 70 horse tohatsu! Of course with gas prices I may be in for a hurting! Anyway I am rambling, but thanks again for sharing your info with me!<br />oshi

 

[eric fairbanks]

Re: Ranger boats

I was not aware of the pre '87 rangers having wood in the transom. Personally, if that is a fact I would steer away from it. That is one of the main reasons I bought a Ranger. All three prior boats that I have owned (1- fiberglass, 2-alum.) Have had the transom rot out of them--and I keep my boats in the garage! I fixed the fiberglass boat transom, and after that one, never again, I unloaded the two aluminum boats. Check out the transom real good--if it is dry--then you got alot of life left--most likely it will be wet, and is only a matter of time once they get wet!!

 

[Oshi]

Re: Ranger boats

I finally paid the money for the boat and I love it. I am thankful to all the replies that I have gotton about buying this boat. I am still unclear about the wood in the transom. Does the 86 model 371V have wood in the transom? Thanks <br />oshi