Champ188 Posted March 30, 2016 Posted March 30, 2016 Would that cross be a slower hull "Ranger" and cheaper topside "Nitro", or better storage"Ranger"and faster hull "Nitro"? Those Rangers like to plow. I've owned 2 of them, pre-1997. My 2013 Ranger Z119 isn't a hot rod by any means but I saw 70.4 on it today (Humminbird GPS) heading in before the storm. That's with a 225 Pro XS. Donna G, mixermarkb and Sore Thumbs 3
176champion Posted March 31, 2016 Posted March 31, 2016 My 2013 Ranger Z119 isn't a hot rod by any means but I saw 70.4 on it today (Humminbird GPS) heading in before the storm. That's with a 225 Pro XS. Thats fast enough in any boat as far as im concerned...but they have improved Rangers performance over the years... mixermarkb 1 I know everything about nothing and know nothing about everything! Bruce Philips
mixermarkb Posted March 31, 2016 Posted March 31, 2016 Yeah, I can't pass every ranger in my Champ anymore, they have made them a much better boat. Still wouldn't buy one, but they are nice rigs now.
dtrs5kprs Posted March 31, 2016 Posted March 31, 2016 My 2013 Ranger Z119 isn't a hot rod by any means but I saw 70.4 on it today (Humminbird GPS) heading in before the storm. That's with a 225 Pro XS. Lot depends on the hull and the setup. They made some lead sleds for sure, and some screamers. The 350, 360, 460, 487/8, would all run. The 521 is built like a barge, but you'll run 70+ GPS and never feel it.
176champion Posted March 31, 2016 Posted March 31, 2016 Yeah, I can't pass every ranger in my Champ anymore, they have made them a much better boat. Still wouldn't buy one, but they are nice rigs now. I can't pass any rangers in my Champ, unless the Ranger is broke down...lol..57 -60 gps in my little 176 with a 135 merc. I know everything about nothing and know nothing about everything! Bruce Philips
mixermarkb Posted March 31, 2016 Posted March 31, 2016 That's doing well for a 176 with a 135V6. The 17'6" is a fun little boat, those things can turn on a dime, and really have quite a bit of fishing room. 20'+ extra wide beam, 225/250 horse rigs are nice, and I love mine in rough water, but for those of us who don't have a camera guy walking around filming us for TV or two folks in the boat paying us for guide services, they aren't necessary for bass fishing. People see the pros in them and of course want to have what the pros have, but it's a little sad to me that some guys don't feel like a 17-18 foot glass or even tin boat with a V6 isn't enough to catch bass on any lake short of the Great Lakes. Ham 1
Members Ktchnbtch Posted March 31, 2016 Author Members Posted March 31, 2016 My 2013 Ranger Z119 isn't a hot rod by any means but I saw 70.4 on it today (Humminbird GPS) heading in before the storm. That's with a 225 Pro XS. Champ, I with you. My 2011 z-520 With a 250 may not be the fastest boat on the lake, but I'm ok with crusing at 60, + or -, and being comfortable and dry. It will do 70+ on GPS but im ok with not being the first guy there. Champ188, mixermarkb and Donna G 3
mixermarkb Posted March 31, 2016 Posted March 31, 2016 With all due respect Dave, until ranger got to the Z series hulls, they were among the wettest, roughest riding boats on the market, per given size class. Drop the troller on one, and it was like fishing off a dock. But any Champion, Basscat, Charger, Phoenix, Stratos, or Triton would most likely ride better, be faster, handle better in turns than a comparable Ranger. The old 340 was an exception, that was a hot little boat with the right setup. Ranger performance took a big step up with the Z series hulls, and now they have a boat that performs as well on plane as it does on the troller. Now if JM can use his raw material buying power to get the prices down across the whole Tracker Marine group, Ranger included and doesn't start building boats in Mexico for cheap labor, Rangers will really be a hard boat to beat. I probably won't ever buy a new boat though. I'm happy with my Champions, and will just repower, recarpet, re-seat and keep electronics updated as best as I can afford. Ktchnbtch, 176champion and Hammer time 3
Members Ktchnbtch Posted March 31, 2016 Author Members Posted March 31, 2016 With all due respect Dave, until ranger got to the Z series hulls, they were among the wettest, roughest riding boats on the market, per given size class. Drop the troller on one, and it was like fishing off a dock. But any Champion, Basscat, Charger, Phoenix, Stratos, or Triton would most likely ride better, be faster, handle better in turns than a comparable Ranger. The old 340 was an exception, that was a hot little boat with the right setup. Ranger performance took a big step up with the Z series hulls, and now they have a boat that performs as well on plane as it does on the troller. Now if JM can use his raw material buying power to get the prices down across the whole Tracker Marine group, Ranger included and doesn't start building boats in Mexico for cheap labor, Rangers will really be a hard boat to beat. I probably won't ever buy a new boat though. I'm happy with my Champions, and will just repower, recarpet, re-seat and keep electronics updated as best as I can afford. Well said Hammer time and Donna G 2
176champion Posted March 31, 2016 Posted March 31, 2016 The only time i have gotten wet in my champ was taking off with trolling motor down and about the time i got on plane a wall of water came across the bow and washed me and the inside of my boat down....lol mixermarkb and Donna G 2 I know everything about nothing and know nothing about everything! Bruce Philips
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