Looking for a Ranger Fisherman, but need some info

[kjackson]

I'm finally getting serious about replacing my boat with something that will fit what I need a boat to do a bit better than my current boat.  I've had aluminum boats for decades and might jump on the right one if it comes along.  However, my mind set now is that the perfect boat is a Ranger Fisherman--that's  one without the back deck and a fairly open rear cockpit--the design is more for walleye fishing than bass fishing.  

I'd like to get an older one because A) I'm cheap and  $30,000 or more-expensive boats really don't fit the program.  

Do older Rangers have problems with the transom or floor?  Are there certain things to watch out for in older Rangers?  I don't mind doing some rebuilding or things like that, but I want a sound hull and  a motor that can be fixed.

Any suggestions welcome.

 

[fishinwrench]

33 minutes ago, kjackson said:

Do older Rangers have problems with the transom or floor?  Are there certain things to watch out for in older Rangers?  I don't mind doing some rebuilding or things like that, but I want a sound hull and  a motor that can be fixed.

Any suggestions welcome.

Any Ranger made in the mid '80's or earlier should be solid as a rock and stay that way.  I'm currently running a 1985 Ranger 350V that was never pampered, and she's solid as a rock.  I have seen the old tri-hull style Rangers from the 70's with soggy transoms and soft floors but Wood mfg. got real serious about rigidity towards the early '80's.  

As for older motors....2-stroke Johnson/Evinrude all the way !    The older Yamaha's and Tohatsu's are great too but you don't want one that's older than a 1990.  Stay the hell away from the older Mercs if at all possible.

[kjackson]

Thanks, Wrench.  The only problem with these older boats is that they're usually paired with motors of the same year--and from what I've seen, Mercury is a leader.  I'm not adverse to putting a new(er) engine on one, so that isn't necessarily a deal breaker.  Finding a Ranger Fisherman or Angler is not that easy, but that's the style I'm after as I may want to hang a small kicker off the stern, and a boarding ladder also is a must.  Both can be added later, of course.

Back to the lake in a few to see if the crappies have moved into the dock. Last time out, I hooked the largest dock fish yet--don't know what it was, but it was fast and strong and broke me off in less than five seconds.  I figure it was either a biggish cat or a bass well over the three pounders I usually hit.  

[fishinwrench]

If it has a Merc, and it runs.... go ahead and run it until it threatens to cost you more than it's worth, then part it out.

Not all Mercs are turds, they certainly had some good ones that are still sought after and you can still get most of the parts you'll likely need.

[Walleyedmike]

Can't go wrong with Ranger, solid boats. A Fisherman series under 30K might be tough to find unless your willing to do some driving. I had to drive to northern Wisconson to buy a 620 that fit my needs (wants) a couple of months ago.  Wish you were looking for a Reata 210, I have one for sale! (With an Evinrude 225 HO) Agree with Wrench, the Evinrude's are solid.

WM

[kjackson]

Thanks for the info, guys.  Now all I have to do is find the boat...there are a few around, but I'm likely to drive a bit. Won't go to Chicago for a boat, but may travel to Wisconsin and sponge off the relatives for a place to stay--after the snow stops, that is.

Probably should work on my boat now to get it ready to sell.

Thanks again!

[wily]

Kim at mid America in joplin had one earlier this year...not sure if he still has it...will be heckuva lot cheaper than 30k.  He's a good one...its the boat shop you pass on the way to 10c or twin bridges...call him at 417.781.7450

[MickinMO]

Good luck finding one. Earlier this year when searching for a boat found one at a dealer in Illinois, but it was sold before I could get up there to look at it. I ended up buying a 2012 Lowe deep vee out of Iowa. Saved about $3k buying up there outside of "lake country"

[Bigfishes1]

I know a fella in Kirbyville who has a 1988 ranger fisherman 680c with a 90hp Yamaha for sale. I don’t know much else about it. If you want his contact info let me know. 

[Derek]

Anyone interested in a 1988 680C with a 90hp Mercury?  Good boat just need to sell one. I have two of them.