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Posts: 169
Location: Houlton, WI | Everyone write down your opinions on ranger boats vs. all other boats used for musky fishing. I have a ranger and i just want to hear your opinions. So put down what boat you like for muskys and why  | |
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| have had some dandies over the years ... and my conclusion is that the best boat is one that is 1. paid for and 2. floats. | |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I agree with Sled. Wish I had one like that! Where you fishing this weekend, Sled? | |
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| we were fishing a bunch of downed timber on hike in shoreline spots we've found over the years. just my 13 year old and i yesterday ... rain gear, mud puddles and climbing trees and trestles. fun to go fish like you did when you were a kid sometimes. can't get rangers or tuffies into the spots we crawled into yesterday ... fun stuff! | |
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Posts: 485
Location: On my favorite lake! | I have a ranger now and love it. It's very stable and it handles skinny wanter very well. however the model I have the 375v has a short deck and terrible rod storage. I think ranger really build it boats better than any other manufacturer. My boat is 22 yrs old still floats and looks nice. My next boat I am going to go with a different manufacturer I need a deep v and want something a little smaller. | |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | I have a Ranger, Sled's previous boat in fact. I gotta say I like Ranger's customer support. I needed some parts here and there, and had a couple of technical questions and they are just awesome. I'm not even the original owner, nor a member of ROG, and they took awesome care of me.
Beyond that, I wanted a Ranger before I bought mine because I like their fit and finish. Their quality is no secret, but when you put them next to many other brands, you can just see the difference in their product, from filling with foam, down to their hardware and steering wheels. They put more into a boat than alot of companies do. And that's not to take awy from any of the other companies, but I'm very happy with mine. If I were to look for another boat, it'd be a saltwater brand like Hell's Bay, and that'd be a downsize to something like a flat's boat or shallow water skiff.
I've got the best of both worlds here. A Ranger with a saltwater pedigree, and a 620 hull.
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Posts: 7038
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | mnmusky101 - 4/26/2009 9:35 PM
Everyone write down your opinions on ranger boats vs. all other boats used for musky fishing. I have a ranger and i just want to hear your opinions. So put down what boat you like for muskys and why :)
Enjoy your Ranger, hopefully you made a good decision on purchasing your boat vs. what you plan to do with it. Ranger makes a great boat, I've fished out of 4 or 5 of them and in most cases have had nothing but positives to say about fishing from them. However, I run a Tuffy 1760 GC and for what I DO, I can't think of a better make or model that fits MY NEEDS.
That being said, a friend of mine ran an old school Champion with a 200 Merc on that back that for fishing larger waters that didn't get too rough, the speed and power this ride offered was basically unmatched by other rigs I've been in. Another friend of mine runs a 17.5" Triton, really basic model with a 150 Merc on it that is absolutely perfect for what he does with it: fishing lakes between 350 and 2,000 acres. A third friend of mine just went with an 18.5" Alumacraft with a 150 Evinrude on it. Newish boat, nice high sides and deep in the V and from what he tells me this will fit HIS needs (fishing Lake Michigan for salmon and fishing big lakes of MN for muskies) pretty tightly.
My point is this: if you like your boat, then you're doing good. If you're looking to have people tell you that Ranger is the ONLY boat to run, then you've already told yourself that and there's no need to do so here. | |
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| sled - 4/26/2009 9:43 PM
have had some dandies over the years .
yup, that's one of the dandies now owned by esoxfly ... i'll always miss that one. that being said, also had a sweet champion elite back in the day, a boston whaler i'd still love to have and now am a proud owner of a tuffy esox magnum and wish i'd had it all along for the way i like to fish and for my storage needs.
lots and lots of sweet rigs out there but not unlike motorcycles and automobiles ... a guy should have 2 or 4 of them if he really wants to have what he needs. until then be happy to have something to back down the ramp.
not unlike the harley groupies ... just when you think they're "all that and a bag-o-chips you see something sweet that turns your head to find out it's branded by somebody else. | |
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| Ranger is imo the top of the line in fishing boats. Other boats come close, but if you want the best and it fits what you are looking for, go w/ a Ranger.
doesn't matter what you drive though..the fish don't care.
and as Sled said...a boat that is paid for sure is nice too! ; ) | |
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| Ranger is imo the top of the line in fishing boats.
JD Power has ranked Bass Cat the top fiberglass bass boat for the past 5 years in a row (the overall rankings combine ride/handling, quality/reliability, fishability, design/style, engine, and helm/instrumentation), so i guess they've got a pretty fair claim to being the top fiberglass bass boat out there.
http://www.jdpower.com/boats/ratings/bass-boat-ratings/sortcolumn-0...
Bass Cat was rated "among the best".
Ranger was second and rated "better than most".
Skeeter, Stratos, and Triton trailed them and were rated "about average".
of course, everybody tends to favor whatever it is they own.
or, everybody tends to own whatever it is the favor.
one of those is true, or both. 
i've been extremely satisfied with the Tuffy brand, especially with the X-190 that i'm running now. they're not a nationwide company the likes of Ranger or Triton, but there are advantages to working with a regional builder such as ease of accessibility and customization. they stick to a core lineup of models that reflects the fishing needs for this region: various sizes in deep-v hulls, a modified-v, and some shallow lake/river hulls.
in the case of my X-190, it does exactly what i need it to do and has design features that are specific to muskie fishing. find yourself a boat that does that for you and i guarantee that you'll be happy with it.
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Location: New Albany, Ind. | hey lighting i have a 86 375v with a 175hp on her, would like see a pic of yours bet we have close to same boat. i love rangers but have to say the tuffy deep v esox editions are sweet, couple buddies of mine that fish trinity with me, have one each. although the deep v rangers are nice to. some day hope to own one of the deep v and if i had my pick out of ranger, lund or tuffy, would have to go with the tuffy. ron
Edited by muskycrazy65 4/30/2009 7:02 AM
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Couldn't agree with Sled more...
1. Paid for is my first consideration. If I can't pay cash for it or have it paid for inside of 1-season I don't need to own it. (doesn't mean I don't WANT it) Not that it's right or wrong, it's just the way I choose to to business with my toys.
2. If it's yours and you enjoy fishing out of it, it's a great boat, no matter who built it. Be glad you're fortunate enough to have a boat, many would wish they were so fortunate.
That said, I've run 3 Tuffy's, on my 3rd Ranger, a Lund, and had a Warrior for a short time.
They are all very nice boats, and in today's business world if you don't have customer service that is a cut above average sales will suffer and you won't be in business long. Fiberdome/Tuffy, Ranger, and many others all seem to meet that in my experience. Options are peronal choice, there wasn't one of the boats I listed that didn't perform to the level it was designed for or the price-point it was at the market, my older Rangers were/are solid boats and the used and new Tuffy's I had were just as solid, only thing I didn't like about the Warrior was the layout wasn't all that friendly for musky fishing but the hull was fine.
My first choices if I were in position to buy what I wanted.
1. Tuffy X190
2. Ranger 690 / 692 ( I currently run a vintage Ranger 690-series while I am working on stashing cash for #1).
3. Ranger 618VS
4. Tuffy Esox Mag (Still hard to beat that rig for many applications)
These are just my personal perferences.
Many nice boats out there, how it's cared for and what you like for features will dictate more than the brand name. But it's hard to argu with resale value on a few brands.
Edited by Mark H. 4/30/2009 2:46 PM
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| IMHO there is only one, at least as far as muskie fishing goes. Especially if you plan on big water once in while and thats a Ranger. Capacity, storage, overall performance, finish, trim and above all service. Not just any service. I mean exceptional service. Theres only one. No boat does everything and some do somethings better than others. Its only my opinion but I think the Rangers will win hands down when you stack em all up and add the up pointsat the end of the day. Dont believe it. Just call any manufacturer, not the dealer, the manufacturer and start asking questions. You just might be surprised what you hear. Good luck on your purchase. | |
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Posts: 1453
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | Paid for, floats, and goes. I got two out of three. I won't have the best boat for a number of years yet. | |
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Posts: 169
Location: Houlton, WI | i already have a ranger. And i know theyre the best, i dont need anyone to tell me that | |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Then why ask? | |
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| because it just feels so dang good clapping yourself on the back.
lol...
in all seriousness, Ranger has done an extremely good job of brand development.
it's the same phenomonon as with your favorite sports team: wearing their logos and telling everyone about how they're the best makes us feel like we're part of that team.
in the case of boats, anytime you can get fans/owners to buy a product and then provide free word-of-mouth advertising for that product, you're doing something very right...starting a thread to have others confirm what you believe? it's funny, but also a sign that Ranger's product quality and service are good, and that their "lifestyle" brand marketing is working; other brands that pay attention to how Ranger is doing it will benefit.
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Posts: 232
Location: Sun Prairie, WI | Yes, Ranger is a very nice boat, and if I wanted one I would have one. But is it the only boat a musky fisherman should have in order to fish muskies, no. It is a personal choice and nothing more. Again no different than your choice of motorcycles, atv's, cars, rods, line , etc.
I remember my dads boat, it was a Sears 12 foot cartopper with a Mercury 9.8 hp motor, and it was a big deal when he went up to a 14 footer on a trailer. But they both were paid for and floated, which is all a good boat needs to do to be special. If he were to see my current boat, he would roll over in his grave and tell me it's too fancy and unnecessary, but everything considered, I had just as much fun and lasting memories in that old 12 footer of his, and I would give anything to be back in it with him. | |
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Posts: 169
Location: Houlton, WI | lambeau - 5/1/2009 8:33 AM
because it just feels so dang good clapping yourself on the back.
lol...
exacaly, see, the ranger brotherhood all think the same | |
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| and the Tuffy brotherhood doesn't? So if the guys behind this website were part of Ranger and the "pro staffers" got sweet deals on Rangers instead of Tuffys does anyone really thing Lambeau would be in an x190 over a 619/620? Get real.
just the way I see it...maybe I'm wrong.
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Location: Green Bay, WI | Well, seeing how fish can't read the name logo on the side of the boat (at least I don't think they can...), I might still have a chance seeing as how I don't have a Ranger? Sheesh--if they can read, I'm in trouble.
Great. Just ducky.
(Hey Steve, is it free to to use the MF classifieds?)
TB
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | First, no one from OutdoorsFIRST is 'part' of Tuffy. Tuffy Boats is a valued client of ours, as are Lund Boats and Skeeter Boats. In fact, TJ and I are sitting in a cabin on a lake in Minnesota this morning editing images and video, working with Lund Boats at their 2010 photo shoot. Lund has a SWEET multi-specie rig on the water here, take a look at the video.
If one of our OFM associates wanted a 'sweet deal' on a Merc or Suzi powered Ranger, I bet we could help them in that endeavor; it's not like we don't ever point a camera at the Pros running Ranger Boats or feature their products.
I can't speak for Mike, he buys what he wants to buy. If it was up to me (and it is) and I decided to run the best boat for my choice (and I do) currently nothing fits my bill in a fiberglass boat better than an X190.
I'll talk about my rig, sure, and you'll see the rigs featured on OFM. It's what we do, and no apologies there. We also talk about the Lund 2010 predator, and the Skeeter 2050.
This thread isn't about the author's boat...note we don't yet know what model or year Ranger he runs. It's about....something else I guess. Pride in ownership is a good thing, but when it's expressed in large part to knock folks who have pride in the rig THEY run, I think it's a little over the top.
But that's just me.
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Posts: 169
Location: Houlton, WI | sworrall - 5/2/2009 7:53 AM
First, no one from OutdoorsFIRST is 'part' of Tuffy. Tuffy Boats is a valued client of ours, as are Lund Boats and Skeeter Boats. In fact, TJ and I are sitting in a cabin on a lake in Minnesota this morning editing images and video, working with Lund Boats at their 2010 photo shoot. Lund has a SWEET multi-specie rig on the water here, take a look at the video.
If one of our OFM associates wanted a 'sweet deal' on a Merc or Suzi powered Ranger, I bet we could help them in that endeavor; it's not like we don't ever point a camera at the Pros running Ranger Boats or feature their products.
I can't speak for Mike, he buys what he wants to buy. If it was up to me (and it is) and I decided to run the best boat for my choice (and I do) currently nothing fits my bill in a fiberglass boat better than an X190.
I'll talk about my rig, sure, and you'll see the rigs featured on OFM. It's what we do, and no apologies there. We also talk about the Lund 2010 predator, and the Skeeter 2050.
This thread isn't about the author's boat...note we don't yet know what model or year Ranger he runs. It's about....something else I guess. Pride in ownership is a good thing, but when it's expressed in large part to knock folks who have pride in the rig THEY run, I think it's a little over the top.
But that's just me.
i run a 2009 619vs with a 225 etec on it. I could tell you anything about it | |
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| not knocking anyone who has pride in their rig whatever it is..heck i have pride in our 86 bass tracker cabin boat that the electronics on it are worth more than the boat...
just saying imo if Ranger was a WI company and was a sponsor or whatever Tuffy is to this site and Tuffy was made down south and had no part of this website, or the pro staff members, etc etc, and the guys on here could get the same deals imo they might possibly run Rangers...and talk them up just like they do Tuffys...
not a knock on this site cuz it is a great site but there is a reason that some do call it TuffyFirst.
no biggie either way....all great boats... | |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | bn,
Tuffy directly markets several 'Esox' models to the Muskie market. This is a Muskie website. That's part of it. Tuffy is also a sponsor. That's another part of it. I'd bet ALOT of the folks who visit here are Ranger/Skeeter/Lund/Alumacraft/Champion/etc. owners, and those who are very happy customers looking to tell folks about their experience SHOULD be talking up their rigs here, as should the State team members for Skeeter, Lund Pros, Tracker pros, etc. That is WHY companies have a promotional staff.
One absolute in all the Promotional teams out there; every pro team manager out there will instruct their staff to NEVER allow one's self to be associated with any negative 'stuff' about a competitor. 'Better' or 'Best' is an extremely subjective concept, and it pays zero to insult other brands or insist one is 'the best'. Talk up why you like your rig, explain the features and benefits, and let the potential buyer judge what's the best for him/her.
But again, that's me. | |
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| interesting post, Brad. i hadn't been on here in awhile to see it.
you say we should "get real"? i'm curious, why didn't you just ask me that question for real in person today?
deal or no deal, i'm fortunate in that i'm able to afford to run pretty much whatever boat i want; the last time i checked, my boat was titled in my name and paid for out of my paycheck...and as long as that's the case, i'll buy the boat that helps me fish the way i want to fish. like EsoxER said above, "if I wanted one, I'd have one." i sure don't need a "deal" to make that decision for me, and it's hilarious (if not offensive) to hear you suggest that it's the only reason i'm running a Tuffy.
do i work with Tuffy to promote their boats? yep, i sure do...because over the past few years i've been able to develop a relationship with a company that makes great boats designed specifically for muskie fishermen. my place here on MuskieFirst affords me the opportunity to present a positive image about a product i believe in, and inform people about what they have to offer. it's a classic "win-win" situation: it's very easy to say good things about a great boat.
yes, people who are in the position to be able to do so would be foolish to not consider the benefits of working with certain sponsors. i'm no different, it's a piece of the puzzle. but it's not the only piece, not even the biggest piece. i believe very strongly in owning the best tool for the job: Mercury motors, Humminbird electronics, St Croix rods, Shimano reels, etc., etc....none of which provided any "deal", rather i bought what i believe is the "best" tool for what i need it to do, just like my Tuffy X-190.
OF COURSE people "clap themselves on the back" about Tuffy, and Lund, and Ranger, and Chevy, Ford, Packers, Bears, Yankees, Red Sox, etc., etc....because EVERYBODY wants to feel like they belong to the team. i was actually complimenting Ranger for how effectively they've developed their brand and created pride of ownership.
Brad, i hope you like your boat as much as i like mine, because that's really the point, isn't it? running the boat that meets your needs within your budget regardless of what other people have?
my new Tuffy X-190 was sitting right next to your Ranger 690 while we were having lunch together today. i'd have been more than happy to show it to you or take you for a ride. the offer stands any time you'd like to check it out. i'm sure you'd see that it's a #*^@ fine muskie rig.
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| didn't mean my comments to be offensive..just another point of view...and I did say I could be wrong....I have no doubt your x190 is a great musky rig..I didn't get a great look at the interior etc. but it looked like it had a great layout...
I would like to see that side imaging in use if you have it in this one though... | |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Very well said Mr. Winther! | |
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| sworrall - 5/2/2009 7:53 AM
First, no one from OutdoorsFIRST is 'part' of Tuffy. Tuffy Boats is a valued client of ours, as are Lund Boats and Skeeter Boats. In fact, TJ and I are sitting in a cabin on a lake in Minnesota this morning editing images and video, working with Lund Boats at their 2010 photo shoot. Lund has a SWEET multi-specie rig on the water here, take a look at the video.
Dont you still work for Tuffy Steve? | |
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Posts: 86
| lambeau - 4/27/2009 1:05 PM
Ranger is imo the top of the line in fishing boats.
JD Power has ranked Bass Cat the top fiberglass bass boat for the past 5 years in a row (the overall rankings combine ride/handling, quality/reliability, fishability, design/style, engine, and helm/instrumentation ), so i guess they've got a pretty fair claim to being the top fiberglass bass boat out there.
http://www.jdpower.com/boats/ratings/bass-boat-ratings/sortcolumn-0...
Bass Cat was rated "among the best".
Ranger was second and rated "better than most".
Skeeter, Stratos, and Triton trailed them and were rated "about average".
of course, everybody tends to favor whatever it is they own.
or, everybody tends to own whatever it is the favor.
one of those is true, or both.
i've been extremely satisfied with the Tuffy brand, especially with the X-190 that i'm running now. they're not a nationwide company the likes of Ranger or Triton, but there are advantages to working with a regional builder such as ease of accessibility and customization. they stick to a core lineup of models that reflects the fishing needs for this region: various sizes in deep-v hulls, a modified-v, and some shallow lake/river hulls.
in the case of my X-190, it does exactly what i need it to do and has design features that are specific to muskie fishing. find yourself a boat that does that for you and i guarantee that you'll be happy with it.
I grew up fishing in 14' Mirrocraft & Starcraft "utlity" boats that worked for my family in the 1960's all the way through today. The factors in those purchases were, 1.they floated and 2. they were affordable. They're still in the family today. Started shopping for my boat in 2001 and was sure I'd end up in a Ranger after fishing out of Tony Grant's on Cave Run however I found out about Bass Cat on bassboatcentral.com and was amazed at the factory support, they actually communicate with owners on BBC and their own website, it's an interactive owners manual, like the tuffy support on MF but to the n'th degree.
Fast forward to 2006 when I could actually afford a boat and I was sure I was going to get a Tuffy, actually Lambeau's 1760 tiller to be exact. A little more thinking and researching and I ended up with my Bass Cat Pantera IV. 19'5"X94" w/200opti and what even Bass Cat says is their best rough water hull. I couldn't be happier. I wish it had a centerline rod locker but that's the only change I'd make. It fishes, runs, rides, trailers and cleans up GREAT.
Factors in my purchase:
1. Could pay it off.
2. Quality and customer service.
3. Ride and fishability.
4. Bad ass looks and performance.
If I won the lotto and was in the market for another or new boat it would be the Tuffy X-190, I will own one before I expire.
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | 4amuskie,
No. Fiberdome/Tuffy is a highly valued client of OFM. I am not an employee for Fiberdome or Tuffy Boats, and haven't been for a few years. | |
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