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Posts: 303
Location: WI | A friend is considering buying one in good/average shape from another friend. It has a '89 50hp Merc on it, 2 avg. locators and 12v trolling motor. Guesses on value? Anyone know what the top speed might be? (he only used it 3 times in the 2 years he owned it and can't remember how fast it goes) It doesn't have a built-in gas tank, is it possible to put one in? Any other information, good or bad is appreciated.
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Posts: 480
| PeT, I have a '90 680t. I had a DT55 suzuki on it and went 33-34 mph.
I put a 60 Merc 4 stroke on it last spring and it goes 34-35mph now.
I added a back deck for casting, heavier wire for a 24 volt trolling motor up front.
A gas tank probably could be easily added if you are inclined and have the right tools.
My tank is only 12 gallons, gets me 2 days of fishing and I troll a lot. Nice hull, trailers very easy with a V6, dry storage as well. hope this helps.
-duff |
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Location: MN | Great boat. I have a '90 680T with the original 60hp Evinrude VRO, 14 gallon tank, three batteries, a custom rear casting deck and gear.. normally can do 32-34 top end. My gas tank is not built in but sits in the transom area... there's a little more weight back there than I'd like but that's how it is. I believe the "newer" 681Ts have a built in gas tank. You could call Ranger and ask them for suggestions, they have been very helpful for me in the past, even on an older rigs such as the 680.
Edited by Mak51 2/6/2011 10:21 PM
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Posts: 95
| I've been running a 1990 680T for 9 years and I love it. Mine is rigged with a 50 Honda four-stroke and I get around 30 mph with a full tank and four batteries. I've got a built-in but removable gas tank that holds about 10 gallons. (I would recommend trying to get a 14 gallon take if possible). Very solid boat - a true workhorse. I am the third owner and I still get comments from clients thinking the boat is only a couple years old...! I can guide 3 people casting for muskie if everyone is experienced. The boat is perfect for fishing NE WI lakes and drifts around 6 inches or so which is great for being able to sneak into tight spots. Also kind of cool - for the hardcore muskie angler - the baitwell can be very easily turned into a tackle box which can save you a lot of space. Ranger has always provided me with the very best customer service and replacement parts are easy to get for the model. Downside is the rod locker can only hold a 7'3" rod and storage could be better. It is a great boat. I wish I could have a little more power (like a 90 hp!!! for winding conditions trying to get on plane with 3 clients plus me but she gets the job done.
Hope that helps.
Chas Martin
http://www.muskymastery.com |
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Posts: 95
| I forgot to add, I purchased mine for $7,000. Had two old graphs and an old minn kota transom mount. Like all Rangers, they hold their value well.
Chas Martin
http://www.muskymastery.com |
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Posts: 103
| How did you guys build your back casting decks? Can you post any pics?
Thanks
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Location: MN | Here are some pics of my casting deck, hope they help. It is 3/4 inch board (used to make the boards of boat docks). We built the board to fit perfectly snug into the drivers seat area (see bottom pic) and added a swing down brace for support. The casting deck is snug and won't move. I don't use a seat and just sit on the board while running. My Humminbird is mounted on a board with velcro and is not permanently attached... flexibility. It also adds as napping area for dogs
Edited by Mak51 2/8/2011 7:06 AM
Attachments ---------------- IMAG0078[1].jpg (89KB - 469 downloads) close.JPG (75KB - 239 downloads) front.JPG (70KB - 259 downloads) full casting deck.jpg (55KB - 303 downloads)
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Posts: 103
| Thanks for the info and pics. I really appreciate it.
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Posts: 95
| Mak,
What kind of transom running light do you have on your rig? Mylight comes out of the plug a lot while running in wavy conditions - I can't screw it in. Not sure if it is the original light setup or not.
Thanks
Chas Martin
http://www.muskymastery.com |
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Location: MN | cmartin - 2/8/2011 2:01 PM
Mak,
What kind of transom running light do you have on your rig? Mylight comes out of the plug a lot while running in wavy conditions - I can't screw it in. Not sure if it is the original light setup or not.
Thanks
Chas Martin
http://www.muskymastery.com
Not sure if mine are original or new; I am the second owner. My guess is they are "new" as it's a different design on the socket than I have seen on other early 90s boats, both of my sockets have black rubber pieces which I plug in and prevents water from getting in there. Other early 1990s boats I have seen have the socket cover made of metal and it rotates to cover the hole or lock in the pole.
Also, both the transom and stern light poles have black plastic pieces which slide down and screw into the socket, this locks in the pole. I have never had any issues with the lights coming loose or fallling out. I keep my stern light plugged in all the time.
Edited by Mak51 2/9/2011 12:17 PM
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