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Posts: 117
| I’m looking into a new boat, no rush but if I’m lucky it'll be for next season. There are extremely few options in my region so I’m hoping some of you that have access to more of these boats can help answer some questions as I start doing long-distance research and eventually shopping. I want a dual-console glass boat, used, but it needs to address some of the frustrations I have with my current boat. One chief frustration is a lack of front deck space. I do not troll, ever, period—I like the seaworthiness of the typical multispecies boats, but I really want a MUCH bigger front deck (an 8-9' front deck would be awesome), lower gunwales, and less of a trolling-oriented floorwell, with a small-medium sized rear deck. I’m really looking for a bass-boat-style layout, but for bigger water. I’d actually love to get a proper bass boat, but I’d like just a little bit more cockpit room if possible, and only an especially seaworthy one would cut it—a low-slung boat (bow or stern) wont work for me, as I very frequently find myself both running pretty good distances as well as fishing in a good chop, big wakes from ocean-going cruisers, etc—from what I’ve seen very few bassboats can really do acceptably well in that water unless we’re talking a big 20’ or a 21’ boat, which is not an option for me—unfortunately, a boat longer than 19’ is simply not possible, period.
To give you an idea of a boat that seems to be what I’m after, the current tuffy x-190 is just about perfect for me I think, but they are all pretty new and therefore well out of my price range...maybe in a few years. Other boats I am looking at are some of the older 18-19’ Champion bass boats, the Champion Fishhunter 190 (which looks great), etc. I’ve seen some 681’s that look nice enough, but they are quite narrow and pretty small so I think I need something a bit bigger…a 692 would be about perfect size, but I have never seen one. Hard to tell from pictures, does this, or do any of the older ranger fisherman boats in this size range have the larger front deck and slightly lower gunwales I’m looking for? I’ve seen a newer ranger fisherman 1860vs and while it is plenty nice, the front deck is no bigger than my current boat so that layout is not what Im looking for.
I’m hoping people can give me some suggestions of other 18-19’ glass boats that might have the layout Im looking for, but a bit more freeboard than your average bassboat. Any other boats I should be looking at?
Thanks in advance
Edited by Macintosh 9/3/2013 1:46 PM
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | I have a 1825 Skeeter MX with a 150 yamaha nice boat holds 8 foot rods in center 12 footers in the side I extended the rear deck with a just encase deck box works great for me they came out in 2012 so there might be some used ones out they' |
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Posts: 117
| Thanks--the image on skeeters website LOOKS like the front deck is much smaller than Im looking for. Just to clarify, Im not looking for 8-9' rod storage, I'm looking for 8-9' of usable standing room on the deck surface. For comparison, a 2005 Ranger 185vx bassboat I looked at recently had a front deck less than 8' long. Knowing its hard to tell from photos, is the front deck on the skeeter MX that big?
Here's the skeeter pic I'm looking at:
http://www.skeeterboats.com/assets/model/footer/35.jpg |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | if you're looking for a big deck your going to have to look at bass boats. the deep v don't have big decks but you stay dry |
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Posts: 117
| Thanks, both of those Champion boats are ones I'm already looking at but I'm really not looking to buy right at the moment--hopefully this winter, but we'll see, a lot has to fall into place first. Just looking for info right now--I'd rather this thread not get deleted if it turns into a for sale or want to buy ad.
MH47, I know that very few of the deep V boats have the layout Im looking for, but there are a few--just trying to make sure Im not missing any. |
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Location: Not far enough north! | Tuffy 1890... |
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Posts: 111
Location: Weyauwega Wi. | I have a Tuffy X-190... The front deck on this could be what you're looking for. I have never fished 3 people out of a boat more comfortably than I have with this boat. It's worth a look. |
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Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | Look for a 205 Triton. Huge front deck, great big water Muskie boat. Triton also made 198's for a couple of years, and the 202 is about the same as the 205. I can put 9'+ rods in the locker. Fast with a 225. Very dry smooth ride, tracks well behind a trolling motor, and is reasonably close to the water for fishing. I fish three people all the time, two up front without any problems, and one on the rear deck. Lots of room.
However they are longer than 19' and that sounds like a problem.
Best boat I've ever had. I have many-many miles on mine and it's still holding together well.
Doug Johnson
Edited by dougj 9/3/2013 5:33 PM
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Posts: 18
| From what you've described you're looking for in a new rig, you're looking for a used Tuffy. Handles big water, massive front deck, smaller cockpit and rear decks. |
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Posts: 192
| I have a Triton 189 that I really like but it is getting old (2000). It has a really large front deck. It they still made that model, I'd buy a new one but the 186 they make now seems to have a much smaller front deck. My next boat may be a 619 but still trying to decide. I also like the looks of the Triton 216 but that is really more boat than I need.
Edited by LarryO 9/3/2013 7:25 PM
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Posts: 23
| I've run a Champion Fishunter 190 since 1997. It handles big water well...had it on Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, St Clair Etc without issues. Front deck fishes two with ease. Back deck insert provides a large rear casting platform as well. Lots of dry storage. Very stable and lower to water than a lot of "big water" boats. Tracks well and easy to control in wind with trolling motor. I've had very few issues with the boat - quality. Some negatives - 7' max in rod locker. I don't need two livewells. Access to batteries, pumps, etc is a bear .
All in all it's a great boat. If you are able to find one - it shouldn't break the bank either. Have fun shopping. |
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Posts: 117
| How much water does a fishhunter 190/194 draw with the motor up? An 1890? X-190?
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Posts: 23
| Fishunter - I don't know how much water it draws - not a concern where I fish. |
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Posts: 76
Location: MPLS Metro | I have a 2000 Ranger 692 VS. It is a fantastic boat. Some of the older 692's have the ankle breaker front casting deck but if you can find a 98-2000 model they have almost the same floor plan as the 620 series boats. They have huge front casting decks, huge rear decks if you have the removable deck insert(or just make one) and handles any water you throw at it. I can post some pics of mine if you would like to see the lay out.
Edited by clintv11 9/7/2013 9:32 PM
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Posts: 117
| Thanks! Im not familiar enough with these boats to know what the ankle-breaking layout is. (But it sounds great  )
If you or anyone has the bandwidth to snap a photo or two showing front deck size and layout id be very appreciative. Ive looked around online but there are very few pics looking down on the interior with any way to get a sense of scale, and some of the manufacturers dont show overhead photos.
Thanks! |
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Posts: 14
| Macintosh,
You might want to check out also a 2002 and newer Ranger 619. Should be a few of them out there. They seem to go fast, when they are listed for sale.
Check out the boat adds on this site, Walleye Central, etc.
Hope this helps. |
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Posts: 76
Location: MPLS Metro | If you have Instagram go to @waterbeasttackleco I have a coupe good pics of the interior layout on there. Let me know if that works otherwise I will try to get some pics for you.
Edited by clintv11 9/8/2013 10:50 AM
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Posts: 117
| No instagram.  |
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Posts: 76
Location: MPLS Metro | here is a pic of my 692vs
(IMG_20130707_060354-1.jpg)
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 IMG_20130707_060354-1.jpg (58KB - 995 downloads)
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Posts: 432
Location: mpls | A Ranger 690 sou des like what you are looking for. Huge front deck, handles big water and easy on the gas. One of the best Muskie boats ever made
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Location: Contrarian Island | not sure I'd call the front deck on 690/692s huge by any stretch, they are fairly narrow imo..i have a 690vs..and realize how small it is when i get in a 620.... a 620 front deck and 690 are so night and day for size...the 690/692 deck narrows down fairly sharp towards the bow unlike 619/620s...
Also the front decks on 95-2000 692s I am 99.99% sure did not change ...
did you tell us your budget? from what i've read I think a 619 might be a better option depending on your budget....
Some very good deals to be had out there ... if you end up with an older boat be ready to re-power as many old merc /mariner efi's go boom.
one of those champion fishhunters could work well but they don't come up for sale very often in great shape.
Edited by BNelson 9/10/2013 1:24 PM
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Posts: 117
| Realistically, based on asking prices online my budget would be in the range of a 692 or a fishhunter, not a 619.
Ive seen a ranger 1860, never a 619. Looking at the overhead photos of them on rangers website they appear to have much the same proportions--if thats true those front decks are not as big as Id like, the 1860 deck really wasnt more than a couple inches bigger than my lund. I havent been able to see an overhead of a 690/692 or see one in person, but it LOOKS like the deck is longer, even if it is narrower. Is this accurate? |
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Posts: 432
Location: mpls | That is accurate.
The deck of he 690 is huge IMO . I do agree with Brad that the newer 619/620's have a really large wide deck. I like the fact that the 690 has a set back console. Get the font deck extension and there is more space than I can use . It's a great all around boat. |
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Posts: 117
| Sounds like a 690 might work then--thanks! Ill make a point to check some out if I see any in the area. (Or, Anyone with a 690/692 (or any of these boats) in Northern New England...guided tour of my spots on champlain for a test drive!) |
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Posts: 833
| The Gunwhales may be too high based on your requirements, but I'd suggest looking at a 1750 or 1850 Fishhawk. The decks on the Fishhawk is a lot bigger than most V-hull tin boats. Also has 95" beam so it not narrow. Two guys can cast up there if they are competent. Obviously in that size boat you are going to make some sacrifices, but it does most everything quite well and will handle most water well. |
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Posts: 76
Location: MPLS Metro | I definitly think a 690/692 is a great choice for you. I guide full timeand have never had an issue with two anglers fishing off the front deck at the same time. It may be slightly more narrow then the 619/620 front deck but having fished on both boats I personally dont notice the difference once you start fishing. I will post a nice over head view of mine for you when I pull it out of the garage. |
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Posts: 117
| Thanks! The fishhawks appear to have a bigger deck than my boat, but still suffer from getting blown all over the lake like my boat--if I were to stay with a 17-18' tin boat im not convinced I could do enough better than what I have to justify a switch. I'll definitely be looking around at glass boats though. |
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Posts: 131
Location: Lake St. Clair | I also have an X-190 and it seems to be exactly what you are looking for. There are a few used ones on here that are pretty good deals. The boat is a beast and it flies with a 200 opti on it. I fish st Clair all season and it handles the big water and waves great. Doesn't draw much water as I have run it in 2' of water on plane and 3' easily at idle. IMO it is the perfect big water Muskie boat. I have a single console and a dual console with a windshield would keep you a bit dryer in the big stuff but I sacrificed that for more space. I would spend a little more to get exactly what I want rather than spend less and not be completely happy with it. Pm me if you would like more input or pics. Good luck! |
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Location: Contrarian Island | if you want to stick under 20k i'd say your best bet in glass is a late 90s 690/692. |
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Posts: 117
| Hmmmm.....x-190 or stay married...leaning towards staying married at the moment, so will try to check out the older rangers...but we'll see. Thanks guys! |
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Posts: 76
Location: MPLS Metro | Here is an overhead view of my 2000 692 VS
(IMG_20130917_225104.jpg)
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IMG_20130917_225104.jpg (199KB - 417 downloads)
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