Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | As mentioned by Shep and BN, I do have a 618vs and I love it, for what I do. Primarily Musky's in WI with a couple trips a year to "BIG" (Mille Lacs, Ontario, Etc.) water.
I previously owned a 690 and I honestly wish Ranger would still make this boat. Yes the layout of the 618 is the same as the 690/681 and older Tuffy series with the side tanks. However the hull for the 618 is a touch different. It is NOT a bass boat hull, it ineed is a "V" hull however the sides are not as deep as most traditional V's. As far as ride is concernd. It is smooth and dry, unless you are quartering into 2+ foot waves....Then you are going to get some spray blown back at you as the consol is set back in the hull. I actually think my 618 rides a bit nicer than my 690 did.
Mine has a 135 Optimax on it and it cruises with two people mid 30's at 3500 RPM. Top speed is low 50's with the way I have it loaded. I do not have a kicker on it, however if I can see where a kicker could possibly make this boat list slightly to one side. I think a 6-8hp kicker would be more than enough. If I were to purchase a new 618vs today it would most definately have a four stroke on it. I know you can troll with Opti's, I don't but with a four stroke it's a touch quieter and you can troll forever and not worry about it.
Also as mentioned I did some custom work to my 618 to increase storage and make it more user friendly, I have MS-Word Documents with it illistrated that I would gladly email to you if you're interested.
All that and what has been said eariler is fairly sound advice. I would make these considerations.
1. Fish primarily lakes under 10,000 acres = 618vs should suit you fine for muskies, bass, walleye's.
2. My primary lakes are Mille Lacs, Big V. and LOTW and I fish when it blows hard enough that the birds can't fly straight = best look for a used 620 or 2060.
You want a ride in 618 and are around Chippewa Falls / Eau Claire, call me.
I also agree with Shep's 619 assessment on the previous hull models. And you can't put more than one long rod in a 619 rod locker. I almost bought a 619 until I actually put rods (or tried to) in the rod locker. 618, I have 81/2 footers in my locker right now. Although I hate the rod tubes and prefer the open box style rod locker in the old 690's.
Would I buy another 618vs...Yes.
Other models I would now consider include Ranger Angler Series ( I know Herbie is quite happy with his), I would also take a look at Tuffy's new X195 as it has similar characteristics to the 618vs. Tuffy 1800 series is another possibility.
Final Comments:
618vs and X195 and alike models are completely different boats than 619/620/1890 etc. They are not an apples to apples comparison, each has it's own features and benefits. YOU need to decide what works best for 90% of your fishing. |
