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Posting a reply to: RE: Skeeter and Ranger Tiller Boats

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[QUOTE]lambeau - 2/9/2012  8:44 PM

i was shopping this time last year and compared the same two boats. i ended up going with the Skeeter WX2000T and i've been extremely happy.

they have relatively similar interior layouts, with decent sized front decks, lots of storage, and big cockpits with side tanks.

some key differences that i noticed:

- beam: the Ranger is 90" and the Skeeter is 99". this gives the Skeeter a significantly bigger interior and more storage. it also allows for slightly wider side tanks which are easier to stand on. it makes for an incredibly stable boat at rest with the sponsoned hull design. i expect the Ranger is quicker and cuts waves more smoothly. the new Rangers also include casting deck covers over the splash wells, a very nice feature for muskie fishing so you don't have to make your own.

- horsepower: the Ranger is rated for a 150hp with power steering, and up to 200hp with a Verado. the Skeeter is rated at 115hp to match the Titan steering that's available to them and since they're owned by Yamaha and don't want to create an incentive for people to rig it with different motor that has access to the more powerful steering systems. i've been in both boats with a 115hp and they run great at that amount, but more horsepower is almost always better. (i found a new leftover rig with the 150hp rating and Merten's power steering; that was only available in '09 models.)

- rod lockers: 9' on the Ranger, 8' on the Skeeter. i hang my long rods in a mount along the inside of the cockpit, it works fine but i'd prefer a bigger rod locker where they can be secured.

- profile: the Skeeter is designed lower to the water than the Ranger. this is nice in that it doesn't catch the wind and you've got very easy access for deep figure-8s or working on a fish in the net. it's only a small amount (Ranger interior depth is 2" deeper), but it's there.

if you continue to lean towards the Skeeter, i highly suggest you check out Skeeter Boat Center in Chippewa Falls. they're unbelievably helpful and really put the "service" in customer service. great great guys from top to bottom.
http://skeeterboatcenter.com/
i was just on the phone with them today ordering a 9.9hp kicker hooked up to the main motor (for power steering) and a Trollmaster kit...can't wait to get it on the water again this spring.
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lambeau

Posted 2/9/2012 8:44 PM (#537823 - in reply to #537766)
Subject: RE: Skeeter and Ranger Tiller Boats

i was shopping this time last year and compared the same two boats. i ended up going with the Skeeter WX2000T and i've been extremely happy.

they have relatively similar interior layouts, with decent sized front decks, lots of storage, and big cockpits with side tanks.

some key differences that i noticed:

- beam: the Ranger is 90" and the Skeeter is 99". this gives the Skeeter a significantly bigger interior and more storage. it also allows for slightly wider side tanks which are easier to stand on. it makes for an incredibly stable boat at rest with the sponsoned hull design. i expect the Ranger is quicker and cuts waves more smoothly. the new Rangers also include casting deck covers over the splash wells, a very nice feature for muskie fishing so you don't have to make your own.

- horsepower: the Ranger is rated for a 150hp with power steering, and up to 200hp with a Verado. the Skeeter is rated at 115hp to match the Titan steering that's available to them and since they're owned by Yamaha and don't want to create an incentive for people to rig it with different motor that has access to the more powerful steering systems. i've been in both boats with a 115hp and they run great at that amount, but more horsepower is almost always better. (i found a new leftover rig with the 150hp rating and Merten's power steering; that was only available in '09 models.)

- rod lockers: 9' on the Ranger, 8' on the Skeeter. i hang my long rods in a mount along the inside of the cockpit, it works fine but i'd prefer a bigger rod locker where they can be secured.

- profile: the Skeeter is designed lower to the water than the Ranger. this is nice in that it doesn't catch the wind and you've got very easy access for deep figure-8s or working on a fish in the net. it's only a small amount (Ranger interior depth is 2" deeper), but it's there.

if you continue to lean towards the Skeeter, i highly suggest you check out Skeeter Boat Center in Chippewa Falls. they're unbelievably helpful and really put the "service" in customer service. great great guys from top to bottom.
http://skeeterboatcenter.com/
i was just on the phone with them today ordering a 9.9hp kicker hooked up to the main motor (for power steering) and a Trollmaster kit...can't wait to get it on the water again this spring.

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