Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | the ranger 690/692's are worth re-powering but it's important to know your numbers. the selling price has changed quite a bit as a result of the popularity. a hint is to make sure your search is national and be willing to travel to buy one. also, have your money ready ahead of time because when a good one (at the right number) comes up, they go in days. hint: ... you would be surprised how many you might find on the gulf coast. one of the best "used" markets there are to shop for a deep v glass boat. bottom line is you should understand a reasonable estimate on a finished (fully upgraded) boat vs. the used market of an early '00 619. i'd go even a bit over that market because i personally like the storage difference and being out of the bigger motors (200+) for economy and potential for problems. for example, if you choose the route of an '00 - '03 619 you have to factor in a new top-end because probability is that it will be part of your 0-3 year expense (i'm jaded from experience in that vintage).
one of the boats that seems reasonably priced (as compared to the 690/692 inflated prices) is the Champion Fish-Hunter series. i'd argue every bit the boat Rangers were (mid 90's), if-not better. it was a time that Champion really pushed Rannger in the market based on quality and a few unique design features. if you see one of them you'll usually see a Mariner on the back but a price that is pretty good ... if you see a good one, buy it immediately without question ... you will LOVE it!
i did a '94 ranger 690 and shopped for an overstocked 175 pro-xs and paid a dealer to install it. i sold the old motor for a reasonable price and essentially re-built the entire boat and am continuing to restore the glass and trailer. it's been a great decision and one i'm now really glad to have made. if you buy the motor prior to May in the spring it comes with a 5 year warranty, so you get an old boat with all of the confidence you may think only comes in a new one. it's a great way to do it! i ran it this year in Canada and was blown away by the performance and enjoyment i got out of it. i have $21.5 total invested but have brand-new big screen electronics, brand-new pro-xs and a hull that is a proven winner.
there is a group of guys that are working together helping each other out with 690/692's as we all upgrade and restore our mid-late 90's glass boats and it's a pretty fun time. simple things like putting the newer 2012 steering wheels, seat covers or deck extensions on the older boats or doing other updating features together so you're not on your own out there. cool thing is that Ranger is also there for you ... they have a specific detailed record of your boat and support it with products.
there is nothing left to "want" with a mid-90's quality glass hull that is re-powered and upgraded with electronics if you want to focus on fishing. Ranger, Champion and Skeeter are the brands i would suggest you focus on ... Champion made an 18' deep v in 1998 comparable to the original 618's and it ROCKS!!! awesome boat, but hard to find.
good luck with your search ... and if you are really interested, shoot me a pm cuz there are folks who are on the pulse of this market keeping track of all that are out there ... not just the ones posted here or the other boat site.
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