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Posting a reply to: Re: Ranger 619 or 620 vs/fs

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[QUOTE]Jerry Newman - 12/12/2018  3:41 PM

I thought there was simply better rigging detail and quality on the VS versus the FS myself… you learn a lot when you take them both apart. For instance, when I removed panels on the FS for rigging I found loose wires, stripped and odd size screws, some of which were simply screwed into air because the holes were not properly aligned. The edge of the plastic on the 3 port side rod holders damaged several rods this past spring, it was a pain filing down the sharp plastic edge to prevent damaging more rods and although I can't say 100%, I'm guessing that contributed to several broken rods.

I also had to fix the plastic dash gauge surround that had every screw stripped and was loose because the hollow plastic shell is simply too thin. The plastic cockpit area doesn't look that bad now, but the painted plastic will sun fade and will eventually get beat up versus the very solid fiberglass design of the VS. The little cubbyhole in the dash is handy, but the interior of the plastic edge feels sharp and cheap to the touch. Although I realize this is getting a little picky, it still feels chintzy for something designed to be used everyday on a top-of-the-line boat... and how about that almost non-functioning glove box design? With that said; having rigged both the VS and FS models, the FS is much easier to rig (pull wires etc.), just be prepared for some disappointment behind the panels.

It sounds like you are leaning towards a used boat and if the budget allows I still recommend the FS over the VS for better overall performance. Even though the newer FS will cost more initially, I think it also represents a more solid long-term investment value because not only will it hold its value, a newer model will qualify for easier financing for the next buyer when you sell in the future.

Considering Steve has also spent time in a 620… perhaps he can comment on the pros and cons of why he leans toward the 619 over the 620? Buying a boat is a big investment and I hope this information helps. 
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Jerry Newman

Posted 12/12/2018 3:41 PM (#925689 - in reply to #925037)
Subject: Re: Ranger 619 or 620 vs/fs

Location: 31

Although I agree with the “size matters” and the handling of the FS is superior to earlier VS, it's also longer/wider/deeper as Steve mentioned. There are also some very nice interior upgrade features with the FS, so it's hard not to be impressed with it over all from those perspectives. However, I'm afraid I have to disagree that the quality has gone up by a large margin. I don't want to turn this into a gripe session because the FS is a great boat, but it honestly feels more like it was just kind of slapped together while the VS had more of a hand built top-of-the-line feel. Most of my friends agree that the fit/finish and tolerances were simply tighter with the VS.

I thought there was simply better rigging detail and quality on the VS versus the FS myself… you learn a lot when you take them both apart. For instance, when I removed panels on the FS for rigging I found loose wires, stripped and odd size screws, some of which were simply screwed into air because the holes were not properly aligned. The edge of the plastic on the 3 port side rod holders damaged several rods this past spring, it was a pain filing down the sharp plastic edge to prevent damaging more rods and although I can't say 100%, I'm guessing that contributed to several broken rods.

I also had to fix the plastic dash gauge surround that had every screw stripped and was loose because the hollow plastic shell is simply too thin. The plastic cockpit area doesn't look that bad now, but the painted plastic will sun fade and will eventually get beat up versus the very solid fiberglass design of the VS. The little cubbyhole in the dash is handy, but the interior of the plastic edge feels sharp and cheap to the touch. Although I realize this is getting a little picky, it still feels chintzy for something designed to be used everyday on a top-of-the-line boat... and how about that almost non-functioning glove box design? With that said; having rigged both the VS and FS models, the FS is much easier to rig (pull wires etc.), just be prepared for some disappointment behind the panels.

It sounds like you are leaning towards a used boat and if the budget allows I still recommend the FS over the VS for better overall performance. Even though the newer FS will cost more initially, I think it also represents a more solid long-term investment value because not only will it hold its value, a newer model will qualify for easier financing for the next buyer when you sell in the future.

Considering Steve has also spent time in a 620… perhaps he can comment on the pros and cons of why he leans toward the 619 over the 620? Buying a boat is a big investment and I hope this information helps.

Edited by Jerry Newman 12/12/2018 4:05 PM