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Posts: 267
| I think there was a thread several weeks ago about the pro's and cons of buying an older glass boat like a late 80's / early 90's Ranger vs a newer comparably priced or slightly more expensive few year old tin boat like a Rebel or Fishhawk. I searched but couldnt find it. Could someone perhaps share that thread or their thoughts on the subject especially those who have owned both? |
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Posts: 719
| I'm seeing a lot of guys repowering older high quality glass boats so they must see the advantages over the long term of owning glass. From a resale standpoint the medium sized boats will gain a nice bump in value with teh repower making it financially viable as well. The key is to stick with the high quality brands in older glass, many of the older Rangers for example are true classics that ride, handle and fish great and with a few modern upgrades perform quite a bit better than new tin. Ultimatly a personal choice. |
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Posts: 1184
Location: Iowa Great Lakes | I have a 91 glass boat and wouldn't trade it for any brand of new tin boat....When I'm done redoing it over the winter it should look like new again and I'll still have less than $8K invested even with a total engine rebuild earlier this year... |
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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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Posts: 176
Location: Tomahawk, WI | ^+1 |
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Posts: 267
| Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated. SLED I PM'd you. |
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Posts: 267
| Also, anyone have any specific thoughts on the late 80's Ranger 680c model? |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | the "c" models had a sharper/deeper nose in the front and were great for big water (mine is the last year of the 690c before they changed the hull to the "vs" style) mine is a bit slower, but fantastic in rough water. the 680's were the narrower beam and power-rated a bit lighter (i think 115hp max for the console?). anyway, there's a guy in town here with a mint one that's re-powered with an e-tec and they are fantastic-looking boats and would be great for wisconsin waters (tiller or console).
i've seen the tiller models outfitted often with OMC 90's which are solid, dependable motors. if you got the console, i'm guessing you might want to re-power at some point in the future but it would be a great boat to have especially for storage. i think you can pick from merc or evinrude for the re-power in the future but hopefully you could get something that runs well off the bat.
if you can get it for the right number, it's a great boat and i personally think would be better to have than any of the new tin boats out there. try to estimate your total project cost vs. the alternative and that should help you figure out what a value it is to you especially if you choose to re-power.
if you can get the vin number you can call ranger and they'll be able to help you out with anything you want to know too.
the other option is using it as a bridge to another one down the line ... get it, use it and do the typical stuff to make it good ... then you can look patiently for another one (if you are looking for a 690 as an example). you know you own something other people want so won't have to worry about selling it if something better comes along. this is how i got my 690 ... i had a tuffy esox magnum ... the 690 came and i bought it right away, then sold the tuffy in 2 weeks (another boat you can sell really fast ... people like em!). knowing you've got what everyone wants is a good place to be when owning a boat.
if you do choose to re-power you really need to love it because now numbers start to catch up with you. it's the best thing to do if you plan to keep it a long time or if it's a size that you can take into another boat if there is something else you like more than what you've got, otherwise now you have the highest price old boat on the market and someone buying it will have to come up with more jingle to make the deal. it's a smaller market, but it's still there ... |
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Posts: 128
| I've said it a bunch of times and will again. An older boat with more tech is better equipped to catch fish than a newer boat without out.
My only concern would be the structure of an older glass boat. Wood rots. And the repair job on a boat with those issues is HUGE!
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Posts: 121
Location: Plymouth IA | i have a 85 tuffy and in the past have had tin boats will never get a tin boat again i hope. my boss has a 2003 tin boat and loves my 85 tuffy muskie rampage. with the 90hp it is fast and cost me less than 2k.
Glass is easier to repair than tin and i can weld. plus the tuffy folks have been great at answering all my silly questions.
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Posts: 383
| About a year ago I traded my almost-new tin boat for a fixer-upper 681. Spent a bunch of time and elbow grease making it to-new-me and then repowered it. Love it and would never go back! The difference in the way it handles wind and big water is unreal. My aluminum boat's bow had a tendency to act as a kite on windy days and boat control was a constant issue. The 681 is low to the water and the glass hull keeps it really steady in even full-on wind. My only regret is the rock bar my two month old Etec found last weekend... Ouch. Hope the newer lower unit comes soon!
Edited by hooked 9/28/2012 7:10 AM
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| I sold my 2007 glass boat that was not a Ranger. I used that money to buy a '98 Ranger 690vs. That boat is almost 10 years older than the other brand, but decades ahead of it in terms of performance and fit and finish. I love my 690 and won't even consider buy something else until Ranger make a newer version of it( it IS coming).
I completely updated everything that I could to the 690- new Steering wheel ,new seats, new carpet , electronics, etc. people cannot believe that it is as old as it is. And the best part- I own it. No payments 
Old glass is better then new tin any day.
Joe
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Ranger marketed an aluminum boat in the past, and they are about to again. Prototypes are in process, and the new Ranger aluminum boat factory is getting refitted as we speak. Well designed and built aluminum outsells glass still, and in big numbers. Expect a couple of aluminum bass style boats, and several models of the more traditional crossover camo/OD style boats first.
There are several aluminum boats I'd buy in a second. I really like the new Lund Pro V models, and have fished 'em. Nice rides, great boat control, and all the amenities you can ask for.
If you decide to refurb an older glass boat, check out the many threads onsite from folks who have undertaken a project from that of Sled's experience to a complete rebuild, either glass or aluminum.
And keep in mind what folks recommend from a personal perspective is usually what they are running now; has to do with a bunch of factors that skew opinion, and may not reflect an accurate answer to your question.
I spent the summer in an X170T which is a common sense, no frills 17' tiller powered hull. I love the boat, and it's paid for. That said, my new ride is in the driveway; just picked it up. I bet I'll like that rig too. Which is 'better'? Depends on what I want to do that day. If I posted the pictures ad asked everyone here, I bet the new ride would win a poll handily. Yet the two will probably get used equally until ice this fall.
The average 690 or Fish Hunter is selling with a 13 year old motor or older for $15K. If the motor is solid, that's a reasonably good deal not because the rig is worth that when compared to newer models available from all builders in the used market, but because the interior suits muskie guys. Repower, and you will get nothing to just over nothing for your old motor, and pay over 10K for the new. Add new electronics and trolling motor, and drop another $2K. So conservatively, you are going to have $25K in the rig and the boat and trailer will be 13 to 20 years old. Sorta like restoring a classic car or truck, and perfectly sensible if that's your goal. Keith has $4500 in his 1985 18' Tuffy. It's cool, it fishes like a dream, and will last him a VERY long time. But the lake we fished last night caused us both to select the X170T for the evening.
He also has a 14' aluminum john boat he retrofitted to match his style of fishing,buying much of the gear from the Buy/Sell?Trade board here at GREAT prices. The trailer is ancient, but he fixed it up with new tires and bearings and rollers and lights; we'd have no issues taking it on a several hundred mile trip at all. |
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Location: minocqua, wi. | Steve brings up a great point ... hard to put the Lund products in the category of a "tin" boat. park one of those Lund Predators in my driveway someday and try to take it away from me ... that is one sweet boat!!
all that said, i saw the picture of the boat you are planning to buy and look forward to seeing it in-person ... you're gonna love that boat!!! always cool seeing someone find a gem for a good price. the oldies are still very, very good!!! no different than classic cars, there are some boats that were designed and built to last a lifetime. i still drive my '89 mercedes S-Sedan 23 years later and i'd still rather drive it than a new one, but i've taken care of it and kept it updated and in good condition ... it still gets looks (mostly from me). the 198,000 miles just add character. anybody can walk out of a dealership with a payment coupon book ... pride of restoration and/or long-term ownership the way you are going is a really satisfying feeling.
some huge talent on this site show-casing restorations that will really give you the confidence, and the contacts to take on the project yourself.
we are planning a 1st annual 690 Ranger Rodeo for next summer bringing quite a few of them to Minocqua, WI. for a weekend of fishing, prop-swapping, test-driving and just networking on tips and tricks we've all used to make our old boats better. jury is out on whether the 680/681's will be allowed ... LOL!!! |
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Posts: 267
| Thanks, guys, for all the valuable feedback. Sled, I picked her up today - my new to me 1988 680c Fisherman with same year 90hp Merc and newer 80lb 24 v wireless Motorguide. The electronics are a few years old and I plan to eventually upgrade those, needs a few odds and ends in the plumbing and electrical, and maybe I'll re-power someday but it runs and looks great to me as it is. I couldn't be happier and can't wait to take it out in a week up in Vilas county. I'm a relatively young guy but there is just something about these older Rangers and Mercs I like - especially when you consider the price tag. (But don't get me wrong, I surely wouldn't kick a new Predator or ProV out of my garage either!) I'm sure I'll be hitting you guys up with lots of questions this winter as I work things out and I would certainly like to be a part of the 690 Rodeo next summer even if I do have to dock on the other side of the lake.
Edited by goose007us 9/30/2012 1:04 AM
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Location: Dane Country | Looks awesome. I have $6k in the rebuild of my Muskie Rampage. we redid all the stringers, floors, decks, steering and added new fuel system. I also put new bearings in the trailer and tires were good. I think i came out ahead. I had a Ranger before my Tuffy. They are great boats. |
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Location: minocqua, wi. | Congrats!!! very nice boat ... look forward to seeing it in-person! |
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Location: north central wisconsin | You gonna let the 690T's come up and school you on the fishing, while you go fast guys swap props and whatever else go fast guys swap..?....? Sounds like a fun time. There are sure some nice 690's out there. I repowered my 2001 Tiller in 2008, and while glad I went from the (good running)black smoke machine that was on it, I did lose a tad bit of top end going to my 4 stroke. Sure is nice having the VST for trolling, and the quiet for slipping in strong winds/currents casting. I did get a nice trade for the 2 stroke too, surprisingly, giving me just about half the price of the 4 stroke 90. We have a couple tillers and the nicest single console I've seen anywhere in town here. Been trying to research just how many 690T's are out there. I know of 3. Would like to see pics of some of the others..
Edited by Reef Hawg 9/30/2012 9:17 AM
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | we'll be expecting you Jason!
right now we're looking at a weekend date in late june in N. Wisconsin which should work with most of us active on the water that time of year anyway. i'll get a date picked and get word out through this site and our fb page that smellie started up. we should have plenty of time to organize a nice event and maybe even get some assistance from some local businesses to help us make it memorable.
when i see your 690T, it will be the first i've ever seen ... looking forward to it!! |
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| I know of three 690ts
A great friend of mine sold his 2001 690 with a 115 yammie( yep, over powered) right before he passed away .The gentleman he sold it to is a friend also. It is up in Walker. Ill see if I can get a pic.
Mallard owns one up on Vermilion. Great looking boat.
The third one is probably the nicest I have ever seen. It is sparkly ( we like sparkles) black on gold stripes. I don't know who owns it, but he lives on Forest Lake.
I have seen a few more around town, but those are the three that I know where the owners live - not that I am stalking 
FYI- there is a Blog dedicated to 681 owners .
Joe
[email protected] |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | 2001 690/yami ... is this it?
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| The 690 in walker has a 140 Suzuki on it now |
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| Same color, but Kevin,bought it new in 2001.
Yep, Bigfish is right. It now has a 140 Suzy on it .
Joe
Hey Bigfish, what are you doing on the computer!!?? It's you anniversary for gods sake! Shouldn't you be romancing the Mrs.? |
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Location: Contrarian Island | Goose, enjoy your new rig..looks very clean and nice for it's age.....
Chad Niday here in Madison has a very nice 690T....dark red/maroon (isn't quite as dark as shown in pic..cloudy day...nice boat)... I think his is a 2000...Joe Uselman also has a tad older 690 tiller I think it's a 1990 range w a newer Yamadog 4 stroker. 690 tillers are few and far between and probably sell faster than a good 690/692 console! a 140 on a 690 tiller? wow, that thing must boogy and the dealer didn't care it is rated for 90! ;0)
J, you could call Ranger and I am sure they know the # of 690t's produced...?
Jason you can come up and we can swap Rylures... ; )
Edited by BNelson 10/2/2012 12:09 PM
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Then neither of you will have working Rylures...everyone keeps the working ones!!
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