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Posts: 325
Location: Otsego, MN | I am very close to pulling the trigger on a 2001 617 svs with a 150 optimax... I looked back at old posts on here and just want to know a more updated opinion of those that have, had or used that boat.
I am aware of the short rod lockers and lack of storage but want to make sure this is the right boat for me. I typically fish by myself or with one other person. I fish muskies and walleyes. I do not troll, only cast and jig.
Any feedback is welcome but please do not turn this thread into an argument over boat brands. I have looked at Tuffy, Skeeter, Recon, etc. and this boat just happens to be in my price range and in great shape.
Thanks!
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Posts: 106
| I almost bought a 617 in 2004, but got the 618 tiller instead.
I haven't fished out of a 617 but I have fished out of a lot of other Rangers and similar glass boats.
In my opinion, other than the limited storage, the 617 should be an excellent Musky boat for one or two guys.
A 150 Opti should push it to 52-55 mph, and it should track well either trolling or using a bow mount TM.
Have a mechanic look over the motor. |
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Posts: 489
| My dad has a 617 and it is a great boat. It can fish 3 but it becomes a little tight. If you fish alone or with one other person a lot I say go for it . Also very easy to trailer compared to larger boats. |
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Posts: 665
Location: Twin Cities, MN | Muskers - 11/7/2014 9:01 AM
I am very close to pulling the trigger on a 2001 617 svs with a 150 optimax... I looked back at old posts on here and just want to know a more updated opinion of those that have, had or used that boat.
I am aware of the short rod lockers and lack of storage but want to make sure this is the right boat for me. I typically fish by myself or with one other person. I fish muskies and walleyes. I do not troll, only cast and jig.
Any feedback is welcome but please do not turn this thread into an argument over boat brands. I have looked at Tuffy, Skeeter, Recon, etc. and this boat just happens to be in my price range and in great shape.
Thanks!
Just finished year number 8 on my 617 with a 150 optimax.
I may be a bit biased, but I think it is a great boat ( especially after I took my kicker off ... )
You should plan on getting from 48-50 if set up correctly. I have been running a high 5 for the last 7 years and really like the prop on this rig. I have a Terrova 80 on the front and have never had any problems with lack of power. Please note the gas tank is up front, and some people do not like that on a boat.
It might not have a ton a storage, but it does have 2 compartments up front, and I use the rod storage for any gear also.
As far as fishing, it fishes 2 people best, but you can do three for walleye or musky especially if you have the rear deck. I walleye fish for about half the season, and live bait rig for the most part with no issues. It is equally at home casting for musky.
Let me know if you have any questions on joining the 617 club ...
Pal |
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya!!
If you like the high five, I'd be very interested in how that boat would run with a rev4...
Steve |
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Posts: 73
| What was the big advantage of removing the kicker? Was it strictly a speed issue, or were there issues with the 617 performance as a result of the additional weight in the rear? Just curious....have looked at a couple myself. |
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Posts: 665
Location: Twin Cities, MN | Slimetime 2 - 11/9/2014 7:41 PM
What was the big advantage of removing the kicker? Was it strictly a speed issue, or were there issues with the 617 performance as a result of the additional weight in the rear? Just curious....have looked at a couple myself.
Not a speed issue, I just do not troll for the most part. I have had a kicker for quite a few years, and just was not using it, but was maintaining it each year. Just made the move this year to sell it as I was not using it and have been very happy.
It did have a slight list with the kicker, but nothing that affected how it performed that I could tell. |
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Posts: 665
Location: Twin Cities, MN | VMS - 11/9/2014 6:53 PM
Hiya!!
If you like the high five, I'd be very interested in how that boat would run with a rev4...
Steve
Yes, I have thought about a Rev4, but I need to sell my tempest plus 19 first, which I have just been hanging onto as a back up. Maybe i will get my act together this off season and check the Rev4 out.
Edited by Pal 11/10/2014 7:49 AM
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | if you like a high-5 you will find a new world once you drive a rev-4 |
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Posts: 665
Location: Twin Cities, MN | Hi Fellas,
I run a 21 pitch High 5, with one less blade would I drop back to 19 ?
Can't seem to find a definite answer on this question
Thanks
Pal |
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
If you drop a blade, you may be able to go UP in pitch. The reason for this is due to the reduced surface area that is in contact with the water with one less blade in the water.
With the rev4, though, you are looking at a prop that is very high raked and highly cupped trailing edge, which provides lift for both bow and stern. It is the 4 blade model of the tempest plus.
With this possible change in mind, it would be beneficial to know what kind of numbers you are getting with the high 5 while you are running with just you and your gear. This will be the first indicator to figure out what pitch to go with if you decide to try out a rev4.
Sled worked with his rig quite a bit and found the rev4 to be just the ticket for his rig, which is an older 690 series with the fuel tank toward the front. It makes the boat a tad bow heavy, but extremely stable. The rev4 is just the ticket to get really good lift for you bow and still maintain great handling.
Please don't get me wrong, though, the high 5 is a good prop, but I have a gut feeling you will find the rev4 to really outperform the high5 in all realms of performance, with the added benefit you could potentially raise your motor further off the transom resulting in even higher speeds, lower bow rise in hole-shot, and overall better efficiency of the whole rig.
My gut instinct says you might find a 21 pitch to be about right for your rig, but the numbers currently will really determine the pitch to go.
Steve |
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Posts: 325
Location: Otsego, MN | Thanks for the info guys! Much appreciated. Sadly the boat sold this weekend as I wasn't able to get to look at it until Monday to make an offer... Still looking for a nice 617. |
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Posts: 114
| I thought I'd resurrect this old thread to give the results of some prop testing I did this weekend with my Ranger 617. Like PAL, I've got a 150 opti on the back mounted in the second hole from the top and I've been running a 21 pitch High Five. With 1/2 a tank of gas and just me in the boat that prop will get me 41 mph with ~5500 rpms at WOT. Good hole shot too. In part based on this thread, this past off season I picked up two Rev4s to try out. I've liked the High Five but the lack of any meaningful thrust in reverse is a little annoying.
Here are the results:
21P Rev4- great acceleration, 45 mph, ~5000 rpms at WOT.
19P Rev4- the best acceleration, 43 mph, ~5300 rpms at WOT.
I was surprised by how much better the acceleration was with the Rev4s compared to my High Five. I also was a little surprised that my rpms weren't higher with each Rev4. Based on my test, I've decided that the 19 pitch Rev4 is going to be my primary prop this season. My only lingering concern is that my rpms are still well below the max for my optimax. But I really don't think it would make sense to drop to a 17 pitch Rev4.
On a final side note, I sometimes forget how much I love my 617. It's a perfect boat for me. Handles well and fits easy in my garage.
Edited by WallyGator12000 4/12/2015 3:04 PM
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Posts: 665
Location: Twin Cities, MN | Thanks Wally,
I managed to sell my back up Tempest 19 this off season and am just starting to give thought to a possible 4 prop also. Kind of wondering about the Bravo XS myself.
Pal |
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