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| I was looking for some information as to what model of Ranger would be the most stable for big water. I really like the Commanche series but would the VS series be a better choice? All information is appreciated!
Thanks, Mike. |
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Posts: 443
Location: Indiana | I think there will be a lot of opinions here. I have a 620, I love it. It has a smooth dry ride, and regardless what some say, I have had no waves come over the bow while casting. I can't imagine a much better boat. There are probably a lot of other models that will do equally as well. Even some of the bass style might be good. I just wanted a deep v for storing gear and people. The family and friends also ust the boat for skiing etc. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | i had the best of the best big-water boat ... i'm sure it's new owner will chime in. it's called a 200C and was made one year now replaced by a full-line of saltwater "redfish tourney boats" ... it was/is an awesome layout and boat especially for big water. the new owner runs it on lake st. clair ... we nicknamed it the "whaler on stearoids" ... |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | ...........And I'm that new owner! Like Jon said, it's the best of both worlds and it's why I bought the boat. It's got the 620 hull, but a stand up center console interior. I'd swear that boat was designed specifically for big muskie water. The boat rides dry, smooth and fast. It doesn't go over waves, it just goes through them. The stand up ride is nice in that when you hit a wave, you're not sitting and don't tense up like when sitting down. You take the waves on your legs and they take the load, and stabilize you, not your abs and back. You don't get tired in the midsection like you can sometimes when riding big water sitting down.
I've had the boat out in small craft advisories, fly casting off the bow. It moves well, and cruises in 3' waves in the mid to high 30's
It's a heavy boat and like Jon told me when I was buying it, it drives like an SUV of boats. You see alot of low slung bass boats on the lake, but they're all bass fishermen. They do fine on the big water....but I do very, very well. To the point that hitting big water is more fun than anything.
The other thing is the room! I've got room for me, my dog and another dude to fish comfortably in heavy water. Ran into a FF'ing guide buddy of mine on the lake yesterday and it was the first time he'd seen the boat, and the first thing he commented on was the space.
The only, and I mean only drawback would be the storage. It doesn't have the rod lockers like a bass boat or 620 would have. It's got four rod rack down the sides and compartments for and aft, but not the extensive, vast storage you'd see in a carpted boat. But for one guy especially, it's plenty. Fishing a second guy, there's room for gear, but you wouldn't pack the kitchen sink.
Don't even get me started on the awesome Yamaha power! But you didn't ask about motors.
Now, if you'll excuse me....I'm taking my boat fishing now....
Edited by esoxfly 8/24/2008 10:15 AM
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Posts: 163
Location: lake st clair michigan | i have a 619 vs extremely stable on big water |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | I think any 600 series hull will do you well on big water. It just comes down to what percentage of your fishing is on big water. That's the main reason Jon sold it; is that most of his fishing dosn't call for a boat this large and deep. But for big water most of the time, you gotta go deep. You can do it in a bass boat, but to do it "right" do it in a deeper hull. That's what they're for.
Jeff |
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| I own a 1998 ranger 690vs with a 175 merc on it. To me this is the best hull they make. This boat can handle big water, but yet fishes very well in shallow water. I live in Wisconsin were there is allot of river running I would recommend this model ranger to anyone hands down. |
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| I've got a 690 as well and love the hull...not ultra wide like the new 600 series but still plenty wide and has handled everything I have put her thru...If you are going to be on big waters...LOTW/Eagle/ML/V etc a fair amount I would shy away from the bass style Rangers...they are great for smaller waters and fish well..but in big waves it's nice to have the depth of the 600 series...I'd go with a 619/620/621 or find a good 690/692 ...mine has a 175 Suzuki I repowered it with after the Merc went kaput and I love the set up...
Good luck boat shopping!
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Posts: 719
| Mike if you thinking a new or slightly used 620 and are in the Minneapolis area let me know if you want to take a demo ride. I am on the west end of town with a 620..... or can arrange for a ride in the Forest Lake area in any of the models Ranger sells.
The current 620 is the best all around boat I have ever been in hands down. |
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Posts: 1460
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | In my 619 I fished Big Bay this summer on V when 90% of the boats were hiding in the small bays. VERY BIG ROLLERS---while it was not the most comfortable it was POSSIBLE when most other boats were strictly out of bounds in that water. Just needed to drop the trolling motor all the way down (prop was still breaking surface occasionally). I almost fired up the kicker and put in idle gear and locked straight and used my bow mount for steering---probably should have. Anyhow...619 620 621---that's what they were made for--BIG WATER--BIG ROLLERS |
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Posts: 344
Location: Musky Country | I have a 07 620 and in my opinion it is the best big water boat period.
I have never took water over the bow while running the trolling motor and I have been in 3-4 footer handles them perfect stays planted in the water very little drift
I can't see my self getting in any other boat. You will be very happy with a ranger vs series. |
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| Well, thanks for all the replies and thanks for the offer of the demo bturg. Unfortanately I live in Ohio and won't be making it out that way soon.
I hear that the 618VS may not be made any more.
With all the advice it sounds like I can't lose with any of the choices. Thanks everyone for replying,
Mike. |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | Where are you in Ohio? I'm on Lake St. Clair, if you're up this way sometime and want a ride.
Jeff |
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Posts: 174
| I am looking to buy a Reatta 1850. Need to get a fish & ski boat. How is that boat for rough water? I want a boat that has a real dry ride in the rough stuff. Thanks |
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Posts: 719
| I spent a number of years in Tritons and they are a great boat that I was always happy with, I switched to Ranger this year and am totally impressed with the upgrade in all aspects of the boat....worth a little extra for the best. |
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Posts: 395
Location: NW WI | Ranger makes agreat boat for sure, and the Reatta's a good one. Make sure you closely compare the seating and fishing layouts of the Reatta vs. some other brands before you take the plunge. |
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| There's rarely a smooth day on Mille Lacs. Here's another nod in favor of the 620 |
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