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Message Subject: Ranger 617 or 618? | |||
pbrostuen |
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Posts: 158 Location: Eagan, MN | I'm considering a Ranger 617 or 618. Haven't had a chance to ride or fish out of either yet. Can anyone give me some feedback about either of these two muskie machines? I primarily fish Minnetonka and a few other metro lakes, but also would like to start taking some trips up to Mille Lacs. It seems the 617 would have a better rough water ride, while I think I like the 618's layout for muskie fishing. I don't care too much about speed. Rough water handling, safety and fishability are my main requirements. I would also like to take a look at the Triton 189, but they are few and far between. Thanks. | ||
Wisconsin Wade |
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Posts: 194 Location: Lincolnshire, IL | I have been in both...The 617 would be more of a multi-species boat where the 618 is more suited for musky and bass. As far as rough water ride, I was only in the 617 on big water...it is a deeper boat, a Ranger that looks like it could suit both needs since your not concerned with speed would be the new 618 Tiller. I believe it is deeper like the 617, 619, etc.(maybe someone can correct me on this) for bigger water and with the Tiller you would have all the room in the world for fishing anything. | ||
Chartertalk |
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Posts: 71 Location: Lake St. Clair | I would go with the 617 too. I had one and it was a great boat. Very fishable. I used mine on Lake St. Clair, Detroit River and Lake Erie. Bob Devine Chartertalk Guide Service Windsor Ont www.chartertalk.com | ||
Mark H. |
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Posts: 1936 Location: Eau Claire, WI | Good friend of mine had a 617 for several years. Nice ride etc. but he had the dual consol unit and the front deck was very small. Also rod storage was too short for many musky rods. Personally I would go with a 618 for fishability "if" you are more of musky fisherman than other species.. At the Chicago show this weekend I talked with several who own them and said they all said they liked how they handled big water. Like any boat they have their limitations but no worries in 3-4 footers as far as being a safe ride. If you would like to talk to the guy I know who owned the 617 contact Darrin at www.muskyhunt.com he'll be glad to help you out. | ||
theedz155 |
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Posts: 1438 | Only problem I have heard of with the 617's is storage and space. If you are muskie fishing out of them, it's gonna be too small. That comment from several people who owned them. I had also heard that last year the resale on them was non existent, even on trade ins. The layout was so poor even the dealerships couldn't unload them. As far as quality goes, I have heard no problems with either. Might want to touch base with GregM from the board here. He works at Crystal Pierz and is definitely "in the know". Scott | ||
Phish Killer |
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Posts: 827 Location: Minneapolis,Minnesota | I thought the new one was a 617T? Or is it an 18'er? | ||
Grampa_Joe |
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Posts: 27 Location: North Branch, Minnesota | It's the 618 tiller you're thinking about that's a new model for this year. I've driven a few, and rigged a few more. It's laid out very nice. I have actually had one out on Mille Lacs in about 2'ers. Handles the waves very nicely, tracks beautifully if you troll and huge rodlockers. 9’ on one side and 8’ on the other. Out of the boats you’ve mentioned, if it were my decision, I’d get the 618 tiller for your application. I see you're a local. Stop in at Frankie's open house this weekend and you can see the boats you're talking about! Forrest Wood is even going to be there unless all of these snow storms keep him away. Joe Carlson Edited by Grampa_Joe 1/27/2004 11:29 AM | ||
pbrostuen |
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Posts: 158 Location: Eagan, MN | Thanks for the replies. I'm actually only considering the console models. Tiller models have little or no elevated casting decks in the stern. At this point I'm leaning towards the 618. Might have to swing by Frankies this weekend. | ||
JWB475 |
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Posts: 80 | Keep in mind the 618VS is a completely different hull than the 618T, or even the 617 for that matter (console and tiller).... | ||
pbrostuen |
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Posts: 158 Location: Eagan, MN | Right on J-Dub, the 618 console has the shallowest draft of the three, but still has enough depth for the waters I fish. With a little common sense it should be just fine for occassional trips to Mille Lacs or LOTW. It's looking like I'm going to wait until next now, so if anyone see's me bobbing around in my Tracker on Minnetonka please don't send any big wakes my way!!! | ||
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