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Posts: 37
| i need some advice here...
I know a 1990 ranger 680c for sale That's been sitting in a dry garage for many years.... From what i've seen it should be in realy nice shape.
I 'm thinking of turning it into a tiller and removing the console. It's got a 90 yamaha on it that i like to replace with a tiller 50 etec. I would love to have an 16/17 ft tiller glassboat for fishing medium sized waters and be up to beat some nasty winds....
But before i spend my money, do guys think a 26 year old boat is still good enough for another life of hardcore weekly fishing? Does the glass age? Or are there certain things i really should check or even worry about?
Is the 680 still good ennough nowadays for modern fishing?
Edited by markymark 2/28/2016 2:09 PM
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Posts: 531
| What is different with modern fishing compared to fishing back then?
Also if your thinking of turning the boat to a tiller that sounds like a lot of messing around to remove a console. I also feel 50hp would be underpowered. I have a 681 that had a 70 that took some time to plane. Not sure if 50 would do it.
Great hull fishs well. If price is right why not |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | Someday when I'm done moving around, I'd like to get myself one of those. They're nice boats. Dry is good, but check the transom and hull. Ranger still used wood in it's construction then. And anzo makes some good points. If the hull runs on a 90, it'll still want to run on a 90. Just because you go tiller doesn't mean the hull design changes.
But yes, glass can age. It's oxidation. I'd guess it'll need a good polishing, maybe even wet sanding. That depends on it's life in the sun and how it was taken care of beforehand. Glass is like a trailer in that people often forget about it and only take care of their electronics and motor.
Edited by esoxfly 2/28/2016 3:24 PM
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Posts: 668
Location: Wisconsin | I have a 97 680T. She is in great shape and still fishes well. If it is is good shape I see no reason why she wouldn't be able to serve you well. I am partial, but feel it is a fantastic design. Changing the console over to a tiller will be a job, but doable. Are you sure you wouldn't want to just leave as a console? If you have any other questions that I can help with, shoot me a PM.
Should be able to sell the Yamaha fairly easily I would think. |
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Posts: 668
Location: Wisconsin | As for the power, I had a 45HP Classic 50 Merc on mine. Just repowered with a 94 Johnson 60 and wow, what a difference. The 50 is fine by yourself, but with a partner, she did take a bit to plane. |
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Posts: 480
| I have a '89 tiller going up for sale this spring when I get her out of storage.
Has 2011 a 60 hp Merc 4 stroke tiller that is flawless. 33 mph with 2 guys. Great boat |
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Posts: 1760
Location: new richmond, wi. & isle, mn | I still have my '90 680c with a '93 115 merc. I wouldn't dream of cutting the counsel out of it. The counsel is not a separate component. Spend some time and find a tiller if that's what your after. The capt's should sound intriguing being it has been recently repowered. Mine has been fished hard and shows its wear. I've had it since '94 and it wouldn't be worth it to me to sell it. Great small boats that can handle it all. I know guys that have replaced floors in these boats but other than that don't let the age scare you.
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Posts: 383
| I owned a 681 that was a diamond in the rough when I picked it up but became a beautiful boat. I later repowered it with an Etec. I spent a ton of time polishing that glass and the sparkle came back fine. Oh, and that 681 really liked a 115 and I know the 680 is a little different, but I agree with the guys who say keep looking for a true tiller if that's what you're after. Currently I'm running an '85 Lund Nisswa tiller, also a vintage glass boat, with a new floor, and have no worries about the hull itself. I'm often tempted to buy something newer, then I remember that my boat payment is zero. Even if I repower, it would be a fraction of the cost of a new boat. Find a good glass classic musky boat with a hull that's in good condition, fix it up, repower it if need be. In my opinion these classic boats are tremendous values compared to buying new.
Edited by hooked 2/28/2016 5:57 PM
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Posts: 37
| Thanks for the feedback.
The day after tomorrow I Will go and inspect the boat. I can need all the advice you guys can give me what to look for. I am particular interested in possible bad spots of the boat.
By the way, is there anyone who did modified iT into a tiller? Since I don't live anywhere near a ranger dealer, this is a rare chance for buying a ranger...
Edited by markymark 2/29/2016 12:42 PM
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Posts: 31
Location: Mapleton Mn | I had a 87 680t. Awsome boat! I did have some issues with the wood floor rotting. I ended up having to have a section of it replaced. Before you buy make sure there is no soft spots. Hope this helps. |
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Posts: 668
Location: Wisconsin | I believe the floor and transom are really the only spots on these boats that can be an issue, from all I have read/seen. So, it would be worth a good inspection of those two areas for sure. I can't remember what year they stopped using wood?? If you are set on a tiller, I would try to find one that started that way, but that's just my opinion. Hope you find one you like. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | I'd agree with others while you can convert it you might be money ahead to just find a 680 tiller....put a WTB post out on Craigslist and maybe someone has one they were thinking of selling or there are guys above that are looking to sell.
Edited by BNelson 2/29/2016 3:50 PM
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Location: MN | The Ranger 680s are awesome boats. I own a 1990 680T, it’s been modernized with a 60hp Etec, newer HB graphs, Terrova w/ iPilot, and 24v system. The majority of my fishing is on big MN waters (Minnetonka, Mille Lacs, Vermilion, St. Louis River estuary) and it handles the big water great for a 17ft boat. These boats trailer easy, are cheap to operate, and fish well in a variety of water conditions. I have a custom rear casting platform which allows me to squeeze in 3 guys, tight for musky fishing but doable. Mine too will be for sale this spring; my family of four and their gear has outsized the boat. Capt Bigfish’s boat probably has more trophy musky-mojo 
Unfortunately I haven't heard of anyone converting the console to a tiller.
These boats should last many more years especially if maintained, Ranger built them well. I believe the transoms were switched from wood to fiberglass on the 1988/89 models, my 1990 is fiberglass. Size and condition of the gas tank is something to consider, some came with small portable tanks, the prior owner of my rig installed a permanent 14 gallon gas tank in the stern, really nice. Ask what kind of fuel has been run through the lines, fuel with ethanol can gum up the fuel lines. Check the hull for stress cracks in the hull and as noted for any soft spots in the lids or floor.
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Posts: 267
| I have an '88 680c with 115 Merc I restored cosmetically by buffing and sanding the gel coat and replacing the electronics, dash gauges, steering wheel with one from a 620, and bilge, livewell and baitwell pumps. The hull itself is timeless and is a really stable, smooth running and relatively dry ride considering the gunwales are relatively low. The setup is perfect for two adult musky fisherman but three is a little tight but doable. The console takes up some floor space but keep in mind, you can walk all the way around this boat given that there is a compartment that runs along the starboard side of the console. Given that I have young children that are fast approaching an age where they can regularly get out with me, I am considering a larger boat but I have no complaints with the 680c and it will be hard to see her go if I decide to go larger. I would really like to just re-power it with a newer motor but haven't been able to find a nice 115 yet. It certainly gets a lot of comments and questions at the ramp. I think there are quite a few guys who wish Ranger would come out with a similar 17 foot smaller glass boat again at a somewhat more reasonable price point than their larger models. |
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Posts: 267
| mak51 makes a good point. The stock built-in gas tank is only 12 gallons. My old 115 sucks down the gas so I re-fill often. I do carry a 6 gallon reserve under the custom rear deck as well just in case. |
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| That's 15 thoughts; only 665 more thoughts to go...  |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | I don't like the original idea. Taking out a console is going to be costly and that boat will be underpowered with what you propose.
I think you are better off saving up for a boat that is more ready to have what you want than dumping money into a boat that old |
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Posts: 135
| Didn't Ryan Jinkerson convert a 680C to a tiller? I think he kept the 115hp on it, but pulled the console and ran it via tiller handle?
60hp was fine for my tiller with 2 guys, just not a race boat. |
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Posts: 37
| Thanks again guys! Thanks for your reply's again.
The thing is, i live in Europe. We have no dealer of ranger boats in our country. And importing an unseen one from the US would be too big of a gamble for me.
Problem is there are no top quality reasonably priced glass boats with a nice interior for fishing of 16/17ft available in Europe. So I was very happy to find this one. Waiting or searching for another used tiller version in Europe has no use, beacaus there are very very little of them around. So this is my only chance i guess. Taking out the console is the only option if I don't like driving with console in the end. But you have convinced me to try it first.
Main considder for me is the condition of this boat and wether a 25year old boat can stand the battering of another life with 60days of fishing/year...
If anyone could send me a picture of the their custom made rear casting platform for inspiration, that would be great. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | that boat should last for you. i have a '94 ranger and i'm convinced it's as good or better than most boats i could buy new.
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Posts: 668
Location: Wisconsin | jonnysled - 3/1/2016 6:31 AM
that boat should last for you. i have a '94 ranger and i'm convinced it's as good or better than most boats i could buy new.
I feel the same as Sled about mine. If it is in good shape, sounds like you should grab it, seeing you have so few options in Europe. Maybe the console will work for you?? I love my tiller, but there are times when a console would have been nice. If you are committed to the tiller, I am certain with a good plan and effort you can get her remade the way you want it.
PS- I would like to see some rear casting decks as well. Anybody want to show us a few pics??
Edited by Clammer 3/1/2016 7:40 AM
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Posts: 1036
| Did Clammer just ask for "deck" pics? Oh boy.....
About old Rangers....I just upgraded to a 619VS. The way it is setup now is perfect for how I like to fish. I really can't imagine getting a different one. So, I'm hoping I can say in 20 years that I still love it like Sled and Clammer did about theirs.... An old guide in Eagle River told me as a kid...."Old boats never die, although they do smell that way." |
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Location: minocqua, wi. | https://www.facebook.com/groups/264687296955692/
BNelson started a Facebook page for those of us who love the vintage 690/692's ... we have some 680/681 owners in the group too. if you love these boats, check out the FB page. loads of pictures and discussion from guys who are giving life to these classic boats. |
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Posts: 668
Location: Wisconsin | Yes, Vegas, I did ask for "deck" pics!! Sorry.
As for your Ranger, I hope she serves you well. Comin' up on 30years for mine, and expecting many more.
Sled, thanks for the facebook link. pretty cool, will have to check it out when I have some more time. |
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Posts: 1036
| So, Clammer, 30 years. Is your relationship with your boat longer, or shorter than your marriage? 
Cuz dang, 30 years is a long time. |
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Posts: 668
Location: Wisconsin | vegas492 - 3/1/2016 12:47 PM
So, Clammer, 30 years. Is your relationship with your boat longer, or shorter than your marriage?
Cuz dang, 30 years is a long time.
Well 2017 will be 30 for the Ranger, so not quite yet, and 2019 will be 30 for marriage. I am so glad I talked my Dad into the Ranger. We split the cost, $5000 each when I saw it at the boat show. Told him it was the perfect musky rig. Thankfully he went for it, and I still have it, and fish together in it.
That was a great day! Come to think of it, I had better say thanks to him again!!
And my wife for putting up with me this long! |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | that's cool ^ |
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Posts: 668
Location: Wisconsin | Yes, it is!! Thanks Sled. My Dad wanted to get a 14' base model aluminum boat. Thankfully he was pretty easy to convince to upgrade. We went in looking to put 2500 -3000 each, so it was a big jump to the 5 apiece. I had just got into musky fishing a few years prior, so wanted a layout suited for that. The 680T was perfect for the lakes we frequent. Like most things, it pays to get a good quality item from the start in the long run. The boat has been great. Other than replacing the bilge pump, we have not needed to do any repairs. The motor was running well, just lost a bit of umph, so the repower last year was not mandatory, but sure has been nice! Plus we both have added a few LBS!! most of which is gear!!
How about you Sled? Whats the story on your boat??
How did you come across yours? Did you get |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | reminds me of the 1989 mercedes 300 se in my garage, 27 years and nothing but tires, brakes and gas until a recent new muffler and gaskets all around. back when i bought it the sticker was 51k but i'd spent a lot of time in Germany around the time i got it and bought into the 1 car in your lifetime perspective of the germans. my friends, co-workers and family thought i was dumb, brash, braggart ... you name it. i remember thinking as time went by how many ford taurus' i'd have gone through in the time i've owned, driven and enjoyed this car. it brought 4 kids home after being born and taught them all to drive ... it's kid number 4's summer ride this year and will go back to being mine after he gets his own car. i still enjoy driving it as much now as i did when i bought it!! quality, if taken care of will last a lifetime and ranger boats are right there with mercedes benz in my opinion.
i bought my '94 690 after using a tuffy esox magnum as a divorce bridge from a ranger 200C i was forced to sell in the divorce. i paid $8,000.00 for it with '94 power and have since re-powered to a 2012 175 pro-xs. it has all new electronics and this year gets a new kicker and after the season i have new gelcoat planned for the top cap along with a trailer restoration.
my jonnysled comes from restoring vintage (1971 - 1976) factory oval racing snowmobiles and i've also restored a vintage motorcycle. i've learned about the math of making a classic into a reliable and enjoyable machine and have absolutely come to believe it being a much better way to skin a cat when buying almost anything (sans an ATV) with a motor. i do the same with diesel trucks and get enormous discounts to value based on what to buy, how to make it run vs. the nonsense numbers that are charged for new vehicles.
new vehicles, boats and houses are a scam ... i refuse to get caught in the trap, plus mine look cooler than anything new too!! LOL
Edited by jonnysled 3/1/2016 6:00 PM
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Posts: 668
Location: Wisconsin | to use your own words....that's cool^
Funny thing is my next question was, where di the name "Sled" come from?? HA |
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