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Location: Green Bay, WI | Note: I don't mean to start a "brand 'A' is better than brand 'B'" flame war here. This thread is simply meant to document a journey through the process of researching a boat purchase.
I'm in search of a boat this year, and have been studying ALL major brands. It's a lot of information to process, but today I got to go for a ride in the first of the boats I've been wanting to take a look at.
A big THANKS(!!!) to Bob Mehorczyk who took me for my first ride in a Tuffy boat today: a 2060 Osprey, with a 225hp Opti. What a rocket! I was very impressed with the rig. Even though it is a seven year-old model (2006), it really looked to be holding up well. Bob had been fishing but I have no trouble believing that a half-day's work, and that thing would look like new. I can see why all you Optimax guys love those engines though--wow! What power. Two big guys, one child and almost 50 gallons of gas, and that thing virtually leapt out of the water! Most impressive indeed...
Anyway, just wanted to publicly thank Bob for the ride and say how much I thought of that boat. I've seen 4-5 year-old boats not look as nice as Bob's did, so the rig sure seems to be holding up well.
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Posts: 5874
| Horshak's a good guy, for sure. Tuffy's probably got more muskies netted in them on GB than any other make! The 2060 is an awesome boat for Green Bay, and most other lakes as well. Jason Smith still has his 2001 1990, and it still sparkles when he cleans it up. |
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Location: Green Bay, WI | Yes, I can see that. I only wish Tuffy had a 2060 "trolling" model though. Maybe sacrifice 12-16" of bow deck, in exchange for cockpit area. Then it would be a VERY good boat for me. And after riding in Bob's boat, I'd put a 200hp Verado on the back. That engine weighs like 5-8 pounds more than the Opti does, yet would give the benefits of the four-strokes. I'd probably go that route--I would not put a 225hp Verado on the thing. Those are about 125-130 pounds heavier than the 200hp Verado engines. In that case, I would indeed go with the Optimax 225.
So I don't know if it's at all possible that Tuffy could/would make a modification like that to the 2060? My guess is no, as it would probably require a major alteration of the mold for their deck/hull-cap. Probably something that isn't at all realistic. But I really did love the ride in thing, and Bob wears that boat like a glove...lol.
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | whatever you pick Tom ... make sure you take a ride in a Pro-XS-powered ride before you pick your power. |
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Location: Green Bay, WI | Yeah...I'll bet they are monsters. After riding in a plain old 225 Opti, I can't imagine what a 250 Pro XS would do. But MAN, are those things loud!
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Location: Contrarian Island | go big or go home... 621 w 300 Pro XS... ; ) |
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Posts: 2041
| Agreed - I've been looking for a couple of years - figured too big was better than too small  621 250 ProXS
Edited by IAJustin 5/8/2013 11:15 AM
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 621 250.jpeg (112KB - 591 downloads)
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Location: Contrarian Island | don't skimp, you have 50 more horses to put on a 621! |
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Posts: 2041
| I skimped |
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Location: 31 | There's very little difference in ride, handling, and weight between the 620 and 621,
and the 250s push a 620 just fine, so the 300 is mainly for tournaments/guides ... or male enhancement. 
When I was researching them I found that the front casting deck is virtually the same on both models, and the extra 1’ of floor space with the 621 is behind the helm. Kind of nice for trolling to keep you from bumping butts with three people.
21'-300hp... when will it end? Maybe in 10 years will we be saying 626 and 400hp?
Edited by Jerry Newman 5/8/2013 1:13 PM
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Location: Contrarian Island | yah, ok so spend 70k on a new 621 and don't max out the HP? If a guy has the coin to spend on a 621 w 250 why not max out the HP? now if buying a used one that is a different story as you buy what the good deal is and what motor it has...but not maxing out the hp on any boat always makes me go 'huh'.. saw a 618 console w a 90 hp on it...rated for 150 but they put a new 90 on it? um ok.
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Location: 31 | BNelson - 5/8/2013 1:12 PM
yah, ok so spend 70k on a new 621 and don't max out the HP? If a guy has the coin to spend on a 621 w 250 why not max out the HP? now if buying a used one that is a different story as you buy what the good deal is and what motor it has...but not maxing out the hp on any boat always makes me go 'huh'.. saw a 618 console w a 90 hp on it...rated for 150 but they put a new 90 on it? um ok.
I hear what you're saying, but you would have to hold a gun to my head before I paid that much for a boat (more like 80k)! Your comparison is not okay... just think of the percentage difference between 90/150 vs. 250/300. I was mainly pointing out the 620/621 are really close and no need for a 300.
A 621/250 will not be devalued like the 618/90 you mentioned. I do agree that IF I won the lottery and was buying a new 621, I'd go with the 300 I guess... twist my arm even though I don't need the male enhancement.
Edited by Jerry Newman 5/8/2013 1:34 PM
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Location: Contrarian Island | no i agree,,, I have seen some nice 621s out there used w 300 xs and verados... big water rigs for sure!
Edited by BNelson 5/8/2013 1:35 PM
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Posts: 5874
| tcbetka - 5/7/2013 4:38 PM
Yes, I can see that. I only wish Tuffy had a 2060 "trolling" model though. Maybe sacrifice 12-16" of bow deck, in exchange for cockpit area. Then it would be a VERY good boat for me. And after riding in Bob's boat, I'd put a 200hp Verado on the back. That engine weighs like 5-8 pounds more than the Opti does, yet would give the benefits of the four-strokes. I'd probably go that route--I would not put a 225hp Verado on the thing. Those are about 125-130 pounds heavier than the 200hp Verado engines. In that case, I would indeed go with the Optimax 225.
So I don't know if it's at all possible that Tuffy could/would make a modification like that to the 2060? My guess is no, as it would probably require a major alteration of the mold for their deck/hull-cap. Probably something that isn't at all realistic. But I really did love the ride in thing, and Bob wears that boat like a glove...lol.
TB
Look at the 2100. I think they shortened the splashwell area like they did on the 1890. Same great ride as the 2060, but 96" beam. |
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Location: Green Bay, WI | I talked to Spencer Berman about his, and he really likes the 2100. The problem for me with that boat though is that I really don't like the layout of the cockpit. Those side boxes aren't friendly for me, although I could work around them. That boat is too big for my garage though...which is a problem.
I will say that besides those back compartments, I really like Jerry's 621. His Yamaha F250 isn't the powerhouse that an Optimax or HPDI might be, but that boat gets up on plane fairly quickly and goes faster than the conditions will allow you to go on Green Bay 95% of the time. And the things are bulletproof and some of the offshore guys using them are reporting thousands of hours of longevity on those engines. Sure they are heavier than then the new "Offshore" 4.2L engines from Yamaha, but they have a proven track record of dependability. Based upon my experience in his boat, I'd probably opt for a 250 on a Ranger 621 as well. I would also put a 250 on the Ranger 620 though--as I'd probably go with a Verado 250 Pro, because it's a few pounds lighter than the regular 225/250 V-rods.
I looked at a Warrior 2121 yesterday, along with the Skeeter MX 2025. Both seem to be very nice boats, although the Warrior is going to handle bigger water than the Skeeter as far as I could tell. On Monday I'm going for a ride in a Warrior V203 with Verado power, so we'll see how those boats handle on the water. The floor plan is great for my needs and I could easily see that the rig would be an awesome boat for the bay. So we'll see how that goes.
TB
Edited by tcbetka 5/10/2013 8:48 AM
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | The new big Triton shortened the front casting deck to make room in the back. It's a nice boat, but since I hate trolling I'd opt for the old one. |
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Location: Green Bay, WI | We went for a ride in the Warrior V203 yesterday, with Verado 300 power. What a machine! That thing is a monster boat. Unfortunately the little bit of chop present on Lake Mohawksin wasn't even a nuisance for that thing. With four people and quite a load of fuel we were seeing over 50mph when we turned it loose. What a great ride!
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Posts: 121
Location: Plymouth IA | Just wondering what are the major brands from your perspective?
I am very interested in your prespective you seem like a person who puts a lot of thought into things |
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Posts: 271
Location: Oregon, WI | Check out the Skeeter MX2025. I got a MX1825, didn't want a 20 footer. Been very happy with it so far once I figured out you can't winch a glass boat onto the trailer like my old tin boat. Spraying the bunks with silicon spray has helped allot with loading at shallow launches. BE WARNED, if you spray the bunks with this stuff, DON'T un-hook the winch/safety strap until boat is in water. No, I didn't have a bad experience, just repeating the warning that accompanied this tip where ever I read it.
Edited by V18 5/17/2013 5:54 AM
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Posts: 994
Location: Minnesota: where it's tough to be a sportsfan! | Since I quit fishing tournaments I do not need 70mph. But sure do enjoy having a platform that has the room needed. I still need the power to get her out of the hole with some rather large fellows and way too much tackle. But I back off to around 45 mph & save gas. The size also comes in when the water gets more vertical. I would consider that 25' with a 300 for my main boat. Maybe with that 4 extra feet the engineers could figure out how to put some room up front between the pro pole and the bow!! |
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Location: minocqua, wi. | Have you taken a ride in the Bay-Rangers or Pathfinders yet? i ran a boston whaler dauntless and then a Ranger 200C Center Console. For a true big-water experience you can't go wrong with a big Center-Console. They are a dream in the crazy stuff and if you fish big water, they deliver in spades for fishing performance.
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Posts: 87
| jonnysled - 5/17/2013 8:07 AM
Have you taken a ride in the Bay-Rangers or Pathfinders yet? i ran a boston whaler dauntless and then a Ranger 200C Center Console. For a true big-water experience you can't go wrong with a big Center-Console. They are a dream in the crazy stuff and if you fish big water, they deliver in spades for fishing performance.
+1 if i were in the market for a new big boat. that pathfinder would be hard to pass up. looks like an awesome muskie boat |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | I have a 2013 Tuffy 2100 with a 250 Pro XS on it...man is this a fun boat to drive!!! Huge boat, huge casting decks, crazy power and the lay out of the boat is PERFECT. I have a bunch of pics if you are interested in seeing it. I will also be selling it at the end of the fishing season.
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Location: Green Bay, WI | Mike,
Please do send me the pictures and specifics on your boat. I am not sure yet what I am going to do, so I'm trying to look at all the boats I can right now. My email is in my signature under this post.
Thanks!
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Location: Green Bay, WI | misterperch - 5/16/2013 11:07 PM
Just wondering what are the major brands from your perspective?
I am very interested in your prespective you seem like a person who puts a lot of thought into things
Sorry, didn't see this until now...
I have a few "leading" boats right now. Mainly, I am looking for a boat with a more trolling-friendly floor plan and a hull built for big water. So in no order:
1) Tufffy 2060. Very nice hull, although the cockpit is too small for my needs. Build quality of the 2060 I was seemed very good--the 6-7 year old rig looked like it would pass for a one year old (or newer) boat, if it had been detailed. With an Optimax, that thing is a rocket! Personally, I would put a 200hp Verado and a 15hp Pro-Kicker on the hull and go fishing. At first I thought the 90" beam would bother me, but it really didn't at all. The hull is significantly lighter than the other glass boats, no doubt due to the kevlar. The cost for the Tuffy rigs is about the lowest of any of the boats I'll mention--a big plus. And Tuffy is a relatively local company, which I really like a lot. I can't really see how a person could go wrong in buying one, so long as it has the lay-out you like. I am not a big fan of the storage around the cockpit in the 2100 though, as it's what I don't like about the Ranger Fisherman. So I'll be interested in seeing the pictures of Mike's rig.
2) Warrior V193/203. I rode in the 203, and it's a MACHINE. Big, beefy, powerful with the 300hp Verado. No doubt it could take anything that Green Bay could dish out--at least anything that I'm able to tolerate. I absolutely LOVED the floor plan, as you can hold a dance in the cockpit. The gel coat is as good the majority of boats, but that of the Ranger is probably *slightly* better...as is the Ranger's fit and finish. This isn't a big deal though, as the two are quite close. But the 203 is significantly cheaper than a comparably-equipped 620 Fisherman. Also, the console is HUGE, so if you are a gadget freak like I am, you won't have a problem finding a place to mount anything. The storage is deceptively ample--much more room than I would have expected for that floor plan. Some guys will knock the boat for not have the livewell of a Tuffy or a Ranger, but I call BS on that. With muskies, the Kahuna is the livewell. Sure it might be nice to have a larger livewell that a guy could ice for a fish in trouble in warmer water--but then you better carry O2 additive, because just cooling the water doesn't oxygenate it by itself--not quickly anyway. So far the Warrior is my leading candidate, as it's a trolling (and research) machine! I want to tour the factory this week though, and look at a 193 in person. At 19'3", it might be large enough for me, but it does have a full foot less room in the cockpit, compared to the V203 (20'3") we rode in. My wife really liked the boat too, although she liked the Ranger and Skeeter a lot as well. Price is second only to the Tuffy.
3) Ranger 620. What can I say...it's a Ranger. I will say that it's about the most expensive rig I looked at--but probably as easy to sell as anything, at least in this area. But the cockpit is not really trolling-friendly for me. But other than that, there really isn't much to complain about--and the new hulls will pretty much go through anything, although I've found them to be a bit rough in rough water. But I don't go fast on Green Bay, so I don't really consider that a problem. I would be thrilled to own one, no doubt.
4) Skeeter MX 2025. Very nice floor plan, with a doubt. Better cockpit for me than a Ranger. Gel coat is very close in quality to the Ranger, and about the same as the Warrior from what I've seen. I haven't ridden in one yet, but from what guys who have are telling me, it's a great rig. Looking closely at the hull though, I don't think it's the "big water" boat that the others in my list are. I might be wrong about that, but the hull just looks shallower to me, and I'm not sure but it looks to me that the dead-rise isn't as steep. The price is a bit less than Ranger (not much), but more than the Warrior. The storage is better than the Warrior though--at least on the (larger) front deck. The other boat to look at in the Skeeter line is the WX 2100, as you can still find them very reasonably-priced as new "hold over" boats, as that model was discontinued this year. I'd like to take a ride in the 2100, but so far it hasn't worked out in my schedule. The WX 1900 is a nice rig too, but at 18'9" it's a bit short for me--and I didn't like the console. It would be a challenge to mount two large electronic units there, which is a big deal for me.
5) Yar Craft 209. By all accounts a great hull, but I've never even laid eyes on one in person. Joe Okada is supposed to give me a call in a day or two so I can get out into the bay with him after the smallie tournament this weekend. I'm really looking forward to that, as I've heard it's an awesome rig. The cost is about the same as the Ranger, but I think that I will like the floor plan. That boat reminds me of the Warrior actually.
6) Lund 197GL/208GL. Nice boats, but I've never ridden in one. The 197 has far too little cockpit for me though, so I'd need the 208...but that's about the same money as a Ranger, if not more. They say the boats are a great ride, and I have no doubt. But I've ruled these boats out, because I think there are better boats out there for my needs...at substantially less money. I love Lund though, so I really have nothing bad to say about them.
So those are the boats I am really considering, although I think I've ruled-out the Skeeter 2025 as well as the Lund rigs. The 2025 is great boat no doubt--but it's more of a caster's boat, and I'm more of a troller due to this bum foot I have. It's just hard to be nimble with a 3-4 pound plastic brace locking your ankle at 90 degrees. But the Warrior's gunwale height and outwards cant is perfect for me for casting from the back cockpit floor. The bow is the smallest of any of the boats I've mentioned, but this is actually not a bad thing for me. It's certainly big enough to fish from if you want to, but they've really built that boat for big-water trollers. So truth be told, I think it's going to be hard to beat the Warrior I rode in last week. It's an amazing rig and every person I've spoken to who is associated with that company has been A-1 first class. I can't wait to visit the factory.
But really all of the boats I've looked at are great rigs, and I'd be very lucky to own any one of them...and in reality I could make any of them work for me. But since I have pretty much resigned myself to not using this rig until *next* year anyway, the pressure is off in that sense. So I want to look at as many of these as I can and pick the one that will work best for me.
There you go--there's my "short" answer on the progress made so far. If you have a few hours, we can get more in-depth on these rigs!
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Location: Green Bay, WI | jonnysled - 5/17/2013 8:07 AM
Have you taken a ride in the Bay-Rangers or Pathfinders yet? i ran a boston whaler dauntless and then a Ranger 200C Center Console. For a true big-water experience you can't go wrong with a big Center-Console. They are a dream in the crazy stuff and if you fish big water, they deliver in spades for fishing performance.
I owned a 19+ foot Key West center console when we lived in Florida. For a caster, that's a SWEET set-up. But for a troller, no thanks. Maybe it would be fine trolling under a T-top in 80-degree weather off-shore, but not for trolling in 30-40 degrees temps we get here in the Fall. I'll take my canvas, thanks. People may laugh at me for using a full topset and side curtains when the wind is howling out there, but when it's that cold you are very likely to screw something when the big one hits 8-9 hours after a whole lot of nothing in terms of action. So having fished from both on Green Bay (we moved back from FL with that rig, and then traded it here), I'll take the walk-through windows any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Canvas is the way to go in the Fall on Green Bay, for this old boy...
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Posts: 121
Location: Plymouth IA | thank you for the summary hope you get the boat that best fits your needs. |
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Posts: 215
Location: Twin Cities | At the end of the day.....its always the same answer.... buy a Ranger. I had little money and alot of excuses but I stilll bought another one. And there is a reason. Buy a Ranger. |
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Location: Green Bay, WI | Where is the reason? I can think of a few reasons *not* to buy a Ranger...
1) Super expensive
2) Poor cockpit layout for a (mainly) troller
3) Rough ride in heavy seas
4) No factory customization available--what you see is what you get
Of course one thing their boats have going for them is the name. When you go to sell them, there really isn't a problem. This seems to especially be true for those rigs with four-stroke engines, as they seem to be gone within a few days of being listed.
Anyway I am not saying that Rangers aren't great boats, because they are. But they aren't THE boat for everyone, and there are other great boats out there as well. If a guy trolls most of the time, they aren't as good as the floor plan of something like a Warrior or a Skeeter. The big open cockpits of the Warrior V203 or the Skeeter WX 2100 are VERY hard to beat when trolling. And if you go check out those other boats on Walleye Central or one of the other walleye boards, it seems as though their reputations are every bit as good as that of the Ranger rigs...at least where it really matters.
So I definitely understand the attraction for the Ranger rigs, honestly. But they may not the perfect boat for everyone--especially if you don't spend most of your time casting from the bow. The task is to figure out which boat is the "best" for my needs...
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Location: minocqua, wi. | point number 4 makes me scratch my head ... you can pretty much make your own boat and work directly with engineers at ranger no matter if your boat is new or ages old. |
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