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Posts: 2019
| Well you know what they say about opinions - ha! But I'm looking for a few.  ....I have a 2004 Ranger 621, the boat was repowered in 2010 right before I bought it with a 250 PROXS, obviously 2 stroke back then.. Knock on wood I've done nothing but standard maintenance and put oil in it..expensive oil - ha! .. I'm strongly considering repowering again with a Mercury 4-stroke. I'd like a 4 stroke, I'd like a warranty and piece of mind that I "should" not have issues for awhile....while 10 years and 400 hours later the current 2010 PROXS has treated me right seems like a good time to repower (current rebate) and at an age things are more likely to fail? If I'm planning to keep the boat another 5 years or so thoughts on putting a new motor on a 2004 Ranger? thanks
Edited by IAJustin 2/24/2021 10:30 AM
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Posts: 3488
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | If money is not an issue for you, I'd say go for it!! Weight-wise, not much different these days...maybe a touch slower coming out of the hole as the 4 stroke does not have as strong of a power curve as a 2 stroke... Top end will be similar.
My rig (2003) was repowered with an Etec in 2010 and it was a good upgrade from the original Yamaha 2 stroke it had on it.
Yes...oil can be a touch expensive, although I'm not running around a bunch burning gallons of it..maybe 2 in a normal year as this thing sips oil as compared to my former boat...
In the long run, it will probably get you a few more $$ on resale, but definitely not a return on your investment. If you like the boat, keep it. Sled did that to 695 if memory serves me correctly, and he loves the boat!!
I guess the other side of it....could you upgrade an entire rig for the same amount of money you'd be out on a new motor? That might be a tough call...
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Posts: 2019
| thank you for the response! that's the other reason I'm leaning repower - I like this hull ...new 620-621's sit higher off the waterline...not to mention the prices today are insane...I saw a new 621 with a 400 on it listed on walleye central asking for $120,000 ...WHAT!!?
Edited by IAJustin 2/24/2021 11:13 AM
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Posts: 20231
Location: oswego, il | These old rangers hold their value considering a new one cost 100k+ now. Put a new motor on it you won't regret the decision. |
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Posts: 32900
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | ToddM - 2/24/2021 11:35 AM
These old rangers hold their value considering a new one cost 100k+ now. Put a new motor on it you won't regret the decision.
What Todd and VMS said. |
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Posts: 650
Location: Duluth | Repower, no brainer. Recently put a new engine on my 23 year old SeaArk and its like a new boat........I also wouldn't repower with Merc, but that's just my opinion.
Just make sure transom and mounting hardware are up to snuff. Have seen a few repowered rangers drop their engines, all due to mounting larger engine on soggy transom. |
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Posts: 461
| What do you think you can sell the pro xs for now? Why not run it till its dead then repower? |
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| I have a 2003 Lund Pro V. The Suzuki 90 tiller has relatively low hours and still runs great. However, if it starting having issues, I would repower, no question. The hull is solid, I am comfortable fishing it. I look at the price of new boats like the Ranger you mentioned and think about how many guided fishing trips a guy could take each year if you put that much money into a low risk, blue chip dividend stock fund. And you would still have the principle. Not to mention the depreciation, insurance and maintenance costs incurred with a hundred thousand dollar plus boat. |
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Posts: 2019
| chasintails - 2/24/2021 12:20 PM
What do you think you can sell the pro xs for now? Why not run it till its dead then repower? .
Dealer is gonna give $6500 trade ...they will likely sell for around 8K? Sure they make some $$ on the new motor as well wouldn't expect them not to.... I've been "dead" on LOTW 15 miles from the resort with my last boat (Evinrude) ..not fun! There is nothing worse than planning, taking time off work anticipating a great week with family and/or buddies and having motor issues...I've had this happen 3 times in 20 plus years..trying to be proactive as I age. |
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Posts: 20231
Location: oswego, il | Last time I was on LOTW a friend of mine came to the resort and destroyed the lower unit on million dollar reef on the way to it. No kicker. I need one for my boat. Have another buddy who made his motor look like a jet drive after the second day. He had a kicker luckily. The main thing is making sure everything is good with the motor before you go. I lost a belt on my opti a few years ago, now keep a spare. |
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Posts: 383
| I repowered a 681. There was a 15 year difference between the boat and motor. It was a great decision and made for a great rig. I would never hesitate to repower a great hull with a new motor!
Edited by hooked 2/24/2021 3:09 PM
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Posts: 2019
| Thanks all...I'm considering actually moving down to a 225 4-stroke (non-proXS). is my current Tempest 23p current prop gonna work well on a 225 4-stroke? 250's are V8 now and almost 2k more than a 225.. Since I'm not worried about top-end probably would make sense to go to a 4 blade prop potentially if I go 225 route? |
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Posts: 349
| Justin I’d repower for sure. The old hulls are the good hulls for what we do.Could always beef up the transom to take the new 600 Verado.Would get you spot to spot in a timely fashion.??
Good fishing! |
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Posts: 3488
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
I would bet with only 25hp difference you'd possibly be able to run the same prop, but much of that depends on the difference in gear ratio. Might have to wait and test to see what will work best.
Being a 2004 hull, you have the tank up in the bow? I don't remember when that changed. If so, a 4 blade may be good no matter what as that extra blade will definitely help lift the front end.
Steve |
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Posts: 2019
| Hi VMS...that was an early 620 placement for fuel tank I believe, but may end up going 4 blade anyway..however might as well test what I have first...thanks again all for the replies..pushed me "off the fence" ..new Merc ordered this morning...will be here in 6 weeks! |
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| If you took dickP.'s suggestion about beefing up the transom and putting on the new 600hp Verado, would you please post a video of the first full power run? Be fun to see what a V12 with a two speed transmission could do on a fishing boat ;>).
Edited by North of 8 2/25/2021 12:23 PM
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Edited by North of 8 2/25/2021 12:23 PM
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Posts: 2019
| HA! 20 years ago I might have actually considered that! Hold my beer and watch this - LOL! |
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Posts: 527
| That 23p Tempest prop is usually in demand amongst the bass boat crowd... you could likely sell it easily, or it’s always nice to have a spare! |
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Posts: 43
| I am sorry that I am late to this discussion, but in my humble opinion you did the right thing. Alot of times money is the big concern,( always something more important) but having a boat that you have concerns with will stop you from trips that might be epic. Life is too short, I have a 1997 Ranger 681 VS that had the original 115 evinrude intruder on it . Last fall, I asked the question/ rebuild or re power I am truly happy with everyone's advice . I re powered last fall and am excited about the upcoming season, instead of worrying about issues with the motor. Best of luck to you, and congrats. |
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Posts: 1209
| The new v8 gear cases are longer and provide much better slip numbers than the 2 stroke gear cases, there is virtually no way your current prop will work going 250-250 let alone 225. If you went to a 300 you could likely use the same prop. Going across In hp has been most people going down two pitches of prop and keeping the same top end speeds given more rpms to use (on the 250 not sure about the 225) |
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Posts: 2019
| Fishysam, the current 250 I have is V6 and the 225 I have on ordered is V6, gearing is nearly identical.. we'll see how my tempest 23 does?.. My hull is much different than current 621's...I'm still guessing a 21 or 4 blade will be better since I'd prefer a good hole shot over top-end speed, but I was happy enough with my current setup and the new 225 is probably not going to be that different from the ole 250? Time will tell.
Edited by IAJustin 2/26/2021 3:24 PM
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Posts: 3488
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I'd bet you could have the motor mounted a bolt hole or two higher and you'd be good... That tempest will grab really well at higher motor heights and it will help you maintain some top end. |
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Posts: 1000
| if you love the hull and have the disposable cash then definitely go for it. The ease of use, convenience, and long term reliability of modern 4 strokes is fantastic. Great options between mercury, yamaha, honda, and suzuki.
Good luck! |
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Posts: 1092
Location: Hayward, WI | Not the same hull, but Ranger lists a 21 pitch Bravo1 prop for a new 620 with a 225 Merc v6. |
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Posts: 285
Location: Eagan, MN | I’ve got a 2003 Ranger 621 that I re-power two years ago...Yammie 250 SHO. I couldn’t turn my 21p Rev 4 fast enough with the new motor and was lugging the engine at WOT. Had to step down to a 19p Rev 4 to get the rpms that were closer to the mfg recommendations. Different motors but would be interested in your results. |
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Posts: 2019
| Interesting Brian, so did your old motor turn the 21p ok?
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Posts: 285
Location: Eagan, MN | ^^Yes, 250 HPDI turned the 21p just fine with the motor on the lowest setting. |
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | Repowered my 2001 Ranger a few years back, and have not regretted it at all. I went from a Merc 2 stroke Tiller to a Yamaha 4 stroke with the VST feature, which I love for putting around. I wouldn't monkey with bolt hole changes if going with that Merc 4 stroke, until trying it in the same setup that worked with your old motor. They have better hole shot and similar top end to the 2 strokes today. Buddy manages local ski club/runs tow boats, and has switched the outboard rigs over to the Merc 4 strokes. I scoffed at the thought last year when he told me, but he explained and revealed the data. They're impressive. I did ask if he has 2 stroke sound blaring from the stage speakers at the shows, so it still sounds cool..
Edited by Reef Hawg 3/17/2021 4:16 AM
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