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Posts: 157
| I am thinking about joining the Ranger family and am looking at a 2001 R73. Any thoughts on this boat? It will have a 125 merc on it. |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | I used to have one of these quite a few years ago...there will be advantages and disadvantage as with any bass boats
Being low to the water on the decks will make figure 8's and musky fishing pretty comfortable. Front deck is not as wide as other bass boat models. It can and will get very cramped with musky rods, tackle and the net ( really no way around it) I had it out on fairly big Canadian water like Eagle and LOTW...I never felt unsafe but heavier windy days will be somewhat of an adventure and you will get wet. It's not a bad starter boat for a first ranger and will fit a budget nicely...might want to check out some of the bigger models to see if you can grab one at a similar price ( something like a 185 vs has a wider deck) |
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Posts: 176
Location: ON | They are cheap and are a great starter bass rig. A Ranger is a Ranger. Whether you like musky fishing from a bass boat is personal preference.
For similar money and a bit bigger boat Triton TR-18. Last year I almost bought a mint 02/03 with a 150 Merc for $6500 in the fall. Ended up going Deep V.
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Posts: 392
Location: KY | I have a 95 R70 that has served me well. It is a very well built and reliable boat. I would think twice about the dual console. IMO it will make a small boat feel very small. The rod lockers will be ~6'6". With the single console I can put 8'6" telescoping rods in the 7'3" passenger side. I usually lay rods flat on the PS from front deck to back. This would not be possible with the second console.
Also look at the passenger weight capacity. I don’t remember the exact amount but, three 180# adults was too much.
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Posts: 245
Location: Madison | you have a pm |
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Posts: 553
Location: 15 miles east of Lake Kinkaid | I also looked at the "R" series when I was boat shopping for a Ranger bass boat just last year. I did not like the lay out nor the storage options they offered if you compare them to the "500" series Ranger. The "500" series have a layout that is much better for musky fishing: a much larger front deck, more storage, and it is a more high performance boat. I chose to go with a 519SVX over the R91. |
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Posts: 646
Location: In a shack in the woods | I owned a 95 r70 that ran leech for most of its life. I really liked the layout and it was small enough to get into some tight spaces chasing other species. if I wouldn't have started a guide service I would probably still be running it |
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