pcakes55 Posted January 8, 2015 Posted January 8, 2015 What are some of your thoughts on this boat? I know everyone says buy the biggest that you can afford. I can afford a bigger boat, but I can also pick this up for about $5k which seems like a good deal to me. I'm just having a tough time making a decision...right now I fish with a partner out of a jon boat and we do tournaments (and we do well!), but this year I want to step up to something a little more seaworthy. The largest bodies of water I will be on are roughly 6,000 acres; with the majority of fishing being done on small lakes (hence my interest in this small boat). The boat is a 2003, just under 16 feet and is powered by a 75hp 2-stroke Mercury. My main concerns: - Really short rod locker. I would probably not be able to fit many of my rods without extending the box (if its possible?) - SMALL live-well. I would most likely need to convert one of the storage compartments into one for tournaments. Anyone ever do this successfully? - I don't care about speed really...but does anyone have a rough estimate what this thing will run on calm water? Thoughts?? Quote
BassnChris Posted January 8, 2015 Posted January 8, 2015 I'm sure someone with some answers will chime in shortly for you. I wanted to address: " I know everyone says buy the biggest that you can afford. I can afford a bigger boat, but I can also pick this up for about $5k which seems like a good deal to me." Whatever you do....do not 'settle'. I know how hard it can be but if you have to wait for the boat you want then wait. My first boat I bought 3 years ago.....It was a used boat. My first feelings was that I didn't want that particular boat. But after a deal on a boat I did want fell through............and there 'seemed' to not be many other boats available............so I went back and bought that boat that I did not originally want. Mistake. It was a good boat...had some cosmetic issues, not the color I wanted...........but it was priced right. Everyday in the back of my mind since buying that boat I thought I want another boat. Right up to this week when I finally bought a boat that I wanted. Don't settle on anything if you can help it.....it is a breeding ground for disappointment or discontent! Good luck. Chris 3 Quote
TNRanger Posted January 8, 2015 Posted January 8, 2015 I have a 2001 Ranger R71 - (17'-1") and its perfect for my uses. I dont tournament fish (yet) and am often fishing solo. I can fit 7'-6" rods in my locker but not sure about a 16' boat. 1 Quote
a1712 Posted January 8, 2015 Posted January 8, 2015 Whatever you do....do not 'settle'. I know how hard it can be but if you have to wait for the boat you want then wait. Don't settle on anything if you can help it.....it is a breeding ground for disappointment or discontent! Good luck. Chris Best advice I've heard in a long time. Smart man here, you should listen to what he says. Brian. 1 Quote
Logan S Posted January 8, 2015 Posted January 8, 2015 If you are talking about modifying things like the livewell and rod lockers BEFORE you even buy the boat, it's a sign that it's not really what you want . Personally, I am not a fan of the smaller glass bass boats...In the 16-17 foot rage I think you can find a better value in aluminum boats. Just my opinion and having said that, I know several guys with boats like that (including that exact Ranger model you looked at) who love them. Make your list of criteria and stick to it, you'll be happier in the long run. 1 Quote
Alpha Male Posted January 9, 2015 Posted January 9, 2015 I use an 81 ranger 1600-v3 with an 80hp mercury. Runs like a champ. This one already has 2 livewells so I didn't need to worry there but like you I can't fit nearly any of my rods in the rod locker as I use mostly 7' rods. I have a minnkota powerdrive v2 with us and a lowrance elite 7 upfront and an elite 4 on the console. I am immensely happy with the boat and if I could afford it I would have a bigger boat but that said for 2 people it fishes comfortably. I can under the right conditions get it up to 41mph but usually get 36mph. I don't think you would be unhappy with 16' but if you're thinking of modifications before you buy it the like others have said it may not be the best fit for you. Keep looking and you will find what you want. And good luck Quote
cyclops2 Posted January 9, 2015 Posted January 9, 2015 The size of you & your buddy casting DETERMINE boat size & motor more than anything else. Quote
kikstand454 Posted January 9, 2015 Posted January 9, 2015 I'm the first person to advocate saving money. .... but like has been said, if you're already modifying the boat in your head, its not only not what you want- it might not be the bargain you think it is in the end. Will you also be upgrading electronics? How's the trailer? Gonna service/ tune up your motor? Plus mods. .....eh. .... you can probably find a boat that has everything you want for 3-4k. And you'd probably be out that in the end anyway. But. .....the boat you find will probably not be a ranger. ...... Quote
Super User slonezp Posted January 10, 2015 Super User Posted January 10, 2015 The size of you & your buddy casting DETERMINE boat size & motor more than anything else. I beg to differ. The size of your addiction determines boat size and motor. 1 Quote
blongfishing Posted January 10, 2015 Posted January 10, 2015 I have a 15' and my rod rocker is plenty big enough! The livewell is kinda small. Its perfect for starting out on tournaments in a bigger boat. I have a 48 Evinrude and I can go 30 or so. it sounds like a nice boat Quote
KDW96 Posted January 10, 2015 Posted January 10, 2015 Hi pcake55- Ive been where you are now. Alot of great advice has been given here. I bought a 16ft VIP bass boat,and had the same set up. Rod locker was small,etc. Some things to think about are; 1. Does- EVERYTHING- work correctly as it should? 2. Hows the trailer&everything about it ? 3. What is the boat valued at vs price? 4. Is there any way you can take it out to test drive it? 5. How big is the boat your using now vs this one? Many more questions could follow. My point is take your time, if the boat is what you want then go for it. Anyone who buys a boat will at some time try to make it better. Any modifacations (livewells,rodlockers etc.) will not increase the boats value? The boat i had, served me extremely well. It had its short comings,and i modified this and that. But it made many trips ; Table Rock, Lake of Ozarks,Kentucky Lake and we did just fine. Also, see how it pulls behind your truck,through town etc, as it will be abit heavier. Hope you find what your looking for-KDW96 Quote
cyclops2 Posted January 10, 2015 Posted January 10, 2015 I am not a contest for money fisherman. So I have plenty of time to change lures on 2 rods. A too small boat ..... MIGHT......Be modified with some money & time. But be very honest to yourself about your abilities to convert / modify the boat into a better equipped Ranger or a Triton. Quote
pcakes55 Posted January 11, 2015 Author Posted January 11, 2015 Thanks for all of your input guys, I appreciate it. I went to check the boat out today, lots of chips out of the hull and the skeg looks like it's been through hell. Might have to pass on this one and wait for something else to pop up unless I can get it for dirt cheap. Quote
Bob C Posted January 13, 2015 Posted January 13, 2015 I traded my 17' Javelin in on a big Deep V 3 yrs ago. It didn't take long to really start missing my small boat. I sold the deep v and I'll be getting something smaller soon. 1 Quote
cyclops2 Posted January 14, 2015 Posted January 14, 2015 I just can not give up my 1996 Lowe 16' ...15 " transom aluminum & 9.9 hp. I go in 4" or less with motor up & using the oars on the center seat. The Quote
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