Express Vs Ranger

[ranger_88]

I am trying to decide between a 1994 Ranger R72 with a 1994 evinrude 115 or an 2000 Xpress (not sure exact model) with a 2000 Mercury 125. The ranger is tournament ready and the Xpress needs a trolling motor and new carpet.Does anyone have and experience with these two boats and know which boat is better.I will be running in a fairy deep lake that is fairly rough at times.

[Redlinerobert]

Not familiar with that model, but Rangers in general are very well built and hold their value better than any other brand of bass boat.  I've owned two of them and am looking at ordering a 3rd soon.

[Slade House]

go with the ranger just because of the rough waters of your lake.. and never buy a boat that needs new carpet or anything to do with re-doing the interior.  

[WIGuide]

I've got a 97 Ranger Sport R70 with an Evinrude 130. It's the same hull as the 72 just a single console version. I absolutely love mine. They are great boats and it fishes bigger than it is. It handles bigger water very well for it's size and it well built. One negative about the 72's is that the rod locker was cut short to fit in the console. From what I've gathered, it makes fitting longer rods in pretty much impossible. There is a rod ramp you could keep them on though. Obviously this purchase will come down to personal preference, as well as price and condition. If it were me, I'd be looking closely at the Ranger.  

[ranger_88]

I've got a 97 Ranger Sport R70 with an Evinrude 130. It's the same hull as the 72 just a single console version. I absolutely love mine. They are great boats and it fishes bigger than it is. It handles bigger water very well for it's size and it well built. One negative about the 72's is that the rod locker was cut short to fit in the console. From what I've gathered, it makes fitting longer rods in pretty much impossible. There is a rod ramp you could keep them on though. Obviously this purchase will come down to personal preference, as well as price and condition. If it were me, I'd be looking closely at the Ranger.

I have read about the short rod lockers and that is not a problem for me. I think the ranger is probably the best choice for me.

[FlipSide]

*Xpress

[squirtbait]

no choice hands down RANGER, they hold their value and they are great on the water. best boat made. I've had a few boats and now own a 21ft w/ a 225 etec. last boat I'll ever own.  BH

[Jig Man]

Xpress is the best riding tin cup on the market.  That 94 Evinrude would scare me to death waiting for the vro to go bad and blow the engine.

[WIGuide]

Xpress is the best riding tin cup on the market.  That 94 Evinrude would scare me to death waiting for the vro to go bad and blow the engine.

Then you disable the VRO and run a pre-mix. The engines themselves are built like tanks

 

I have read about the short rod lockers and that is not a problem for me. I think the ranger is probably the best choice for me.

Sounds like you have your answer then! I hope it works out for you. One thing you're going to want to add to that is a deck extension even if it's only the half one that is open underneath, it'll make a big difference.