rattletrap00 Posted January 5, 2005 Posted January 5, 2005 All, Much like many of you who are getting back into fishing after a time away with young kids and school, I am looking to get back into the swing of things this year. First stop - new boat. I am basically down to looking at the Ranger Z series or the Triton XD series - looking for a little input from anybody who has knowledge of each. Quote
earthworm77 Posted January 5, 2005 Posted January 5, 2005 I'm a fan of Ranger. After growing up watching Forest Wood drive around in a chopped up boat, how could you not be? Quote
L.D. Posted January 5, 2005 Posted January 5, 2005 Depends where you are fishing. I know nothing about a Ranger boat. I have a Triton and like it very much for the way I have to use it. It's all metal, no wood for the floor or decks so I don't worry alot about upkeep and it's tough. I fish shallow rivers with rocks too numerous to mention. No one I know would ever put a fiberglass boat on it. I suggest you go to each of their websites and compare specs. L.D. Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted January 5, 2005 BassResource.com Administrator Posted January 5, 2005 If it's a choice between the two, get the Ranger. The two are priced about the same, but the Ranger's are better built. (note: Triton may seem cheaper, but that's because some "options" offered by Triton come standard in Rangers. Comparibly equipped, some Tritons can actually cost more than Rangers) They're fairly comparible in fishability and layout. It's what you don't see that matters, and this is where the Ranger Legend gets it's reputation. In addition, the digital touch switches on the control panel of a Ranger are more durable and dependable than the switches on the Triton. The 6-gauge wiring throughout a Ranger is, again, something you don't see but makes a quality difference. It's not to say Triton's are bad, they're not. You're essentially comparing Cadillac and Lexus. So you can't go "wrong" with either. But I give the edge to Ranger because they simply build a better and stronger boat from a construction and quality perspective. On the other hand, if speed is your need, then get the Triton. Overall, they are faster than Rangers due to the shallow hull design. You give up storage space and some ride comfort as a result though. Something else to consider: the trailer. Ranger has made huge improvements in their trailers lately, including a "Rhino Lining" like coating to prevent chips and rusting. In addition, Ranger is the only boat company to manufacture their own trailers, including all the components. Triton makes some of their trailer parts and outsources the rest. The difference is, again, what you don't see, but has a major impact in the quality of the finished product. Oh, and no, I am not sponsored by Ranger. Quote
John Cullum Posted January 5, 2005 Posted January 5, 2005 If your not a "go fast guy" I would go with the Ranger. I haven't been in the Z series yet but if it's anything like VX series how could you go wrong. I have be in alot of differant boat brands and non of them fish like a Ranger. The fishability of a Ranger is bar none in my book. I'm not sposored by Ranger either but would like to be. Quote
rattletrap00 Posted January 5, 2005 Author Posted January 5, 2005 From a pure "engineering" standpoint, I like the Ranger better for all the reasons mentioned above. The cost is the only thing I am shy about - seems the rangers are about $2K more when equipped the same. On a side note, will the Ranger's push buttons work with the the Merc Verada digital system? Quote
Stickling Posted January 5, 2005 Posted January 5, 2005 look at their camanche series also. they are BAD! Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted January 6, 2005 BassResource.com Administrator Posted January 6, 2005 From a pure "engineering" standpoint, I like the Ranger better for all the reasons mentioned above. The cost is the only thing I am shy about - seems the rangers are about $2K more when equipped the same. On a side note, will the Ranger's push buttons work with the the Merc Verada digital system? Actually, a Triton could cost more than a comparibly equipped Ranger in some instances. It just depends on options. Yes, the Ranger's digital control pad works with the new Mercs. Quote
Fatdaddy150 Posted January 12, 2005 Posted January 12, 2005 I Just looked at the new Z's a couple days ago. I looked at the Z21 It was by far the finest laid out boat I have ever been in, everything was in exactly the place I thought it need to be in. The Rod locker was in the center which I really like!! That rod locker was so big Shaquille O'neal could have crawled in it and taken a nap. In my opinion that was the perfect boat!!! It was powered by a 250 hp Yamaha VMAX HPDI. I do not own a ranger or Trition so I am not biast. I know that If I could buy a boat that cost as much as one of these I would defenitly buy the Ranger!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote
Nick_Barr Posted January 12, 2005 Posted January 12, 2005 buy a triton 195 aluminium series if your looking for an economical boat. if you are looking for a good aluminium boat its gotta be pro crafts series. for fiberglass a basscat or a skeeter Quote
duncast48TN Posted January 13, 2005 Posted January 13, 2005 If you go aluminum I suggest Triton. I have a 170 mag and its fast and tough. I am about ready to move up to the 186 though. Quote
chitown Posted January 17, 2005 Posted January 17, 2005 JD Powers rates ranger the best .. What is resale value Ranger Triton Skeeter I Love My Yamaha Outboard It is 1988 and very dependable on a 1988 skeeter ..both great. But guy bought from 6 years ago bought a Ranger.. Quote
tritonman Posted January 25, 2005 Posted January 25, 2005 Just remember.... Whatever boat you buy.. your vehicle needs to tow it. Check out your vehicle towing ability before you purchase a boat. If you have a small vehicle you may want to consider a aluminum boat. Quote
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