New Nitro or used Ranger

[Airbornebass]

I have someone buying my Skeeter on Wednesday and I have a question.  I can get a new 2017 Nitro Z7 with a 115 4 stroke for $25,000.  My wife wants me to get the Nitro.  I like the Nitro but also considering a used Ranger.  I can't see paying $70,000.00 plus for a boat.  If I buy a used Ranger it will need to be under $25,000.00. Which way should I go?

[Russ E]

18 minutes ago, Airbornebass said:

I have someone buying my Skeeter on Wednesday and I have a question.  I can get a new 2017 Nitro Z7 with a 115 4 stroke for $25,000.  My wife wants me to get the Nitro.  I like the Nitro but also considering a used Ranger.  I can't see paying $70,000.00 plus for a boat.  If I buy a used Ranger it will need to be under $25,000.00. Which way should I go?

if you are looking at a Nitro Z7 for $25,000 it is probably bare bones with entry level electronics and trolling motor.

you can get a bare bones ranger Z175 for about the same money.

I was researching them last November. Both seemed like good boats. The ranger has a lot better resale and seemed to be better built.

Ended up with a 2017 Ranger Z175  with a Mercury pro xs 115 equipped with the command thrust lower unit.

Ultrex trolling motor. (expensive,but well worth it)

2 Helix 7's 

plus all available options except power poles. 

It was $32500.00 out the door.

love the boat. fishes like a much larger boat. Handles rough water surprisingly well.

Fits in my garage. Is easy on gas and I can easily tow it with my Chevy Colorado.

it will run 49-50 MPH 

[Airbornebass]

27 minutes ago, Weedwhacker said:

if you are looking at a Nitro Z7 for $25,000 it is probably bare bones with entry level electronics and trolling motor.

you can get a bare bones ranger Z175 for about the same money.

I was researching them last November. Both seemed like good boats. The ranger has a lot better resale and seemed to be better built.

Ended up with a 2017 Ranger Z175  with a Mercury pro xs 115 equipped with the command thrust lower unit.

Ultrex trolling motor. (expensive,but well worth it)

2 Helix 7's 

plus all available options except power poles. 

It was $32500.00 out the door.

love the boat. fishes like a much larger boat. Handles rough water surprisingly well.

Fits in my garage. Is easy on gas and I can easily tow it with my Chevy Colorado.

it will run 49-50 MPH 

It had basic electronics and trolling motor.  My problem is I really want to be at $20,000.  I don't mind basic things on the boat.  I already have a Lorance Elite 9ti to put on my new boat.  I will look at the Ranger z175 and see how much with basic package.  If I buy used Ranger I want a 150hp or 200hp.  I like to be able to run 55-60 mph but not neccessary.

[Russ E]

18 minutes ago, Airbornebass said:

It had basic electronics and trolling motor.  My problem is I really want to be at $20,000.  I don't mind basic things on the boat.  I already have a Lorance Elite 9ti to put on my new boat.  I will look at the Ranger z175 and see how much with basic package.  If I buy used Ranger I want a 150hp or 200hp.  I like to be able to run 55-60 mph but not neccessary.

good luck in your search.

I did notice when researching for a new boat, that rangers have high resale. You may have to buy an older one to get a 200hp motor, for $20,000.

a 150 on most rangers I have seen will not do much better than 55mph.

to me that was not worth the extra cost  over my 115.

if I do upgrade someday it will be to a 200hp.

[DINK WHISPERER]

Used ranger for sure! 25k will buy a nice one too!

[Bulletman20XD]

It all comes down to this $$$. No matter the make or price, a new boat has one advantage over most used ones "Warranty". Some manufacturers have a transferable lifetime hull warranty. Some motors warranties are transferable. Having paid to rebuild a couple motors will buy new next time around! Is a Ranger a better boat that a Nitro?---As they say down here Hail Yes SA. But you didn't mention any details about the Ranger. A once top of the line Ranger selling at $25,000 used may already and will definitely have issues in the near future! And it won't be cheap!

[Salamander12]

25 minutes ago, Bulletman20XD said:

It all comes down to this $$$. No matter the make or price, a new boat has one advantage over most used ones "Warranty". Some manufacturers have a transferable lifetime hull warranty. Some motors warranties are transferable. Having paid to rebuild a couple motors will buy new next time around! Is a Ranger a better boat that a Nitro?---As they say down here Hail Yes SA. But you didn't mention any details about the Ranger. A once top of the line Ranger selling at $25,000 used may already and will definitely have issues in the near future! And it won't be cheap!

Solid advice bulletman, that's exactly what I was thinking too. It's a tough decision. My buddy has a ranger in the mid 2000's with a 200hp motor and he has had it since it was brand new and he takes care of his boat really well it's in pristine condition but lately he's been having issues with it when we go out. Last few times we launched and we weren't able to fish because some wiring in the trolling motor went bad and the other time his lower unit went out and he had to replace it. So if I were you I would go with the new boat and warranty. But if I were to buy a used ranger I would be very patient and wait for the right boat that has only had one owner who takes great care of all of his stuff. 

[Bulletman20XD]

That's my point a big used high-end boat may be nice but not when it cuts into your wallet every other month. Not to mention to shear headache of breakdowns/repairs. There are some bargains out there (Used boats with few hours on the motor) but one that's 10+ years old will usually be a money pit. It's sad to say but true--Big high dollar boats are for folks that can afford them and the repair costs associated with them!