anyone been in a Ranger VS155

[boatinpete]

Just retired and am downsizing as I fish by myself most of the time. Looking at a Ranger vs155, was wondering if this small boat is stable and if anyone has real world experience, appreciate any info, thanks.

[fishnkamp]

Iboats says the boat is 15 1/2 feet long with a beam of 76 inches.  Unless you really want fiberglass, todays aluminum boats offer a wider beam and most offer a wider bottom width.  If that is the direction you are thinking, I would look for a really nice 16 or 17 foot aluminum rig or maybe a used 17 fiberglass rig. I have run a Lowe Stinger 170 for 9 years and that boat performs well and stores a ton of stuff.  If you really want a Ranger per say look for one of their 17 foot hulls like a R71. That boat handles well and had a real nice low deck to fish off.

[boatinpete]

fishnkamp I wasn't looking for advice as I want straight answer if anyone anyone has experience with and only with this model boat. If anyone has I would appreciate very much. Oh yeah just sold my Ranger vs175 3 days ago.

[Fishing Rhino]

Regarding size, I've had a Nitro Z-7 and a Z-8.  The 7 was 18.5 feet, and the 8 is 20+.  Look at them side by side and they look pretty close.  But they are night and day.  I also have a 16 foot square stern canoe, and I enjoy fishing out of it.  In fact, I spend most of my time fishing out of the canoe.  That is because some of my favorite fishing holes are not compatible with a nice fiberglass boat, or a tin for that matter.

 

 

But, it is nice to get into the big boat when it's more practical.  Can get up, move around, and carry more gear with room to spare.  As far as downsizing goes, I don't recommend it.  I stepped up from a Z-7 to a Z-8.  A foot to a foot and a half may not sound like much, but it is.  I'd hate to go back to the Z-7.  Plus in a sixteen foot boat, you have to exercise more caution when fishing with another person.  It kind of feels cramped.

 

I do fish with friends out of their smaller boats, and enjoy it, but I do miss the extra space of my boat.

 

Fishing alone, you should do just fine with the smaller boat.  I've never felt my Z-8 is too big.  But I've been in smaller boats that seemed to be too small.   

[boatinpete]

I downsized our home,got rid of my truck while it was worth something and I got rid of my Ranger vs175 and am happy about it.My tow vehicle is now a 2018 Rav4 which pulled my 175 no problem, it is rated for 3500 lbs and the gas milage is almost double my Tacoma was. My garage is puny and for me I just want to simplify my fishing,that is why I am interested in this particular model.A friend got rid of his 14 1/2 footer to buy a ranger 18 with a 150 and he wished he didn't now as he had more fun in his small boat.I think now fishing with less is more now.

[Further North]

Haven't experienced that particular boat...but I think you're on the right path given your stated goals.