1994 Ranger 320v good first boat?

[Bobby5]

 I’m on the market for my first boat. I’m wanting something I can take my son out on the Ohio river to fish. I’m not gonna be fishing tourneys or anything just wanting something that can get us out on the water that’s stable and safe. I’ve been shopping around and the cost of a old 14 foot jon boat is $4500 might as well spend a few thousand more and get something stable that you can actually stand up in. It’s a 16 ft ranger 320v. The boat is mint and garaged kept and looks like new. Would this be a good first boat or I’ll take all the advice on your guys opinion on what I should get. Like I said I’m just looking for something that stable and will get us on the water comfortably and preferably around $8,000. Any advice would be appreciated. 

[WRB]

What outboard engine does it have? 

16’ bass boat is very short deck and storage space.

$8K is a premium price for the boat!

Tom

[InfantryMP]

What all does the boat have?

 

I had premium electronics and an ultrex on my 17ft Triton, and I sold it for 10K. If it does not come with some goodies like that, I would negotiate that price a bit lower. 

[Biglittle8]

I have an 86 320v, I love it! It fits perfectly in my garage with room to walk around. The boat itself, is a two owner boat including myself in excellent condition. The biggest complaints I have, are deck space on the bow and rod storage for rods over 6-6. I will be putting a deck extension on soon. The boat does low forties with a Johnson 90 on it . Overall, it's perfect for two people. I normally fish alone anyway. A lot of these older Ranger models are beat up, so watch yourself. Definitely have a good marine mechanic look it over if you're not knowledgeable as what to look for. Right now, boats are bringing close to top dollar in my area.

[WRB]

34 minutes ago, Biglittle8 said:

I have an 86 320v, I love it! It fits perfectly in my garage with room to walk around. The boat itself, is a two owner boat including myself in excellent condition. The biggest complaints I have, are deck space on the bow and rod storage for rods over 6-6. I will be putting a deck extension on soon. The boat does low forties with a Johnson 90 on it . Overall, it's perfect for two people. I normally fish alone anyway. A lot of these older Ranger models are beat up, so watch yourself. Definitely have a good marine mechanic look it over if you're not knowledgeable as what to look for. Right now, boats are bringing close to top dollar in my area.

Your boat is in excellent condition, well loved.

Garaged boats keep their show room look if wiped down every trip and cared for. 

90 Hp was the common engine for the 320V’s

If the OP’s boat in question looks like this, I still think 8K is high for the 1994 model year. If in his budget his decision to make.

Tom

[Biglittle8]

3 minutes ago, WRB said:

Your boat is in excellent condition, well loved.

Garaged boats keep their show room look if wiped down every trip and cared for. 

90 Hp was the common engine for the 320V’s

If the OP’s boat in question looks like this, I still think 8K is high for the 1994 model year. If in his budget his decision to make.

Tom

I agree Tom, I paid a premium for my boat, but it checked all the boxes for me(wanting a Ranger on excellent condition) boat prices have been crazy high for a bit, I looked for almost a year and when this came up, I had to travel to another state and pay top dollar. I had several boats previously lined up that seemed too pricey, they sold in a day while I thought about it. You hit the nail on the head when you said "if in his budget his decision to make" 

1 hour ago, InfantryMP said:

What all does the boat have?

 

I had premium electronics and an ultrex on my 17ft Triton, and I sold it for 10K. If it does not come with some goodies like that, I would negotiate that price a bit lower. 

That was a excellent boat, worth all of 10k in my opinion.

[Bobby5]

What would be a good price? It has a 115 mercury on it . 

[GaryH]

Booby you stated mint condition. Does it have electronics on it and what’s it got for a TM. If it’s what your looking for and a certified mechanic checks the engine and gives you the thumbs up and the price is what your willing to spend then go for it. 
Good luck on your search…

[Biglittle8]

1 hour ago, Bobby5 said:

What would be a good price? It has a 115 mercury on it . 

Bobby, the short answer is research, see what comparable boats are going for. This can be time consuming, but is worth every minute you spend doing it. GaryH is spot on, the most important thing is to know the true condition of the boat, this can best be done by having a qualified marine mechanic look at it. Not just the motor, but the whole package including the trailer. After you know that, it makes pricing it a little easier. Then you can set your max price. 

[WRB]

The Merc 115 2 stroke 4 cylinder 2+2 engine is good reliable engine. Factor in about $500 for tune up, including water pump, 2 carb rebuilds, and lubrication.  

Marine batteries another $200.

Make sure the boat hasn’t been used in salt water.

Trailer Tires are over 10 years add another $300.

Things add up fast!

Tom

[Columbia Craw]

That model is a good solid stable platform with a nice ride.  Also check the steering cables.  Sounds promising!

[FishOn!GetTheNet]

I have a 1985 ranger 350 V looks about the same just longer it came with the mercury 150 black max and I paid 2700 for it in about four years ago I am now on my third motor but I love the hull It’s solid and rides smoothly dryish depending on how rough 1-2’ no worries 3-4’ going to get splashed 

[volzfan59]

I'm not sure about the rest of the United States, but used boats seem to be selling at premium prices where I live. At least since covid, folks seem to be asking premium prices. It's almost like used cars and trucks.

 

[Bobby5]

Would the 320v be a better boat than a bass tracker ? I wanna stay around the $7,000 range. I went and looked at the 320v its in extremely good condition garage kept its whole life and the mercury 115 has been recently serviced. I can get it for $7,000. I know its premium but seems like boats prices are outrageous. 

[Tim Kelly]

Doesn't sound too bad to me, if the motor's sound and the transom's solid it should be good, just be aware that it's an old boat and motor and while you might be lucky, chances are you're going to have to do some repairs and upgrades.

Boats are a hole in the water to throw money into, old boats even more so. Sounds like a great boat to have fun with your son in though and a good size for the two of you.