1998 ProCraft Bass Boat vs 1989 Ranger 350V

[GLynch8]

I am looking at these two boats right now and looking for feedback on either or both from the community. I am a boat newbie and this will be my first boat so I am trying to get opinions before jumping in. Thanks in advance for any feedback

1998 ProCraft 170 Bass 17'8" 115hp Mariner 70lb trust 24 volt salt water series trolling mottor (2yrs old) ,bass pro 2 bank battery charger(1yr old) , humming bird fish finder 5yrs old 3500/obo

vs

1989 Ranger 350 V with 150 Mercury XR4 Black Max w/ trolling motor 3000/obo

I know the 89 Ranger has the composite transom and fiberglassed stringers and deck starting this year from what I have read online.. Thoughts??



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[Mike Cork]

For me the new boat without question.

10 years of wear and tear on a boat is a lot. You'll find that a lot more little things are needing fixed/repaired over the first year on the older boat.

But if you have it narrowed down to these too. Fish in both of them for an hour or so, take them both to a trusted mechanic, and if you still don't find better value in one over the other then go with the newer one.

Ranger builds a good boat and always has but it's 24 years old. That's a lot of time in boat years 

[omcforever]

350V was one of the better hull designs Ranger made. I have rode in a 350V and a 361V and can say they ride smooth. Never rode in a Procraft so cant say,,,,

[Donald Garner]

Like Mike mentioned if you can take them out and fish and test drive them.  One thing for sure is get them checked out by a trusted mechanic.  Getting marine repairs aren't cheap and it can get frustrating to have little things happen everytime you take the boat out.

If in the end both are equal in being in solid shape boat, trailer and motor wise I'd take the Ranger over the ProCraft.  Reason being it would be easier to get parts for the Ranger.

Good luck with your choice.

[mygreenihc]

In my opinion,  The Ranger is a much better built boat and the Merc 150 is much better in performance,  however,  the guys posting above are correct.  24 years is a lot of age for a boat.  I have an older boat and I know how much work and money I have invested in trying to keep it in top shape as well as keeping it a little more modern.  I think that if it were me and those were my only two options,  with this being my first bass boat,  I would get the Procraft. 

Good luck with whatever you decide,
Brad

[fishinfranklin]

I am with Mike the newer boat. Just by the pictures the pro craft looks to been stored inside where the ranger looks like it has sat outside a lot. Both boats will clean up and look great. I like both engines. The two boats ride about the same, I have been in both. As far as parts go, you can get just about anything you need for that pro craft from C&O Marine in Tenn. and Ranger has parts for there older models. The pumps, switches and other common replaced parts can be bought at most boat shops. Iam building a 185 pro craft to fish out of this year. The fuel tank was missing out of the boat and C&O had one in stock.  Good luck and hitum  LOW with cash offers. You can all ways come up on your offer but not go down.

[s10me]

Glynch8, where do you live? I noticed the boat had a Florida I'd. My brother-inlaw has a boat repair shop in green cove springs.  I have had a Procraft and liked the ride, not a big fan of Mariner motors. If you have the time and patience gel coat and carpet are easy repairs. The Ranger could be redone to look like new and have a better power plant