Looking for my 1st bass boat.

Bassburner15 · May 17, 2007, 06:00:55 PM

I been looking around at some new bass boats and I think the Ranger 520VX cought my eye.I am very new at this.What do you guys think of the 520?I also was looking at the Triton,and the Nitro.I'm not sure what the differances are between them all or how one is better that the other.Would you guys recommend a Ranger 520VX for a 1st bass boat?

Jerry Holston Jr · May 17, 2007, 06:27:54 PM

Ranger is the best of the best in my opinion.

However for a first bass boat at that price you better be sure that you love fishing and will be doing it for a while if your going to spend that cash.

Now even though i said ranger is the best. I have opinions on that as well.

I am also in the market and comparing and shopping around. I have used my tournament fishing and chances to ride in many of my friends boats to judge and compare them.

my next boat purchase will be my 4th and i have upgraded each time.

I have rode in champs, nitro's, rangers, javelins, tritons and some others and here is my opinion.

I love the rangers and what they have to offer however for the price i have noticed some quality issues on the small side of things and some skimping on electronics they put on some models and the little things that should not be the way they are on a $30,000 plus boat.

Me personally i will be buying a Triton i can get it for $10K less than a comparable ranger the ride is good the quality is good. etc and you get alot for what you spend

My example is a buddy has a triton TR186 and if you look the boat over good the screws are all in place for the trim and dash and handles etc inside the boat. The boat is over all high quality and only cost $26,000 with a 150HP Optimax

Now have another person that has a comparable ranger and if you look at all the same areas the screws look like they were not ran in all the way they look like they are rounded off the electronics are not as good etc and that boat cost over $30,000

Cody Coyote · May 17, 2007, 07:16:41 PM

In my opinion I would go with the Ranger, because I use to own a Nitro and it doesn't hold a candle to the Ranger that I have know. Now grant it the Nitro that I had was a 19 ft (190 TF) with a 150 Mariner and it use to move along pretty good, but I find that it doesn't handle the water as good and my Ranger Sport R70 and it is only a 17ft.

But just to give you some advice the next boat that I will buy will be a Ranger.

Bassburner15 · May 19, 2007, 05:15:31 PM

Quote from: Jerry Holston Jr on May 17, 2007, 06:27:54 PM
Ranger is the best of the best in my opinion.

However for a first bass boat at that price you better be sure that you love fishing and will be doing it for a while if your going to spend that cash.

Now even though i said ranger is the best. I have opinions on that as well.

I am also in the market and comparing and shopping around. I have used my tournament fishing and chances to ride in many of my friends boats to judge and compare them.

my next boat purchase will be my 4th and i have upgraded each time.

I have rode in champs, nitro's, rangers, javelins, tritons and some others and here is my opinion.

I love the rangers and what they have to offer however for the price i have noticed some quality issues on the small side of things and some skimping on electronics they put on some models and the little things that should not be the way they are on a $30,000 plus boat.

Me personally i will be buying a Triton i can get it for $10K less than a comparable ranger the ride is good the quality is good. etc and you get alot for what you spend

My example is a buddy has a triton TR186 and if you look the boat over good the screws are all in place for the trim and dash and handles etc inside the boat. The boat is over all high quality and only cost $26,000 with a 150HP Optimax

Now have another person that has a comparable ranger and if you look at all the same areas the screws look like they were not ran in all the way they look like they are rounded off the electronics are not as good etc and that boat cost over $30,000

Thanks for the info.Well I def.have a Triton in my sights also.

Mike Noble · May 19, 2007, 05:37:53 PM

Just to throw a kink in the chain...ever thought about a Legend. From what I have seen on the price end of things, the Legend is much better priced than most other brands. It rides and handles great...and they don't skimp on anything. And I know I'm biased because I own one and have it for sale, but just wanted to give you something to think about.

Buzzman · May 19, 2007, 07:36:41 PM

I've got a 520VX and I haven't seen or been in a boat that I would trade it for. As far as fit in finish, have to disagree with Jerry. When you get into the VX, everything is top notch and trimmed out very well. If you want to compare prices, make sure that you compare things apples to apples, I think you'll be surprised at the outcome.

coldfront · May 19, 2007, 07:54:23 PM

ever thought about aluminum? I've ridden in and fished in a lot of boats...champions, rangers, tritons...my first boat was/is a 16 foot ranger cherokee 106...love this boat so much I'm having a hard time finding something that I'd like better at any price...

I do fish smaller waters predominantly less than 2000 acres...am very conscious of water/wave/wind conditions...

But it comes down to this: how well does what the boat do what I want to do....I fish club tournaments and can pull this just fine with my 3.8 litre 6-cylinder mini-van...

next boat will probably be an aluminum too...right now Triton TS and the 175 magnum is on top of the list (personally DON'T want an outboard over 115hp)...

If I had to go glass, I'd look at the Ranger R-series...but that's me...can't justify the big ticket boats...

Lee Smith · May 19, 2007, 08:15:46 PM

Since my accident, I'm also in the boat market. I must say, I loved my Champion, but have been looking at the BassCats and the Tritons, Very Impressed! The Legend is nice but closest dealer is to far away to handle warranty work.

The Ranger Boat company does alot for bass fishing and always has made an exceptional boat, very pricey, but good boat! The shorter Rangers have a rough ride, (a little birdy told me, lol) but all in all they are a good boat!

As posted prior, before spending this kind of money, make sure it will be used, know how to take care of it, and most of all, respect it! These are hot rods on water, It hurts hitting the water doing 70mph!!!!! Hurts BAD!

Cya on the water,
Lee

Jerry Holston Jr · May 20, 2007, 09:04:23 AM

Buzzman Ranger does make a quality boat and you have a sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet rig man. It may be far and few but i have seen some issues that i just wouldn't expect to see with a boat that cost that much money. If i had the extra cash i would buy a ranger but at this point in time i cant justify it.

I know what your saying there are alot of things to compare with boats and the reason that some boats our $10k more than others, Hull's, waranties, design, ride etc etc.

Bassburner15 · May 20, 2007, 12:37:03 PM

Quote from: Jerry Holston Jr on May 20, 2007, 09:04:23 AM
Buzzman Ranger does make a quality boat and you have a sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet rig man. It may be far and few but i have seen some issues that i just wouldn't expect to see with a boat that cost that much money. If i had the extra cash i would buy a ranger but at this point in time i cant justify it.

I know what your saying there are alot of things to compare with boats and the reason that some boats our $10k more than others, Hull's, waranties, design, ride etc etc.

What does Ranger have that is $10 grand more than a Triton?I'm very new to this so thats why I'm asking.

Cody Coyote · May 20, 2007, 01:11:18 PM

The Z Comanche Series is pretty high priced, that may be what they are talking about.

Bassburner15 · May 20, 2007, 02:04:51 PM

Oh maybe.I was talking about the 520VX.

CouchTater · May 20, 2007, 02:34:35 PM

The first question that should have been asked was, how much boating experince do you have. Not riding in a boat, driving and operating a boat?

You can find some very good used boats really cheap nowadays. I would look at your budget first and see what you can afford before you jump head first into something. Also, if your new to boating I would recommend a smaller, less expensive boat to start with.

Bassburner15 · May 20, 2007, 07:19:58 PM

This will be my 1st Bass boat.I have a little experience in boating.About 15 years ago I had a little 12 footer with a 11 lbs thrust trolling motor on it.LOL Thats about all the boating experience I have.My budget is $35,000 Tops.

Cody Coyote · May 21, 2007, 04:23:51 PM

What state are you from???

check out this site, go to the classfieds, then go to search, and type in bass boat for key words.

www.louisianasportsman.com

also this site has some boats also

www.bbrvs.com

Good luck in your search

nlareau · May 21, 2007, 07:27:31 PM

www.candomarine.com and go look at the previously owned. C&O doesn't have a bad boat on the lot. I'd recommend going used until you've gotten enough years under your belt to know what you really want in a new boat.

Bassburner15 · May 22, 2007, 05:06:37 AM

I'm from NJ.I have learned in life to buy once,cry once.I'm really not a big fan of buying used.I have bought other guys problems before and won't do that any more.