Boat reviews

[KYKevin]

Nice boat
Is that a 150

 

[Paul_G]

I love my "midwest" "great lakes" "walleye" "trolling" "deep V" hull boat. Mine is fiberglass. It's a Ranger Reata.

The great thing with this boat is how it cuts through waves, vs. bouncing off them. This was important to me when I selected this boat over those like the OP mentioned (Lund, Crestliner). Yes, the fiberglass is a heavier boat -- which helps with cutting through waves vs. bouncing off them. My Ranger handles Maytag Straights like a real champ.

Unless you are planning on running at 60mph+, and just skipping across the top of the waves with only your prop in the water, I would look for a boat that will handle the waves you will encounter.

Then add all the other stuff (engines, storage, electronics, seating, live wells, casting platforms, etc., etc., etc...) and make a good choice.


(FWIW -- the ONLY downside I've found with my Ranger is that it is too dang nice! I cringe any time I beach that boat...)

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I feel you about beaching the boat. I hate seeing the scratches on the hull but it's worth it.

 

[greyhackle]

I feel you about beaching the boat. I hate seeing the scratches on the hull but it's worth it.

I used to worry about dings and scratches on a new rifle. Then a buddy said it just gives them character and memories.
Boats are the same. We hate dings and scratches, but I’ve never dinged one setting in the garage. We just hope they’re not too bad and we can keep using them.

 

[KYKevin]

I used to worry about dings and scratches on a new rifle. Then a buddy said it just gives them character and memories.
Boats are the same. We hate dings and scratches, but I’ve never dinged one setting in the garage. We just hope they’re not too bad and we can keep using them.

Mine has a lot of character and memories.I only worry about the prop and lower unit, to get me back to the ramp.

 

[Havalina]

I imagine he’s on the water somewhere, Labor Day through Memorial Day are his prime times.

Where is @Havalina on this thread? I would think he would have a lot of input to offer.

I am sitting at home in the throws of depression. I still do not have my big boat out of the shop for warranty work that I turned in back last August.
Even though I own two different Thunder Jets, and really like the boats themselves. I have nothing good to say about that company, and would suggest that anyone steer clear of Thunder Jet. They do not respond to the warranty dealers on their own warranty work. There is a lot on this thread to reply to, but every time that I have started to reply. I start getting pissed about my big boat, which is not conducive or productive for a positive thread that anyone could use. Sorry, for the rant.

 

[Bill Sampson]

Not so much along the fishing boat lines, I remember about 20 years ago that Bayliner was advertising the most affordable boats in the marketplace. When you went to a boat show, the 17 foot outboard had tires on the trailer that you could replace at Dunkin Donuts they were so small in diameter. I had 2 friends who bought the 20 foot bowrider with the 350 Chevrolet I/O, and to change the oil filter the engine had to be lifted up a ways. One of the 20 footer would lose side windshield glass in bumpy water. He found out quickly that glass does not float.
It all goes back to the statement that you get what you pay for.

 

[4LOJO]

I am sitting at home in the throws of depression. I still do not have my big boat out of the shop for warranty work that I turned in back last August.
Even though I own two different Thunder Jets, and really like the boats themselves. I have nothing good to say about that company, and would suggest that anyone steer clear of Thunder Jet. They do not respond to the warranty dealers on their own warranty work. There is a lot on this thread to reply to, but every time that I have started to reply. I start getting pissed about my big boat, which is not conducive or productive for a positive thread that anyone could use. Sorry, for the rant.

I bet a 8 ft. sturgeon will take your mind off the boat,

 

[Dorado]

Hahahaha I bought a 2013 1850LS last summer with 36 hrs on the motor. The previous owner was a Ranger dealer who now sells Vexus boats after Bass Pro bought Ranger. It is pristine and I need to get some wear on it!!! Not used to such a purty Boat…

 

[KYKevin]

Hahahaha I bought a 2013 1850LS last summer with 36 hrs on the motor. The previous owner was a Ranger dealer who now sells Vexus boats after Bass Pro bought Ranger. It is pristine and I need to get some wear on it!!! Not used to such a purty Boat…

That is the way to buy a boat, Dorado you keep impressing
I just bought a 2013 truck with 58000 miles

 

[Havalina]

I bet a 8 ft. sturgeon will take your mind off the boat,

I am jonesing so bad for a fishing trip that a 10 inch sturgeon would take my mind off of it at the moment.

 

[Dworwood]

I am sitting at home in the throws of depression. I still do not have my big boat out of the shop for warranty work that I turned in back last August.
Even though I own two different Thunder Jets, and really like the boats themselves. I have nothing good to say about that company, and would suggest that anyone steer clear of Thunder Jet. They do not respond to the warranty dealers on their own warranty work. There is a lot on this thread to reply to, but every time that I have started to reply. I start getting pissed about my big boat, which is not conducive or productive for a positive thread that anyone could use. Sorry, for the rant.

I’m sorry to hear you are having problems! I love my TJ, I have over 400 hours on the OB and so far it and the boat have performed perfectly, I hope I didn’t just jinx me! I believe you can get a lemon with anything but as a rule I think these boats are pretty solid. For Lake Powell at my age I could’t ask for a better set up. I hope you get your big boat back in perfect shape and you enjoy it for years to come! Good luck out there! See you on the water soon!

 

[PowellBride]

I love my "midwest" "great lakes" "walleye" "trolling" "deep V" hull boat. Mine is fiberglass. It's a Ranger Reata.

The great thing with this boat is how it cuts through waves, vs. bouncing off them. This was important to me when I selected this boat over those like the OP mentioned (Lund, Crestliner). Yes, the fiberglass is a heavier boat -- which helps with cutting through waves vs. bouncing off them. My Ranger handles Maytag Straights like a real champ.

(FWIW -- the ONLY downside I've found with my Ranger is that it is too dang nice!

LOL! Couldn’t agree with you more about the Reatta. We are on our second and we love it, though beaching it and covering it with fish make me cringe. We almost couldn’t imagine a better boat for Powell, at least until last year when a friend purchased a 23’ foot center console, all white fiberglass interior Skeeter. It’s amazing t Powell, rides the waves like a luxury yacht and so easy to clean up. If we ever buy another boat, all fiberglass interior is a must, and a Skeeter will be a real contender

 

[lakepowellnut]

I love my "midwest" "great lakes" "walleye" "trolling" "deep V" hull boat. Mine is fiberglass. It's a Ranger Reata.

The great thing with this boat is how it cuts through waves, vs. bouncing off them. This was important to me when I selected this boat over those like the OP mentioned (Lund, Crestliner). Yes, the fiberglass is a heavier boat -- which helps with cutting through waves vs. bouncing off them. My Ranger handles Maytag Straights like a real champ.

Unless you are planning on running at 60mph+, and just skipping across the top of the waves with only your prop in the water, I would look for a boat that will handle the waves you will encounter.

Then add all the other stuff (engines, storage, electronics, seating, live wells, casting platforms, etc., etc., etc...) and make a good choice.


(FWIW -- the ONLY downside I've found with my Ranger is that it is too dang nice! I cringe any time I beach that boat...)

View attachment 21894

I can’t resist! I’m on my second Ranger bass boat and to say the least, my current boat is awesome at Lake Powell. I’ve been in some pretty knarly weather and wind, but I’ve never had an issue. The wind will sometimes cause us to get wet on occasion, but overall, it’s a very dry and soft ride. I also have a 23’ Sea Ray and my Ranger is a lot more solid.

 

[Meatwagon]

LOL! Couldn’t agree with you more about the Reatta. We are on our second and we love it, though beaching it and covering it with fish make me cringe. We almost couldn’t imagine a better boat for Powell, at least until last year when a friend purchased a 23’ foot center console, all white fiberglass interior Skeeter. It’s amazing t Powell, rides the waves like a luxury yacht and so easy to clean up. If we ever buy another boat, all fiberglass interior is a must, and a Skeeter will be a real contender



View attachment 21904

Ranger also makes a center console (bay boat) as do triton and others. Definitely a great Powell platform. I believe one of the guides on the south end was running a 24ft Ranger bay boat a few years ago.

 

[Dorado]

LOL! Couldn’t agree with you more about the Reatta. We are on our second and we love it, though beaching it and covering it with fish make me cringe. We almost couldn’t imagine a better boat for Powell, at least until last year when a friend purchased a 23’ foot center console, all white fiberglass interior Skeeter. It’s amazing t Powell, rides the waves like a luxury yacht and so easy to clean up. If we ever buy another boat, all fiberglass interior is a must, and a Skeeter will be a real contender



View attachment 21904

CC’s are great when it is hot, but when fishing for Lakers in the spring and fall, you need a full windshield! I plan on replacing the carpet on the front of our Reatta with vinyl or Sea Deck to make cleaning easier…eventually!

 

[KYKevin]

CC’s are great when it is hot, but when fishing for Lakers in the spring and fall, you need a full windshield! I plan on replacing the carpet on the front of our Reatta with vinyl or Sea Deck to make cleaning easier…eventually!

Need a windshield, you guys are spoiled. I love feeling like I'm on a motor cycle in my tiller. But there not for every one.
But there's nothing wrong with being spoiled

 

[KYKevin]

I can’t resist! I’m on my second Ranger bass boat and to say the least, my current boat is awesome at Lake Powell. I’ve been in some pretty knarly weather and wind, but I’ve never had an issue. The wind will sometimes cause us to get wet on occasion, but overall, it’s a very dry and soft ride. I also have a 23’ Sea Ray and my Ranger is a lot more solid.
View attachment 21905

I had a bass boat when I was younger, I all ways told any one talking about getting a bass boat, if you get into wave and wind, YOU WILL GET WET, not bad in the warm water, but you will be cold in the early spring and fall. But I never had a nice one like yours either. I loved the speed.

 

[Biffers]

I bought a new Lund 2004 18' with a Yamaha 150 and 8 hp Yamaha. I bought it with 3 fish finders , 3 down riggers ,2 live wells , stereo , electric trolling motor and a travel top and storage cover. All for $38,000 . I can't imagine what it would cost today ? I fish Powell and flaming gorge in Wyoming . It has handled everything those 2 lakes can throw up. Definitely get a 2 axel trailer. 39 gallon of gas . Never had a leak. Keel guard a must. All jet aircraft are riveted for the strength. Same way with the Lund . 8 sea Perlins foamed . Impossible to sink . Lund is a solid boat. You will enjoy your time on the water really with anything that floats after this long winter . Happy Easter everyone

 

[Coho975]

I bought a new Lund 2004 18' with a Yamaha 150 and 8 hp Yamaha. I bought it with 3 fish finders , 3 down riggers ,2 live wells , stereo , electric trolling motor and a travel top and storage cover. All for $38,000 . I can't imagine what it would cost today ? I fish Powell and flaming gorge in Wyoming . It has handled everything those 2 lakes can throw up. Definitely get a 2 axel trailer. 39 gallon of gas . Never had a leak. Keel guard a must. All jet aircraft are riveted for the strength. Same way with the Lund . 8 sea Perlins foamed . Impossible to sink . Lund is a solid boat. You will enjoy your time on the water really with anything that floats after this long winter . Happy Easter everyone

Sounds a lot like my rig! Can't believe how many people on this forum are FG regulars. Post pics of your rigs so I can say Hi when we're out there!

 

[Dworwood]

Need a windshield, you guys are spoiled. I love feeling like I'm on a motor cycle in my tiller. But there not for every one.
But there's nothing wrong with being spoiled

You will get older one day and appreciate the fact that you are headed up river on a cold fall day inside the cab in shirt sleeves when all those other boats have their insulated coveralls and their ear muffs on! . Also when the ice is forming on FG and you can troll without freezing your tail off. Trust me I have been in all of these situations and now I prefer to be comfortable! But we all have different wants and needs and style of fishing, that’s why there are so many different boats. I agree you buy what you can afford and keep working through life to get that dream boat, which I did at 62 years of age! I have fished out of most that have been mentioned including my first 14 foot wood boat with a
7 1/2 HP motor. Being on the water is and was all that mattered. Any boat is better than no boat and if it is yours it is a great boat. Enjoy the heck out of it until you move up to the next step in life. Until you have had a couple you don’t know what you don’t know and what you might need or want anyway, correct? I have loved all the shared knowledge in this string about the different “likes” in a fishing boat and believe there are a lot of great fishing boats out there. @Joe Wilson good luck with your choice in a new boat and show us what you get when you decide on one. @BarzArz went through this a couple of years ago and it was fun watching his journey. I have a 21’ Thunderjet LE Luxor with two down riggers, 24 rod holders, 3 fishfinders, wash down which I didn’t even know about until I got one, amazing feature for fish cleaning, ulterra TM which drives the boat for me and more extras but I still can’t out fish @KYKevin so it is about comfort and safety for me! Tight lines everyone, let’s go fishing.
We’ll be there in two weeks.