THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY! RANGER BOATS (STILL BUILDING LEGENDS???)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY! RANGER BOATS (STILL BUILDING LEGENDS???)
We are back with another Good, Bad & Ugly and it's been awhile. Welcome back! Today we have Ranger boats up and it's going to be a good one. From the Forrest Wood days to the current Johnny days, Ranger has been through a lot over the years. Comment below if you had an old Forrest Ranger or if you are running a new Johnny Ranger....We want to hear for all of you!
We are Team Marine!
Subscribe now to keep up on all of the action!
Visit our website for additional content and merchandise:
www.teammarineservice.com
Follow us on:
Facebook: Team Marine Service
Instagram: @teammarineservice
All songs/sounds licensed and provided by:
www.soundstripe.com
#rangerboats #bassboats #mercuryoutboards
I have a 2020 Z519 with a 225 Mercury 4 stroke . I have had zero issues with this boat. I actually took the Ranger Boat factory tour in Flipping, Arkansas. I was treated very well. The people in the factory were working their tails off . Definitely a lot of custom work being done. This is my 2 nd Ranger.
I've got an 05 618VS. I still can't believe how well the boat handles bigger water and fishes fantastic. It has thousands of miles going to MN and Canada from central WI. Axle finally crapped out this year but I will probably have this boat until I die. Worth every penny.
I've always been a Ranger fan , I've had 3 , 461's and the boat I have now is a 1995 488 Comanche , absolutely love it , it's in Pristine condition !!!!!
Been in some new one's but nothing like an old RANGER !!!!!
Andy and the team thank you for your love for us veterans!!! 🇺🇸
i have a 2023 Ranger Z518 and absolutely love it. Boat is massive for being an 18 foot class even though its basically 19 feet. it rides like a dream. handles 2 foot chop like its nothing when on plane. Would not trade it for any other brand of a comparable boat.
My 2020 z519 is ok.. the lids are already falling apart and will have to rivet them lol. The fiberglass on my trailer was so thin! That I made a whole through it from just drying it with a towel! NOT IMPRESSED. I had an 2006 Ranger 17.5ft that was built better than my current one
I'd love to see Vexus support your river run. I volunteered for a Wounded Warrior event and sent an email to Vexus. Within a week I had a package at my door with merchandise for the vets I took fishing. Vexus was 100% supportive and glad to donate
I'm a owner of 2004 185 vs for 2 in a half years. Always in love when I am on it and always will!
Just bought a 1988 Ranger 390v Comanche from a friend of mine. Fished in it many times over the years. Love it!
I have had 4 Rangers since 1990 , for me they have gotten better and better. I presently have a 2016 Z522D and it has been near perfect.
Have been a loyal user of Bass Boat Saver for yrs. Great product priced right. Glad to see them on board for vets because i am a vet. Use there product on boat vehicles and even lawn mower.
I have a 2017 Z series and its been flawless all switches,latches,carpet,seats ect are holding up very good.
Love your videos, but your support of my fellow veterans got me subscribed for life
We appreciate you Chris!!! 🇺🇸
I have 1993 482v garaged never had it towed original Yamaha 150 carb motor all original never stops.it will go to my kids when I’m gone and still be going . Truly love it.
I'm 64 years old. Everyone I know/knew had a Ranger back in the day. Like you said it was THE boat to have. Now I don't see many of them.
I've owned three Rangers a 2003, 2014, and a 2024. All 20ft boats. That being said, I've been running my 2024 z520r four months now and over 100 hours, and it has my seal of approval. It's not the same boat because of technology, but if the ride system was gone, it would be the best boat Ranger ever made. And it is 100% the best performing Ranger ever.
Had to Edit My Dual pro charger Sucks!
I have a ‘97 488VS and that boat kicks ass. Built like a tank, rides and handles awesome, looks like a million bucks (from 20 feet)😂
I have a 2010 z521 Comanche, with a 250 verado. I have had no issues at all with the boat, other than basic maintenance. I bought this boat 4 years ago, and bought a older ranger for a reason. Guys in the tournament league I fish have newer Rangers that always have issues. No "new" boat for me! I thank you for this channel. SPEED, MONEY, NO BREAKS, SEE YA!!!!!
My first bass boat was a 88 Ranger 363v that I still have to this day and still being powered by the original Mercury Black Max 150 XR4. I have had newer, larger, faster, and more advanced boats, but the Ranger has always been the one that I won't sell. They don't make boats like that today.
I have the same boat but with a 150 Vmax 2 stroke and it really is a great boat
More computers more problems! Give me a toggle switch any day of the week.
I have a 520r 2023 55 year addition ranger. I love this boat! it rides like a Cadillac and handles choppy water like a champ. I did have a couple build issues when i first got it. The steering column broke and I couldn't control it and had to use trolling motor to get back to boat ramp. I took it to dealer and they fixed it in one day no charge. That's the only problem I had with it. The build quality compared to a Nitro which I had before this one is so much better that it's obvious looking at it from the ground. I'm very happy with my Ranger. I'll keep this one for years if it holds up! I think it will it feels like it's quality built every time I drive it.
I have a 2016 Z521C Forrest Wood edition. I love the boat. I have had 2 Champions and 2 Tritons. My Ranger is not the fastest or even best handling boat I've had, but this one is my favorite over all.
proud owner of a forrest wood ranger and i would no have it any other way
I have a 2002 Ranger 520 VX and it's in awesome condition I have a hard time letting it go and go to a new boat. Thought about again recently and decided to re-power instead. It is built solid great ride and and made to last.
BassMaster Elite Series:
Clark Wendlant, Bryan Schmitt, Chris Johnston, Cory Johnson, Matt Arey, Jordan Lee, Todd Auten, Keith Combs, Joseph Webster, and Jonathon Kelley
MLF Bass Pro Tour:
Brent Ehrler, Bryan Thrift, Jeremy Lawyer, Alton Jones, Stephen Browning, Wesley Strader, Mark Daniels Jr., Ron Nelson, Cliff Crochet, and Justin Cooper.
This might not look like a big list but it is 12.5% of the MLF roster and 9.7% of the BASS roster running a single brand.
I have a Ranger as well but the pros go where the money is same with rods and reels etc.
My old 2016 Z521c Ranger had the top cap crack from across the gunnel on the port side (near the console), run down the inside and into the floor. Took it to a local fiberglass guy and I have camera shots of the boat and how the sides were not filled with floatation foam like the "cutaway" boat had. Boat went back, got a new top cap, still no foam. So glad I sold it. Side note, it was the fastest 521C on Erie though, just not the safest.
I have a 94 Bassmaster Classic 482VS. So happy with this boat. It didn’t break the bank. Update some of the electronics and I’m good to go!
I met the owner of Bass Boat Saver a few times. He is one of the best men I’ve ever met in the industry. He gave my entire bass club a free bottle of BBS. He’s got a customer for life here in southern Indiana.
just bought a bass cat and its great hearing andy mention them when saying anything related to top tier quality
I have a 2018 521L ICON, no problems at all , best riding smoothest ride boat I’ve had. no build problems, still looks brand new
I have a RT198P and love it for my neck of the woods. Lots of stumps in the southeast. Glass boat would last in a stumpy lake.
i reasearched the hell out of all your videos.... AND Due to your videos... I just purchased a NEW 215 Falcon with a 300R Mercury! All my life i've only fished out of Champions,,, But this Falcon is an aircraft carrier in comparison to my old 98 202 champion... thank you for all the videos...
If I was buying a new bassboat today Ranger or nitro would not even be considered . Vexus either for that matter . Fiberglass deck lids don’t last it’s dumb that they still do that .
@@user-xm8rf6ik7b I just bought a new 2022 Avid 18XB but if I could afford an 80k plus boat I would go with Gator Trax Strike series with a center console.
How is the ride in the 215 compared to champs
I’ve owned a ‘94 361, ‘98 519, and a ‘03 519. Had to sell the ‘03 after Re power with an Etec G2, due to lack of support. Now have a Skeeter. If I was still fishing tournaments, and could afford one, I’d be in a BassCat forever. They do it right, and that’s what I remember from Forrest Wood’s team.
I absolutely love my Ranger 1995 492V Comanche she's long and lean and not to far in between. Reminds me of an old Buick Riviera. My wife wanted me to get a new boat when we married, blah blah blah. "Get a new boat that would safer or whatever" Then I showed her why my big heavy 1995 Comanche is the best. I've never silenced her so, before or after.
I bought my 1st boat a 2003 521vx Comanche 35th anniversary with a 250 Yamaha vmax OX66 about 3 years ago and I absolutely love my boat.
I have a 88' 363 and it is a great boat , jt has a 0'8 150 vmax on the back and she rips and everything still works on her
I have a 1998 461vsRanger, Love it, I am thinking of re powering it, just not sure which brand to put on it.
I purchased a new 520 Comanche back in 2000. It was one of the best boats I ever owned. My son has owned three different "3 series". They were indeed tanks. My local dealer is the longest tenured Ranger dealer in the country. They have recently added Ikon and Phoenix due to quality issues with Ranger and may not be in the Ranger world much longer.
I had a 1986 Ranger 373V Bassmasters Classic Edition with a GT150 and it was the best boat I have ever owned.
I had a 1986 373V also and loved it. It ripped with with an evinrude 150XP.
I’ve got a 91 361v in very good condition and I wouldn’t take anything for it right now. When I was young, if you had a Ranger, you were somebody. Owning a Ranger was my dream. When I pull up to the ramp surrounded by 100k boats I still get more compliments…and most of the compliments are from the 100k boat guys. Gonna be a hard sell for me to change brands
Have a 2000 522vx. Had a Mercury PROxb. Love the boat. Repowered with a Suzuki 250SS. Love the motor.
I have a 97 R72 I bought new. I still have and the gel coat still looks great and carpet. The seat cracked that’s it. I want a bigger one and will probably go with Bass Cat!
Switches are more reliable than computers every day of the week. I have limited days to fish, and I don't want to worry if my boat is going to fail and screw up my fishing day. That applies to al brands. I've had 2 Rangers and loved them both. I've run several other brands too.
Pre Johnny ranger here, wouldn’t even look at the new ones.
Andy you are a good man ,keep telling the truth, still rocking 98 stratos pro elite nothing like old school
Have a 96 461vs with the original EFI 150. Have had it over 20 years and is still a great fishing/riding boat. Upgraded with the new electronics an anchors.
I’m running a 99 518vx with the original 200hp optimax and love it. Not the fastest boat but it will do 62-63.For a small boat it handles rough water well. Rides and handles great (imho) Not sure who else right off hand but MDJ or Mark Daniels Jr has always ran a ranger
On my 6th Ranger and my current 2019 520L is one of my best.
Had a 2023 520r was disappointed with fit and finish. Sold it and Bought a 2024 Vexus VX20 very pleased with the change. And the longer I have it the more the quality reveals itself.
I still have a 373v has an awesome ride.
i have a 1992 363v passed down to me from my dad....its all original except for repower and electronics, love the boat its still solid as a rock! ive been a marine tech since 1997 and one thing i learned is you can tell quality boat brands because they can be rewowered 2 or 3 times before hull wears out!!
Same thing, 1982 1600 V-II, original Mariner 50 runs like a top, tight as a drum and handles like a dream. Couldn't ask for anything more
I have owned a 97 Ranger r82 since it was new. Just re-powered with a new 150 Suzuki. Solid dependable bass boat! Have no desire for a new one.
I have run Rangers since the early 80s, I am currently on my 6 th Ranger, all purchased new. My 2021 Z519, if by far the best of the bunch in terms of looks, speed, comfort, fishability, creature comforts, dry ride, fit and finish etc. I have not had one single issue with it. I live on a lake and fish several days per week, so my new boat is not a garage queen, she gets used. I can't speak on the issues that others may have, but mine has been flawless
I run a 2014 Ranger 620 VS with a Yamaha 250 Off Shore and T 9.9 kicker. IMO it’s the all time best multi species boat ever built. After 2014 they changed things a lot of pro’s said not for the best. My boat has 900 hrs on it and it’s my last boat if the motor goes well re-power. 👍👍
Mark Daniel's is. I have the 361V 1998. Just had a 200 Suzuki 4stroke. My first boat was a 1984 330 Ranger. Had a xr2 on it & it ran 73. Still having a problem with proping it. Thanks for sharing 👍
Been tournament fishing out of a 2000 ranger 518VX since 2018. Very awesome boat, built well and built to last.
I bought my first ranger in 1987. I've traded about every three years for a new ranger. I now have a 2023 Ranger 5 20/55 and anniversary edition and I've loved every ranger I've ever had. They've all been Great.
Bought the same boat and I love it. Gave my 1985 V395 I/o to my 17 year old grandson and he loves it
Have a 2018 Ranger 620fs….love it!
I'm running a '92 361V as my second boat. It's a nice little rocket that works for me
06 620vs owner.. love it! best musky platform in my opinion. repowering it with new pro xs
Had a 95 374v and loved it solid boat then upgraded to a 2018 z521c and absolutely love it too
354V here and it is a great little boat. I put a Zuk 140 on it runs 53 and that is just fine.
Mark Daniels Jr runs Ranger.
I rigged at a Ranger dealer from 2010-2015. I saw the decline in that time period. Cheaper latches, cheaper hinges and I swear the carpet is even lower quality and that was before and up to Johnny buying them.
Have purchased three Rangers new, a 2004 119VS, a 2018 z519C 50th anniversary edition, and a 2024 z521R. No issues with either the 2004 or 2018. The 2024 is new and have not owned long enough to evaluate. Thus far, the 2024 is doing fine.
I’m proud of being a veteran and I will be trying some B.A.S.S. Boat Saver 🇺🇸
I had a 1995 Ranger R72 Sport fit and finish and ride was great i owned it for 25 years and it still looked new went to trade it off and figured if i had to purchase a white water marine boat instead of paying 25% more for the ranger i purchased a Nitro z19 at about $10,000 less rigged the same way .
Started running rangers in 1999 starting with an R91. Traded in o8 for 518. 2012 I got the biggest baddest as boat I thought I could get a Z521. Seats flew out traveling down highways, color discrimination in glass in a dozen spots. Rigger drilled holes in side of rod lockers. Boat spent months at Ranger in flippin for repairs. Traded in 2019 for a Phoenix. Not 1 single problem! Very simple boat but it work every time I go.
I had a 96 692 that was an absolute tank. I also had an 03 619 that was a great boat. Much better than what they are today. I will say the 619 didn't ride as well as the newer ones did but fit and finish was noticeably better on the 03
I was told not to buy a JM Ranger a few years back which triggered me into picking up a clean 12 Z519. I compared my Comanche to the newer boats and they appear of equal quality on the surface but the horror stories are compelling. Mine has been trouble free for years and my buddies early 90’s 361v is still getting the job done. I can’t say I will keep my boat that long but it is reassuring to know it can make it if I do.
I'm rocking a '04 521DVX and it's a battleship, I love it. Hoping to throw a 4-stroke on it in a year or two. I would put it over any boat made today. If I had to buy a new boat though, it would be a Cat.
I have a 2020 198 aluminum and love it.
I have a 2015 Z520C and will never get rid of it.
2000 519DVS. Solid as can be. Would like to repower someday. Also need to update the single axle trailer to a dual.
My 2012 Z521 is my forever boat!!! One of the last original rangers!!
I have a 1989 361 with original GT150 it has been a great boat and I love finding out of it!
I love the design of the 520R , I’m sure it’s not build to the exact same spectacle as my 99 that was almost 30 yrs ago, fiberglass was dirt cheap back then but it’s still one of the top boats to me. As far as overall not just speed.
I've got an 87 Ranger 360V with an 87 175 Black Max Merc it still has both flasher one on the bow no transducer and one at console that still works still has original flip seats that say Ranger on the back in good condition
I bought a 2001 519 kinda of a project boat I’ve got some electrical issues but other than that I’m happy. Love your videos
I have a 2020 Ranger 619 and absolutely love it. Had some trailer issues and do not like the trailer at all but the boat is fantastic, not a single issue with the boat itself. I am a huge tinkerer with electronics and what not and the rigging tubes, routing paths etc. are phenomenal. The only gripe I have is the factory wiring is super messy and the fit / finish is not as good as older boats. I am in Utah and have trailered to Minnesota and Canada without incident.
Great video guys keep them coming.
I have a 1991 361 that I love this boat have had it a long time and plan to have it a lot longer.
I bought my Ranger before Johnny took over. Just like Cabelas, Ranger took a hit when Johnny bought it.
My brother and I just bought a 23 rt188p, it’s nice but I can tell there is def a lack of craftsmanship when being built, had to bring it in for some warranty work, but over all pretty damn happy with it. Has a 115 merc, I know not a big performance boat, but gets up to 50 witch is fine with us for what we do, non tournament fishing.
I have a 1991 397V that no longer fits my fishing style. It is as solid as the first time I drove it.
I upgraded to a 194 ChampioN, I love my champ but it's not as solid as the Ranger.
I need to dig out the paperwork if I am not mistaken Nina Wood singed the certificate of origin.
I had a 2017 Ranger RT198 and last November I purchased a used (48 hrs) 2022 Z520R. There are several people having issues with the transoms on the 2022 R models, luckily I have not had that issue. Some have had issues with the rivets coming out of the deck lids, but I again have not experienced that issue. I have though experienced issues with the RIDE system that ranger now uses in the R boats, I personally am not a fan and if Ranger would offer an all with model I would but it over a RIDE system boat, When it works, it is great, everything is there and accessible in a screen on side of the steering wheel. But with connectivity issues and the think not working, I am not impressed. Other that that the boat is phenomenal. Not a speed demon, but one of the best rides on the water today.
I have ridden in a new Ranger. I was surprised how well it rides. It fished well as a co-angler boat... But you sit high in the seats compared to other bass boats. That felt weird versus sitting down in the hull like other bass boats.
Ranger was the bomb. Now it's just the high end boat for wight river. And if that's there high end I will keep my 86 skeeter F80 bad ass bass tub. Lmao 🤣.
You should laugh….at yourself 👍
I love my 2008 620vs says right on the badge made by forest l wood 😊
I have a 2023 Ranger 1880 MS. I like the boat ride and design. Unfortunately, there are cheap parts used on this series of boat. The glove box cover wraps, the gel coat appears thin and it is very easy to scratch, the seat base at bow doesn’t have a metal ring to lock seat post in and the plastic bushing breaks. Analog gauges are cheap and don’t last. The trailer Ranger decals are stickers and they fall off. Along with the 55 year badging comes off. From what I can tell the hull is solid.
I still run a 1985 340-v . Lady rear-ended my boat on the trailer going to a club tournament up in Alma,Wis. Pushed boat up on the trailer 3 feet bent winch bracket gouged fiberglass in front of hull on winch roller that broke off. Bought the boat in 1987 still fishing it today had boat checked over when got back home to see if prop shaft was bent came back fine had transom checked as well just sucked motor mount washers on transom into gel coat was all. Her careft on a flatbed I used my boat that weekend.
I have a 2004 521 vx that still is outlasting ,and outperforming these newer boats . I’ve owned the boat for 12 years and I know guys that have had more problems in one season than I’ve had the entire time .
Loved my old ranger!
I had a 2006 Z20 and it was a tank very few issues that I didnt create (all I can ask for). Recently purchased a 2023 520R. It rides very well but you can tell the shortcuts have been made in engineering. As they keep cutting things out, I expect it to get worse.
I still have a 1989 390v and it is a very solid ride.
Had a 94 model 354 v great boat
You should do good, bad, and ugly with Glastron, or Hydrostream.
I am currently fixing up a 1979 Glastron V-162 Futura for a project.
Love the support for the veterans Andy. I'm not a vet but truly respect those who have served and have helped provide us the freedom we all enjoy. Now for the video itself. Nice way to generate clicks by taking a hot button topic and promoting it. The absolute hatred for JM and Ranger boats is just astonishing to me. My 2012 pre JM Ranger was a great boat. My 2019 520C is a great boat also. Is one better than the other.....well, the fit and finish on the '19 is better. I know that goes against the narrative you want to spin here but its a fact. In fact, its a wonder my boat is even useable since its a junk JM Ranger with a junk 4 stroke 250 Pro XS. Hard to believe it I know but I've had zero (0) problems with either and in fact this is the most enjoyable well thought boat/motor combo of the 6 I've owned even as compared to your holy grail Champion which I've owned 3 of. You don't like Mercury so a couple weeks ago it was the clickbait of Merc going bankrupt; you don't like Ranger so now the vid of Ranger going bankrupt in the future.........what's next? Iphone not working like you want so Apple is going bankrupt - is that the next video? Just work on boats, do river testing, and keep your unsubstantiated opinions to yourself. That type of content will give you more clicks than this social media clickbait BS will.
Picked up a brand new RT178 in 2021, don't go fishing in the rain. So much water gets in all compartments except under the bench seat.
Do a good, bad, ugly on skeeter
I’m in a 96 487vs and it’s still a very solid boat. My fishing buddies say I’d be crazy to sell and buy new/newer boat.
First boat I had was a 1992 361v ranger and I LOVED it but it rode like piss , ive got a 2000 203 elite champion loaded to the hilt and I’ll never get another boat 250 ox66 I get 73 plenty fast handles great , and I never worry about it being to rough coming back to the ramp
Had 2 different Rangers. A 88 415 with mercury 75hp. And A 2005 1850vs. Both were awesome. Went to a Champion 184.