I’m starting my search for my first boat and have decided that I want a late 80s/early 90s Ranger. What are some things I should specifically check for when looking at these boats? I’m currently looking at a 1989 361V but also considering a 370V or 373V. Are there certain years/models that I should stay away from or have concerns about? Transom rot, etc.? Appreciate any help or tips! Thanks!
Pretty sure you want 90's and up to make sure they have the better transom,360 series and 370's series are all nice well built boat just find the layout you like and so on then find a decent one in good shape and voila there you go .
1990 374V Ranger Still kickin' bass after all these years
Any used boat you look at shake the hell out of the motor up and down to see if transom flexes and check floors for soft spots.
22R
Allison XB2002 / Merc 150 XR6
Mid '87 they went to pulltruded transoms and stringers. The decks and box lids remained a wood/glass sandwich. Check the floors around the pedestals and floor drains for soft spots. The rivets that hold the box lids to the top cap often pull loose - look for a prior repair with screws/nuts on the lid side. Replacement windshields are available, so don't let that be a deal breaker for you.
1990 Ranger 362V Yamaha Pro-V 150
Old Town Predator MinnKota
The 361 is a much better fishing platform than the 370 series.
2006 Ranger Z20 / 225HP Merc Pro XS
Thanks for all the info! I appreciate it! Going to check it out this week sometime so I’ll definitely check for all these things
I would look for a 400 series Ranger that were made in the 90’s. I believe most of the wood was eliminated from the build process by then.
Biggest rod you can get in a 300 series rod box is 7’. Some of the 400 series can take a 7.5’ rod - I know a 7.5’ rod will fit in a 461vs.
89 is when ranger went to fiberglass transom. Had several 373 v boats and a couple 400’s. Like the original ranger look on the 300 series but the 400 series is a better boat
I had a 94 361V. It was a damned nice boat. Great fishing platform and I ran 67MPH GPS with a 150XRi and a 25P Tempest. If it was a 20 footer I'd still have it. The 361V is one of the best boats Ranger ever built, in my opinion. If the one you're looking at is in good shape with a good running outboard, that's the one I'd recommend.Originally Posted by wigginsja
1987 had wood transom. some late 1988 went protruded and 1989 on all protruded.
Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill !!
Agree 100% the Ranger 300 series were great for their time but the 400 series is a huge upgrade, and more modern. Couldn't put rods longer than 6.5' in the Ranger 361v, but the 461 will fit 7.5' rods easily.
I agree as I would look for a 400 series as they are so much better and can handle longer rods. That doesn't seem like a big deal but
it is. They also ride better and I think parts maybe a little easier to get. Good luck
I agree. See if you can find a 400 series.
This one is for sale near me.
https://www.facebook.com/share/sahw6...ibextid=79PoIi
What a beautiful boat.....I had a 482vs same color and just love the 400 series especially with the VS set back.....
I’m a big fan of the 400 VS series, too. That 461 was ahead of its time, as I think it was the first Ranger bass boat with a built-in cooler. If I hadn’t come across a great deal on a Z520, I’d still be in my 482VS. I loved that boat.
Has a FICHT on it though, I would plan on getting a new motor If I got that one.
I was able to fit 7ft rods in the port locker of my 361V. Based on my attempts to store my 7'6" flippin' stick in said locker, a 7'4" would've fit.
Really, what year was it? I could put 6.5' rods in it but it was tight with maybe 2" of room behind it.
Mine was a '94.
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