I've rode and fished in most all models and years and the 520VX is the best all around hull..
I've rode and fished in most all models and years and the 520VX is the best all around hull..
Dale Sinclair original
im surprised this thread isnt longer.
I had the 1984 350v and the 1998 R91 sport.
of those two, I think the 350v performed better. Manuvered better and had better holeshot. Now that is a 500lb lighter rig as well. Sits lower in the water too. and with the custome deck extension, I think it was longer than the R91.
I now this R91 isnt my last boat, so I am interested to know what Hull people like the most too.
Current: 1998 Ranger R91 Sport, 2003 Mercury 200HP EFI 2.5l, OT749297
Smartcraft motor- analogue gauges
NMEA2000 backbone for Motorguide Xi5 and Lowrance Elite Ti 9" connected to run trolling motor
Separate Garmin 942xs 9", run off of trolling motor transducer, not NMEA2000 connected yet.
1st Boat: 1984 Ranger 350v Raspberry, 1987 Mariner Magnum 150HP 6cyl
The 3XX series, (340's, 350's, 360's, 370's, etc.)built by Forest Wood. Those tanks are still around. Later ones ride better, but none since are built better.
361 & 362's have raised decks. I run a '90 362. Great boat gets a little small on Rayburn when it gets rough.
I've had 300, 400, & 500 series hulls and I'd have to go with the 500's as being the best for ride and stability. Fished with a friend in a Z and didn't like the ride at all, and they required too much "tweaking" to get it close to right. That's why Ranger decided to put the Z cap on a 500 hull.
Ranger Boats / Mercury Motors
G Loomis Rods / Shimano Reels
Raymarine / MinnKota Ultrex
Garmin / Live Scope Plus
Pepper Jigs / Robo Worms
Troll Bridge / V-T2 Vents
91 361 Hands Down! It's like the high school girlfriend you let get away, but think of often.
2018 Ranger 521C, 2023 Merc 250 Pro XS 4S (3B261295), 36V Ultrex, 10" Atlas, Power Poles, Lowrance 12 Carbon, and 2-12 Lives.
361V !
1988 Ranger 364V
150HP Merc Black Max
361 when I was fishing the Apalachicola River and the 520VX when I was fishing lakes.
I just picked up a '91 362, so all this 36X talk is making me warm all over. Will be my second Ranger, after a Rawhide. C'mon ice-out!
I have owned 7 different Rangers over the last 40 years. I now run a 2007 Z22 with a 300xs and imo it is the king. Smooth as glass. Takes a chop so well you really cannot believe it. Easily accommodates 3 grown men and with the 300 merc racing motor gets down the trach quick.
RangerBasser
Captain Paul, USCG Captain
Merchant Marine XO
Ranger Z22 Comanche
Mercury 300XS Racing
Own a 361V right after my 350V both had Merc 150s on them, back when 150 was largest tourney motor. 350 handled better, but fishing the 361's big ole deck was awesome back then. I believe if I had a 175 merc it would have driven better.
I owned a 1994 Ranger 354V single console. I loved that boat. It had a 150 hp Merc and it would do right around 60 to 62... such a smooth ride. The only reason I sold it was because I wanted more room for my daughters to go fishing with me and the 21 foot Triton I bought had a price that I couldn't refuse. Otherwise I would have bought another Ranger.
Sam Dunaway
2005 Triton TR-21X
Powered by Suzuki 250SS
'03 521vx is #1!!
Just found this thread and found it interesting. Only owned one Ranger, 99 492VS. Love the boat.....hate the motor. The boat though is extremely fishable and doesn't run from rough water. I really liked Mick 2268's analogy. HS gf that got away and still think of her. Spot on. Will repower this fall. Keeping the boat.
R81VS, R91VS
VX Hull, I agree...
The earlier 300 series (3XX). They are still outlasting any Rangers built in the past 20+ years.
I have a 1985 340V. It is so solid for a 16'10" boat! I fish out of it and a 2018 Bass Cat Pantera Classic equally. I absolutely love how easy the 340V is... in every way. It just fishes great. - With just me in the boat - and a 4 blade, the 1985 GT150 still pushes it about 56mph. ... though it feels like it is really trying - where the BCB feels like you are sitting in an easy chair at home at 62.
1985 Ranger 340v w/ 1985 Johnson GT150 Crossflow
2018 BassCat Pantera Classic w/ 2018 Mercury 200 ProXS
Ran memo billed rangers for several years. 361v by far the best and easiest boat to fish. When rigged well, darn fast too.
361v is the best hull Ranger ever made. Quick enuff, low profile, fished the wind really well. Best Ranger I ever ran. Stayed in one till Ranger made me go to a 481. I fished most of them till I retired.