I voted for #3 based onthe engine. The EFI is a very good engine.
Boat 1
Boat 2
Boat 3
Boat 4
Boat 5
Boat 6
I voted for #3 based onthe engine. The EFI is a very good engine.
the 201 but i would try and find one with a fuel injected motor
I had a '96 201 pro/225 venom and it was a very comfortable riding boat - not the fastest (upper 60's) but fast enough. Its a stable platform when fishing, and had reasonable storage. Gas mileage was not great, but if its been well taken care of and has a recent carb rebuild, it would be a good boat. Just my opinion of course....
I vote for whichever one you like best.
#3 as the value will hold better than ones listed and parts should be readily available.
Been fishin' since I was 5 years old...Thanks Grandpa!
I would have concerns about late 90s early 2000 OMC engines, with the company folding I wouldn't think the employees had their mind 100% on their work.
I gotta say that for 10 to 13 thousand there are lots of better choices out there.
Listen to ChampionMan.
Originally Posted by cmccarthy1984
Go with the 518 .... It rides fine and fishes bigger than it is.. The stratos would be my second choice.. I owned a Nitro 750 for 6 years prior to just getting the Ranger.. Nice boat with plenty of storage.. It fished well but was a small/meduim lake boat.. Good luck with your search and purchase
2001 Ranger 518DVX Comanche / Mercury 200 Opti (OT306368)
The Stratos boat would be the best choice of what's on your list. The late 90's 201 maybe the smoothest and softest boat that I have ever been in. I sure taht the Ranger will get the most votes always does. Does not mean anything. I'd take each of these for a spin when the wind was blowing 20-25mph. You'll find out really quickly who's boat is the best then and the Stratos and Sprint will win hands down.
Here is the extras on the Stratos
- Johnson 225 Venom
- Minn Kota Max Pro 80 lb / 24 V Trolling Motor
- 2 (two) Lowrance Elite 5 HDI
- Gauges: Speed, Tach, Fuel, Trim, Water Pressure
- Hot Foot
- 3 Batteries/2 Bank Charger
- Pro Trim
- Cover
- Lighted Compartments
- Lid Pistons
- Color: Sky Blue/Silver
- Hydraulic Jack Plate
- 1 Butt Seat w/ Pro Pole
- Stainless Steel Prop
- Stratos Tandem Axle Galvanized Trailer
- Spare Tire
- Tie Downs
If the hydra sport is in good shape they are a great performing hull. The 201 goes without saying & the sprint is another very good hull. Whatever suits you would be the best answer though.
I love my Puma but there are days I wish it rode more like my previous 201's
Put me down for the Stratos
Never heard of anyone regretting buying a ranger. That said I have always liked the 201, so it would be my first choice. Second would be a condition choice between the Hydro and the Ranger.
Sleep when you're dead, it's time to fish.
Why is boat 5 in the list? It seems to be an apple in with a whole bunch of oranges..
I am still trying to figure out why 3,5 and 6 are on the list. The op plainly said he wanted a boat over 20 ft. Why even put a boat on the list that does not even qualify as what your looking for.
Because if you read it the thread says i want a boat 20 foot or so meaning 19 would be acceptable as long as it has good storage . And boat 5 is only on the list due to it being a newer boat but from what I've seen nitro does not keep value .
The Sprint 221 is a beast of a boat. If the engine and transom check out you'd be getting one heck of a fishing platform... Dan
I used to own a 518 and they are good boats. Buddy of mine currently owns a 97 201 pro elite, and it's a very nice boat. I'd say you can't go wrong with either. 201 is longer and a much better rough water ride, and the 518 is a wider platform.
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