Would you buy an already 20 year old boat if you planned to keep it 10-15 years? That's what I'm looking at with the current budget.
Would you buy an already 20 year old boat if you planned to keep it 10-15 years? That's what I'm looking at with the current budget.
Would have no problem if boat was rarely used and checked out.
If it had been cared for properly. And the price was good yes I would. It don't have to be a 75K boat to catch fish.
SeaArk ZX200DC Mercury 115 FourStroke
As long as it's in good shape and the price is right. I know a guy that picked up a 1993 18 foot Ranger with a 150 Mercury on it that was in great shape. He paid $3500 for. He uses it in club events all the time and it runs and fishes great.
It's all about the engine!!!
if it is a ranger,they was ahead of the time back then,but now days there is several good bass boats just as good as the ranger,look at some of the 91-95 ranger 361 boats
Most if not all of that age will have wooden decks/floors/transoms. Be cautious and check them out, especially the transom.
If a buyer has a problem with you checking out anything at all then walk away.
Lots of good boats of that age.
2017 Ranger RT188, Dual Console, Crystal Red Metallic, Mercury 115 Pro XS Four Stroke, Command Thrust with Tempest 24P, 52 MPH GPS @ 5200 RPM
Motor Guide 80 lb Xi5 Pin Point/GPS , Lowrance HDS 7 w/Totalscan @ Console, Lowrance Elite 7 TI @ Bow; Romans 6:23
I bought a nearly 20-year old boat in November. I think you have to go in expecting you may have to do a little stuff to it now and then.
Originally Posted by oli3665
what he said. That's what I looked for 3 years ago.
1997 Charger 186 TF
1997 Yamaha ProV 175
I am running a boat I brought new in 1988 , had the motor rebuild and never looked back . Had plenty boats over the years and always sold the newer ones . As i don't fish Tx any more . It plenty of boat for me now....paid for and fish good . I usually fish 2 times a month and last year only 3 times all year ...can't see a boat payment . A lot of people around here in my shoes has sold there boat and went tin .
Minds is a 1988 Stratos 201 Pro 2.5 200 Mercury ....hope this help you .If it checks out good for the right price go for it the fish don't care if it old .
I wouldn't hesitate buying a 20 year old Ranger, BassCat, or Stratos. Seems like those from that era were solid.
I would but only if I was prepared to replace the engine sooner than later. Most everything on an older boat can be replaced/modified using off-the-shelf components.
A 20 year old boat will probably have a 20 year old trailer. Be prepared to put some money into the trailer as well.
2013 Ranger Z520c, 2013 Yamaha 250 SHO
2018 Ranger RT198p, 2013 Mercury 150 Optimax
I'm running a 16 year old Charger (2001) with a 19 year old (1998) EFI Mariner with 570 hours on it still runs great and wouldn't trade it for a lot of the newer boats on the market. As long as they are taken care of they will last almost forever.
I'd avoid wood in a boat. I got a strict no wood rule. It kept me from buying a really beautiful Champion. Bought Triton instead.
If its a RANGER
Hello my answer is yes if I can check the boat out well. There are several well made boats that i would consider. I would look at the Champions, Stratos, Rangers, Skeeters and Tritons. Most of these boats have held up well. I sent you a pm. Good Luck in your search.
You can replace the engine. Get a solid boat. Who wants a pos boat that looks like its 25yrs old but the motor is good (for now) there are plenty of nice solid garage kept 20yr old boats. Find one that wasnt kept outside under a cheap cover by an owner that was too lazy to remove the drain plug.
xpress x19, 200ho G2, aluminum sawtooth cut prop, paper sack tackle storage, ugly stik pro team, color c-lector
My ride is 27 yrs old 1990 ranger looks good and fishes well wouldn't hesitate Rangers after 1988 I think were no wood in the transom so shouldn't be a concern just just it over good and go for it
1990 374V Ranger Still kickin' bass after all these years
I got a 98 ChampioN that I would put up against a 5 year old bought (except electronics). She sleeps in an insulated shed.
2001 ChampioN 206 Yamaha 225
I bought a 1993 Ranger 374V with a 1994 Johnson 150 HP engine six years ago to use in my retirement since it fit my budget. I did all the preventative maintenance on the engine before I used it the first time and removed the automatic oiling system. I prefer to mix oil with the fuel myself and don't trust an automatic oiler that old. I installed a new trolling motor, new electronics and new radial tires on the trailer. I plan for it to be part of my estate ... I will never sell it. I used it yesterday for the first time this season.
This is a great, well made boat! I recommend a Ranger.
1994 Ranger 374V/1993 Johnson 150 Silver Star Series VJ150ELATR
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