New Nitro or used Ranger???

[TMG]

It really depends on the boat. There are some great used boats out there.
You should even look at some used Nitros. I would look for the boat that I can afford that fits me over Just because it's new.
To just ssy buy the used ranger without even knowing the condition over a new Nitro is just stupid advice.
I have a 17'9" Nitro with a 115 that's 11 years old. Bought it new. When I came hear for advice I pretty much got the same thing.
11 years later boy am I glad I bought the boat I liked and not the one people were trying to talk me into liking.
When you find a boat you like. Go to that forum and ask some questions.
That way you get advice from someone that has that boat. Not someone's uncle's brothers cousins sister.

[jc1992]

Why not look at a new basscat? You can get the Margay with a 150 for around your budget. And it's 17'8

[skeeterator]

Why not look at a new basscat? You can get the Margay with a 150 for around your budget. And it's 17'8

I know, I know, cause they're fugly!!

[Trickyrick]

I fished out of one this weekend (Z6 with a 115). That motor can barely get on plane in 2 minutes, the boat twists in the wind and with 2 foot chop we got very very wet. Top speed was 37MPH two guys in the boat.

I used to own a SS90 with a 115 and that is a better 17' boat...

[Sparky292]

I just bought a 2015 nitro z8 with a 250, power poles, and nice graphs for just a couple grand over your budget.

I had a hard time deciding between an older ranger or stratos or a newer Nitro. Im glad I made the decision I did. The engine warranty made the difference to me

[KandKKustomz]

For me, it's simple...used Ranger.

same here

[jc1992]

I know, I know, cause they're fugly!!

A lot more beautiful than a skeeter lol both good boats just trying to give the OP some ideas

[LOSTTEXAN]

I have fished in several friends 17foot Nitro's.

In my humble opinion they are terribly designed hulls that are all about price point sales.

With the transom offset they are more like 16' hulls and they have a very high minimum planing speed and put flipper to shame on porpoising ability.

I'm not hating on Nitro as a whole at all but I'm sad to say those 17ft hulls suck.

[Gldjerkbaitnh]

I wouldn't buy that nitro new for 10 grand. Comparing that nitro to a used ranger isn't Evan a comparison your only fooling yourself.

[Cgs1967!]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I will be making a decision very soon and will let you all know what I get. Again, thank you.

[WVTERP]

I would go the used route. I bought a 1997 Astro 1800 with a 175 EFI in 2012. I paid $6,500 for it. I had much more capability for those 5 years than anyone who spent 20k + on a 17 and the same capability of a z7 or z18. I sold it for $6,400 a few months ago and got a 2003 Stratos 200 Pro XL for $8,500. 72mph boat and fishes great. Bought an Xi5 TM and 2 Gen 3 9s for it and still came out way ahead. This boat is every bit as capable as any z18 or 19 or 20. I don't have a warranty, but I take care of my motors. I don't run wide open everywhere I go. I warm it up and let it cool down for a little bit when I come off plane before I turn the motor off. I have zero payments. Lots of nice used boats out there in the 20k range that are more capable than a z17.

[ECobb91]

Get the boat you think you'd be the happiest with. Ranger definitely has an upper hand as far as quality goes but also remember rangers don't make outboards. A brand new nitro will come with warranties that a used rig won't. People bash nitro because they are priced for the working man. Cadillac vs Chevy, both get you from point A to point B, one just costs more.

If I were you I'd look into a 1-3yr old nitro then with the extra savings put it towards upgrades

[hulapopr]

some very nice rangers for well under the 25 price in the boats for
sale.Several in some other brands also.

[rlkingsbury]

Always get the most HP your boat will handle. If under powered you will always regret it and will not be happy with the boat. No matter whet brand you buy. PS.. I've owned 3 Nitros and all were good boats. Ranger good too though.

[Gldjerkbaitnh]

I have someone buying my Skeeter on Wednesday and I have a question. I can get a new 2017 Nitro Z7 with a 115 4 stroke for $25,000. My wife wants me to get the Nitro. I like the Nitro but also considering a used Ranger. I can't see paying $70,000.00 plus for a boat. If I buy a used Ranger it will need to be under $25,000.00. Which way should I go?

What did you end up buying??

[L.Roberts]

I would go with the new nitro with full warranty because for 25 grand you won't get much ranger.

That is not true......many Rangers out there 5-7 years old at that price

[Midnight Rider]

Find a nice BassCat Sabre, Pantera.

[Babe Winkleworm]

If you are going to sell it someday a used ranger value will stay. Nitro will likely be in the junk yard before you ever get your $25000 out of it

[magnumb]

Ranger....but if I had 25k there is no doubt I'd go with a Champ 198, 206 or 210 or Stratos. Champ prices are solid and I expect will remain solid.
One of best layouts I've used are made by Champion....too many compartments=too many compartment lips and harder to get stuff in and out.
Ranger overall has better driver seating position for tall folks and typically better trailers, but everything goes to champ.

[Crankb8]

Don't Ranger's 2nd owners get a 10 year warranty on the boat? I know I did years ago when I bought a used 2000 R83. too bad, I just had a friend sell his 2009 188 with a Yamaha 150 in MINT condition for $23500. One of the cleanest boats i have ever seen!