First off I have never owned a ranger so my knowledge is very limited. I have always but a fan of ranger but never really considered buying one till now. I can't afford a new $70k bass boat so I'm considering buying a older ranger even if later down the road I want/need to re power it with a new outboard. I'm wanting at least a 19 foot bass boat and my are that I want a very good riding boat with a good fishing platform and with a good amount of storage. What models should I be looking into?
Early 2000’s 520VX. Solid ride, plenty of storage
Depending on how old you want to go can't beat the Ranger 487
Last edited by RANGER487; 03-09-2018 at 07:01 AM.
When you say older, how old do you mean? A good approach to getting sound advice is to give us an idea of your budget. You also can get a good idea of what is possible by looking at the ?Rangers for sale on this site.
John Clark — Findlay, Ohio
The 400 series are battleships. Not real fast but extremely well built! I had the 1st year 482V.
Look in the sticky threads above at "Ranger Specs Pages" for dimensions of some of the earlier model Rangers.
487vs, 488vs, and 520vx are your best choices for pre 2007 Rangers for ride and storage. The 520vx is the best of the three.
461, 198, 518, 519, 119 would be on my list.
2017 Phoenix 819
2016 200ProXS, s/n 2B359849, Mod 1200P73BD
461VS -- Just did the same thing and putting a new proxs on it. :)
I have a 462 and love it. 461 if it’s always warm in your area and you don’t want that second console.
All budget and use requirements. I had a 363-loved it, built like a tank, fished great, fast...... but wanted rod storage, deeper for bigger water, and bigger to fish 3 off of.
Went to a 520DVX....SCHWING! Lot more boat-Twice the money. Set a budget and get back to us. Ranger makes a great boat and cust. support is a big plus.
2000 Ranger 520DVX 225hpdi
Love my 99 R81 VS!
Last edited by Truck_fireman; 03-10-2018 at 01:16 PM.
I run a 2000 Ranger 520vx and LOVE it. Maybe more than my fiancé, just don’t tell her that! My partner ran a 2001 518vx for a few years and it was a nice ride as well for a 19fter but after he rode on my 520 the 1st time he literally sold it and bought a used 520 as well. Now if only I could fit a 521vx in my garage.
Sorry for the miscommunication I looking for like the 1990's model rangers I have a budget of $10-12k
I recently purchased a 1998 R91-I (Intra-Coastal) with a 1998 Mercury EFI 200 for 8.5k. The boat & motor are in great shape, dispite being twenty years old. I've replaced a few parts, including trolling motor batteries & propeller, spending about $350 to get it ready to fish. I'm happy with the customer service from Ranger Parts, being able to purchase what I need at great prices was an unexpected benefit of owning a Ranger. The galvanized trailer has some heavy rust on the bunk supports/brackets, so I will have to cut that off and weld on new metal eventually, I'll probably put it off till next winter. The R91 handles rough water well, and fits my fishing needs so it gets my vote.
Have the same boat, repowered two years ago plus new seats and carpet. love the boat, need new trailer in next couple of years.Originally Posted by DeGraaf
481VS or 482VS
Thank you!
I think those 520s are tough to beat
With that budget, you’re probably going to find early to mid 90’s. You just have to be ready to look at a lot to find one you’re happy with and not too banged up or worn down. They’re out there, just take you time. Be ready to accept it may need some minor repairs along the way. Seat covers, carpet Pumps, switches, etc. get a print out on the motor for hrs, hrs @ rpm’s, and compression. You’ll find more options if you’re able to travel some. I drove 1500 miles for one !! Did as much over the phone and e-mailed pics. Told him I was more concerned with what was “wrong” than what was right. Good luck and happy hunting !! I’d stay with a 19-20’ tho.
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
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