So Ranger introduces a 17' Class Boat

[GRR884]

http://www.deckboats.com/fishi...boat/

The Margay will outsell this boat. Can't believe Ranger only rated it for 115

[BassCatDan]

I am a BCB guy thru and thru. That is a nice boat though. I can see how it would be appealing to many boat buyers.

[1781ccT]

I can honestly say that I would not have considered that boat when I was looking. I am not a fan of the driver's console layout and appearance.

[Bama96]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by BassCatDan &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I am a BCB guy thru and thru. That is a nice boat though. I can see how it would be appealing to many boat buyers.</td></tr></table>

Me too but I have to say that is a nice layout. I like the divided drivers side storage. The back deck is tiny though.

[RipNLips]

I bet they will ask over $30,000 for it.

[BCCougarFTD]

Agree, Its a nice boat. There are a few things at i can see as positives.

[JohnM]

They have had 17 footers for a long time. That boat appears to be the next version of the TR 177 minus the shag carpet. If its the same hull it explains a 115 rating.

The 176, 186, Stratos and Ranger Tr177 were all big boats for their class.

[sabreski]

It's a little narrow, thus the 115 rating. Although I think it may be my favorite Ranger. Nice layout, but I think the dash is a bit homely looking. John

[laps19]

I have a 98 Ranger R73 sport which is 17'1" which i am in the process of selling. I recently purchased 08 Puma. The layout of the Z117 is great, way better than the older layout. Bama you are right the back deck is way smaller thani the R73 probably due to the "Larger" Rod lockers. My boat can only handle 6'6" rods. The R73 Iis rated for a 130 HP.

Mike


Modified by laps19 at 2:04 PM 2/8/2012

[BCBandit]

I would take the Margay with a 150. Don't think it will give the Margay much competition unless the price comes in well below a Margay with a 115.

[1781ccT]

I can't imagine the Ranger z117 is going to come in below a Margay with a 115.
The '2012 Boat Show Special' for the Margay has it coming in about the same price as a Nitro Z-6.

[spinningreel]

Both Ranger z 117 and Margay boast 90" beam, and 17 1/2 ft. lengths with the Ranger 150 lbs. Heavier at 1400 lbs. I'd guess the price of the Ranger would be around the 24-25K ballpark with a 115 optimax, depending on TM and electronics of course. I see the Margay is priced at 22.5K, albiet with a weak 45 lb TM which anyone would upgrade,and to be fair the Ranger only has a 55lb TM again upgrade needed, and it doesn't mention if the trailer has the Armor or Gator type coating which is Standard on Ranger, no custom cover that you get with Ranger, and galvanized wheels instead of polished aluminum that comes on the Ranger. I'd guess that when you add in these features on the Margay it would certainly push the price about close to the Ranger z 117, as it should both boats are from great companies that make quality boats, so price is close just like as in the larger boats they both make. For me though I cant get past the chopped up interior of the Margay, to me the Ranger interior design is better, just my personal opinion thats all, not trying to bash Basscat. To prove it , hopefully in a couple more years I hope to get my dream rig, a cat P II, but for Now I can dream. I'd suspect with the economy these smaller rigs could be a big hit for any company willing to produce them, Im just glad manufacturers aren't forgetting about us anglers with smaller bank accounts.

[1781ccT]

Mine had a MSRP of about the number you posted for the z117

Here's a few of my upgrades:
Alloy wheels, custom paint, 70lb digital MK TM, 788HD DI at the console, 728 at the dash, SmartCraft "mini", color-matched bezels on the gauges, hydraulic steering, 8" manual adjustable jackplate, 3-bank charger, push button dash (auto bilge, pump in/out livewell, aerator timer), trailer brakes, GatorHyde, "stripper pole", color-matched fiberglass fenders, Hamby's

There's a good bit in that list that the Z117 does not have on it's spec sheet, and would raise the price of the Z117 in order to have an apples-apples comparison.

Like you, I think the Ranger Z117 is a nice boat. I just like mine better

[Bass Cat Boats]

Weights are not exact from any manufacuturer. Lengths are usually close for them however. That chopped up rod box is to hold an 8' rod also. Which most 18' and smaller rigs can't accommodate.

Performance and fuel mileage will not be anywhere near the same. The Margay will outperform and have significantly more fuel efficiency than other brands.

[spinningreel]

would be interesting to see which boat more anglers will choose in this class, for me I think Ranger developed a better product in this size class. Just my opinion , not bashing BCB. With same engine, maybe a mph or two diff. at best, if that, lets face it these boats are pretty equal in size with same engine (115) one aint gonna walk off and leave the other. Now obviously a 150 will do just that no question about it. Interested to see the overall sales numbers between the two at the end of the year though.

[Bass Cat Boats]

Any relationship to Clayton Barkley?

[spinningreel]

Not want to sound like Im diss ing BCB, they have a whole lot that I absolutely love, I think their TM recess area at the main front of the boat is awesome, it puts every inch of the deck to good use, head and shoulders above any other brand to me. Love thier trailer step boarding system and their trailers in general, I really hope to have one for myself in a couple more years, hopefully the P II, if not the Sabre FTD which I would think would fish like a much larger boat. This is coming from a former Ranger owner, I just don't want you guys to think Im dissing BC, because they will make my next boat.