Diamond....what to do what to do?

[Bricball]

I have been shopping for the "right" boat for several months now. Torn between buying an older aluminum boat or older fiberglass model. I am a big guy 6'2" 250lbs+ so, I felt like I needed something that was going to be stable enough for me and my 6 yr. old boy.
I figured I wanted a 17' boat or larger with at least a 90hp motor. Looked at older Basstrackers, Lowe's, Skeeter's, Cajun's, Procraft and Stratos.
All of them decent, but had issues surround the hull's or stability. Aluminum models in my price range used pop rivets that could leak, older fiberglass models had rot issues in the transom or stringers. All of this made my head spin!!!
I almost gave up and figured I would have to bank my money and try to save for a more expensive rig $10k or more.
I think I am a very lucky person right now.... I found a diamond...in a barn.

A friend of a friend called me concerning buying a boat. He knew little about it on the phone, but his friends father is older (70's) and wanted to sell his boat that he had not used since 1991. I reluctantly contacted the gentlemen and he told me that it was a Ranger..but couldnt remember the model or anything. (Remember he is older) and that he bought it brand new in 89. He had taken it out about 10 times total since new, and his son's were grown and he didnt have any grandchildren.
I set up a time to go out and see it, cancelling a couple of times due to family issues. I finally was able to go out today...and this is what I saw. 1989 Ranger 680c, Johnson 115, Ranger trail. Covered in an inch of dust. All original.
PERFECT GEL COAT...smooth as a babies butt, PERFECT Solid FLOORING(jumped up and down on it and even took a ball ping hammer to tap in places I know that water collects, PERFECT Solid TRANSOM...impeccable.... Original seats, no rips, carpet is perfect,
$2500. For my first bass boat....that I think I could take on even bigger water (Canada, Michigan, Minnesota lakes) I figure ...even if I have to get a new motor...I am still WAYYY Ahead with a boat that I can pass to my 6 yr. old son. What do you think? Is it a deal?
Any idea's on how to "modernize" the boat a little. It doesnt have a speedo on the console and it also has an old lowrance flasher. I was thinking of putting a nice lowrance with a GPS on the console. Also maybe taking off the Johnson and putting something newer on it with a Jackplate. The rims on the trailer are rusty but the tires arent cracked and have great tread. Maybe sandblast the trailer and line X it? ANY IDEAS? or should I just leave it alone?

[bpberry]

great looking boat! I would buy it. Just a word of advice though, since it has been sitting, check for dirt dauber nests and any other insect nests in the cowling before running it, I bought a 93 stratos that is real clean like that, but had to gt the engine rebuilt (evinrude 225) because it ingested sand from dirt daubers nest. mine sat for a while and didnt get used and that is where the problem started.


I wouldnt let that boat go, and I would try to do as little as possible to it , to keep costs down, so when you upgrade you can sell and make money off the deal towards new one.

[Bricball]

Here are some more pics. Like I said....the console doesnt have any speedo's or tack, etc...its just switches and the old flasher... but damn...its in awesome shape.

[javelin90]

Looks like a solid boat and good deal. I would see how the motor runs first. Probalby need carb rebuilt. Depending on the dealer it is around $200. Compression check before doing anything to it. If anything add a gps it will provide you with the speed on most models. I would not add a jackplate as you will not see alot of return for the amount of speed or handling. Keep it simple as another member said and will make money on this one when you do sell it. You can't ask for a better board for help and support on boats, motors or pretty much anything.
Good luck,
Garland

[Bricball]

Thanks, I figured that if anything was wrong it would be the engine, but the old gent said he fully expects it to start and run. He is keeping it in the barn for me until March, (cas it's freezing cold here). The tilt and trim on the Johnson works as well as the trolling motor. So the batteries arent totally drained. He unhooked the gas tanks and took them out to drain them (showed them to me outside of the boat). If figure, that I have some room to play with getting anything fixed on it. Even if I have to buy a new motor.

[Hometownhandyman]

Sell it back to Ranger for their museum if they have one.....

[totalbeverage]

Why is it that I can't find something like this

I would stick the cash in his had on the spot and drove away with it

You need to get this boat! or you could bring it to me and double your money

[Bricball]

Already did!....its freezing cold up here and he is keeping it in the barn for me until it warms up. I am going to take it directly to get the motor checked out and see whats up with it. I mean to tell you that the boat is literally in MINT condition for the year(89). Just minimal little things to do to make it fishable. Probably put my minnkota on it, take the flasher off and put a new fishfinder with GPS on it, pedastal front seat and then I am going to see how it fishes for a while.. If I like the way it fishes I will keep it and tweak it....if it doesn't fit me I will probably still keep it and give it to my 6yr old son (lol). I am always looking for a good deal. I think I got one. Once I get it out of the barn and cleaned up...I will put more pics on here.