Lately my kids have been pressing me on the issue of getting a ski boat this year so we can tube, ski, wakeboard and have other families out on the lake with us. Seeing that I'm not fishing nearly as much as I'd like these days, am I crazy to be considering this? The thought of not having my Ranger is a tough pill to swallow. Any thoughts are appreciated.
That is a hard decision. The loss of my fishing boat would really hurt, but I would consider it if it brought the family together. I think the answer depends on the family. Yes they want to go out in a family boat and that sounds exciting, but you know that time on the water is hard work, tiring, frustrating, and weather conditions can make it uncomfortable. Are they the outdoor type? Is hard physical activity fun for them? Look there is no polite way to say this, but some just like to be entertained and my guess is that a family chained to a video game lifestyle is going to want to go three times a year. And then they want to be guests and not participants in a sport. There may be some signs to look for. If you are a family that camps together. Bikes together. How many times have the wife and kids showed interest in the boat you have now? Then it sounds like a home run. Your long term family dynamic will not change with the purchase of a boat. Best wishes and I think that it says a lot about you to consider itPersonally I hope that you look at it and it is the right decision.
When a friend of mine wanted to buy a bass boat his wife said only if he got a fish n Ski so they would have more of a family boat to ski, tube etc. SO, he bought Stratos fish n ski and his wife and daughter went with him in the boat a total of 4 times.
He always regretted that he just didn't get what he wanted to start with.
Not knowing how many you want out on the boat we do all that with my 492vs. Nothing better than when the skier gets cocky and we trim the motor out some!!!! Took some time to get used to partially throttling the boat up on plane and getting the skier started. First try we floored it and it was way to much power for the skier to hang on to the rope!
92 492vs. 92 Suzuki 225 EFI
get a ski pole or use the rear trailer eyes on boat to pull a tube and see how long they keep going and have fun. if they really go alot then maybe make the switch then
Keep the Ranger and buy a used ski/pontoon/runabout to take the family out. Just think how you will feel when a few bass boats fly by you and your stuck in that ski boat you will be kicking yourself for getting rid of that 521(great boat).. Just get a used boat to keep family happy and when they lose interest you can sell or not have alot into it.
I went from a 2010 Z520 to a 2011 Ranger Reata 210VS so that my kids and grandkids could enjoy the water with me. Probably the best move I've made in my boating career and the most versatile rig on the market. There are other fish & ski boats out there (Ranger calls the Reata a Fish & Play), but none that really compare with the Reata's features and quality.
With the 225 Yamaha V-Max 4 stroke, it's a 60 mph boat.
The front deck, while not as huge as my previous bass boats, works quite well if you install the optional deck extension. I'm using a Terrova trolling motor, which took a while to get used to as opposed to a cable actuated troller. It helps with the deck space.
The rear deck is almost as large as the one on the Z520, so no complaints from anyone fishing with me.
The front seats are great, sitting you up a little higher, the adjust forward & back and they swivel.
The windshield offers much more protection than on a dual console bass boat. However, I look right at the top frame of the windshield (annoying), so I'm actually fabricating some pieces of aluminum to raise the front seats about 2 inches, then everything will be perfect.
The carpet snaps in and out.
While the on-board storage is different than a bass boat, you just have to be a little more creative in how you load everything in the boat.
I could go on and on. It's just simply a great boat!
i think you should jump at this, trade that beaut in for a nice shiny 620vs with 250 proxs, be great to have new family boat that fishes pretty close to bass boat!
cheers
pete
Here is what I do and it works great. I have my Ranger, but when the family wants to go out to play we rent a deck boat for the day. Do this 2 or 3 times a year and is ideal for us.
I would recommend you keep your Ranger and try this route a couple of times to see how it goes. You then can decide if it makes since to sell the Ranger and get something else or just stick with renting one when needed. Call it a test drive of sorts.
I used to take family in my bassboat all the time...pack a picnic...one rod each...tubes etc.....when the fun is done have an on boat family tourney..biggest fish etc winner gets to pic choice of restaurant for dinner... I always used to threaten the broccoli barn..lol
Very best family times were in my Ranger bassboat. Plus you still feel great when you get home and see your bassboat in the driveway.
Good luck with your decision
P.S. pic nice small pretty lakes off the beaten path......
Oh ya and get a swim ladder installed and maybe a stereo too!
Hmmmmm couldn't do it, i use my boat to get away from the family!
If its got boobs, tires, siding, or an outboard motor you have trouble!!!
Think about it a little more before you do it. You'll miss your Ranger!
2007 Z21 / 250 PRO X/S
The problems we face today exist because the people who work for
a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living.
Had the same issue. Saved up and bought a great clean 98 Caravelle. $5000 Now when my family wants to go out we can. Crazy to have his and her boats, but it works.
Why can't you use your Ranger for recreational use? I have pulled skiers and tubers many of times with my 198. It's plenty big enough and definately has the A$$ to get anyone up on plane. If you don't think this is going to work, then yes, sell it. You will regret lost time spent with the family in the long run. Good luck either way.
I still think you should give the Ranger 210 Reata a close look.
Can you ski & tube out of a bass boat? Sure you can.
Will there be ample room for skis, tubes, water toys,etc.? Don't think so.
Is it safe to carry 4, 5 or 6 people in a bass boat? Yes, as long as you're going to keep your speed under about 25 mph and bungee your kids to the deck. I know from personal experience that kids can be "launched" off the deck of a bass boat if the water is rough or you hit the wake of another boat (which is part of the fun of tubing).
Will your kids want to bring along their friends? Sure they will! You're family of 4 just became a family of 6.
Can you be "fined" for having too many people on your boat? Yes you can. Saw this happen to two ladies and their 4 kids on a Ranger Z21.
Does having a "second" boat for family fun make sense? It does if you can afford the extra cash for the boat, have a place (or money) to store it, don't mind paying more fees (lake permit, boat registration, trailer registration, etc.) and don't mind paying to maintain another vessel (tires, batteries, routine maintenance, repairs, etc.)
I've owned 9 bass boats in the past 15 years. Everyone told me that I would regret going from my Ranger Z520 to a Ranger 210 Reata. So far, everyone was WRONG.
One other thing to consider, a "hard-loaded" Reatta can be had for about $15,000.00 LESS than a Z521. Sell your boat, buy a new or slightly used Reata and put some cash in your pocket.
I must be having one of my "OLD GEEZER" moments. I keep calling my Reata the "210". It is actually a "211".
Please forgive me.
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