Re: Are Ranger Boats still a "Ranger" ?
Ranger boats had the advantage for many years of being tied to the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. They sponsored many pro's and events. The average Joe buying their boats also paid for all that sponsorships by paying a premium price for a Ranger boat. Ranger recipricated by producing one of the best boats on the market for many years, quality wise. They're resale value couldn't be matched.<br /><br />Times changed. Ranger is no longer in fashion like it once was and Forrest Wood doesn't own the company, it's now part of the GenMar conglomeration. <br /><br />As for the quality, everyone else caught up. In the late 70's through the mid 80's there were plenty of fly-by-night boat builders out there producing less than quality boats, time has shaken them out of the trees. Now, most all bassboat manufacturers are making stuff just as good as Ranger so now you start looking beyond the workmanship.<br /><br />Rangers are a nice boat to fish out of but their handling and rough water capabilities don't match the high price. If I'm spending Ranger prices I think I should be buying a boat that's not only well built, fishes well but also gets me there in comfort with handling to take on the worst conditions. Ranger's only meeting a couple of those criteria. I can find just as good or better for thousands less.<br /><br />The resale value is no longer what it was either.<br />Shop around and test drive before you buy anything.
