| Author | Message | ||||||||||||
| Redskeeter
Minnow Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 22 Registered: 8-2007  Rating: N/A |
I'm thinking about changing boat models. I've been with Skeeter since 1984.. That's a long time.. I really like the Ranger Z-22 it's big and can handle some rough water.. I test drove one today, and it's very BIG.. Maybe too big.. I liked it though. Do any of you have a newer Ranger--pros/cons thanks Billy | ||||||||||||
| Picou
Wall Hanger Username: Picou Post Number: 2723 Registered: 8-2004  Rating: N/A |
Dean can give you a lengthy laundry list of issues he has had with his Ranger Bay boat... Personally, I think Skeeter makes the better boat but that is just my opinion and I'm a Skeeter guy.  Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
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| Charles
Moderator Username: Charles Post Number: 964 Registered: 7-2004 Rating: N/A |
Billy, Dean would be the guy to speak with as far as Rangers go. I take clients out a few times a year on Fork. The guide I use has been a die hard Skeeter owner for years. The last time I was out with him he was in the process of trying to get into a Ranger. I asked why and he said he has been having to many structal issues with Skeeter (his last two boats) and displeased with Skeeters lack of honoring their warranty. When I buy another boat I will consider a Ranger (Z20. More than Likely I would get another Basscat. I have been completely satisfied with my current Basscat. The few minor issues I have had with it Rockwall Marine and Basscat have stepped up to the plate to take care of the issue. Charles aka "Wished my tournament partner was as good as yours"  | ||||||||||||
| Redskeeter
Minnow Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 24 Registered: 8-2007 Rating: N/A |
Charles aka "Wished my tournament partner was as good as yours" LMAOOOOOO !!!!!!! She's better look'n too.. hehehehe !!!. Charles, that wouldn't be Jimmy would it? He and I have talked about his issues. I really don't have any issues with my boat, it's absolutly great.. I just want a bigger boat, and I've never had a Ranger. If you look at the back deck area on the Z22 it's gigantic. My partner is complaining about my ZX225 being to small.. If I can get a Kitchen pass on a new Boat.. I gotta take it. Billy | ||||||||||||
| Charles
Moderator Username: Charles Post Number: 965 Registered: 7-2004 Rating: N/A |
Billy, Out of respect for the guide and possible negative ramifications I'd rather not mention who it is on a public forum. Feel free to email me if you would like to know who it is. BTW: I know one of the owners of Diamond Sports Marine. However, I don't think it would do you much good in getting a better deal on boat. | ||||||||||||
| Rumbanator
Bluegill Username: Rumbanator Post Number: 157 Registered: 3-2006  Rating: N/A |
Is Mike Garner still part owner of Diamond Charles? | ||||||||||||
| Charles
Moderator Username: Charles Post Number: 966 Registered: 7-2004 Rating: N/A |
Rumbanator, Unless something has changed I believe he is still part owner. How do you know him? | ||||||||||||
| Redskeeter
Minnow Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 26 Registered: 8-2007 Rating: N/A |
I now hear the TTT is no longer going too be in existence any more... I may just wait a little while and see what plays out in the near Future.. The TTT had a very good incentive pay out for Ranger owners. | ||||||||||||
| Picou
Wall Hanger Username: Picou Post Number: 2728 Registered: 8-2004 Rating: N/A |
Both of you -- KMA Unless you are converting over to FLW events, I would stick with a boat that has contengency money in other events. Does Ranger participate in a contengency program with anyone other than FLW? Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
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| Rumbanator
Bluegill Username: Rumbanator Post Number: 158 Registered: 3-2006 Rating: N/A |
I fished with him twice on Cooper when they were still in Commerce right before the lake muddied up and after. | ||||||||||||
| Dean
Crappie Username: Dean Post Number: 560 Registered: 4-2004  Rating: N/A |
Wow - Cant believe it has been so long since I was here last... This thread is right up my ally Redskeeter - Ranger Boats huh? Well - I am neutral even though I have had excessive issues with my Ranger. My Ranger is a 2300 Bay and I have had so many problems it is not even funny - everyone here can vouch for me. Lets see if I can list my issues: Fiberglass structur under console collapsed Excessive cracks in gel-coat pumps - live and wash down - failing religiously fading of gel coat cavitation problem guages not working welds cracked on rear roller on trailer by transome saver swing jack leanes precariously and it was impossible to move the trailer around - too much weight? without looking back - this is what I remember now - Then Ranger gave me a new hull: everything was great for aout a year - then pump issues started up again easy cavitation continued deck delaminated from stringers foam filler is insufficient and fish box will not keep ice. Sent the boat to Ranger: they secured deck and reinforced T-Top mounting with longer screws (T-Top is aftermarket) they took the 6in jack plate off and put a 12in jack plate on significantly reducing cavitation but not completely they fixed a few other minor things but cannot do anything about the lack of foam filling - short of cutting it up and filling it or replacing the hull. A few points to consider: I use a bay boat for offshore activities often I push the vessel to its limits with regards to wave action I use it nearly weekly Having said this - Ranger has stood behind their product - compared to many horror stories I hear abroad. Many people are really getting shafted out there - I mean for over $100K in many cases. I like Ranger because they have a good warranty position. There is no telling if I would have had the problems I had with the second hull if I had only used it in nice water - but that is not why I bought a Ranger - I wanted a boat that would be bullet proof. I personnally picked it up from Ranger and they were closed when I did - but they made arrangments for me to pick it up. They were very respectful and their willingness to support their product is the ONLY reasons I would consider giving Ranger any kind of consideration.. I hear the bass boats are superior though?. PQ has been onboard with me and can attest to how I drive - I am rough but not excessive. Anyhow - I would not rule out a Ranger Bass boat. From what I hear and can find - I am the only one having these kind of issues with a Ranger. Suzuki motor has also had a lot of problems as well as the dealer I bought from.... This boat has been a nightmare for me overall. Good Luck with your decision! Feel free to ask any questions - All In A Days Fun!!!  
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| Redskeeter
Minnow Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 30 Registered: 8-2007 Rating: N/A |
Wow !!! Thanks Dean... There is a lot to consider in what you say.... My Skeeter has been a gem.. but I don't go offshore nor am I in salt water.. Being originally for the Corpus Christi/Port A area I know what that environment can do to Boats and people.. Thanks again Billy |
