Patriot boats

[fishtrap]

Did you check out the new Patriot boats at the walleye expo in Shokapee. Priced right

[john]

I was anything but impressed, they need alot of work in my estimation. They had a tiller there that was a prototype, this thing was so poorly laid out that I wouldn't have bothered even putting it in the show.

[Bad Finger]

Looked at them, not impressed..... Where would you put the kicker!!??

[catman]

you put a panther mount on for your kicker

[Bad Finger]

True, you could do that. Then you would need a TR-1 or Panther Steer to operate the motor. There is nowhere to sit back there!

[fishtrap]

Bad finger, you attach a stearing bar to the main moter

[Bad Finger]

1. Not my style. Been there, done that, will never have anything but a tiller kicker.

2. Have either of you actually looked at these boats?

[Seen em up close]

I read the article, I saw them last year at the shows and I saw them again this year. Bad Boat? No. Room to grow, oh yes! The boat will do as promised and does run well. The price is low enough to entertain more interest than the boat would normally recieve. The hull failure claims are right on, these guys have been building boats in Canada for a long time and have had none fail. That is a plus. The guys selling them are geniune, honest and I have been told customer service is job one for them. That being said, that is where my likes end. I do not like the no leg space under the consoles. Like standing against a wall. I do not think the fit and finnish is there, yet. The ones I saw were better than last year. I dont like all the caulking points in and around the splashwell. And I think they need to work on a little better seam there too. I actually like the high front deck, but not the crowned effect, and I do not like non skid floors. Also it is a bit of a hop from the running deck to the casting deck. I am not a big fan of those hatches everywhere either. Yes they are functional, but the make the boat look like an offering from the early 80's, a saltwater model that is being hastily marketed to walleye anglers. The mold tooling is good, but not great. And to me, the finish on the gel coat seemed, well, dull and blotchy. I am not attacking the folks at Patriot, but I am listing my honest opinions of the boat. face it, if I built a boat myself, it would not look anything as nice as a Patriot is. However, as I said I think there is plenty of room to grow.

[waterfowler]

I crawled around in the boat on Friday night. For my style of fishing, it would be a nice boat, without all the carpet that is. I think for the price, it's a decent boat. Compare the 1710 to the 617 Ranger had there and you save quite a few dollars..... Specifically what didn't you guys like besides being able to mount a kicker on it. The Ranger is the same way, need the lift and everything. I would make some changes to the counsel. I'd like to see some storage in the sides for "junk", bouy markers ect.. Minor things, but seems like a great price for a glass boat. Sure it's not perfect, but it's also not in the Ranger price range. It reminds me of the Starcraft Citori, sort of....

[Bad Finger]

The no carpet feature is one of my only likes. I don't understand the transom design. It's like a I/O design with an outboard bolted on. At least there is a place to sit back there in a Ranger. Stick your hand too far into most any compartment and get the band-aids. The glass shards will tear you up. (Same thing on the Tuffy they had there)

The whole boat seems loose. The console felt like I could grab them and rip them out without much effort. The consoles on most glass boats are part of the Cap.

To be honest, I didn't give them much time, maybe 2 minutes before I moved on. Didn't even care to check the price...???

[waterfowler]

What did you think of the 617 sitting there?? I'd sure like one of those....but mama says no way on spending that much on a boat right now.

[Eyecon]

I would have to second that "not impressed", they have alot of work to do!

[Bad Finger]

waterfowler,

Yes, all of the Rangers are very nice boats. I prefer the side console over the full windshield in that size boat. If you get a chance, take a close look at the Yarcraft 1785 wrangler. Compares right up there with the best 17 foot class glass boats. The price is a lot easier to take.

Actually the boat I was drooling over was that Warrior V193. Now that is one nice rig! A guy really needs about 5 boats to cover every kind of walleye fishing situation.

Good Luck Searching.

[RedTheRangerMan]

Actually, there is a move in the industry to bolted in consoles. It is all in how they are done that makes them good or bad.

Ranger used to have all consoles as part of the cap mold.It was the strongest and best way to go at that time. A console glassed in was much more solid and stable and helped reinforce the cap itself.

If you look at many of the boats out there now, there are more and more bolt in consoles. Ranger went this route for several reasons. Here are a couple. First, you dont need to have 2 or three different cap molds. This cuts down on your cost due to not needing all the extra tooling and labor.

Also, should you purchase a single console boat, and change your mind down the road, Ranger will want your hull ID# and they can make one exactly for your boat, and your dealer will install it.

Ranger also not only bolts the consoles in but they are bonded in place. When the installation is completed, you basically have consoles that are part of the boat, not an add on.

So, to get to the bottom of a long winded point, I would not look down on a boat just beacause it has bolt in consoles. It is in how it is done that matters.

[RedTheRangerMan]

Waterfowler, I can see where Momma might think the 617 is expensive. But just let her get in a few of the other brands in the same size/class.

Have her look around at the little things. Talk with the salesman or a pro at the shows, see how much attention to detail there is. Look through the catalog and let her do the same.

List all the standard features of each brand. Make sure you have quality trailers under the others.

Make sure the motors are identical, both horse power and Opti/etc. Is there a ss prop on each?

How many extras does the dealer have installed? There is so much to see and learn about Rangers in comparison to other boats.

Consider ordering one exactly to your specs., with the options and features you want. Or consider a 617 that is one or two seasons old. There are a few of them out there that are in excellent shape. If you talk to those selling them, most times they are going for a larger Ranger.

I personally think re sale value should not be a major factor in buying a boat, however, it is something to consider if part of your buying decision is selling/upgrading in the future.

Point out the JD Power ratings that were bestowed upon Ranger late last year. Ranger stands behind their boats. From the dealer on up to the factory.

There are a lot of good boats aout there and a few great ones. Choose wisely and you will never regret the purchase you make. Include Momma in they buying process and it will be the best decision you ever made.

[walleyes13]

Why didn't they stick with the glassed in consoles if they indeed are the strongest. Warrior glasses them in and they are very strong. I was just wondering if you knew why and why they don't now. Thanks.