Ranger Angler

[MAJ1966]

Alright you Ranger owners....I'm pretty sure I will be a owner of one in the near future, but not sure if the Angler is enough boat. I fish alot on Lake Francis Case in South Dakota, and Lewis and Clark Lake in South Dakota, and a few trips up to Leech Lake. All of these lakes can get rough in a hurry and make for a miserable trip back to the dock.
I currently own a Alumacraft Tourney Pro 175 w a 125 Mariner. Been a good boat and no complaints, i just never had a glass boat and hear they ride so much better in rough water?
The engine choices are either the 150 Yami 4 stroke, or a 175 Merc Verado, of which adds more coin to the picture, and is the max hp the boat is rated for. Also the boat will have to walk thru windshield.
Pros or cons with either set up??

[CLDFRNT]

No cons. I love my Ranger.
Good luck Mark N

[Runaway]

I briefly looked at the Angler series due to the lower cost, but opted for the Fisherman 619. 3 stage hull vs 2 stage hull on the Angler. don't really know if I would of known the difference, but have been impressed with the boat so far. I'm sure I would of been just as happy in the Angler series .

[BW]

You will always be better off with a bigger boat, but the 619 is considerably more money. I love my 1850, basically same boat as the angler. I would go with the verado if you are on big water. Better hole shot, more low end grunt I guess. If you are able to handle that water in your current boat, the angler will be considerably better. Nothing wrong with the Yamaha as far as reliability, but I was not impressed with low end. That is why I went with the etec. Less maintenance also.

[cprost]

When I ordered mine this spring I went with the Yamaha 4 stroke. I run mine a on Erie so I familiar with big water. Hole shot is not great but acceptable on a fishing boat and it moves well through the waves. I do a bit of trolling and needed to be able to work two guys out of the back, netting rigging, etc. with the side pods the 620/619 looks cramped for that. Three could probably be comfortable working in the way back on the 1860. The 1860 is wider than the 619 and has a significant amount of storage. The only reason I could see going to a 619 is that extra foot of length for spanning waves but then you would be better off with a 620. The 619 guys probably get a another 5-6 mph on my 50.5 mph yamaha. Take the extra 3500 you pay for a Verado and add a 4 stroke kicker. That would be my advice. Good luck

[MAJ1966]

cprost......you have the angler i take it? I really like the extra room in the back on the angler. I looked at the fisherman, but you lose floor space in the back with the extra compartments. Someone mentioned that the angler has a 2 stage hull, the fisherman had a 3 stage hull, not sure what the differnence is between the hulls and how they perform.
Then i looked at the specs between the 150 and 175 verado, everytning looked identical, probably the the difference would be a "hotter chip" in the engine.
Do you like your 150 yammie as for speed and reliability?

[cast_and_blast]

I too looked long and hard at the 1860 Angler and wound up with a 1 year old 619vs. I don't do that much trolling so the additional storage space in the back of the 619vs is ideal. Plus, you get additional storage up front too - one side isn't taken up completely by a cooler. Given, you can use the cooler for storage but it's nowhere close to the size of the storage in the front of the 619vs.

If you want a back casting platform (I did) then the Anler poses some problems as well. You could probably fabricate something, but there is nothing available from the factory.

If you go 2-stroke you lose additional storage in the rear compartments as well to house the oil bottle. I think some have had Ranger relocate under the back hatch. If you go Verado with the digital steering isn't there an additional battery for that? I not 100% familiar with the setup so I could be incorrect. Point is, if there is an additional battery that will eat up more storage too.

I also REALLY like the battery storage on the 619vs as well - it's in the floor in the back which makes installation/removal a breeze as well as maintenance.

It didn't hurt that the 619 is rated for a 225 either - that eliminates any performance concerns.

Don't get me wrong - I really, really like the 1860 Angler - it's a great rig and for your type of fishing it may be ideal. For me, I was able to get a great deal on a 1 year old 619vs that put me below the price of a new 1860 Angler - that was the direction I chose.

Good luck and take your time!

Scott

[MAJ1966]

yes, i pull alot of cranks and spinners for walleyes. man talk about a tough decision, i'll buy the boat, then i afraid I will have second thoughts, "gosh I should have went bigger or different style of boat".
A big question still sorta haunts me in a way..........how will a 150 h.p. engine push this boat?

[cast_and_blast]

Let me summarize what I've read - please note that I have no "real water" experieince with the 1860.

F150 Yamaha - not too quick out of the hole, decent top end. Quiet, get extra space via no oil tank. Popular setup but reports are upper 40's for top end. Not sure how this would troll down.

150 Optimax - better holeshot, good top end. Loud, oil tank required, good efficiency. Probably hit 50-51 for top end.

175 Optimax - everything you get with the 150 but with a top end of 52.

150/175 Verado - better holeshot, good top end. Quiet, no oil tank, good efficiency. Might be more $$, but they have recently had some incentives that lower the price.

150 E-tec - better holeshot, good top end. Quieter than the Opti, a bit louder than the F150. No scheduled maintenance for 3 years/300 hours. Probably hit 50-51 for top end.

150 HO E-tec - not sure, haven't seen any reports on this one. I would guess that you'll get maybe 1 mph on the top end.

175 E-tec - Everything that the 150 gives you with maybe 1-2 mph on the top end.


I wish the 1860 Angler was rated for a 200, that would make many folks happy. However, I think it would also put it too close to the 619 for Ranger's comfort. If possible, get out on the water with these rigs and give them a whirl. Take your time to evaluate - each one has their pros/cons - you just need to find the best fir for how you fish.

Good luck!

Scott

[cc-rider]

The comments about the oil tank taking up storage room shouldn't be a factor. The tank sits in the compartment with the starting battery and there is so many other storage locations on this boat....I just don't see how having that extra 1 cubic foot of storage space should ever factor in a decision.

cast_and_blast has it about right. I have the 1850 with a 175 ETEC and I love that set-up. But I've adivsed people to go with the 150 rather than the 175. I don't think that BRP did a good enough job making a real difference between these 2 engines and paying them another $2500 for the extra 25 hp is a waste of money. The way you can tell the difference between the 150 and 175 is with the gps recording 2 more mph and who really cares about that. Dont' get me wrong though....I love my 175 ETEC. I can run at about 5.1 MPG at 27 MPH. It's a great engine.

The Yammi 150 is a pooch out of the hole though. I love those motors, but I just couldn't bring myself around to putting one on because of how weak it was out of the hole. I've never been on one of these Rangers that has a V-Rod on it, but I've heard good things. One more engine you might want to put on your list is the 175 Suzuki 4-stroke which I've heard good things about, but never experienced personally.

Good luck...you'll love a Ranger. They are great boats....

[go ranger]

I've got an older 619, and have been really happy with it. Many people dislike the rear storage in the Fisherman series. I love it, it keeps all my stuff stored away when not in use. I don't have to worry about tripping over a bag or a cooler. I can stand on the compartments to fish or land a fish. For me, it's the perfect setup. I do a lot of trolling, and always have 1 or 2 others in the boat. The space lost to the storage compartments is very minimal because we find ourselves standing or kneeling back there when setting lines or netting fish.

I've had a few people in the boat with me that disliked the rear storage right away. But after spending a day in the boat, their opinion changed completely.

[foxfire]

I have a 2008 1860 Angler with the 150 Yamaha and LOVE it. Hole shot is very good, and top speed is in the low 50's. Love fishing from this boat.

Have a great day.

[cprost]

Suzuki and Verado's were not a consideration for me because the Ranger factory did not hang them on the 1860 and thus the Ranger warranty did not follow them. I would have considered either one if it fit my criteria. I can run 50.5 mph gps but rarely do because lakes around here are too small and Erie, well is Erie. The rear deck is substantial enough to stand on and net walleye in 2' waves without falling in, although, I'm an somewhat agile 38 year old. Like I said, I like storing my plano boxes where the oil tank and battery would go. I seem to need all the room I can get. The 150 will travel at 2.6mph in gear at idle which could be slowed down with bags and my terrova 60 lb thrust will pull it at 1.6 mph, but I use a 9.9 to troll. I can't speak to reliability on the yamaha motor, just broke mine in but the hole shot is behind a two-stroke but not significantly. I can hold a conversation at any rpm with out yelling although there are times that the only way I can tell if it is running is listening for the pee hole water hitting the lake. My Ranger dealer was a mercury/evinrude dealer but I specifically ordered Yamaha's for what it's worth. I can fit mine in my little 19.5 x 19.5 garage ****ed. If you could get a deal on a 619 like the previous poster I would seriously consider it but I can't imagine you wouldn't be happy with the 1860.

[cc-rider]

I have to admit...I really wish my etec were as quiet at idle as the 4 strokes. It isn't loud by any means, but those 4-strokes are sooooo very quiet when idling. I love it. At speed, I think the etec is really close to a 4 stroke, but the 4 stroke still gets the edge.

However, in my opinion, there is absolutely no comparison in hole shot. I know some disagree and a 4 stroke will definately get you up and going, but they just don't compare at all to a 2 stroke in this category.

If hole shot isn't important....I think that the 4 strokes are definate contenders.

Another cosideration is fuel mileage. A Yammi F150 burns 0.7 gph at idle. An etec burns 0.2 gph at idle. Think about that...that is a tiny amount of fuel. While up and running, they are pretty close.

[eye4aneye]

I've got an 1860/150 opti and T8. The oil tank isn't an issue, put it in the bilge ahead of the big motor. My biggest gripe about the boat is probably the water that comes over the bow when it's rough and you're just up front fishing...not really huge amounts but enough that when it's really cold out you know it.

Overall, I think it is a very good fishing package for a guy who trolls AND jigs. Boat control is superior to tin boats in wind (except maybe the ProV) because of the low profile. Second biggest gripe is that it doesn't track well at all in reverse when the livewell is full.

The boat does handle big water quite well when underway. I can't say I would trade it for any other 18 footer I have fished out of for overall versatility, ride and control in wind. You won't find a full windshield boat that is easier to control (of course you'll notice that the windshield is very short compared to most, too).

Rod storage is outstanding and probably the reason I bought the boat. Dry storage is good, haven't had trouble with water in compartments.

If they could do anything differently . . . flat transom, better bow shape and give us the option for a glass floor throughout...no carpet.

[Matt V]

I have to admit...I really wish my etec were as quiet at idle as the 4 strokes. It isn't loud by any means, but those 4-strokes are sooooo very quiet when idling. I love it. At speed, I think the etec is really close to a 4 stroke, but the 4 stroke still gets the edge.

However, in my opinion, there is absolutely no comparison in hole shot. I know some disagree and a 4 stroke will definately get you up and going, but they just don't compare at all to a 2 stroke in this category.

If hole shot isn't important....I think that the 4 strokes are definate contenders.

Another cosideration is fuel mileage. A Yammi F150 burns 0.7 gph at idle. An etec burns 0.2 gph at idle. Think about that...that is a tiny amount of fuel. While up and running, they are pretty close.


Take a look at the Verado Owner's website. TeamLund posted a video of his 18' ProV with a 175 Verado. The boat get's up on plane almost instantly, I just can't believe any 2 stroke is going to get on plane any faster than this. Maybe I am wrong , but it can't be more that a 1/2 second faster...

[BCLII]

I have a 2008 1860 Angler with the 150 Yamaha and LOVE it. Hole shot is very good, and top speed is in the low 50's. Love fishing from this boat.

Have a great day.

foxfire, what prop are you running on your rig?

[bob1]

I have a Ranger Reata 1850VS with the Yamaha F150. It is a bit slow out of the hole. I get just over 50MPH on a good day. I love the boat.

This boat would be much better if it were rated for a 200 HP motor. This boat would handle 200 HP easily.

Bob

[angler53]

I have a Ranger Reata 1850VS with the Yamaha F150. It is a bit slow out of the hole. I get just over 50MPH on a good day. I love the boat.

This boat would be much better if it were rated for a 200 HP motor. This boat would handle 200 HP easily.

Bob

I have the same set up, Bob. I agree with you that this boat would be great with 200hp. I have inquired as to why not and it's a weight issue. It could be more an issue of competition with other models, though.
Speaking of handling, do you feel that this hull is somewhat squirrely at the top end? I find that as long as I maneuver very softly its ok, but anything remotely approaching aggressive handling could possibly cause fright :shocked:
I'm running a 19 three blade yamaha prop and I've been looking at maybe trying a powertech four blade 17. How does yours handle and what is your set up?

[2Labs]

I have a Ranger Reata 1850VS with the Yamaha F150. It is a bit slow out of the hole. I get just over 50MPH on a good day. I love the boat.

This boat would be much better if it were rated for a 200 HP motor. This boat would handle 200 HP easily.

Bob


I have been wondering about that, especially inlight of the fact that the 1760 Angler is now rated for a 150 hp motor. The 1860 is a ton more boat and deserves a 200. BUT, maybe that 175 hp rating on the 1860 was a marketing move to keep it from stealing sales from theh 619?

[fish4trophy]

I have a 2007 Ranger Angler 1860 with an F 150 and a T-8 Kicker topped off with the Terrova 101. I'm very happy with this and would get it again. My top end with me in it alone and maybe another not too big a person is around 49. I'm sure if the kicker were off and a few less batteries and tackle, I'd get a mile or two better on top end. the F-150 is very economical and I'm happy with the hole shot with me in it alone. I drove this exact same rig with a 175 ETEC and it had better hole shot and another one or two miles at top end. I didn't see the benefit for the extra bucks. When I fish three people, I usually put on a 19 inch prop in place of the 21 I normally run. If you like your current boat on big water, you'll like this better. My whole focus is on fishing and so hole shot or top end have never caught me any fish. I have the trollmaster and that makes it a great trolling rig. I went with the F150 also because of it's reputation for reliability and actually quizzed a number of shop folks about which motor they see the least of and the Yamaha F-150 came up tops.

[foxfire]

foxfire, what prop are you running on your rig?

The factory put on a Yamaha, three blade, 21 pitch prop.

[2Labs]

My Ranger dealer was a mercury/evinrude dealer but I specifically ordered Yamaha's for what it's worth. I can fit mine in my little 19.5 x 19.5 garage ****ed.


Cprost ... help???? How the heck can you get your 1860 with Yamaha into a 19.5x19.5 garage?

I want an 1860. BUT, overall length with the swing trailer open, the engine down, and the engine turned full lock was 21'5". Pamp's in Green Bay tried every which way to shorten that length but could not.

My double garage is only 21'3" long, leaving me with 2 or 3 inches of too much trailer length. Turning the tongue to the side won't help because the wide beam of the boat will wind up against the side of the garage before the tongue is inside the garage.

How the heck did you do it?????

[Spock]

I wouldn't worry too much about the angler handling larger water, as I have a reatta 1850 and it spends a lot of time on a little lake known as the Tasman Sea (Although not to far off shore).

I run an opti 175 proxs on the back and she jumps straight out of the hole and with the motor just run in she gives a top end in the mid 50's in tournament mode (2 x anglers, gear, full fuel and livewell). It doesnt have a kicker, but I run a terrova on it. Unless your running WOT all day the opti is surpringly good on fuel as well.

[cprost]

I have 1 7X16 garage door, I back it up the middle of the drive way, I put the boat at an angle with the motor in one back corner of the garage and the tongue in the opposite front corner. With the swing away tongue it fits nicely with room to squeeze by on one side. I have to be careful with the f150 because it is close to the top of the door. I had a 1775 that I did the same with but it took up more room because of the swing away. I'll try to take pictures and post. Somebody earlier posted about the reliability of the Yamaha and that is why I chose it but I don't want to get in an arguement about which motor is better. Just look at the posts in the motor section and come to your own conclusions.

[2Labs]

I have 1 7X16 garage door, I back it up the middle of the drive way, I put the boat at an angle with the motor in one back corner of the garage and the tongue in the opposite front corner. With the swing away tongue it fits nicely with room to squeeze by on one side.


Thanks, CPROST. I should have realized that is how you did it.

It would take up my entire garage and the cars/truck would be sitting outside. Something makes me suspect that my wife would be a tad unhappy with that situation.

Guess I am stuck with an 18 footer max. My Pike18 fits in nicely. Unfortunately, the 1760 Angler isn't anywhere near the boat the 1860 Angler is. But, maybe it will do -- I have some more time to think about it before I buy.

[fish4trophy]

Foxfire

Yes the factory put on a 21 inch prop. It runs at about 5600 fully trimmed out and the local techs as well as the Ranger Rep said that is not a problem for the F150. Again, alone and especially with a 1/2 tank of fuel including the T-8, three batteries up front, it gets out of the hole easily. Different story with three people, full livewell and extra stuff

[MAJ1966]

Wow, lots of replys. I am pretty much set on the ranger boat. I like the angler alot and the floor layout with the open back. Just with the fisherman series had an open back. The storage where the 2 back seats are, seems somewhat cramped. I mostly fish with 2 people in the boat, at times 3 when we perch fish up on Leech Lake. Not sure whats in store for the 2010 boats and if any new designs?
As far as engines, top hp is 175, for the angler. Im not sure what the difference would be bewteen the 150 yammie, and the 175 merc verado, other than price, of which I believe is quite higher for the merc.
Some say the merc out performs the yammie in hole shot and top speed.
We will see, the price difference would allow me to buy a kicker with the yammie set up, but also not sure how far down the yammie will go down to as far as running cranks.

[fish4trophy]

You will want the kicker, it works real well and the F 150 won't be slow enough to pull cranks. I have the T-8 and with the trollmaster, it is really slick. I believe you'll love the Angler. I got mine after looking for a number of years and would get it again. Hole shot isn't a huge thing with me and even with two or three people if you prop it right will be decent.

[1860 Owner]

Wow, lots of replys. I am pretty much set on the ranger boat. I like the angler alot and the floor layout with the open back. Just with the fisherman series had an open back. The storage where the 2 back seats are, seems somewhat cramped. I mostly fish with 2 people in the boat, at times 3 when we perch fish up on Leech Lake. Not sure whats in store for the 2010 boats and if any new designs?
As far as engines, top hp is 175, for the angler. Im not sure what the difference would be bewteen the 150 yammie, and the 175 merc verado, other than price, of which I believe is quite higher for the merc.
Some say the merc out performs the yammie in hole shot and top speed.
We will see, the price difference would allow me to buy a kicker with the yammie set up, but also not sure how far down the yammie will go down to as far as running cranks.

Ask 100 people you will get 100 opinions. Here's mine. I'm on my 3rd year with my 1860. I have the Merc 150 Optimax and a merc 9.9 bigfoot kicker. For me this setup works great. It's all in what you want. For me hole shot is more important then top speed. You need hole shot every time you move, how often do you need top speed? 47-48 mph top speed is good enough for me. I chose the 1860 for the same reasons you list. I liked the extra space over the fisherman series. I'm a weekend angler not a tournament fisherman although the 1860 performs well in tournaments too. I too considered the 175hp but for me the extra 2-3 mph top end wasn't worth the extra cost. I have done nothing with the big Merc but change the lower end oil every spring. Still using the original spark plugs with over 200 hrs on the motor to date. Motor is running great. Just spent 7 days on a Canadian fishing trip fishing 12-14 hours a day. Best of luck in your decision. If it's the 1860 you won't regret it.