Storage-Pro-V vs. Ranger Fisherman?

[Ruddiger]

Howdy,

I have owned Lunds and Rangers and have always been very pleased with their design, quality, fishability and overall performance. They are, in my opinion, top of the line in their class. I have not, however, been able to compare them side by side and jump from one to another at the dealer.

Having said that here is my question:

Which boat, all things being equal, has more storage?

For example, if you compared a 1900 Pro-V to a 619 Fisherman, or a 2025 Pro-V to a 620 Fisherman, which boat holds more stuff? Particularly fishing essentials like Plano boxes, life vests, batteries, gas, rods etc. Also, while I know Lund does not have bone dry storage in their Pro-V boats, how wet is it?

Again, not trying to stir the pot, but with Cabin fever beginning to set in, and the boat buying season starting to kick off, I must admit to being at least a bit curious about going back to a Lund (especially after spending the entire day detailing my Ranger’s carpet).

Thanks,

Ruddiger

[RDJ]

Which did you think had more storage? Since you've owned both you should have a good idea of which has the most storage..

[K Gonefishin]

Granted I'm a troller so I spend most of my time in the back of the boat and at the console but for me personally I don't like crawling around up front digging around in bins that aren't shaped like squares or rectangles and find them cumbersome to store anything in. Although the Pro-V does have alot storage up front I don't consider it nearly as useful storage like the back of a Ranger offers. The back bins on a Ranger offer great areas to store plano boxes up on ends and plenty of space for everything else under the sun, without crawling around up front, plus they act as seats and rigging areas. Me personally I would be lost without them, one reason I don't think I would own a 2050 plus they are probably drier < assuming based on what I have heard and read on here about lund storage. Some aluminum boats have those little compartments all along the sides but I don't care for those either. To small and things can get lost in there. I like man size storage LOL.

[Ruddiger]

Howdy,

I would love to offer my opinion, and would, if I had one.

Unfortunately, the largest Lund that I owned (and the largest I have fished out of by the way) was a 1650 Angler, too small for an honest comparison to a 1900 or 2025 Pro-V. Hence the reason for my actual question.

Now, if you will excuse me, I must return to the bridge you presume that I live under so that I can focus my efforts on offensive posts and eating billygoats.

K Gone............ thanks for your reply, I appreciate your thoughts.

Take care,

Ruddiger

[chevtow]

I own a 620 and my father owns a 2025 or 2050 whatever the model #. I agree with Kgone about the weird size storage on Lund, you gotta shove stuff in every nook and cranny cause of the compartments shape and size. When trolling ,those big Ranger boxes are crazy handy and the storage up front are also big. My dad always has had Lunds but after fishing in my boat he is considering a switch. That being said there are lots of people that feel the other way- it's all personal preference when spending that kind of moolah!!

[JN333]

Howdy,

I have owned Lunds and Rangers and have always been very pleased with their design, quality, fishability and overall performance. They are, in my opinion, top of the line in their class. I have not, however, been able to compare them side by side and jump from one to another at the dealer.

Having said that here is my question:

Which boat, all things being equal, has more storage?

For example, if you compared a 1900 Pro-V to a 619 Fisherman, or a 2025 Pro-V to a 620 Fisherman, which boat holds more stuff? Particularly fishing essentials like Plano boxes, life vests, batteries, gas, rods etc. Also, while I know Lund does not have bone dry storage in their Pro-V boats, how wet is it?

Again, not trying to stir the pot, but with Cabin fever beginning to set in, and the boat buying season starting to kick off, I must admit to being at least a bit curious about going back to a Lund (especially after spending the entire day detailing my Ranger’s carpet).

Thanks,

Ruddiger

Ruddiger

If you are talking about new, then you owe it to yourself to look at the 1975/2075. They redesigned the storage, and in my opinion its real nice. They incorporated slide out drawers that allows you to place plano boxes and almost anything else. They offer 5 separate drawers, plus two sliders on the top gunnels. Check out their web site, they have a video under the 1975/2075 Pro V. For the model year 2010 they will only offer the 1975 and 2010 in the Pro V model.

Happy shopping

JN

[Heiz]

I've sent you a personal message concerning the storage in the new 2075.

[W.W.]

Just to stir the pot......:stirthepot:

Have you looked at the Alumacraft Tournament Sport 195 ?

I,ve been boat shopping and find that I prefer it over the Pro V.


W.W.

[Ruddiger]

Howdy,

Thanks, again, for the replies. I have seen the Gary Roach video many times on the web for the last 6 or 7 months but have not really seen or heard anything concrete on the boat. Even the Lund website seems to be lacking on major details. From what I did see, it looks very sharp. I like the expanded rod storage and, what looks like, dry storage on the bow? I’m not sure what to think about the pull out drawers, only because its such a unique idea for the boat.

As far as storage on a 619 I too like the Ranger layout, the fact they are carpeted and the fact they are dry. Being a caster I do wish they were more boxy up front. I was unaware of the irregular shapes on the Pro-Vs although the 1650 had some angled shapes too. To be honest though, the storage was so limited that it never really held more than an anchor, life vests and batteries in the bow.

Are they actually in mass production at this time? How long is the build time from start to finish? Also, is the tiller model only going to be in the 2075? For those that have fished out of them... can you modify the bow rod storage to holder longer rods by removing/cutting off the tips of the tubes? Also, carpet or vinyl, which do you prefer? I have always had carpet but the vinyl makes a lot of sense.

Finally, on the storage, my 1650 really held a lot of water in the compartments, but that was also 12 years ago. How do the compartments compare now? Additionally, does Lund have a clear coat on the finish? My last one would lose some of the paint whenever I waxed it, similar to waking a car in the mid 80’s. I never lost any paint that you would notice on the sides of the boat, but the rag was always green when I was done detailing it. Is that still the case?

Thanks again,

Ruddiger

[Burr]

I often hear it's a matter of storage preference, more-so than which one can store more.

Some people that have had the storage configured the way Ranger has it in the back are at a loss without that design. It seems it's easy to get used to. Now that the batteries are under the floor, there's a bit more space.

When it comes to overall storage, the Pro V has got more compartment space, without a doubt. The side storage is where a lot of space is added.

The new 1975 and 2075 have redesigned doors in the bow, more like the Ranger bow storage - large doors.

[K Gonefishin]

I often hear it's a matter of storage preference, more-so than which one can store more.

Some people that have had the storage configured the way Ranger has it in the back are at a loss without that design. It seems it's easy to get used to. Now that the batteries are under the floor, there's a bit more space.

When it comes to overall storage, the Pro V has got more compartment space, without a doubt. The side storage is where a lot of space is added.

The new 1975 and 2075 have redesigned doors in the bow, more like the Ranger bow storage - large doors.


I agree, probably has to do with how guys store there stuff as well, some guys use plano boxes for cranks, some guys may use bags with boxes in them, jigs might go in side storage boxes to fit in smaller boxes vs a smaller bag...I know me personally I have switched up the way I store my gear in my boat to work a little more friendly with the storage solutions of a Ranger so if I'm walleye fishing or salmon fishing I can be sure to get everything I need in my boat to keep my floor clutter free.

On a side note though. I watched the video of the 2075 and the storage...I'm not impressed one bit. for me personally in one of the back bins in my 621 I have somewhere in the neighborhood of 25-35 plano boxes with cranks..I would be at a loss as to where to put them in that boat, not to mention what I keep in the other bin. Those little draws would only be handy for misc stuff like jets, dipsys, line, snaps containers, pliers, scale, small jig boxes and little stuff like that. For the troller it's not practical at least in my opinon and you know what they say about that.

The sliding draws in the gunnels...now that's slick. Planer board storage all the way!

[Pezman38]

I compared the 2050 Pro V and the 619/620 Ranger at the dealer when I purchased my boat. I have to agree with K gone that the storage in the Ranger is much handier, right in back where it needs to be for trolling. Lots of rod storage too which handled some more than 8 foot long. The sliding gunnels I didn't like because they sealed in the middle and I thought it would make everything wet from rain or waves.

Important thing here is that in the end I wasn't looking for 100% fishing boat, so I went with the Reata for the clean lines and more appealing look (my opinion being a prior lund owner). I wish the batteries were in the floor because I lack rear storage space. The storage up front though is excellent for all I need and the rod locker is great as long as you use stick jackets to prevent tangles. That leaves room for more stuff in the center such as life jackets etc. The reata does have built in storage for two small plano boxes which was nice of Ranger to incorporate but u can fit almost nothing in there.

I suggest going to a dealer and looking at them as I did for your final comparision.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Ruddiger,
No idea where you're located, but maybe a dealership like Bedford Sales, Morris IL http://www.bedford-sales.com/index.htm which handles both Ranger and Lund may have the hulls you're looking for, and could offer you the opportunity to have a side by side look at them?
HRG

[Robert Kidd]

I can't really say on the Ranger the last one I had was in 1991. I have had 7 Lunds in the past years Pro V 1900 and 2025. More than enough storge for all my equipment. This year I am running the 2010 sport with the 200 Opti. I can not beleive the sorage this unit has. When I took everything out of the 2025 and put it in the 2010 I had empty compartments. I made the comment to the wife I need the Cabelas book as I have room for more stuff. Ordered the new Pro v 1975 with the 225 Verado for this year should have it soon.

Thanks Bob

[TravisC]

i owned a 1900 prov and a 620 ranger. lund has alot of compartments but u cant seem to get anything in them. they are nowhere near dry storage either. ranger has far more storage 4 my stuff and i dont have to have a bag full of stuff bouncing around on the floor of the ranger.

[Gman621]

Check out this comprehensive video of Jim Saric going over and thru the storage of his 620 on Rangers website, might help you out

http://www.rangerboats.com/RangerVideos/videos.cfm?rid=3

Cheers,
Lundfisher

[Bigfishhunter]

The boat has to work for you and your needs. How do you fish, where do you fish, those two things are paramount. What I take in my boat on a daily basis and where I go there are very few boats that would meet my needs. Although I covet both of these rigs they would not work for me. I have the boat that meets my needs. Keep this in mind when you are shopping, you do need to look at them both though, and not just once.

[northern walleye]

Howdy,

I have owned Lunds and Rangers and have always been very pleased with their design, quality, fishability and overall performance. They are, in my opinion, top of the line in their class. I have not, however, been able to compare them side by side and jump from one to another at the dealer.

Having said that here is my question:

Which boat, all things being equal, has more storage?

For example, if you compared a 1900 Pro-V to a 619 Fisherman, or a 2025 Pro-V to a 620 Fisherman, which boat holds more stuff? Particularly fishing essentials like Plano boxes, life vests, batteries, gas, rods etc. Also, while I know Lund does not have bone dry storage in their Pro-V boats, how wet is it?

Again, not trying to stir the pot, but with Cabin fever beginning to set in, and the boat buying season starting to kick off, I must admit to being at least a bit curious about going back to a Lund (especially after spending the entire day detailing my Ranger’s carpet).

Thanks,

Ruddiger

Granted I did spend the majority of my time at the back of my Lund 2025 Pro V IFS jigging, from a storage point of view, I had in my aft storage compartment alone in well organized labelled up on ends 3545 Water Proof Plano Stowaways just over 180lbs of jigs, ranging in 3/8 to 1 ounce jigs. Not more then 10" away from the aft storage at the back, was another compartment where i stored more jigs varying in sizes/colour/shapes from 1/16 to 1/4 ounce in 3740 Planos up on edge. I easily had over 200lbs of just about every jig, in every colour, shape and size related to the different Rivers/Lakes that I fished.

On the Port side compartment, I could easily store in the 3545 planos, labelled and easily indentified, several hundred different lures.

Once I figured out where everything was stored in my boat, i drew a diagram of my floor plan of my boat, a slightly larger version that would fit on the inside of my rod locker. I laminated it and stuck it on the inside of the rod locker, very clearly showing where everything was located. It was not only for those who fished with me, to locate, jigs, spinners, lures, hooks, first aid kit, boat bumpers, anchor, but also for me because at the best of times i had a hard time remembering where everything was myself.

As some have mentioned on this thread, there are lots of storage in the front compartments, spinners, more lures in the front compartment in front of the passenger seat, i stored over 200 lures with bonnets in another plano box.

From my perspective, when i was unloading all my gear at a landing when the buyer picked up my boat that he just bought, my fishing partner and myself were amazed how much stuff i had in my boat. I unpacked all my gear when i got home, Cabin fever did set in right away, being bored and boatless, i actually took inventory of every item i stored in my boat!! HOw bad is that????

Surprized yes, i t raised more questions then anything else really, did i need that much stuff? I just know when fishing season arrived, and i loaded my boat, i could go fish any lake, any river, anywhere, anytime, my boat was ready to go, locked and loaded. I am sure this is the same for most people and their boats.

I will have a serious look at a Ranger. I have fished out of them many times, great boat, great ride, will be fishing in one in 10 days on the Bay of Quinte, so i should get a real close up front look.

With respect to the 2075 storage, the one question i am curious about with the drawers, how rugged are they? will they stand up to the punishment and pounding over time? is there the same room? more room? then what the 2025 offers??

I have lots of questions now that I am buying a new boat storage is one them, electronics is another...the only "known" thing for my next boat is the engine, Verado.







The side storage on the starboard side gave me plenty of room to store more 3740 planos labelled

[BW]

I know your initial post was about storage between the two. You also fish big water, so wouldn't the ride difference be an important point to bring up??? How about choice of motors also??? Just thinking out loud.

[Ruddiger]

BW,

All good points. I really haven't gotten that far but if I was forced to pick between a Merc or a Honda, I would go with the Honda. No disrespect to the Verado, I just have more confidence in the Honda. As far as ride goes, I have always heard that glass is superior to aluminum but have never been in an aluminum boat the size of a Pro-V. How inferior is the ride in a 1900 Pro-V compared to a 619?

Finally, I definitely have some concerns on the Lund storage compared to Rangers although without actually seeing a 1975 or 2075 its impossible to know for sure. There are a lot of things about Ranger that I really like, but I do admit to having a soft spot for the Pro-V, particular with the amount of storage it offers, I’m just not sure about the shape of it.

Take care,

Ruddiger

[K Gonefishin]

Knowing that I have met you and know where your from...where would you even buy a Lund in Ohio? aren't you stuck with a Merc unless you have ultra deep pockets and want to go through the hassle of a different pre rig? Have you talked to Tommy about moving away from a Ranger? LOL.

Just buy a 2010 621 with that new snazy 4 stroke yammy they have coming out....then you'll never look back or wonder.

I know I wish I could. at this point I just wish I had a trailer.....

[Ruddiger]

K-Gone,

Good question. I believe that there is a place near Akron and another new Pymatuning. Port Clinton also has one if memory serves me correct. As far as the motors go, I believe from one of my previous threads on Lunds and Hondas (which quickly degenerated into the typical Merc on a Lund/my motor is better than yours-flame fest this site can always be counted on to deliver) that I can pre-order with a Honda for 2010. I think that I would be able to swing that with the dealer near PA.

Either way, however, there are SO many other issues that would need to be address that the chances of pulling it off, even if I wanted to, are pretty slim. Seriously, break it to Tommy?…. I’m more concerned with breaking it to the wife and the bank LOL! Plus, without actually seeing a 1975 or 2075 up close and personal I can’t imaging switching from a Ranger.

I checked out the new 621 at Vic’s and it was really sweet. No way I could fit it in the garage, however, so the 620 is about as big as I could go. Also, if I went back to the Ranger well it would be tough not to go back to another 620T as I will always be a tiller guy at heart.

On a side note I‘ve got to ask, what happened to your trailer?

Take care,

Ruddiger

[Hombre Robusto]

A buddy of mine has a 20 foot Pro V. I think it's an '03, but I forget the actual model number (2025 or 2050?). His is equipped with a Honda 225. It gives a pretty smooth ride, but does pound when you hit the waves at the right angel. He has had his motor serviced for minor issues by the place on Pymatuning, and was extremely disappointed by the quality, or lack thereof, of the quality of their work.

[K Gonefishin]

My trailer was stolen while slamming those night pigs I pm'ed you about at Edgewater. A new one is on order I hope to have it soon. Norton and the place in Port Clinton are no longer in business to my knowledge.

K-Gone,

Good question. I believe that there is a place near Akron and another new Pymatuning. Port Clinton also has one if memory serves me correct. As far as the motors go, I believe from one of my previous threads on Lunds and Hondas (which quickly degenerated into the typical Merc on a Lund/my motor is better than yours-flame fest this site can always be counted on to deliver) that I can pre-order with a Honda for 2010. I think that I would be able to swing that with the dealer near PA.

Either way, however, there are SO many other issues that would need to be address that the chances of pulling it off, even if I wanted to, are pretty slim. Seriously, break it to Tommy?…. I’m more concerned with breaking it to the wife and the bank LOL! Plus, without actually seeing a 1975 or 2075 up close and personal I can’t imaging switching from a Ranger.

I checked out the new 621 at Vic’s and it was really sweet. No way I could fit it in the garage, however, so the 620 is about as big as I could go. Also, if I went back to the Ranger well it would be tough not to go back to another 620T as I will always be a tiller guy at heart.

On a side note I‘ve got to ask, what happened to your trailer?

Take care,

Ruddiger

[Ruddiger]

K-Gone,

Wow, that’s un-fricking unbelievable! It’s not entirely surprising, however, when you consider how highly prized Rangertrail trailers are amongst crackheads. Imagine their surprise and disappointment when they go to fence it and discover that “Coolhubs” aren’t actually made by Newport……………so sad. Did they catch the guys that took it? Also, how did you get your boat out of the water? Did the get your truck too?

My Condolences man,

Ruddiger

[K Gonefishin]

K-Gone,

Wow, that’s un-fricking unbelievable! It’s not entirely surprising, however, when you consider how highly prized Rangertrail trailers are amongst crackheads. Imagine their surprise and disappointment when they go to fence it and discover that “Coolhubs” aren’t actually made by Newport……………so sad. Did they catch the guys that took it? Also, how did you get your boat out of the water? Did the get your truck too?

My Condolences man,

Ruddiger

LMAO..that's funny, you can't smoke a trailer...weird. No they didn't catch them, they didn't get my truck and didn't even try.

[Btfrk]

Was it locked on the truck?

[Pezman38]

Was it locked on the truck?

Here is more information from K-Gone about his recent misfortune.

http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159334

[Ruddiger]

Howdy,

Back to the Pro-V topic....

I read in another post that the vinyl flooring was only available for the ****pit, not the bow and rear casting areas due to tolerances for the lids. Is this still the case? Considering the relative ease in cleaning vinyl, and the fact they redesigned the Pro-V for 2009/2010 I would like to think that all vinyl was an option. Is it? If so, is it prone to leak more than carpet?

Take care,

Ruddiger

[Burr]

Howdy,

Back to the Pro-V topic....

I read in another post that the vinyl flooring was only available for the ****pit, not the bow and rear casting areas due to tolerances for the lids. Is this still the case? Considering the relative ease in cleaning vinyl, and the fact they redesigned the Pro-V for 2009/2010 I would like to think that all vinyl was an option. Is it? If so, is it prone to leak more than carpet?

Take care,

Ruddiger
Can't answer your question regarding vinyl on the dance floor, but there has been changes to the lid design Pro V's making them dryer than they have been in past years. I can't comment if they are completely dry, no boat ever does seem to meet that criteria, but they are the dryest Pro V's have ever been.

There's an 03 Pro V 2025 tiller in a lot close to me, that has vinyl throughout, dance floor, and on top of the rear livewell, in addition to the main floor. So I'm not sure the statement you can't get them that way is completely correct.

[Esoxchaser]

I love hose it out interiors, but I just snapped the ****pit carpet back into the boat, it takes a lot more water to make the carpet an icy slip hazard than it does to turn a vinyl or glass deck into a skating rink.