ranger fisherman

[roff]

I am going to buy a used ranger fisherman 690 or 617 and I can not decide on which one. I like to fish for everything. Any suggestions for which one to buy.

[Craig]

I hesitate to even suggest this but if you're interested in a 617 you also look at 681's as well. They're just a bit smaller than the 617.

I've seen and inspected both but never fished out of either. They're both built like tanks. They're both good looking boats. They're is probably not much difference in top speed if both are fully loaded and maxed out HP wise. I think your choice boils down to answering the following questions:

Where do I fish? If you fish bigger lakes or lakes that tend to get rough the 619 might be a better deal as it is slightly longer and bigger.

Where am I going to store this thing? I just barely got my 681 in the garage. It gets real exciting putting my Astrovan in the garage next to it. It gets even more exciting when the wife does it. I don't let her do that anymore.


Which layout do I think works better for me? I'm sure other guys will have more to add. They're always pretty good about helping out with stuff like this.

Good luck, enjoy the hunt.

[620 owner]

I've had three 690's and all were great boats, lots of room and even put in a extra storage deck in the front of the last one. As for fishing I've fished out of the 618's and they are shorter and narrower, and have the advantage for smaller lakes.
The 617's and the 619's replaced the 690's spot in the market, so with that in mind if you do plan on getting rid of the 690 in a year or two you might have a better chance getting rid of the 617. Hope I don't confuse you more.
If you do go with a 617 make sure it's maxed out on the HP, and a swing away hitch, also remember the warrenty aspects for each boat. That warrenty alone is worth gold, for any boat owner!!

Good Luck

[620 owner]

I've had three 690's and all were great boats, lots of room and even put in a extra storage deck in the front of the last one. As for fishing I've fished out of the 618's and they are shorter and narrower, and have the advantage for smaller lakes.
The 617's and the 619's replaced the 690's spot in the market, so with that in mind if you do plan on getting rid of the 690 in a year or two you might have a better chance getting rid of the 617. Hope I don't confuse you more.
If you do go with a 617 make sure it's maxed out on the HP, and a swing away hitch, also remember the warrenty aspects for each boat. That warrenty alone is worth gold, for any boat owner!!

Good Luck

[Quicksilver]

The 690 is a great boat. I have a buddy who has one and I've fished out of it many times. I was so impressed with the boat, I got a new 1998 692 (I wanted the dual console and windshield). I also agree with Craig that the 681 is a great boat. There are a couple of those on our lake and they are great boats, too.

I saw a new 617 at a boat show last year and it is just not nearly as much boat as the 690-692 series.

Good luck with your choice and good fishing...