View Full Version : Ranger617???
Sampson
04-22-2001, 05:47 PM
Looking for comments on Ranger 617, rigged with 150 efi or Di, top speed, ride, layout, storage and any pros/cons of this boat. The local dealer said I would be better off with the 619. But I am not to sure I want to spend the extra cash.
chadk66
04-22-2001, 06:41 PM
A good friend of mine bought a 617 last year. Has a 135 opti on it. It runs along pretty well I think mid 40's. However he doesn't like the lack of room inside compared to other boats. Also he does get wet. My own personal advice to you is that if you are in the least bit concerned about interior room and you can swing it go with the 619. Much more room inside. And as you will find on this site people swear there is a big difference between 17'and 19'. I couldn't personally say one way or the other about that.
Eyeowa
04-22-2001, 06:49 PM
I just fished w/a friend in a 617 w/a 135 opti last week. Nice boat. Mid 40's w/the 135. If I were going to choose between the two I'd go w/the 619. I've fished out of that boat before and feel the ride is much better. The 619 also has MUCH MORE storage which is my chief complaint w/the 617. Either way you can't go wrong, but if your going to spend that much on a 617 I'd find a way to get the 619.
Eyeowa
I'm looking at the same boat....617 Can you e-mail me the figures that your dealer quoted? Just want to compare.
Thanks.
Excellent ride, solid boat. I fish mainly by myself, so I couldn't see going the additional cost of a 619, but the one big negative is that it is woefully weak on storage.
I resently ended a year long shopping adventure for the right 17.5' glass boat.The storage and floor plan on the 617 left,for me,a lot to be desired.Plus,any motors hung on the transom must be hung on brackets. If a Ranger is what you want,buy the 619.If a 17.5' glass boat is what you want,do some more shopping.
Butter ball
04-23-2001, 01:38 PM
I will be running my 617 with a 150 Optimax for the second year. I like my boat and feel it's a really good platform. It's solid and stable. Top speed with two aboard is in the upper 50's which is more than enough for me. I like the fact that I don't have to deal with a tandem axle trailer, as with the 619's plus it is less weight to tow and with gasoline prices expected to get near $2.00 per gallon by midssummer, this is significant..
I do feel that this is the best boat under 18 feet that I have owned and this includes a Yar Craft and two Alumacrafts.
Buckg
04-23-2001, 05:16 PM
I for one would be interested in what your year long search turned up. Thanks
Buckg,after comparing Warrior Eagle1790 and Falcon177,Ranger617,Tuffy Osprey1760,Yarcraft1785 MilleLacs and Skeeter1775,I chose the Tuffy.I preferred the layout and storage area.Seems very well thought out.I've had it out ten times this spring and pleased with all aspects.Rod storage isn't great but I knew that.
walleye420
04-24-2001, 10:44 AM
I just bought a 617 with a 135 ficht on it. It tops out at 49 mph with up to 3 people in it. Storage is a problem, but I keep it on a lift next to my house so I only grab things I need.
If I had the extra cash, I would go with the 619 or 620. I will end up owning one of those in the next 5 years. So far, I love the boat. It takes waves (Winnebago) great and stays dry unless crusing in cross waves. Tell me a boat that will stay dry in cross waves and I'll get it wet.
Go for what your wallet can afford!
Phisherman
Paul Neumann
04-24-2001, 12:35 PM
You guys are all right the storage on the 617 does leave a little to be desired. It lacks in the rear to allow maximum floor space for fishing. The boat does ride and perform very well. I've fished three people comfortably (bass fishing)out of the boat. If you add the optional rear casting platform you can gain alot of storage. I also recommend installing the oil injection tank in the VS transom to allow more storage in the battery compartment. You can e-mail if you have any more questions. pneumann@crystalmarine.com
Paul Neumann
04-24-2001, 12:35 PM
You guys are all right the storage on the 617 does leave a little to be desired. It lacks in the rear to allow maximum floor space for fishing. The boat does ride and perform very well. I've fished three people comfortably (bass fishing)out of the boat. If you add the optional rear casting platform you can gain alot of storage. I also recommend installing the oil injection tank in the VS transom to allow more storage in the battery compartment. You can e-mail if you have any more questions. pneumann@crystalmarine.com