New Tiller boat questions

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

Originally Posted by Tbob

And it's great to have choices.

It sure makes these conversations more interesting.

[Fife]

Have you considered a Skeeter MX 1825? Maybe it would be too big for your garage, but I have to imagine its about the same length as an 1890 on the trailer. I know it isn't a tiller, but it fishes more like a tiller than a windshield boat.

The others you listed are great choices as well. The 1890 Warrior is a nice boat, but the new ones are spendy. I still wouldn't shy away from a used one. I have a few friends with 2006-2008 models and they really like them. The have heard good things about the 17' Skeeter and Yar-Craft. They seem a little small for Mille Lacs if you fish a lot.

[nels24022000]

I appreciate all of the good information! I owed a Lund Pro v before my YarCraft and just personal preference I really like the way glass handles in big water.

Speed is not a huge issue but I would like to go 35+ which I think both the 618 and 1890 will do without a problem.

The warrior also seems to be slightly cheaper in my year range which is a plus and also it seems to sit higher in the water which when not taking the waves head on. I just keep coming back to the fit and finish of the Ranger but wow do they get money for them even 10 years old.

Has anyone seen or run a 618t with a merc opti? Most i have seen have Suzuki, Etec, or Yammy’s on them and nothing against these but would like a two stroke for getting up on plane after running a Honda 4 stroke for years now. I know the Etec is a 2 stroke but really am not a fan of the tiller handle after running a friends for awhile. This is another reason I am leaning towards the Warrior being that many are paired with a 115 or 125 Opti.

As for the Skeeter MX1825 I went and took a look at them and also the Yarcraft 186tfx but still am thinking about running a tiller in a length under 19ft. Also I have not seen many of these for sale used and are slightly out of my budget new. I must say both are great boats. I was very impressed with the Yarcraft 186tfx with its depth. It really didn’t feel like just an 18 foot boat.

Any thing to watch out for when looking at the Warrior 1890 used? 2002-2005? Probably between 15 and 20k depending on options?

Thanks!

I'm running a 11' 618T with a 90 Opti. This is my first tiller and thus far it has been a great setup. This coming from a guy who's run 619-620s in the past 3 boats. 36-37 GPS with 2 guys and loaded. It does have a 2" jackplate. I've also trolled all day long on Lake Superior without thinking twice with the Opti. Much quieter at idle than you would expect. I've fished out of most all other brand of boats, and if you truly want dry storage for all your tourney gear Ranger it the only way to go. Speed/Ride some other glass boats may be better but I think fishability and finish of the Ranger is top notch for glass boats. I've owned a ProV as well and they fish great and can handle the rough stuff but if you carry a ton of gear and want it dry you'll be dissapointed.

[Jigem]

!825 pro guide is not underpowered at all w/90HP. Merc 4 stroke gets on plane right now, runs 36-38 with stock merc 17 pitch prop. With digital rpm control it trolls well under 2 mph (4stroke excells) absolutely no need for kicker.

[JLS17]

Ranger 618T is the way to go. 90 4 stroke Yamaha gets me 35-36 MPH thanks to Propman. And it is quiet and trolls down to less than 1 MPH. Absolutely the driest boat ever! I have owned 4 Older Warriors. Great boats, no question. But, Ranger goes the extra mile. Yes, you will pay for it but it's worth it. And by the way, check the specs... It's not shallow at all. Fish Mille Lacs in big waves and it rides, trolls and fishes like a dream. PM me if you want a ride...

[nels24022000]

What can I expect to pay for a decent 618t during summer or winter in this 2001-2005 range?

Originally Posted by nels24022000

What can I expect to pay for a decent 618t during summer or winter in this 2001-2005 range?

Low to mid 20's.

[crazy cooter]

I own a '08 618t with a 90 hp yamaha. Handles Mille Lacs,leech,Winni and LOTW just fine. Top speed with 2 guys and gear about 33-34 mph with a 15 pitch vengeance prop.Great gas mileage,trolls great,dry ride compartments are very dry!,backtrolls great,trailers well,fit and finish is second to none in the Ranger. I really can't believe that people would try and say that a tin boat compares in the dryness in the ride to a glass boat? Come on really? I'm on Mille Lacs alot and not only can you see the difference in the ride but you can hear the difference in how the tin and glass boats take the waves.I had a Crestliner for a long time.Awesome boat,But I had to wear my rain gear about 75% more of the time.

Originally Posted by crazy cooter

I own a '08 618t with a 90 hp yamaha. Handles Mille Lacs,leech,Winni and LOTW just fine. Top speed with 2 guys and gear about 33-34 mph with a 15 pitch vengeance prop.Great gas mileage,trolls great,dry ride compartments are very dry!,backtrolls great,trailers well,fit and finish is second to none in the Ranger. I really can't believe that people would try and say that a tin boat compares in the dryness in the ride to a glass boat? Come on really? I'm on Mille Lacs alot and not only can you see the difference in the ride but you can hear the difference in how the tin and glass boats take the waves.I had a Crestliner for a long time.Awesome boat,But I had to wear my rain gear about 75% more of the time.

Point me toward the post that states the tin boat compares to the glass boat in ride? I missed that and I don't see anyone saying that, the Ranger is better.

I've owned both 618t and 1825. Try taking your 618t out of the north sand with a 20 mph south wind on Mille Lacs and tell me how you don't get water coming over the top when you are going slow coming off the shallow water. I'll also tell you when you park on a pod of eyes in the middle of a flat that the Lund is a superior backtroller, no contest here. As I said I've had the luxury of using both. I'll also say the hole shot of the 618t is nothing like a Lund, and I had a Suzuki on my Ranger which came out a little quicker than the Yamaha.

Glad you're happy with your boat, we've got many good choices.