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#1
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2019 Ranger Reata 1850 - Looking for info on Quality since BPS
I’ve had two awful experiences buying used boats (Fall 2017 bought Larson Flyer w 115 Evinrude – 17 years old, starter boat. I expected maintenance and upkeep, but the 3rd time of use, engine wouldn’t start, cylinder is scored and not worth fixing. Total loss. Summer 2018 bought 1995 Glastron in immaculate shape w 2013 Suzuki DF140 – AMAZING engine. Loved the boat. After winterizing, found out transom is rotted and cracked. Not worth fixing, but at least the engine is worth $7000-8000). Can’t stomach inheriting other people’s problems. Would rather take the depreciation hit.
After looking at Lund, Alumacraft, Crestliner and Ranger, Reata has everything my son and I need and then some. My only concern is quality and reliability. I have read a lot of information about the BPS acquisition and speculation about Ranger employees jumping to Vexus, but nothing of substance or reality. The boat I’m looking at is in-stock at a reputable local dealer, happens to have options I want and in color I like with a 175 Mercury ProXS. I’m fairly new at boats so would like some help in what to look for as I’m not sure if I would notice what others would call obvious flaws. I’m looking at it again on Tuesday and am basically ready to make the deal. I’m going to press them to include the boat show extras that were offered last year (free cover, gift cards, life preserver or similar in rangerwear and extended warranty). The other option, if they are not willing to negotiate, there is another local dealer (not as conveniently located) that will order one for me at a competitive price with boat show options and extended warranty. My only concern is A) location is 30 min further and not on our way to the lake we usually go to every weekend and B) the boat isn’t built and I’m seeing trends of production being up to 6 months out. Also, common sense is telling me if they’re behind, there may be pressure to rush and I think that’s when mistakes happen. Grateful for your input and experience. The only option I’m on the fence about is the vertical rod holder at the rear livewell. I think it would be convenient to have when we’re fishing but perhaps it’s another thing to break or be in the way when we aren’t fishing. We are fishing 80% of the time I would estimate. Anyone have this rod holder? |
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#2
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Others will have more current experience but overall I haven't had many issues with my 2016 boat. You are likely to have a couple of things you'll need to work through even on a new boat though. In my case we're having some trailer issues we are trying to work through.
We purchased a boat that was already in stock (it was actually a demo boat). I added storage, livewell and baitwell lights myself. It came with pretty low end sonar, which I would like to upgrade at some point and I wish it had the automatic bilge option. Good luck! |
#3
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I bought a new one in 2016. Which was post BPS acquisition. I have had a few minor issues, but Ranger was quick to fix the problem and with no questions asked. This was my first new boat after having several older boats, so I was expecting perfection when I bought this boat. It was not perfect, but after 3 years of use, those minor issues were just that minor. Here were my issues:
3 small gelcoat cracks around the rod storage Chipped Gelcoat where rails were installed Stitching from seat came out after about a month Navigation lights broke on first use 1 stripped screw in floor panel Like I said, all these were fixed and no issues since. I absolutely love the boat and use it about 50% on Lake Erie and 50% inland. I used it 95% fishing and 5% tubing. On to hearsay - I know a couple people with either 2018 or 2019 621's that have owned others and they seem to think the fit and finish is the same and have had no issues. By watching the market prices and boat ramps at Lake Erie, it seems that most others feel that Ranger is still what Ranger was. |
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#4
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Thank you for your replies
Riverduck - did your dealer correct your problems and Ranger covered under warranty or did you have to wait to have it serviced in Flippin? Guessing dealer. |
#5
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Ranger1850
Do a search on this forum, the 1880 is the one that had more negative reports
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#6
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Thanks - I did search the forum (and a few others) but only found old posts speculating about workers leaving and BPS influence. I will search on the 1880 - that helps! |
#7
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Riverduck - I found your old post where you mentioned you brought it to your dealer at the end of the season and they resolved the issues. Thanks |
#8
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I have had a 2019 1880 since July and the quality has been excellent. I’ve used it a lot. I think there was a lemon or two reported on this board from what I’ve read but I think you may find that with any brand. These are put together 1 at a time and I bet it’s pretty rare to find 2 that are identical when you think of all the variables. (Outboard, trolling motor, graphs, trailer, other packages, etc). The advantage of the showroom model is you can inspect carefully.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro |
#9
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I ordered a 2080 ms in September. This is my fourth ranger and coming from a 2015 Reata 1850. The 1850 is a great boat and we really enjoyed it as well as all of our rangers. They all had a couple of little issues but nothing from stopping me from another ranger. Dealer/ ranger took care of the issues on my schedule.
Not sure off your style of fishing, but I saw the rod rack in a floor model and knew I wouldn’t have one before I climbed into the boat. Anything, especially rods sticking up in front of the Livewell would be a pain to get into the Livewell while fishing. With all the slot limits these days we are constantly measuring fish and the tape is under the lid so I want easy access to the well. Besides the rod locker, there is two flush mount holders in the aft as well as using the holders on the rail to transport rods. If anything one could put a seat base rod holder up in that rear rod seat base. Last note, ranger still has the best warranty in the business for the “first” owner of their boats. If it fits your budget, go for it! Just make sure you buy from a good dealer, the mpls. area has both! |
#10
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Glad to hear you're 1880 has been excellent! Great point about being able to inspect the showroom model. I will bring a second set of eyes to take a look at it on Monday. The salesman I'm working with is not in until Tuesday so we should be able to go over it with a fine toothed comb without being bothered. Thank you |
Tags |
defects , flaws , production , quality , ranger |
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