Thread: Ranger Vs. Triton Vs. Nitro???

I have a Skeeter, I am happy with. I really think what you are looking for is one of the newer models that has a wider beam. Next boat I get will be one if those wide Ranger models, in a used boat. Mark and Brian's boats are both wider up front than my current boat.

Josh in choosing a boat it's like comparing apples to apples. All of them shine with a coat of wax. I have never owned a Nitro but I have looked them over pretty closely. Compartments are slip in plastic molded boxes. They are not a tight fit. Lids are aluminum without insulation. Very hot. You need to look for detail of you plan on keeping it for the long haul. Triton well I have never owned one of these either but I owned a Stratos which was made by Earl who designed Triton and there isn't a nickel difference in either. Again compare apples and pay close attention to detail. Ranger well all fiberglass compartments and insulated top to bottom. Lids are fiberglass and reinforce their ride in rough water is solid due to all voids filled with flotation foam. They sit lower in the water and the wind doesn't blow them around as much as other models. I am not a salesman but I have owned many boats in the last 42 yrs and its Ranger for me. You can ask all the guys with me when we dumped my Ranger on the ramp at Wister and they will all tell you there isn't many brands out there that would take a hit like that and the gel coat not spider from one end to the other, my Ranger didn't. It's all about preference Josh and I am not talking bad about any brand of boat out there cause today they are all good it's just comparing apples to apples and what you are willing to donate to put one in your driveway. Just my $.02 worth....Ranger

Mark, one of the big things that is gonna be a Must for me is the wind control. My Aluminum SeaArk is a great boat for weekend fishing and setting jugs, but a small amount of wind and either have to set my anchor or be non stop on the trolling motor. I HATE that. Seeing Brians boat barely move with the wind on Gibson that day really impressed me. So with all the fiberglass that a Ranger has, is it the weight that makes it sit in the water so low or is it a design by Ranger that causes it? I really want to avoid aluminum if I can, thats what I have now and hate it from the heat, to the lids and deck being flimsy if not supported very well by braces. whatever we decide to get, I think I will be stuck with for a long time. no matter what brand, they are all pretty expensive.

Josh it's the mold profile plus the weight that allows a Ranger sit in the water as it does. If I had it to do over again I would not of bought new due to so many really good used ones out there. Just becareful not to buy a Tournament Boat that has had the snot ran out of it. Skeeter also has a really low profile boat that isn't affected by the wind on the water and I considered them as well when I bought but the LW is a big thing to me so with Ranger they are white fiberglass gel coated LW's that you can see the bottom in and not a dark plastic LW that you can't and insulated for cooler water temps in the summer. I know I sound like a saleman. It's just preference and they all have their strong points. Which ever one you choose and decide on its a huge step up for you brother. GOOD LUCK IN CHOOSING ONE YOU WILL NEED IT!!!! LOL...... Ranger

Josh in my opinion get exactly what you want. From length, size, engine, trolling motor, electronics etc.! Then start mastering a technique that you enjoy. You will always catch more fish when you feel comfortable in your boat fishing your favorite way. For example: I really like casting and dragging, but Mark is a master at it, some days he will catch more fish than me because of his love and experience with it! Both of us abdolutely love to get on new water because we have the fullest of confidence in our ability to find fish in our boats. EB

Take a ride in a 'Phoenix',,, then decide. As EB said,,"get what ya want". <*)}}}><

You say get what I want...the problem is I am not sure what I want. Never rode in anything other then EB's boat. Whats a must have for me...newer Lowrance electronics, a big livewell, fiberglass, stable ride, min 225 hp motor, 80 to 101 lb thrust mtr, one console, lots of storage room, other then that I dont know. I know several of you have owned multiple brands during the years and for some reason or another you changed brands, or models. Why? Personal dislikes or due to quality of boat. What was something you found out was a Must Have. I am hoping to save a lot of trouble by learning from your mistakes instead of spending thousands and making my own, if that makes sence. Dual axle trailer or single, 18 foot min or 20'min. So many things to learn when advancing from a small aluminum to a big fiberglass.

I have only had the Skeeter, however I think the Ranger has a better live well system. Like I said broader up front is really nice, think you can get that in most any boat now days. 21foot ain't to much in my book, that's what I have now.