2004 Ranger 621vs

Hey everyone. I just went and looked at a 2004 Ranger 621 with a 225 Merc opti on it. Motor has 590 hours on it. I am always leary about buying a used boat especially with a motor that big on it. The boat itself looks like it is in almost new condition. Not a scratch that i could see. No stress cracks in the gel coat on any of the radiuses and the interior looks great other than a few cracks in the seats and the carpet is a little worn. The price is good, at least what I think is good. My only question is what size chop can this boat handle? I fish Lake Erie a lot but I also fish inland lakes in PA as well. Realistically we wouldnt fish in anything over 5’s anyways but Lake Erie has been known to sneak up on people. The dealer said it would be no problem but then again, he is a salesman. Does anyone have any real world experience in some big chop? I am just worried about it being so heavy that it would drive the nose into the waves and fill with water. Thanks in advance for the comments!

That hull, especially the 621 has been known to spear waves easier (more so running with rather than into). Not a deal breaker by any means but just something to be aware of if you do buy it.

Thanks Mark! I have been reading a lot about that. Its not a huge deal and Im sure the way the boat is driven will eliminate some of that also in some cases.

I have a 19 footer and I dint care what anybody says you CANT do 35 mph in 3 footers!! your going to have to drive slow in 5 footers but I think you would be happy with the way it performs!!!

You can probably plug the Merc into a computer and see how it was run. My 2002 225 Opti has that feature.

Does a 225 on a 621 seem on the low side for power? If I remember right they were rated for 250 back then and 300 now.

Thanks for all the responses!

Not only do they spear waves while running, they also spear while trolling. I fished out of a 05 621 and took many waves over the bow at 2mph.