New to ranger Q’s

Hey there,
I’m looking for some guidance after searching All over I can’t find the answer I’m looking for so I thought I aloof try here-

After selling my 18’ aluminum Lund pro v and having fished my entire life in either an aluminum tyee or pro v I’m very seriously considering a ranger. I always wanted a 620 but after thinking through how I use the boat the reata seems more appropriate for a layout. Not huge on the U shape storage in the fisherman’s. This is a primarily fishing boat for me.
I’m all but sold on the Ranger reata but I’m really hung up on the discussions about spearing waves and trolling into waves taking water over the bow. That has never happened in any aluminum boat I’ve fished in and I’ve been in some rough conditions. We fish mainly on Rainy Lake.

Is there a big learning curve to driving these glass boats? Is water over the bow just something you need to accept in a ranger? Any incite would be appreciated.

Thank you!

I should mention the boat I’m considering is a 2013 reata 2025, 225 Verado with a kicker

Can’t comment on the ranger 620, but last year we went from a Crestliner Sportfish 1850 to a Lund 202 GL. Have never been concerned about spearing a wave and the ride is so much better. The hull on the 620 and the reata is going to be different so that could make a difference. I’m speculating here, but you’d have to be in the wide open on a real windy day or horrible at driving a boat to spear a wave in the reata. If you haven’t speared one in your current boat, I don’t think it’s much of a concern.

Thanks for the response. Obviously the aluminum and glass boats will handle differently, was there a learning curve on how the new boat handles coming from
Aluminum?

Spearing comes from driving. If it is a YOUR fishing boat I would get a 620 over a reata all day not even comparable.

No learning curve other than you can drive in a 1-2’ chop in a fiberglass and just cut through it vs bouncing in an aluminum.

Also, as Rip said, if a mostly fishing boat get the 620. Based off your response it sounds like you have kids. Unless they are really young, they will maybe not be out with you as a family in the boat much longer. Long term thinking here, but you won’t regret the 620 as a strictly fishing platform. The reata you might.

Kids yes, 8 and 4. I think they will
Be coming fishing with me as they get older. Not so concerned with family water sports. I liked the reata for the open cockpit thought it would be easier for the kids for that reason. Figured the u shape storage might get in the way when releasing bigger fish like musky or pike, could be wrong in that assessment.

Not a concern with releasing fish.

I have a reata 1850 LS . Storage is lacking for gear but it is an 18.5 foot boat . I also hate the U shape in the back for gear of the 6 series . Can’t say I’ve been in one but I just don’t like the look of it . I’m not a tackle hoarder though . I also like standing with my toes up to the side and leaned up against the gunnel .. don’t fish out of the front hardly every so that big bow does nothing for me . Most my tackle is in a tackle bag as well .

The boat hasn’t speared any waves I’ve had it but haven’t had it long enough to take it to its limits . For what it’s worth the reata and the angler are the same hull not the fisherman’s (620 series ) . It does ride better than my 18 foot crestliner but it’s also not invincible on some white caps . It’ll rattle ya but dang is it dry . I’ve also noticed it holds momentum more when docking – just a heads up . It does seem like it sat lower upfront when I put 3 group 29s lead acids in the front and slowed it down a few mph . I will go lithium next time .

The fit and fishing of the reata is super nice compared to a tin boat . The trailers are one thing I never noticed – no tube frame – all open angle iron so easy access to wiring and no trapping of salt and water and rhino lined . All led lights . Huge win for me . Easy access to fuel tanks and bilge pumps , not down elbow deep in a 8 inch hole or under 40 screws burried in wood . Rip out that snap in carpet and throw it in the rafters and hose down the floor – again a huge win for me .

Take a look at the skeeter solera line as well ; they look great . Hope this helps .

It does help, thanks for the heads up on holding more speed when coming in to dock, thank you.

On the topic of the trailer, I’ve only ever had rollers. Is the bunk better/worse or insignificant on difference of putting the rib on or taking off?

I haven’t had any issues – I think it squares and centers up better than my crestliner bunk trailer did and doesn’t have guides . I do have to go into the water further to get it off the trailer but it’s never been an issue . Also this trailer has a 5 flat plug – make sure you have an adapter to run it otherwise your reverse disconnect won’t work for the surge breaks . There’s a key on the trailer tongue to override it incasee of emergency’s.

Great info- thanks for the tip!

They are very difficult to find but Ranger did make the fisherman pro c model for a short time. Those ones don’t have the side compartments.

Taylors wrote:

It does help, thanks for the heads up on holding more speed when coming in to dock, thank you.

On the topic of the trailer, I’ve only ever had rollers. Is the bunk better/worse or insignificant on difference of putting the rib on or taking off?

Bunk 100 percent better.

Biggest thing with the bunks is when loading back in and get the bunks submerged and then pull ahead to the loading depth you want. If you need to crank it up at all dry carpet is a pain. I’m guessing you will learn how to powerload if you don’t already do it.

Someone else mentioned it, but the biggest thing I noticed with the transition from aluminum to fiberglass was the momentum the boat keeps when docking. Will take some getting used to, but now I feel way more comfortable docking the fiberglass over the aluminum, and I docked the aluminum for 7 years.

Thanks all for the tips and info- appreciate it!

Look at the Skeeter WX series of boats. No C in the back. I don’t know if you are firm with Ranger just a thought.

Had a buddy who owned an early 2000’s 620 and we fished Mille lacs Muskies. Thing handled big chop like a champ and was comfortable to fish from. Can’t speak to reata.