Purchase immanent – need assistance

Hello.
Here’s the rundown: My wife and I purchased a 2017 Ranger RT178 new in 2017. It was selected on the premise of a great ride and that my wife would be fishing with me 90% of the time +/-. Actual results – 10% of the time. So I have been fishing solo and the boat is great – with one exception.

Since I fish mainly solo – I do more trolling than anything else; mainly on 3500 acre lakes. It has proven to be a challenge trolling with the ranger – since its intended design was not for trolling. So, that leads me to this: we are considering selling our boat and purchasing an Alumacraft Competitor 165 tiller.

Looking for insights and suggestions.
Thanks –

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The 165 is going to be a much smaller boat than the Ranger. It looks like that is a nice setup, why doesnt that work for you? Too fast? I troll cranks with my 150 Suzuki and it does just fine. If your issues are speed related you could prop down, get a kicker, or use drift socks or something to slow you down.
Personally I wouldnt go back to a tiller boat after having a full windshield.

I use trolling bags for speed control. It’s about going from the helm to netting fish. You have to step through the bench seat.

It can be a little bit dicey in wind.

Not 100 sold on the change up. That’s why I’m looking for advice
Thanks

CCIowa wrote:

I use trolling bags for speed control. It’s about going from the helm to netting fish. You have to step through the bench seat.

It can be a little bit dicey in wind.

Not 100 sold on the change up. That’s why I’m looking for advice
Thanks

Oh I see that issue. Yeah, I didnt pay attention to that bench seat at first glance, but I agree that would be a hassle.
I have a 185 Tournament Sport which is a full windshield boat. Tillers are nice for back trolling, etc I just prefer the protection of a full windshield, have a bimini top, etc so you can get out of the elements a bit. I fish in weather that I wouldn’t fish in if I had a tiller.
I dont net fish behind the boat we always work them along the side and net over the gunnel vs behind the boat. Hmm, I cant give you any great advice thats a tough decision.

I respectfully disagree with captain.

That 165 with the open tiller platform will actually seem way bigger than your current setup bc of the functionality and not having to traverse different levels.

I’m not a big troller, but many like having a wheel setup, and if a kicker, having that connected to the main for steering as well.

Get completely why you would want to change up your boat to fit those needs. It’s also my belief you will feel much more comfortable in a competitor in big water than your current rig. Troll much truer as well compared to those vnosed bass rigs.

All great points guys. Much appreciated. I’m so uncertain with the proper direction to go. Glad to be getting some input!

We have an opportunity to get into a 165 with a 70hp… I’m sure that it won’t last long on the market.

Deuces wrote:

I respectfully disagree with captain.

That 165 with the open tiller platform will actually seem way bigger than your current setup bc of the functionality and not having to traverse different levels.

I wasn’t talking about floor space, I was talking overall boat size. Floor space you are definitely right, but that is a much smaller boat and may be of some concern on bigger waters. 3500 acres isnt a huge body of water by any means but it may not handle bigger lakes real well IMO.
A 70 on that boat may only go upper 20’s to perhaps 30 MPH too. Not that we have to race to get anywhere.

That rod tree you have is my biggest concern. If you mounted that back by the splash well it would serve as a railing for netting fish. Maybe even raise it up to waist level and secure it better on the ends. If your fishing solo you could take the passenger seat out. That would give you a more stable place to step.

I am using the factory installed seat base for the tree. Unable to relocate without major mods. Good thought though.

CaptainMusky wrote:

A 70 on that boat may only go upper 20’s to perhaps 30 MPH too.

My console competitor 165 with a 60HP cruises about 27 or 28 and 32 is the top at WOT.

Under the FWIW category, last May I went from a tiller model to a Competitor 175CS &115 Suzuki. Fish alone some, fish some with friends and a little with my wife. I do not regret the change, plenty of room, easy to fish, trolls decently with the main or the TM (80lbs thrust) and it is nice to sit next to the wife & enjoy a cocktail while cruising. Plus I do not mind not sitting by the motor. Basically there is no perfect boat that will fit all your needs kinda got rank your priorities and jump in.

I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the Competitor tiller.
My boat is a ’94 competitor 170 Tiller with a 60 h.p.4S Yamaha. It is 16’4″ long, so it is similar to your future boat, however mine has a max h.p.rating of 60.
I fish a lot of the big lakes in Minnesota like Mille Lacs, Leech, and Winnie and it handles all of those very well.
As far a trolling, mine with troll down to about 2 mph depending on conditions.
Love my boat.
Ron.

CaptainMusky wrote:

wasn’t talking about floor space, I was talking overall boat size. Floor space you are definitely right, but that is a much smaller boat and may be of some concern on bigger waters.

I was speaking in regards to both floor space and boat size.

Give me a foot shorter with deeper sides and a better nose any day. But that’s just my 2 cents.

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Update.
We are still looking. The dealer sort of low-balled us. The search continues for a 16-17′ tiller; preferably a competitor model but looking at all models.

We do appreciate all the input.
Thanks!

Update.
Well it looks like our search is done. Apparently, our current rig is of no value to a dealership.

Thanks for all the input.

CCIowa wrote:

Apparently, our current rig is of no value to a dealership.

That’s every dealership, ever. Just them trying to make money.

Sell it outright and buy your boat after. Be prepared to be boatless for a lil bit as this market is tough.

Yeah not sure why a 2017 ranger would not be of value to a dealer.

Ripjiggen wrote:

Yeah not sure why a 2017 ranger would not be of value to a dealer.

They basically are holding the line on the rig they want to sell. If they get yours on trade great, they make more money. If not you still will be in to buy because of the lack of inventory.

I’m not familiar with your boat. Is that a Aluminum Ranger? What about it makes it hard to troll with?

The modified vee catches wind and drifts the nose. If it would not nose drift so much – I’d keep it.

Me either

Here’s a pic

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Swap out the TM for an Ulterra or Ultrex. Use the TM, with the remote, for steering while trolling. That’s what I do on my 21′ glass boat. The kicker on my boat if fixed in position and just provide thrust.

Gotcha. I’ll do just that. Dangerous question….ulterra or ultrex preference?

Ulterra for me, I see you have a Lowrance otherwise I’d suggest a “Link” with a Humminbird.

Dave maze wrote:

That rod tree you have is my biggest concern. If you mounted that back by the splash well it would serve as a railing for netting fish. Maybe even raise it up to waist level and secure it better on the ends. If your fishing solo you could take the passenger seat out. That would give you a more stable place to step.

Completely agree. That tree looks like a hazard to me. There are a lot of better ways to mount rod holders for a lot less money than that monster. That’s not gonna solve your tracking issue but certainly should make grabbing a rod and netting fish in the stern easier.

Like you said you own a boat that is not intended for the way you fish. Can you make it work? Sure kind of…
Would you be happier with a boat that suites the way you fish? I know I would.
Is the alumacraft tiller the right boat for your needs? Dunno bout that

In regards to the rod holders and space, I’d suggest looking up “MulTBar” on Facebook. I have a couple in my boat and they are awesome. Infinite adjustment and mounting options to maximize your floorspace and elbow room. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=248579259872091