Ranger 1880MS Angler really……

http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=730982&page=8

Just came across these pics of the new Ranger 1880MS Angler. After looking at these pictures for the first time I was left scratching my head. First off someone please explain to me the difference between the Angler and the Reata. Looking at the new MS angler I have to admit this is more then a fish and ski vs a fishing boat all. If you are going to make the reata and the angler almost identical why make them both. Here are my negatives coming from the fisherman’s side.

– The rear deck in the 1880MS has now shrunk since the added a fiberglass separator. Which leaves that back two compartments wasted deck space since you would have to step over the separator. Terrible for the muskie fisherman.

-The jump seats have handrails close by to lift yourself up (which I believe will just get in the way)

-In the front and rear it looks like they added some type of padding on the gunnels which will be a nightmare with hooks getting stuck and ripping.

-Why did they not add the new non stick flooring as they did to the FS series…

I will admit I’m both a Ranger & Skeeter fan, but I think Ranger totally struck out with this one. I wonder if it has anything to do with the new ownership and the vision they have.

Looking at the pics here is my opinion. I think the target audience for this boat is the family first, fishing second (should be that all the time really). Maybe a 619FS would be a better choice for some. I’m just lucky that my wife loves to fish so she had some input.

Personally I never liked jump seats. I had them in my previous boat never used them. I also do not have kids so that is maybe why. Also looking at the tool holders by the jump seats, maybe a non-issue but I foresee kids using that as a step.

I do agree on the back deck. I think it’s doable but not optimal hence my 619 comment.

I think it looks sweet

I don’t think those handles are there to pull yourself up, but to use as the holy poop handle as you race across the lake.
I think it looks good to me and I’m just a guy who thinks rangers are overpriced but it looks like a good rig.

Sweet looking boat. But take that stupid full windshield off and put on the single ones. Just my opinion.

At least you can finally put a 200 on it.

Only a 4 cylinder 200 though from what I read which eliminates some popular options.

Buffalo Bill wrote:

Only a 4 cylinder 200 though from what I read which eliminates some popular options.

I saw that too. Man that thing would be awesome with the 6 cylinder 200 VRod.

Any Idea when this will be available to look at.

It would be nice if Merc came out with the long rumored 175/200 versions based on the normal aspirated 150 4 cylinder. Yamaha has them based on it’s 4 cylinder 150 so why not Merc? Unless they are worried that they would put their 4 cylinder Verado 175/200 out to pasture like the normal aspirated 150 did to the Verado 150