Ranger 617 info

Looking at purchasing a 617 and doing research for specs and reviews. What I’ve found is that info on the 617 is pert-near impossible to locate.
I realize my Ranger dealer can provide me with support, but I’d rather get unbiased info.

Can anyone enlighten me regarding this rare duck on topics like:
Rod storage length
Rear casting deck
Big water handling
Cabin comfort
Front deck storage
Overall fishability

I’ve fished out of 620s and like them a lot, but this 617 fits my budget and garage. I’m just not sure what 620 features I’d be sacrificing with the 617.

As always, your input is appreciated.

You can’t compare a Ranger 617 to a 620. I would say the 617 is closer to a ranger bass boat hull then their fisherman series. My buddy owns a 617 that I’ve fished out of and I have a 619 and there is a tremendous difference in fish ability, especially in the cockpit area and for overall storage. With any fiberglass boat the more length you add the smoother the ride will be.

I owned a ’01 617 w 150hp Opti for one season. Why? I wanted to remove banking from the co-pilot seat and that’s what I could afford… My observations FWIW: fishes like the small boat it is. If you fish with one other angler or maybe 2 it can work. It’s like most Ranger boats built like a tank and a 150 two stroker it’d giddy up into mid 50’s. Especially after I updated the reed valves. Fun SMALL boat. If that works for the water you fish I think you’ll enjoy it. Hope you find the boat that best aligns with the waters and styles you prefer…

Rear casting deck. About the only possible way an angler could throw baits from the rear deck.
Big water handling. Simply not there unless you have a day of flat calm water. Not wise to make that mistake.
Cabin comfort. Small, tight.
Front deck storage. Small boats allow for less storage.
Overall fishability. River & small lake, flat water the fishability paralleled the tracking and drift features of all the Fisherman series for a smaller 17′ boat.