Ranger 175T Angler Debuts at Minneapolis Northwes

NEW FOR 2012: RANGER 175T ANGLER
Ranger pairs its fishing-first heritage with exceptional features, styling and performance in a widely-acclaimed, multispecies tiller design
FLIPPIN, ARK. (March 27, 2012) From its earliest days, Ranger Boats has created some of the most popular multi-species boats on the water. It’s a strong heritage for innovation and total performance that continues to earn the respect of anglers the world over. Whether it’s the focused design of a vintage 1600V tiller or the confident fishability and responsive performance of a historic 680 model, that same legacy of leadership is regularly reinforced as these designs remain in high demand on the used market to this day.

Highlighting their legendary dedication to anglers chasing a wide range of game fish, Ranger Boats recently introduced the 175T Angler, a 21st century design taking cues from several of these classic Ranger multi-species platforms. The newest member of the company’s multi-species lineup touts an elevated level of fishability and comfort while delivering remarkable performance and style to today’s tiller-boat angler.

Measuring 17 feet, 7 inches with an 87-inch beam, the Ranger 175T Angler holds 23 gallons of fuel in its tank, which is mounted under the front deck for enhanced load distribution, easier planing and better rough water performance. Rated for a maximum 75 horsepower, the new 175T also features a front casting deck and cockpit covered in a slip-resistant coating and topped with snap-in marine carpet, which can be removed for easier cleaning, while the transom of the boat allows room for an electric kicker motor and splash guards for anglers who back troll.

“Our history in producing versatile tiller powered fishing platforms dates back over 30 years. That experience, coupled with decades of refinements, has led us to the 175T, a boat that’s wide open, has ample storage, is extremely affordable, and is made to handle whatever the day calls for,” said Ranger Boats Vice President, Keith Daffron. “You might fish for walleye one day, musky the next and bass the day after that. We think this boat will be a perfect fit to an already stellar Angler Series lineup.”

Available with a wide range of precision-matched outboards, the Ranger 175T Angler features an instrument panel with a full complement of gauges and rocker switch controls and comes standard with Lowrance Mark 5X Pro electronics. Additional standard features include a 6×2 on-board battery charger, premium marine upholstery, recessed tie cleats and a 50-inch livewell designed to help keep big fish comfortable and stress free.

In addition to room for today’s large-screened electronics at the console and the bow, there are also generous storage areas throughout the boat, including an insulated cooler with drain and space for rods up to 9 feet, 6 inches in the starboard-side rod storage and room for rods up to 7 feet in the portside rod storage.

Other highlights of the Ranger 175T Angler include a sliding captain’s seat to allow for easier and more comfortable driving for a variety of anglers, integrated access panel at the stern for the quick access to the bilge pumps; recirculating livewell plus cup holders at all four corners of the cockpit as well as at the bow.

Paired with a custom-built, single-axle, RangerTrail trailer featuring LED lights, the 175T Angler is easier to maneuver and enjoys the smooth-trailering benefits of custom alignment and individually balanced wheels. Up front, the center swing jack retracts flush to the frame and creates a more balanced load, making it even more secure on the trailer. Combined with stainless steel fenders and aluminum wheels, matching spare, exclusive COOL Hub lubrication system, Road Armor protective coating, torsion axle suspension, and swing-away tongue, the RangerTrail trailer delivers long-lasting peace of mind and easy towing.

2013 RANGER 175T ANGLER
Overall Hull Length: 17 feet, 7 inches
Beam: 87 inches
Maximum HP: 75
Engine Shaft Length: 20 inches
Inside Depth: 19 inches
Fuel Capacity: 23 gallons
Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 1,200 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight: 1,200 lbs.

Trailer Capacities/Specifications
Trailer GVWR: SM2995
Length on Trailer with Motor Down: 22 feet, 2 inches
Length on Trailer with Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open: 20 feet, 2 inches
Width on Trailer: 95 inches

About Ranger Boats
Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation’s largest manufacturer of premium fiberglass fishing boats, which include series of bass, multi-species, fish ‘n play and saltwater boats. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water. For more information, go to http://www.rangerboats.com.

Any word on a starting price?

FDR

I heard the one at the show (with 70 yamaha) is priced at roughly $27K. I also heard a price of $31K with a 75, but I’m guessing that was with some other equipment if the $27K price is accurate. Consider those to be very rough numbers.

It sure is interesting that the fuel is all the way up in the bow and the trolling batteries are in the stern. Also I see it’s coming pre-rigged for a 12v system. Not sure that was so smart on Ranger’s part. There appears to be a ton of lost storage space in this layout.

I agree that it looks like a terrible use of space. why not put the fuel tank mid-boat under the floor and put some good storage/cooler space in the front. It seems odd.

I would imagine the 1790T is killing in this market place so they had to jump in? Seems odd a company that has such a long history would jump in and design something, at first glance, so poorly.

for 30k I dont see that floor plan lasting long…

I’m hoping they just missed it in the CAD drawing, but it doesn’t show a seat base on the bow either. I can’t even imagine it not being there though. I’m leaving for the Sportshow in 10 minutes and I’ll report back.

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I would imagine the 1790T is killing in this market place so they had to jump in? Seems odd a company that has such a long history would jump in and design something, at first glance, so poorly.

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To add to Kooty’s thought. The two boats are not in the same price range. It will be interesting to see if this boat really takes off and if the people buying them are truly happy with them after a year or two.

FDR

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I’m hoping they just missed it in the CAD drawing, but it doesn’t show a seat base on the bow either. I can’t even imagine it not being there though. I’m leaving for the Sportshow in 10 minutes and I’ll report back.

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I believe I see one in between the cooler and bait well.

FDR

The dealer at Ham Lake has one on the lot, excellent pictures all around the boat.

The front casting deck has the seat base back too far.

The fuel tank is in the bow, why not have some storage in the lower floor where the fuel normally is?

The cup holders located in the corners will get stepped on and may break if the plastic isn’t sturdy.

Priced rather high, I called a few dealers and was quoted $31K and higher, spend a little more and get a 618t, or spend less and get a Lund 1825 Pro Guide and be happier.

Someone mentioned 12 volt, but Rapid Marine has one on hand that has the Vantage 80, which is 24 volts, so maybe 24 volts is an option. Go to their website for pictures.

I have an opportunity to try one next week, not so enthusiastic now.

I read that they put the gas tank up front to help performance — up on plane quickly and better handling in heavy water. The boat looks pretty darn low to the water, almost like a bass boat, which should also help make it quicker. I believe there is a seat base on the bow but it’s pretty far back. I can’t tell if it’s in a good spot or not. It looks like a decent boat to me in that it’s a nice platform that should perform well. So many glass tillers are dogs. If they solved the performance problem I bet they’ll do well with this boat.

I just watched this video: http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/videos/03.29.2012/4811/New.Ranger.T.Angler/ and this looks like a great backtroller for a smaller engine. The price is going to be a hard sell since it is a smaller boat with less costly engine choices. I think there is plenty of storage on this boat and any more would make it heavier and crowded. Hope some of the guys going to the show chime in on this new hull.

Put a custom just encase in the front to make the front deck bigger and I would muskie fish out of that boat..

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I read that they put the gas tank up front to help performance — up on plane quickly and better handling in heavy water.

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The gas tank on my 618VS is in the bow. There is no room under the floor for a tank and I’d guess this is also true for this boat. BTW, I like the weight up front for slicing chop!

-J.

Pretty decent video. They need that on the website ASAP. The website does not explain that boat nearly well enough but the video does a pretty decent job.

Good video.

-J.

Click on the picture and you can see them enlarged. Gives you a great look of the hull design.

Rapid Marine 175T

Holy cow, chasing those pics back and forth was something else.

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The gas tank on my 618VS is in the bow. There is no room under the floor for a tank and I’d guess this is also true for this boat. BTW, I like the weight up front for slicing chop!
-J.

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618VS?

The gas tank in the 618T is in the floor. I can see why they moved the tank ahead in this boat to help distribute some of the weight since the 618T is a little tail heavy with the driver, engine, batteries, larger livewell, gas tank, etc.

I think they missed the target on this design, IMO, and should have been a tad narrower and a tad deeper.

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The gas tank on my 618VS is in the bow. There is no room under the floor for a tank and I’d guess this is also true for this boat. BTW, I like the weight up front for slicing chop!
-J.

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618VS?

The gas tank in the 618T is in the floor. I can see why they moved the tank ahead in this boat to help distribute some of the weight since the 618T is a little tail heavy with the driver, engine, batteries, larger livewell, gas tank, etc.

I think they missed the target on this design, IMO, and should have been a tad narrower and a tad deeper.

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I have a suspicion this is NOT to be considered a deep V walleye boat. I think they were looking to the shallower V multi-species boat. I get the feeling Ranger felt the Walleye (Deep V) guys would look to the 618T over the 175T.

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618VS?

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The 618T and 618VS are two completely different hulls. (It’s not like they put a console in the 618T) The 618VS leans more towards a bass boat hull than the 618T hull. But I can run some nasty chop on Milly no problem!

-J.

If you listen to the video it answers most of these questions.

– bow seat placement looks to be about right – if it was 6″ farther forward you wouldn’t have any room for a foot pedal or to maneuver comfortably
– this is a 20″ transom boat designed to perform with a 60 hp motor – the design can only go so deep and then you have to watch the weight to get the performance – it’s certainly a tradeoff in the design process.
– With a 70 or 75hp and a reasonable load they observed 34 mph – this is actually very good considering the performance of the 618T/90 hp.
– not designed to be the ‘I am going to tame Mille Lacs / Lake of the Woods / Green Bay / etc. boat’ rather it’s targeted for smaller waters but like any sub 18′ boat will handle those waters with sensible boating. I would bet the boat control would be outstanding with a 80# Vantage for precision applications and forward trolling would be a dream with a 60-75 hp motor.
– storage: do what I and other 600 series tiller owners do and use one rod locker for extra storage – works just fine and there is plenty of room in the other for your rods.
– price: take into account a few things: the construction and features of the trailer and that’s easially $1-2K over competitors; fit and finish of the glass, carpet, seats, trailer, etc.; full snap out carpeting (no dog hair, craler bedding,sand/dirt mess )and warranty. This quickly becomes a ‘you get what you pay for’ exercise… Additonally the cost of motors, raw material, etc. all continue to rise so getting into a NEW Ranger for $30K (give or take w/o tax) feel like a great value to me.

Again, this is a 17′ boat, not their 18 or 20′ tillers and it’s not trying to be. The best thing is that we all have choices!

-ted

It looks like a great boat considering it’s design (things that Ted brought up). As a multi-species guy that likes the space of a tiller, I could see myself in this boat, although I don’t see my CFO approving it in the near future.

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The 618T and 618VS are two completely different hulls. (It’s not like they put a console in the 618T) The 618VS leans more towards a bass boat hull than the 618T hull. But I can run some nasty chop on Milly no problem!

-J.

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Ahh, forgot about THAT 618. The 618T is also badged a 618VS so the comment about the gas tank in the bow didn’t jive. Sorry for the mix up but we’re on the same page now.

My son seemed to like it

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I read that they put the gas tank up front to help performance — up on plane quickly and better handling in heavy water.

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I have a 2000 617VS t and that 25 gal. gas tank is in the bow….. and it does help if you have more than 1/2 tank of gas….. love my boat for size/ride and CHEAP all day fishing… but wish it had the new ones storage.

-J.

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I had the opportunity to try this boat out on Tuesday. The water was just starting to whitecap, 3/4 of a tank of gas and the Yamaha 70, two people at about 200-225 lbs each. Got up on plane fairly quick, went straight into the chop, didn’t get wet, and was full throttle, boat was great in the chop. I’d be curious what the 100 lbs heavier 75 HP Yamaha would have been like.

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how fast

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I didn’t pay attention to the speed, but the dealer that was with me on the ride said 35-36 when he was at the controls.

Also, this is a small lake boat. Not intended for M-Lacs or the bays of the Great Lakes. Then you’ll need the 618t or 620t.

I see Rapid Marine in the Minneapolis area now sold theirs.