New Boat/ Which one

[Bushwacker]

I am going to buy a boat in the next couple of weeks. I am looking at a 21 foot stratos and a 21 foot Ranger same price for each. Which one is the better boat. I am not trying to start anything just wanting to buy the best boat for the money.

[Danny]

Both are undoubtedly good boats. Are they used? That is the only way I can figure them both being the same price. Ranger has a much larger and better marketing mechanism.

I would recommend to you that you choose which boat, if they are both the same as far as working order and accessories, well anyway, pick the boat that "fits" you!!! Think of it this way, would you buy a shirt that you loved, but was too tight? Or for some other reason just did not fit you correctly? Well we forget that when we are buying boats, but they are really just the same, and are just a much larger purchase. For instance, I have always wanted a Ranger. Why? I don't really know for sure, but it is an emotional feeling, and it goes back to my first beginning to follow Pro fishing. I wanted the boat that the pros used. My first boat however was a Stratos, and my second was a Triton, which is what I now own. When I bought the Triton, I had spent nearly 3 years researching, shopping, building relationships with dealers, etc.... I had my choice of any boat I wanted. I love Skeeters, but I sit too high in the drivers seat. I really wanted my Ranger, but I wanted a hot foot, and I could not use one in the 2002 models because the console was too low for my legs to fit using a hot foot. Triton fit all my needs the best, including the height of the console. Now the Rangers are such that I could use the hot foot, but after using one for the last 5 years, I don't want one on my next boat, and it will likely be a Ranger.

Now if you are worried about resale, it seems that Rangers do have better resales than Stratos, so if both boats are the same age, that would definately be something to consider, not to mention the power plants and the accessories. Good luck, and let us know which you buy!!!

Danny

[Devils Horse]

If price is the same, I'd go with the Ranger. I believe it will hold it's value better, and I don't believe any production boat is built better than a Ranger.

[artcarney_agr]

I would make sure to test drive both, and also to look at another dealership (I bet you've been to a dealer that only sells Stratos and Ranger and I could probably almost guess which one!). Skeeter and Triton are also very good boats as well. Kind of like what Danny said, buying a boat is like buying a pair of shoes, you have to try them on and then buy the one that fits best!

I've spent a few years as a BFL co-angler and have ridden in nearly every make of boat. To me, the Ranger was always the most comfortable ride and had a great layout, no matter which model it was. When it came time to buy, I was completely settled on a Ranger. I test drove a Ranger R93 and fell in love with it! I'm telling you, when you finally get a boat that you can't enough seat time in, it's a great feeling!

If you're worried about resale, don't buy a new boat! Hold out for that well cared for used boat that was someone's baby! Buying a new boat is about like buying a new car, the resale value drops as soon as it leaves the lot! But based on my experience and research, the Ranger holds its value better than most other boats.

Of course these are all my own opinions, but I've spent countless hours in many different brands of boats and hours upon hours doing research on each different brand.

[mertens357]

BassCat, oh I am sorry that wasn't a choice. I think that is too broad of a question. What are the models of them(201 Pro XL, 21 SS Extreme, Comanche, etc..) year, motors, hours on motors, electronics. If they are the exact everything, Ranger by far, but that can't be the case. I had a 04' 201 Pro XL, and I liked it a lot. But the resale value wasn't so hot.

BUY A BASSCAT!!!!

Shawn

[flippinstick]

I agree, I believe Ranger will hold its value alot better then Stratos. Is Ranger now making Stratos, thats what I was told by someone from Southern Indiana Marine.

[mertens357]

No, they are still made in TN and Ranger in Ark. But GENMAR owns both.

Shawn

[mattplapp]

I think what he meant is that Ranger is now running Stratos, which is correct. Back in the summer Genmar decided to have Ranger personall run Stratos. The boats are still built in the same locations as they always were. Genmar is the parent company for both as well as a bunch of other boat builders including Champion.

But Shawn is right, don't forget about Bass Cat