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I am looking at trading in my 86' Ranger Commanche 371V w/ a 2000 Johnson 175 for a 2000 BumbleBee 200 Pro Vee w/ a 200 Yamaha V-max. Could anyone gimme some input? About BumbleBee boats, Yamaha V-max, and any other questions or concerns i should have. Also what speeds can i expect from the Bee, how does it handle, and how reliable are the v-max engines?
The BumbleBee will be faster than your Ranger but it will not ride or handle as well. Especially in rough water. The Yamaha is a reliable motor but I think your giving up a lot going from a Ranger to a BumbleBee.
Charlie
I feel your pain about losing the Ranger......
I wished that could have worked out better for ya...at least you didn't get hurt!
Bumble Bee Boats are a hand built boat with good integrity. Not going to be as solid as a ride than a ranger- however, rangers are not the best riding boats that year anyway...so saying that I believe you will be getting the entire package to better yourself. Bee's are faster and handle and turn well, ride is a bit..let's say..more in the air because this boat actaully has bow lift. rangers do not for the most part. Big 3+ ft water you will feel it for sure. but a solid boat with limited warranty issues. Motor is good as well.
Come an ace froming buying a new Bumblebee in 2000, and bought a Champion instead. Bumblebee is a good boat that has been around for a long time, in this industry that says something. I have a Yammie 150 V-MAX on the back of my boat. I can tell you this, Yamaha are heavy but they are one of the most reliable touble free outboards out there anywhere. Built to last and starts like a new car, turn key and gone.
I bought and still own a 1998 Bumblebee V160. They build their boats to order. If you want an option that they don't offer ask for it, they may well be willing to put it in for you. At that time it was about six week from deposit to delivery. I must say the V160 is the first fiberglass boat that I have owned. I had an aluminum boat prior to that. My boat is light 895 lbs. and quick. It performs and has been reliable exceeding my expectations. When I bought my boat Bumblebee was celebrating their 25th year in business. I don't doubt for a minute that the Ranger will ride better, little doubt considering the weight. My Bumblebee rides plenty good for me.
As far as the Yamaha motor is concerned I have not owned one but I can tell you that I have fished with a couple of guides in Florida and Louisiana both were running Yamahas. We both know they did not make that decision based on cost.
Best of luck with your new boat.
Bumblebee
I own a 2000 model 190 series Bumblebee. I really like it. It has been a great boat for the money. I will concur with the other guys that you need to watch yourself a little more in the big chop. Got into some 4-5 footers at Ky.Lake last year. What a ride that was. I've never owned a Yamaha but I've heard good things as well. Good Luck.
A couple of you mention 4-5 foot chops... I don't think any bass boat will ride well in that type of chop.
Danny
thanks allot everyone for your input. i love the ride of my 86' ranger, and i don't see how any boat that is 14 yrs. newer could do anything but ride better, even though it isn't a ranger. Hull design and the science behind bass boats have came so far since then.
Any more comments or concerns are definately welcome.
Correct me if I am wrong ,the Bumble Bee is a 20 footer? and the ranger is 18 ft. The bumble bee will ride just as good if not better as that ranger. I have a 290 super v great fishing boat. For the money I think it can't be beat.