Boat Decisions?

[BluePlater]

I am really debating on weather to go with a 2010 Tuffy 1890 or go with something like a 06/07 Ranger 620. They are roughly the same price range but the majority of the engines on Ranger are E-tecs which for me the verdict is still out. Is having a brand new boat going to trump a ranger? Any opinions either way?

[ole matty]

You wouldn't do any wrong on both boat. Both are excellet boat and customer service as well.

[JohnMickish]

The dealer network for Ranger is far wider than it is for Tuffy so that is something to keep in mind. I'm with you on the Etec verdict, but it wouldn't bother me to have one that is 08' and newer. You can find a few 620s out there with Yamaha and Merc power but you have to know where to look. My next boat will probably be a 620 so I know what your looking at. Have you looked at the WX Skeeters? That is also on my short list of boats.

[moreyes]

Have you had chance to ride in either?

[BluePlater]

I have a good friend who has a 1890 and bought a ranger brand new in 96. I guess it just comes down to what I can get for the money. For the E-TEC and ProXS I definitely want a warranty on the motor. What do you think about a warranty on the boat.....Necessary?

[mamohr686]

I wouldn't hesitate on a well maintained used ranger with the electronics and accessories you want. By the time you put on the accessories, and pay the taxes on a new boat, you will be surprised on how fast it adds up. In my opinion, ranger boats will last longer and still have better resale down the road. The tough part is finding the right used boat. The only warranty issue I've had on my 618 is a leaking compartment. I'm the second owner, and had no problems getting it fixed. I would only buy new if it is exactly what you want and plan on keeping it for a very long time.

[moreyes]

The Tuffy says 5yrs if I recall, but when I checked around there where very few warrnety issues, and if it was "out of warrenty" Tuffy stepped up to the plate and took care of it, if it truly was a structeral issue and not misuse, being a local/regional company was nice. The parent company of Tuffy is more solid than any boat manufacture out there.

[PerchJerker]

I've heard good things about Tuffy but don't have any first-hand experience with them. I agree that the dealer and dealer location is key, but if you're looking at a new Tuffy then I assume you're working with a dealer that's a reasonable distance from where you live, and a dealership you feel comfortable doing business with.

As long as you have a good dealer, then I'd probalby lean new over used unless you really have your heart set on a Ranger. But that's assuming that the total price would be the same either way, and as was pointed out the electronics and accessories will add up really fast --- definately something to be aware of it you go the new boat route.

[Redranger]

I also looked far and wide to avoid the E-Tec, I ended up finding a 621 W/250XS about 20 miles from my house. The engine only has 100 HRS on it.

The big thing is to have some time to look, when they are in nice shape and priced right they go very fast. I dont know enough about the Tuffy's to have an say on the boat. The Rangers do hold their value, my last one cost less than 600.00 a year when thats including the interest. Good Luck in your search!