Ranger 618vs (2003)

[thrax]

Anyone got feedback on this boat? I have the chance to buy a pretty mint one, price I think is right at $18000 given the condition. Boat was purchased new in 2005, 135 Opti with only 119 hrs on it total. Boat looks in mint condition, everything is great. Its got the removable rear casting deck extension, I am considering working in a custom box instead of the rear deck, or possibly even doing a partial extension on the front deck for baits or storage? I've seen a few and it really can max out the deck space to be able to cast comfortably with 3 guys, IMO? Any feedback on this rig would be greatly appreciated! The owner still says it is from a 48-51mph boat, even though its not maxed out at 150hp? I often fish by myself or just one other person, looks like it would work great for me. Thanks for any input.

[SandBayFishCamp]

Sounds like a good deal. Although I am a Yamaha bigot...I don't know much about Opti's. You may want to get an opinion on the motor since all the boat really needs to do is float...the motor is most important. 135hp should be good enough.

[PerchJerker]

Those mid-size Optis - the 135, 150 and 175 - are outstanding motors. As long as you like the loud Opti growl you'll love the reliability, speed and fuel consumption.

[delmuts]

The boat it self should be a good rig. If you are questioning wether it has enough power; i wouldn't buy it til you have a chance to ride and drive it on the water.

[Meat-Run]

Thrax,

I have an older model 681 and love it. It fishes like a bass boat but with higher sides and it has 115hp Mariner when fully loaded and two guys top end is 43mph. I think with that model and horse power and right prop you'll easiely exceed those speeds. This ranger is a solid boat and does very well for big water for a short 18ft boat (17'9") to be exact. Ranger 618vs have a long history of being a good multi species: muskie/bass fishermen like myself and do some walleye fishing but the transom is almost to low for back trolling. My Ranger is 1992 and doesn't leak a bit but you do have tendency to get wet for this size of a boat but don't get me wrong I would purchase another if I didn't have a family. If the price is right you couldn't go wrong a SOLID BOAT FOR SURE!!!

Meat-Run

[thrax]

Thx for the feedback guys. Will have the check in hand tomorrow and an early Saturday morning pickup is scheduled. If all checks out like it should I'll be fishing out of it Saturday evening!! Can't wait.

[delmuts]

Now you do realize that we expect a report after you have it on the water, AND !! Pictures if possible!

[Eyefishalot]

I have a question. I have a Ranger 518VX Bass Boat. Since I have two boys now, I need a bigger boat for the family. I'm looking at the 619VS or 620VS. I fish for walleyes & panfish in the early season and after that its just all bass. My question is for those who own or been on a Ranger 619VS or 620VS. Do these two multi-species boat have a hard time in shallow water (2-3ft) when fishing for bass?

[mamohr686]

You should be fine in 2 to 3 feet of water with a fisherman series boat. The biggest difference you will notice is the boat will blow around much more in the wind. It's also a lot harder to flip/pitch out of a multi-species boat without making a splash on the water. Most walleye boats come with a longer shaft trolling motor, that might get in the way when you raise it up in the shallows. If your mainly a bass fisherman, why not get a bigger bass boat? upgrade to a 520 or 521 with 3 seats. The kids should have a lifejacket on at all times anyway, especially if they can't swim.

[Eyefishalot]

If it was just up to me I would upgrade to used, affordable Z20 or Z21 but the "WIFE" has 50% on this call so I've been battling with her and so far I'm not winning this battle. I do need something bigger, one with a center rod storage b/c I have 22 specific rods. The wife likes more leg room, more room for the kids to nap when they're tired out. Sigh............Marriage.

Looks like its going to be a 619 or 620 Fishermen series. Goodbye bass boat...sigh

[Joe Pallardy]

The 618 is rated up to a 150, so a 135 should do the trick. I have seen a lot of guides run a 618 with a 90 HP tiller, so the boat should have enough power. I would expect speeds in mid 40's, not a barn burner but still faster than most! One of the best things about most of the fisherman series is a larger livewell in comparison with the bass models. If you plan to fish any musky tournaments they require you to have a minimum livewell of 45 inches. The fisherman series will also handle better in rougher water IMO.I currently own a ranger 180 reatta, hoping to upgrade to a fisherman series when I get the chance... best boat out there for the multispecies angler fishing big water.