Ranger/ YarCraft/Warrior which one and why??

[rodmaker]

I may be in the market for a different boat soon. Going to give glass a try. looking for something 17 1/2 - up to 20' tiller. Mainly fish on Mille lacs.

I've only been fishing in a YarCraft a few times. Very nice!!!

It would be nice to hear from people who have these boats to hear what they like/dislike about them.

PerchJerker, your info over the last few days have been awesome. I sent you more on a Warrior yesterday.

Thanks,

Rodmaker

[Navigator]

I have owned two of the three boats mentioned, three different Ranger fisherman series and one 1785 BT Yarcraft. Along with three deep-v (135D, 1775T, 1850DV) Skeeters. If the big pond is what you are fishing then glass is the way to go! The ride is second to none for all of the boats I mentioned, but I do have to give the nod to Skeeter for a drier experience, especially the 135D & 1850DV. The larger Rangers are really bow heavy and push water more than the Skeeters. Bow spray is a killer for anyone trying to run in a cross wind.

As far as interior layout the Rangers get the nod for functional storage space along with water tight livewells. My Yarcraft seemed to be a little on the cheaper side in terms of construction.

Again, if big water is what you are running then you are looking at the right type of boat. When you are looking at spending the bucks that glass commands, definitely try to get a ride in any of the boats you are looking at.

[SWMuskeye]

How about Lake Assualt =)? I've always wanted to fish in one of those.

I am a huge Ranger fan-Navigator has it on the nose though about the bow spray-it seems to be worse at lower speeds than high though. IMO nothing beats the layout of a ranger fisherman with a dual console/windshield on lakes like Mille Lacs.

[rodmaker]

Do they make a big tiller boat????

[Navigator]

I have seen a tiller model on Mille Lacs and I think lake assault custom makes their boats so you can ask for a tiller.

[The Hammer]

Rodmaker

I am a Skeeter owner and love my boat very much! Most of my buddies are Ranger guys and I get a lot of grief from them. They are both great boats. In my experience in fishing in both boats the Skeeter is much drier in big water.It is also a little faster at top speed. I see that Lund is now making a glass boat it looks nice. Anyway I think any glass boat is great. Some floor layouts are different than others. I only wish my Skeeter had a seat pedestal in the very back of the boat,I know the Lund has this option. I do love the storage capacity in my boat and I have 2 big live wells. I take my boat out on Lake Michigan and need a lot of live well space.

The Hammer

[Whopper Stopper]

Steve Jonesi a member of Fishing Minnesota and one of the top guides on Mille Lacs had a Ranger with a tiller a couple of seasons ago. You will never meet a nicer guy. Contact him and ask some questions. He will give it to you straight and best of all he fishes the same lake you do.

WS

[fishorgolf]

Right after the season ended this year I purchased a new warrior 2090 tiller with a 150 Yamaha 4 stroke. I purchased it to late in the season to get on the water but did I get a deal on this boat because they wanted to move before winter. I like you decided I was changing to a glass boat because I just do not want to get beat up anymore in and aluminum. I have had 14 -23.5 ft aluminum boats and they ALL ride hard. I am sure you are looking to buy before spring but a week after the ice is out I can give you my report.

[rodmaker]

Do you have an e-mail address for him??

[rodmaker]

That will work. I'm probably looking for something used 5-6 yrs old. Price range $15,000 - $19,000.

if you hear of something contact me.

[Note from admin: Please read forum policy before posting again. Thank you.]

[Whopper Stopper]

Just Google Steve Jonesi Mille Lacs.

[hanson]

Price is just a smidge higher than your range. I have seen these boats sell for much less, around 17-18k. Just have to keep looking.

[Note from admin: What were you thinking? ]

[Sportland_Bait]

I have been running a 2090 Warrior for the last 5 years. I have been very happy with it. I fish the lakes here in the Brainerd area, Mille Lacs, and the Oahe system. I have been in just about every type of nasty weather conditions. It has always performed up to expectations. I like the dry, soft ride. I think that if you can pick one up in that price range jump on it. You will be happy with the Warrior.

Jason Erlandson

[Mille Lacs Guy]

I have owned 2 of the 3 boats you mentioned, the Warrior and a currently run a Yar Craft 2095BT. First off, all of the boats you mentioned are quality boats, your decision is going to come down to your personal preference.

I owned a 1890 Warrior with a 90 tiller on it and it was a good boat. Only complaints were it was underpowered, rod storage was poor and sometimes wet, and the boat was too narrow. Positives were it backtrolled and drifted well, was very fishable, and it rode reasonably well.

I was all set to get another Warrior until I drove a 2095 Yar Craft with a 150 on it. After test driving the Yar Craft I was pretty much sold. I liked the interior layout better in the Yar Craft, it was much wider and had two large rod lockers on each side that can hold 9 foot trolling rods. The newer Warriors have a center rod locker but the disadvantage to it is you lose a lot of floor space, especially on the 1890. In my Yar Craft I gained floor space and better rod storage. Another positive about the Yar Craft is its backtrolling ability, it has what they call sponses on the transom of the boat that help a great deal when backtrolling against big waves. They act as almost pontoons keeping you from sinking in the waves too much.

Probably the biggest difference between the Warrior and Yar Craft in my opinion is the ride in rough water. The Warrior rides good don't get me wrong, but I noticed in the Warrior when you land coming off a big wave you always seemed to hit hard or slap the water like you were landing on concrete. In the Yar Craft it always seems to land smooth. I believe it has something to do with the hull design, I'm not sure. I will also say in the Yar Craft it seemed like I was able to get out and get on top of the waves and have a drier ride. In my Warrior I didn't have the power to always do this in rough water. Maybe this has improved with Warrior allowing larger motors on the boat now.

One last note on the fit and finish of these boats. Ranger has the best fit and finish hands down but you pay for it. For some people that's fine. I have noticed both Warrior and Yar Craft have come along way in this area over the past few years. I think my Yar Craft has a good fit and finish, not great, it is very functional for a fisherman, the decked out Chevrolet versus the Cadallic is the comparison I use. The Chevy is fine with me.

I found the price of my Yar Craft almost $10,000 cheaper than a comparably priced Ranger and I didn't find the Ranger to be a better boat besides in the fit and finish category. My Yar Craft was more price comparable to the 1890 Warrior with a 115 on it and I got a 20 foot boat with a 150 on it with the Mertens power steering.

I would suggest talking to as many people as possible that own these boats and see what they think, as well as trying to get out on the water in these boats in rough water. Make your decision based on what is important to you. Bottom line is all three are good boats and each has it positives and negatives. If you have any questions on my experience with Yar Craft of Warrior let me know.

Dan Jochum

NPAA #269

[LMITOUT]

I'll chime in from the Ranger camp to offer my observations from a 618T owner's point of view. Last winter around this time I started looking at the various tiller boats in the 17-18' size and narrowed it down to the Yar-Craft and Ranger models. The one thing that turned me away from the Yar-Craft was that it was only rated for a 75HP. Although the boat is a tad smaller than the Ranger, I just felt that it was probably underpowered compared to it's size and had read similar comments online.

Some people like the lockable electronics compartment of the Yar-Craft and some would rather have it more open so that you can view the locators from more angles. I preferred the open dash of the Ranger to allow for more flexibility in mounting electronics.

As mentioned above, the legendary fit and finish of a Ranger is definitely noticeable when you step into one. Everything fits tight and secure. The livewell system in the Ranger is top-notch as well. Another factor is the trailer. Rangers have some very nice trailers and I barely notice my boat is behind me when I'm heading down the highway. It doesn't move around and the suspension gives the boat a nice ride over the rough stuff.

The bow design of the Ranger really peels the water back and keeps it down and away. Since this is my first tiller I had a feeling I'd be more wet than my previous aluminum console boat, but I was wrong. The only time I'd get spray is at low speeds and turning in/out of the wind and a wave would catch the side of the boat near the bow. Mostly driver error on that part, but running down the lake it is a dry ride.

I wanted to get to Mille Lacs last year to really give it the test on the big water but never made it up there last summer. Hopefully this summer I'll get that opportunity.

The other tiller I considered was the Skeeter but it also was rated for an 80HP engine, and felt it really should be at least a 90 for it's size.

Warrior has a new tiller in the 17' range that looks appealing and is rated for a 90. If that would have been available last winter it most likely would have been on my short list of potential boats.

Right now I'm extremely satisfied with my Ranger after one summer and have no gripes. It fishes excellent and I'm fishing completely different than I did when I had a console boat. The boat control is nothing like I had experienced before and that most likely goes for all tillers, but I believe the deep keel on the Ranger helps keep it down IN the water and in the spot you want to stay on, rather than ON TOP of the water and fighting cross-winds. This means more time fishing productively and less time fighting boat control.

Good luck with your decision. There are lots of options out there and it really boils down to how much you feel comfortable with spending. After you decide that you can narrow down your options pretty fast.

[fishorgolf]

Millelacsguy,

I don't think you can make a fare comparison between a 18' warrior with a 90 on it to a 20' yarcraft with a 150 on it. Two totally diff. boats. I was seriously looking at the 2090bt yarcraft vs the 2090bt warrior. What I liked about the warrior was the 55 gal gas tank the YC is something like 35) I also liked that the warrior came with everything standard instead of many things being options on the YC. Still I was very close to getting the YC but it the end I saved over $6000.00 going with the Warrior over the yarcraft. And that is with a Yamaha 4 stroke vs a mecury 2 stroke.

[Kyle Sandberg]

Rodmaker, you have mail.

I don't know much about these boats but just walking in some of them in the showrooms I like Warriors. I guess it is also cool that they make them in Minnesota.

[cjac]

Great info from all!

I've been in the above mentioned Jonesi Ranger a few times and some days anything short of a cabin cruiser and you'll get wet on Mille Lacs, simple as that. That lake can flat-out be a beast. It's a great boat. Love the Warriors too. Can't say I've been in a YarCraft, drooled over them, but not in one....

Couple thoughts....

Motor: These days gas is a major consideration with prices. The Ranger had a 115 Yammy 4 stroke, topped out around 38 or so, maybe 40mph in ideal conditions. Unless you're in a tourney and "time is money" it performed very well and got you where you were going in good time. Keep in mind I have that motor, so I may be a bit biased. That said, Merc has come a long ways in the mid HP range motors. Comes down to preference, the dealers motor alliances, and your checkbook really.

Size: If you're mainly looking ML, then the 20 foot range is probably the better option. Flip side is if you hit smaller lakes (ramps in mind) a 20 footer on a dual axle trailer can be a bit of work. I run a 17 foot multi-species and it is fine on ML most days, but a MAJOR comfort sacrifice on some days, to the point it can dictate going period or at least what part of the lake I fish.

Features: Not gimmicks, but important stuff like rod storage, storage in general, ability to add accerrories, mounting rod holders, and so on. Little things can make a big difference....

Make: All three are great boats, simple as that. Look at what fits your fishing style and needs the best.

$$$: Meaning do what is in your means, but do not let a grand or two make the decision if it's within your means, don't do buy because it's a great deal, buy because it's what you're looking for.

Rodmaker: Keep doing what you're doing and ask Qs and do the research. Many FMers will offer you a trip out, buy me dinner after a day and I would! Most of us are looking for an excuse to go out often times! Hit a summer FM walleye gathering and you'd likely be able to see all kinds of makes, options, modifications, and add-ons in one weekend! We all like to talk about boats and fishing!

Chris

[rodmaker]

How big of a motor do you have on it. Sounds like you need bigger than a 90hp??

[rodmaker]

I'll check my work e-mail tomorrow am. Thanks. I kind of like the Warriors.

[rodmaker]

If I remember correctly I did meet you at the fall Frenzy!!!! This Post will steer me in the right direction on a glass boat.

I'll read over everthing tomorrow am, and get back with more questions.

Thanks again!!!!

[cjac]

Yes we met there, I was the "glass" jealous guy in the aluminum Lund, just like you! Good times were had that weekend!

Since you make rods, obviously you have an appreciation for detail, quality, and craftsmanship, carry that same approach to your boat selection and I'll be asking you for a ride......

Chris

[Mille Lacs Guy]

Actually comparing the 1890 Warrior to the 2095 Yar Craft is a fairer comparison than comparing it to the 2090 Warrior. The 1890 Warrior is something like 18 foot 6" or something very close. Yar Craft is technically 20'1" but they basically made a nose, for a lack of a better term extend from the bow to get the boat to measure over 20 feet. The hull actually measures 18'11" without playing tricks to meet coast guard requirements. I believe the 2090 Warrior measures 20'6" or so. The importance of getting the boat to measure over 20 feet is that the coast guard regulations no longer apply for motor ratings. This is why you can put these big tillers such as 150 through 225 on these big tiller boats. Boats under 20 feet have to adhere to the coast guard formula which in most instances will allow a 18-19 foot boat to be rated for between 90 and 100 HP depending on the model.

The 2095 Yar Craft is the same exact hull as the old 1895 Yar Craft that was marketed as an 18 foot boat at 18'11". The only difference is the pointed nose sticking off of the bow. Anybody that has looked at a 2095 BT probably has noticed this. Also, you can tell by looking at the 2090 Warrior that it is a much larger boat than the Yar Craft.

We must have been quoted by different dealers on boats. I saved almost $5,000 by getting the Yar Craft as compared to a 2090 Warrior and I have most of the options on my Yar Craft. It shows it pays to check different dealers and their prices.

Dan Jochum

NPAA #269

[rodmaker]

Any body else own one of these boats????

[srj]

Rodmaker, I've run a Yarcraft 1895BT since 2002. It's my third Yarcraft--a 17, 18 and now this one, with a Warrior and a ProV in between Yarcrafts. In years past, I tended to not keep boats too long, but to this point if I bought a new boat, it would be another Yarcraft-the 2095BT (as pointed out in another post, the 2095 has about a 5 inch longer nose than the 1895--number games). A Yamaha F115 powers the boat. No speed demon but adequate. 41 mph with a VERY light load, 36-39 under normal fishing load. Trolls down to 1.7-2.1 depending on conditions-I pull cranks quite a bit. With a decent chop, it backtrolls very nicely. Most of my fishing is on LOW with a few trips to Mille Lacs and Winnie. I see a lot of big waves on LOW and spend lots of time fishing in 4 footers (or bigger), backtrolling, drifting, trolling. The boat backtrolls very well, the best I have experienced in a big tiller. Running in big stuff isn't great fun, but when you get there fishing is no problem. Only the 25-30 footers move at speed on LOW when it's blowing. It's called "the Dry One" by Yarcraft and it's not bad.........BUT, when you have a ways to go crosswind and the wind is up, raingear is what keeps ya dry. Everyone that has been in the boat has remarked how comfy and fishable it is. I'm a fan of the electronics compartment and appreciate the long rod lockers and lots of storage--semi dry storage, that is. I had fished out of all the other big tillers before I bought the 1895 and have had no regrets.

Pretty windy, eh. All that being said, one of my fishing partners runs a Warrior 2090 and that has been a great boat for him. Another has a 620T and he loves it. Lots of great boats out there these days-I don't think you can make a bad choice.

Good luck.