Ranger Boats Archives | Salt Water Sportsman The world's leading saltwater fishing site for saltwater fishing boat and gear reviews, fishing photos, videos and more from Salt Water Sportsman. Sun, 07 May 2023 14:21:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2021/09/favicon-sws.png Ranger Boats Archives | Salt Water Sportsman 32 32 Ranger 2510 Bay: 2020 Boat Buyers Guide https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/story/boats/ranger-2510-bay-2020-boat-buyers-guide/ Fri, 13 Dec 2019 01:09:14 +0000 https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/?p=52371 Step up your fishing game in a big bay boat with the 2510 Bay.

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Ranger 2510 Bay running shot
LOA: 24’9″ | Beam: 8’6″ | Fuel Capacity: 97 gal. | Dry Weight: 3,600 lb. plus power | Max HP: 400 | Certifications: NMMA Ranger Boats

Spanning more than 50 years, Ranger Boats has crafted an extensive lineup of fiberglass and aluminum saltwater and freshwater boats, plus fishing and cruising pontoons.

Each new boat fills a specific niche, while classics are continually tweaked. Ranger-pioneered innovations are now industry standards. It famously led the way toward new US Coast Guard flotation standards, through its addition of safety-foam flotation material. Ranger also patented the aerated livewell, which keeps fish frisky for post-tournament release.

Ranger’s fiberglass boats have a patented pultruded fiberglass transom, fiberglass knee braces, and a fiberglass stringer system that dampens engine and rough-water vibration, optimizing its stable ride.

Ranger 2510 Bay helm
Dual circulation pumps plus a recirculation pump are at the heart of one of the best livewells afloat. Ranger Boats

Ranger 2510 Bay

Ready to step up your fishing game in a big bay boat? The redesigned 2510 Bay Ranger will take you there.

The 2510 is already famous for its soft ride and Carolina flare, reverse chines, easy-access head compartment with a large, shock-supported door, diamond nonskid surface, and raw-water and freshwater washdowns. Lockable rod storage with rod organizers are included in port side and accomodate rods up to 9’.

A 40 gallon recirculated livewell with 2200gph aerated flow, a handy crustacean well aft and a 26-gallon forward livewell give plenty of bait-keeping options. A 210-quart insulated fish box with a large drain can -alternately supply dry storage.

Now the 2510 comes refreshed, with deft touches including a larger back deck that drains water from the rear deck box channels. The bow cooler/livewell latch is now stainless steel, and the console door’s larger gas shock eliminates slamming in rough seas.

A massive fuel tank and -horsepower-rating boost to 400 means you can go far and get there fast. Fold-down aft seatstuck away quickly at fishing time. Gunwales and transom rod holders total eight—more than most offshore and inshore survey respondents say they need.

A larger hydraulic jack plate, trim tabs and a Ranger Trail trailer are standard; hardtop, second station, shallow-water anchors, trolling motor, bow cushions, backrests and handrails are optional.

Survey Says: On Target

⋅Upright, level flotation tops US Coast Guard specifications

⋅Livewells exceed expectations

⋅Raw-water and freshwater washdowns come standard

Owners Say

⋅Perfect for not only saltwater fishing, but bass fishing too

⋅Wide-open flat casting deck fore and aft

⋅Fishability, room and stability

Brand Says

⋅Wide-open layout and organized storage everywhere

⋅Big-water capability throughout

More Info: rangerboats.com

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Ranger 2360 Bay: 2019 Boat Buyers Guide https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/ranger-2360-bay-2019-boat-buyers-guide/ Wed, 05 Jun 2019 03:46:20 +0000 https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/?p=54313 The 2360 Bay mixes hardcore fishing with creature comforts.

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Ranger continues to expand their performance fishing boats. The brand-new Ranger 2360 Bay has all of the hardcore fishing features that you’d find in Ranger’s other bay boats, but it also has the family package that adds plenty of creature comforts. When the fishing day is done and it’s time to relax, hang out at the beach or cruise to a dinner spot, your family will have everything on board that they want.

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Ranger 2510 Bay Ranger: 2019 Boat Buyers Guide https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/ranger-2510-bay-ranger-2019-boat-buyers-guide/ Wed, 02 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/?p=54187 The 2510 Bay Ranger delivers comfort, fishability and peace of mind.

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Ranger 2510 Bay Ranger: 2019 Boat Buyers Guide
LOA: 24’7″ | Beam: 8’5″ | Fuel Capacity: 97 gal. | Dry Weight: 3,600 lb. plus power | Max HP: 350 | Certifications: NMMA Courtesy Ranger Boats

Just over fifty years ago this past year, a half-dozen new boats appeared on the waters around Flippin, Arkansas: the first Rangers. Since then, Ranger Boats has launched a veritable, and respected, flotilla.

Ranger Boats now comprises an extensive lineup of fiberglass and aluminum saltwater and freshwater boats.

Along the way, the company has pioneered many innovations that have become industry standards, such as leading the way to U.S. Coast Guard flotation standards with the use of additional safety-foam flotation material.

Ranger patented the aerated livewell to sustain fish for post-tournament release, heralding the conservation practice of catch-and-release.

Ranger’s fiberglass boats boast a patented pultruded fiberglass transom, fiberglass knee braces, and a fiberglass stringer system that dampens engine and ­rough-water vibration.

The company says every Ranger exemplifies its five-star advantage: quality, performance, innovation, safety and resale value.

Ranger 2510 Bay Ranger: 2019 Boat Buyers Guide
The upper station is a popular upgrade. LED courtesy and spreader lights are standard. Courtesy Ranger Boats

Ranger 2510 Bay Ranger
Biggest in its Bay series, the 2510 Bay Ranger — with a 350 hp rating and a 97-gallon fuel capacity — is also ready for blue water. Its Carolina-flare bow, steep stem V and high freeboard make the trip a smooth, dry pleasure.

Anglers love the spacious and open storage-rich layout. Dual aft seats pop up when you need them and fold down to become part of the casting deck at fishing time.

Aft is a crustacean livewell, dry storage and ample access to mechanicals.

Gunwales and the transom bear a total of eight rod holders — more than what 70 percent of offshore and 93 percent of inshore survey respondents expect.

Leaning-post and deck-mounted rod holders are complemented by forward rod-storage lockers served by patented Power Ventilation Rod Storage moisture-fighting ventilation.

That leaning post supports a 40-gallon aerated tank with dual fill pumps and a recirculation pump; bait or catch stays lively.

The console houses a head compartment, and the helm welcomes dual 12-inch displays — meeting or exceeding minimums posted by most of our survey respondents.

A hydraulic, 12-inch ­setback jack plate and trim tabs are ­standard; hardtop, second ­station, shallow-water anchors and trolling motor are optional.

Survey Says: On Target

  • Upright, level flotation exceeds U.S. Coast Guard specifications
  • Plenty of rod holders and storage
  • Raw-water and freshwater washdown comes standard

Owners Say

  • Inshore and nearshore ability, solid build, good deck layout
  • Being able to work all the way around the hull when fighting a fish
  • Wide-open casting decks

Ranger Says

  • The 2510 Bay Ranger delivers comfort, fishability and peace of mind
  • Solid, one-piece feel
  • Swim platform

More Info: rangerboats.com

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Ranger 2510 Bay Ranger: 2018 Boat Buyers Guide https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/ranger-2510-bay-ranger-2018-boat-buyers-guide/ Tue, 05 Dec 2017 02:12:48 +0000 https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/?p=48736 The 2510 Bay Ranger is ready for long runs beyond the breakers.

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Ranger 2510 Bay Ranger
LOA: 24’7″ | Beam: 8’5″ | Fuel Capacity: 97 gal. | Dry Weight: 3,600 lb. plus power | Max Horsepower: 350 | Certifications: NMMA Courtesy of Ranger Boats

Make no mistake about it: When people with experience in Ranger Boats think of the brand, they think of value.

In our survey, respondents placed Ranger near the head of the pack in value among the most popular brands, spotlighting brand reputation, customer service and resale value for particular praise. All this while also lauding Ranger’s fishability, design and construction, and performance.

Ranger may have begun life 50 years ago as the realized vision of bass-boat pioneers Forrest and Nina Wood, but Ranger techniques, materials and designs have made its boats favorites in fresh water and salt, shallows and bays — in bass, multispecies, fish-and-play, fly-fishing, waterfowl utility and pontoon designs.

Ranger’s fiberglass boats (it again makes aluminum boats too) boast a patented pultruded fiberglass transom, fiberglass knee braces and a fiber­glass stringer system that dampens engine and rough-water vibration. What the company calls Interlock Construction creates a one-piece feel in a strong, quiet boat.

More Ranger hallmarks? Lots of fishing room and storage; finished gelcoated livewells (the company patented the aerated livewell, ­after all); and, of course, the boat’s ­safety-boosting foam filling of all hull cavities.

It all helps create what those who know Rangers admire: their lasting value.

RANGER 2510 BAY RANGER

Biggest in Ranger’s Bay Ranger series, the 2510 Bay Ranger is ready for long runs beyond the breakers.

Carolina-flare bow, steeper vee at the stem and higher freeboard help tame big water with a smooth, dry ride, and a 350 hp rating and 97-gallon fuel capacity provide this bay boat plenty of range.

The layout? An angler’s dream: plenty of storage, plenty of space. Dual aft seating pops up when you need it and folds flat into a casting deck when you don’t. Aft, there’s a crustacean livewell, dry storage and ample access to pumps, battery chargers and plumbing. Forward, the center step is a cooler and the center box serves as an insulated fish box or dry storage. Coaming pads surround the gunwales to cushion legs while battling a big fish.

Forward rod storage lockers are served by a patented ventilated rod-storage system that circulates air to keep condensation at bay and the tackle battle-ready.

At the leaning post, a huge aerated tank with dual fill pumps and a recirculation pump keeps catch or bait lively. The console houses a head compartment, and the helm welcomes dual 12-inch displays. Plush upholstered seats with flip-up bolsters and armrests let you match your position to the conditions. There are both raw- and freshwater washdowns standard.

Options include an upper station for tarpon fishermen. A performance jack plate is standard, but Power-Poles and trolling motors are optional.

More Info rangerboats.com

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Ranger 240 Bahia https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/news/ranger-240-bahia/ Tue, 17 Sep 2013 03:41:25 +0000 https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/?p=50089 A bay boat that's easy on the eyes - and wallet.

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Sometimes fly-anglers feel that the only boat that applies to them is a skiff. By and large the greater percentage of saltwater fly-fishing requires stealthy approaches in superskinny water. But honestly, have you ever really thought about what more you could accomplish aboard a bay boat armed with fly tackle? It goes without saying that the skiff is the boat of choice for most fly-anglers; however, in some scenarios, a bay boat such as Ranger’s 240 Bahia really does make better sense. Not to mention how many new angling possibilities it opens up.

As far as specific fishing scenarios go, when it comes to fishing for tarpon, cobia and other species from the beach, I don’t even think about it; the skiff stays at home and I hitch up the bay boat. Or, if I know that I’m going to be targeting snook or redfish in water that’s a foot or more deep, the Bahia gets the nod. When utilizing a Minn Kota i-Pilot trolling motor, I can pick apart mangrove shorelines and potholes on the flats as slowly and meticulously as I please. I often make long runs for the filming of The Gypsy Angler and even when I’m guiding my clients in south Florida. When I know I’m going to make these open water runs, my crew and clients appreciate the smooth, dry ride provided by my Ranger Bay.

Fly-anglers will also appreciate the Ranger 240 Bahia’s giant, flat casting deck up front and its built-in toe rail designed to keep fly lines at their feet and out of the water. Another aspect they will enjoy is the 240 Bahia’s 101-inch beam because it provides an extremely stable platform from which to cast. So instead of worrying about their balance, anglers can dedicate 100 percent of their concentration on making delicate and accurate presentations. Not to mention how stable it is for fighting big fish that force the angler to do laps around the boat during the fight.

Ample storage is another important factor for my needs, and that’s yet another feature of this boat that I really like. I’m of the mind-set that you can never be too prepared. I can carry virtually all the rods I could ever need in its large, lockable lockers that easily accommodate 9-foot fly rods. Also, there’s room to store all the fly boxes, gear bags and rain suits I would ever need.

When it comes to powering the 240 Bahia, you could go as low as a 150 and it would run great on just that. However, if you’d like to have the ability to extend your range a bit and have the horsepower to outrun afternoon thunderstorms, a 250 Evinrude E-Tec (like mine) is a very good choice.

Again, skiffs are great, and no doubt do they serve an important purpose, but if you are presented with a one-boat budget and want a craft the whole family can enjoy, the Ranger 240 Bahia is a great option.

SPECS:

LOA: 23’4”

Beam: 8’5”

Draft: 13”

Fuel: 72 gal.

Max Horsepower: 250

Weight: 2,350 lb. (approx.)

Top Speed: Low to mid-50s

Price: $49,995 w/ 200 hp

Ranger Boats

Flippin, Arkansas

870-453-2222

rangerboats.com

Motor Choices

The 240 Bahia can easily get up and go on a 150 hp, but if you are into speed, try the 250 Evinrude E-Tec. For picking apart shorelines, a Minn Kota i-Pilot is what you need.

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Ranger 184 Ghost https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/boats/boat-reviews/ranger-184-ghost/ Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:40:44 +0000 https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/?p=47127 Today, Ranger offers saltwater fly-anglers 13 models of inshore boats, ranging from a beefy 24-foot bay model to a 16 1/2-foot micro skiff that weighs only 540 pounds.

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Ranger Boats, based in Flippin, Arkansas, made its bones many decades ago as the pre-eminent maker of raised-deck freshwater bass boats. Over the last couple of decades, the company has grown to be a powerhouse in the saltwater arena as well, releasing a compliment of solid bay boats and flats skiffs.

Today, Ranger offers saltwater fly-anglers 13 models of inshore boats, ranging from a beefy 24-foot bay model to a 16½-foot micro skiff that weighs only 540 pounds. Somewhere in the middle of the pack resides Ranger’s 184 Ghost, an attractive flats boat featuring many characteristics shallow-water anglers will find appealing.

Design and Construction
The 184 Ghost is a center-console design stretching to 18 feet, 3 inches in length. With a stable beam of 7 feet, 2 inches, the boat is constructed with solid fiberglass stringers and Ranger’s patented Pultruded fiberglass transom, which the company says eliminates the need for high-density foam in the transom’s core, reducing the risk of transom compression and loose motor mounts.

The 184 is designed with the kind of features you like to see in a flats boat, including flared bow contours, spray rails and an integrated engine setback that help ensure a smooth, dry ride. Meanwhile, rounded hull chines and dense foam insulation work to keep the boat’s hull nice and quiet, minimizing splash in the shallows. Stainless-steel construction prevails throughout, including on all hatch latches and through-hull fittings.

Featuring bench seating and an additional built-in seat directly in front of the console, the 184 also comes standard with heavy-duty 6-gauge TM wiring with a 50-amp breaker, flush-mount navigation lights, recessed trim tabs, a self-bailing cockpit and retractable push-pole holders.

It’s all packaged with a custom Ranger-Trail aluminum trailer that incorporates a swing-away tongue and torsion axles, which offer independent suspension on all wheels.

Running and Fishing
That trailer will deliver your 184 safely to the boat ramp – and then you’ll be able to put the boat to the test. Rated for up to a 175-horsepower outboard, the Ghost is capable of delivering plenty of punch. And running is a pleasure thanks to smooth hydraulic steering. The 184’s console is similarly loaded with everything you might expect, including a speedometer and tachometer, as well as fuel, trim and water-pressure gauges.

With a hull weight of 1,050 pounds and a draft of 9½ inches, the boat will reach its share of skinny-water fish, and it comes equipped with a poling platform. Built with flush-mount, skid-resistant decks that wrap around the console, it offers anglers great mobility when fighting a big fish and gives fly-fishers plenty of room for snag-free casting.

Should you decide to install a trolling motor, you’ll be pleased to find that the batteries are located in a convenient hatch under the front deck, maximizing efficiency and offering great accessibility and balance. Also, for days you want to stow the fly gear, a 15-gallon aerated livewell resides just behind the bench seat.

With three dry-storage bins and two 10-foot under-gunwale rod compartments, your gear will be safely transported to the grounds – then you can enjoy the 184 Ghost’s great fishability. – MM

LOA……18’3″
**Beam……
7’2″
Draft……9½”
Deadrise……11.7 degrees
Weight……1,050 lbs.
Fuel……35 gals.
Max HP……175
MSRP……$37,500
**(with 150 hp Evinrude)

_Ranger Boats / Flippin, Arkansas / 870-453-2222 / _www.rangerboats.com

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2410 Bay Ranger https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/boats/boat-reviews/2410-bay-ranger/ Sat, 01 Nov 2008 02:47:00 +0000 https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/?p=49525 The 2410 Bay Ranger is adept both offshore and in the shallows.

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On the stock-car circuit, the premier event is the Daytona 500. For open racers, the spotlight shifts to Indianapolis. But for bay boats, the popular style that combines minimal draft with coastal performance, the ultimate showcase has to be Boca Grande Pass during tarpon season. That’s when thousands of silver kings – and dozens of boats – congregate at the mouth of Florida’s Charlotte Harbor. Leaping fish, confused wakes and hair-tight maneuvering creates challenging conditions. Against this backdrop, I tested the new 2410 Bay Ranger this past summer.

I met my host Larry Jett at the nearby Placida ramp, and we quickly motored to the pass to join the fray. There’s an unofficial pecking order in Boca that entails power drifting over the many ledges that hold fish. Operation is not for the faint of heart. Other boats routinely come within a rod’s length or less of your transom, bow and gunwales, so the skipper has to be on his toes and the boat has to deliver. The 2410 met the challenge head-on.

Three major features distinguish this model from its predecessor, the 2400. More interior depth (18.5 inches) increases the overall freeboard, which was a reassuring comfort in those choppy and shark-infested waters. And instead of a splashwell, the transom is enclosed. Ranger rigs each one with a hydraulic jack plate with a 12-inch setback, and it’ll handle up to a 300-horsepower outboard.

The third major difference is the console. The 2410 has an extra-tall version that not only offers more room to mount widescreen electronics and store more gear, but it also incorporates a marine head. While most guys would pass on this option, it is a big selling point for the women. To access it, the forward cooler slides out of the way. The console door opens to reveal a drop-down privacy curtain and the head. Granted, this is not an undertaking you would want to repeat several times a day, but it does add that level of comfort that might sway the ladies. A standard leaning post with internal storage compartment, toe rail, tall Plex windshield and an optional T-top round out the console highlights. A folding transom bench seat can accommodate a larger crew.

The 2410 is designed with hard-core tournament anglers in mind. A 17-gallon livewell is located just aft of the forward casting deck for quick access to the baits. A second 24-gallon recirculating well with high-speed pickup and filter straddles the transom amidships. Cast-netters will appreciate the dedicated in-deck box in the cockpit sole. Besides the four other storage compartments – two each, front and rear – there are a pair of rod storage boxes in the bow. The port box includes a rod organizer while the starboard one is open to accept bigger, stand-up outfits. Outboard racks on either side of the console and aft rod holders round out the tackle storage.

Like the other Rangers in the saltwater lineup, this boat is built like a proverbial battleship. It is a heavy craft constructed with a fiberglass stringer system and serious layup. The company’s protrusion process adds glass rods in high-stress areas, such as the chines, transom and trolling motor mount, for extra strength. All compartments are finished with gelcoat and equipped with stainless-steel gas spring lifts. Latches, the pull-up cleats and other deck hardware are also made from heavy-duty stainless.

The electrical system is another noteworthy feature. Factory built, the main harness ties into the sealed circuit-breaker panel inside the console. The Mega-Link system incorporates a computer jack for quick troubleshooting. The battery bank and switches are located behind the transom bench seat for easy access. The bow is prewired with a 6-gauge trolling motor harness and a 50-amp breaker.

When a nasty thunderstorm chased us from the pass and the uncooperative tarpon, I was able to experience yet another attribute: It gobbled a chop as easily as a bull shark mauls a tarpon. The heavy hull has an extremely soft entry, and we stayed bone dry despite the blustery crosswinds.

Fully loaded with a normal complement of tackle, ice and gear, we made a respectable 48.2 miles per hour at wide-open throttle. Pulling back to a typical cruising speed at 5,000 rpm, my GPS recorded 38.4 miles per hour. The F250 Yamaha four-stroke powering our test boat uses 16.4 gallons of gas per hour at that pace. With the standard 80-gallon fuel tank, that’s a lot of nautical miles to cover in a day’s fishing.

Once inside sheltered water, we eased up on a flat to check out the shallow performance. Hull slap was minimal due to the rounded chines, and the boat draws just under 14 inches. Mount a trolling motor on this bow, and you’ll be able to chase redfish or stripers to your heart’s content.

The 2410 comes packaged with an aluminum, tandem torsion axle trailer. Matching fenders, sealed LED lights, a spare tire and wheel, and a swing-away tongue are standard.

If your typical float plan fluctuates between green water and blue, check out the 2410. This is one bay boat that will definitely increase the day’s options.

Ranger 2410

LOA……23’8″  
**BEAM……
8’3″  
DRAFT……1’1″
DEADRISE……13.6  
WEIGHT……2,975 lbs.  
MAX HP……300 hp
FUEL……80 gals.  
PRICE……$53,215
**w/ 250 hp Yamaha four-stroke outboard

Ranger Boats ? 870.453.2222 ? rangerboats.com

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Ranger 173 Ghost https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/boats/boat-reviews/ranger-173-ghost/ Tue, 06 Nov 2007 06:17:55 +0000 https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/?p=54883 Nearly a decade of research and development led to the 173 Ghost, a favorite among top flats anglers around the country.

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Ranger Boats has been the leader in the bass-fishing market for 40 years since they first came on the scene with what was then a radical departure from other freshwater fishing boats: a highly technical, fast boat designed specifically for competitive bass anglers. A little over 20 years ago they started building saltwater-specific craft in the form of bay boats and skiffs. Then, they were considered outsiders, but today the company offers some of the best technical fishing skiffs on salt water.

Nearly a decade of research and development led to the 173 Ghost, a favorite among top flats anglers around the country.

Running and Fishing
With an LOA of 17 feet 3 inches, the all-new Ghost is ideally suited for quietly slipping into fertile flats and shallow coastal backwaters, whether for stripers and blues in the Northeast, redfish and trout in South Carolina, Georgia or the Gulf Coast or for bonefish, tarpon and snook in the Florida Keys. A broad, 7-foot 2-inch beam and open, roomy cockpit give the boat an even bigger feel.

Rated for a maximum 115-hp four-stroke outboard, the skiff is quick to plane, even in shallow water. With a 115 Yamaha four-stroke, the 173 tops out at 42 mph at 5,800 rpm, consuming 4.66 mpg. At cruise, the Ghost runs 38 mph at 5,400 rpm using 5.46 mpg. The standard 30-gallon fuel cell provides a cruising range of 163 miles.

The boat poles well, and its no-slap hull design means it tracks stealthily, even in a chop. It also offers the dry, stable ride of a larger skiff, making long crossings of open water and bays a reality.

Under each gunwale, anglers will find room for four fly rods up to 10 feet in length. PVC tubes extend the length of the rack into the bow for added protection. A large, insulated storage area in the bow has plenty of room for safety gear and tackle, and a center livewell provides ample room for live bait. Two insulated storage compartments on either side can be plumbed as release wells. Other standard features include hydraulic steering and trim tabs, a battery switch, 12-volt DC power receptacle, a stow-away boarding ladder, automatic bilge pump and custom-fitted marine upholstery.

Design and Construction
Each Ranger skiff is built with the same exactingprecision and high-quality materials, including no-wood construction. The transom, made from pultruded fiberglass, provides unparalleled strength and rigidity, as does the fiberglass stringer system. Ranger offers a warranty on the hull and stringers for the original buyer’s length of ownership.

Each Ranger boat is rigged to exacting NMMEA standards, featuring corrosion-resistant wiring and breakers; digital console switching; and heavy-duty, 6-gauge, trolling-motor wiring with a 50-amp breaker.

Finish work is impeccable, and fully gel-coated hatches and lids offer easy cleanup. Hardware is also top-notch, including a stainless-steel steering wheel with assist knob as well as stainless-steel handrails, through-hull fittings, hinges and latches on hatches.

The entire package includes a custom trailer with aluminum wheels and matching spare, stainless-steel fenders, torsion axles, LED lighting and RangerTrail COOL Hub oil-bath wheel hubs.

Serious saltwater anglers would be hard-pressed to find a better shallow-water fishing platform. The Ranger 173 Ghost deserves a serious look, regardless of your target species.

BEAM……7’2″
**DRAFT……
13″
WEIGHT……985
FUEL……30 gal.
MAX HP……115-hp four stroke
MSRP……Upon request**

Ranger Boats / Flippin, Arkansas / 800-373-BOAT / www.rangerboats.com

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Ranger Boats Banshee Extreme https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/boats/boat-reviews/ranger-boats-banshee-extreme/ Thu, 24 Aug 2006 23:37:41 +0000 https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/?p=51664 A Review of Ranger's New Shallow-Water Skiff

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09banshee

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Ranger has earned a solid reputation as one of the top manufacturers of production flats skiffs and bay boats. Their latest entry in that field – the Banshee Extreme – is sure to bolster that reputation.

Built on the same bare-bones hull as the original Banshee, the Extreme lives up to its name. It is built for extreme shallow-water fishing like that along Florida’s Mosquito Lagoon, Snake Bight in Everglades National Park or the skinny water along Texas’ Laguna Madre – all places where you don’t want to get stuck when the water leaves.

Running and Fishing
The skiff is 16 feet 8 inches in length with an 81 1/2-inch beam, providing a stable fishing platform for such a light boat. Weighing in at 540 lbs., the Extreme is light and responsive on the pole and features an advertised poling draft on the skiff of 5 1/2″ of water.

Power is provided by several manufacturers, including Evinrude. With an E-Tec 50, the Banshee Extreme tops out at 31 mph at 5,500 rpm, burning a little over 5 gph. Throttling back to 4,500 rpm, the skiff cruises at 27.8 mph, sipping a miserly 3.8 gph.

The Extreme differs from the standard tiller-driven Banshee in that it features an elevated console and seat, putting you above the gunwales so you can see exactly how shallow you are going – a design borrowed from the Texas potato chip boats. It also features a hydraulic jack plate, allowing anglers to get into and – more importantly – out of extremely skinny water.

Design and Construction
The Banshee is a fiberglass skiff with rolled gunwales. It has along-the-gunwale rod storage capable of accommodating rods to 14 feet in length, so it’s more than

 ** Specifications**
 LOA:  16ft. 8in.
 BEAM:  6ft 8in.
 DRAFT:  5 1/2 in.
 WEIGHT:  540 lb. w/o power
 FUEL:  see dealer for options
 MAX HP:  50-hp OB
 MSRP:  $21,395 w/50 hp
  www.rangerboats.com

fly-rod friendly. A word of caution, though: The rolled-gunwale design doesn’t offer any shelter for the rods from clumsy, clod-footed anglers.

This boat is designed for fly-fishermen with a fairly snag-free existence on the bow. An optional trolling motor can make things a little tricky, but what you give up in castability you make up in maneuverability. On the subject of trolling motors, each Banshee features a reinforced surface specifically for mounting bow units.

The hull design features rounded chines and upright, level foam flotation, which gives the Banshee a stealth-like approach to most shallow-water species.

All casting surfaces and deck areas are covered with non-skid, and the four locking storage hatches (two forward and two aft) are Gel Coated for easy maintenance and cleaning. As mentioned, the Extreme includes a hydraulic jack plate. It also comes standard with hydraulic steering.

As with the other skiffs in its line, Ranger offers a number of custom options. The best way to take advantage of their expertise is through the Ranger Precision- Matched Performance System, which allows you to have your options – from color to power to custom tower options – factory installed.

If you’re looking for a hard-core shallow-water skiff, the Ranger Banshee Extreme is one that you’ll want to take a look at, especially if you want to get where others can’t.

 – Capt. Ted Lund

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Ranger 168 Banshee https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/boats/boat-reviews/ranger-168-banshee/ Tue, 21 Dec 2004 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/?p=50841 The entire concept of this boat revolves around its ability to float in skinny water 4 1/2 inches to be specific.

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Ranger Banshee

Ranger Banshee

Over the past few years, Ranger has introduced a series of small flats skiffs that are based on a tried-and-true design. The latest addition is the lightest and shallowest drafting model yet, the Banshee 168. The entire concept of this boat revolves around its ability to float in skinny water – 4 1¼2 inches to be specific. Its sleek, low profile helps it move with quiet, controlled ease, even in windy conditions.
 
While at first glance it may appear to be a trimmed-down version of the Ghost, it’s actually much more than that. Like the Ghost and the Phantom, the Banshee features a design that eliminates hull slap, yet remains extremely responsive and maneuverable. As with most of Ranger’s boats, this 16-footer comes with a patented pultruded fiberglass transom bolstered by a full fiberglass stringer system to provide durability and absorb stress. The Banshee also incorporates Ranger’s upright flotation technology to keep the boat stable despite its giant 83-inch beam and ultra-shallow draft. To deliver a skiff that offers the ride and handling of a one-piece boat, Ranger built the Banshee stronger than necessary.
 
Because this boat floats in such skinny water, hole shot is extremely quick and shallow, even with a small outboard. Equipped with built-in trim tabs, the tiller-driven Banshee easily handles engines up to 40 hp. Its light weight of 550 pounds, combined with a small engine, allows you to run this boat all day on its 6-gallon gas tank.
  
Despite its small size, the Banshee offers an impressive amount of storage space, including lockers in the port and starboard aft decking and an anchor locker and large storage area in the casting deck, all of which are gelcoated for durability. The boat also has room for a total of four 9-foot fly rods along the port and starboard gunwales.

The Banshee has a traditional rolled-edge finish throughout the inside of the boat. This treatment not only allows for ease of maintenance, but also reduces expense. Other standard features include navigation lights, custom-fitted fold-down seats and a heavy-duty rub rail. A poling platform is optional.

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