Ranger Reata, Skeeter WX & Triton Allure???

B.K. · 04-13-2010, 08:28 AM

Any of you bass guys have experience with the glass v-hull multi species boats like the Ranger Reata, Skeeter WX or Triton Allure?

I'm looking for a good all purpose multi-species boat. I've looked at a lot of aluminum v-hull stuff but most of the popular boats in the NW seem to really skimp on the bow deck. I like fly fishing and bass fishing, so I like to have a place to stand and cast. I also want a boat that can troll for trout and that can handle bigger water from time to time (Columbia).

I'm heavily leaning toward aluminum but these glass v-hull, walleye style boats caught my eye as they seem to have more deck space and a lot more storage than their aluminum equivalents. I'll typically only fish two people out of it but have a 4 person family so need room to haul the whole crew around in relative comfort.

I know these are more popular out in the midwest/east, but thought I'd see if any of you guys fish this type of boat and can comment on the pros cons? I'm trying to cover all the bases here.

MXRacer105 · 04-13-2010, 10:06 AM

I vote for the Ranger, but I am a bit biased

Honestly when we were looking for our first boat years back, we were looking heavily at a aluminum boat with a bigger front deck for bassin', but ended up with a Triton Fish and Ski. Great boat, nice dry ride and super stable. Since then I have moved to a true bass boat, mainly because the front deck was not big enough on the fish and ski.

The main benifits of a glass boat are the ride, the stability, and being closer to the water while standing on the deck (which IMO is huge). All the boats you listed are great rides I am sure. If you can, go look and all three and see which fit and finish you like the most. Storage is key, make sure your 7' rods fit in the rod lockers, and plano boxes can easily be put in the compartment you plan on keeping tackle in. You can never have enough storage.

Good luck in your search, and post some pics (preferably with a nice roostertail behind you) when you make your choice!!

nitrobass · 04-13-2010, 11:43 AM

A walleye style Lund would do well for you too

B.K. · 04-13-2010, 12:52 PM

Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback.

Nitrobass - Not sure if you mean the glass or aluminum Lund but I agree. In fact, for Aluminum boats, I think Lund and Crestliner both look very reasonable and seem to have floor plans that offer more bow deck than most other v-hull, aluminum boats.

The glass Lunds look nice too but I think they may exceed the amount of $$ I'm willing to spend :-). Of course I'm probably pushing it with any of the new glass boats.

Fish mojo · 04-13-2010, 01:16 PM

saw a nice used Ranger on ad at YV Marine in Yakima. Enough front deck space for a dance party. They also have a Crestliner Tournamant 202 if you like aluminum. The Ranger looks like a better deal.

gottafish · 04-13-2010, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B.K.

Any of you bass guys have experience with the glass v-hull multi species boats like the Ranger Reata, Skeeter WX or Triton Allure?

I'm looking for a good all purpose multi-species boat. I've looked at a lot of aluminum v-hull stuff but most of the popular boats in the NW seem to really skimp on the bow deck. I like fly fishing and bass fishing, so I like to have a place to stand and cast. I also want a boat that can troll for trout and that can handle bigger water from time to time (Columbia).

I'm heavily leaning toward aluminum but these glass v-hull, walleye style boats caught my eye as they seem to have more deck space and a lot more storage than their aluminum equivalents. I'll typically only fish two people out of it but have a 4 person family so need room to haul the whole crew around in relative comfort.

I know these are more popular out in the midwest/east, but thought I'd see if any of you guys fish this type of boat and can comment on the pros cons? I'm trying to cover all the bases here.

I looked at all these boats just last month I to am a fly guy. that said the best "fishing" boat that was not over priced was the Alumaweld free drifter. It fit the ticek to do all the fishing we have. My wife gave me the requirement of a top and wind shield. I bought a 20 foot alumaweld stryker. Check the free drifter out

B.K. · 04-13-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish mojo

saw a nice used Ranger on ad at YV Marine in Yakima. Enough front deck space for a dance party. They also have a Crestliner Tournamant 202 if you like aluminum. The Ranger looks like a better deal.

Thanks FM, that Ranger does look like a perfect set-up, thanks for the heads-up. Of course, I can see that if I start looking at boats made by Ranger or Skeeter, I'll have to decide if I can handle having something covered in metal flake paint; a little flashy for my tastes ;-).

B.K. · 04-13-2010, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gottafish

My wife gave me the requirement of a top and wind shield. I bought a 20 foot alumaweld stryker. Check the free drifter out

I know the feeling, I had an open side console boat several years ago when we lived in IL and that thing could do it all with deck space to spare. However, now that I'm a family man, for this purchase my wife said a windshield and ability to have a top are a must.

bassin · 04-13-2010, 03:57 PM

Ranger 621 VS. If I could only have one boat that would be it,

portlandstatekid · 04-13-2010, 06:36 PM

If you're willing to drop a couple 10K, here is the ultimate
multi-species (my dream) boat:
http://www.nixonsmarine.com/images/0...c/081750dc.htm

B.K. · 04-13-2010, 07:07 PM

That is a nice boat Portlandstatekid. I'd noticed that one on Nixon's site already. I do think Crestliner does a nice job in the layout of their boats. If I go aluminum, there's a very good chance it'll be a Crestliner.