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 1983 Ranger 335-V
#15327318
02/09/25 04:27 PM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 468
PlanoPaul
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Angler
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 468 |
Does anyone know anything regarding the construction of these boats? Did they use wood in them? Given the age, I’m assuming wood was used, but didn’t know for sure as I’ve heard different things regarding the construction of the Ranger boats. I’m mainly wondering about the transom. It has somewhat of a hollow sound when I tap on it, but when I put weight on the leg of the motor it doesn’t move at all? Anyway, this boat was given to me for free and wondering if it is worth fixing up. I’d greatly appreciate any information.
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Re: 1983 Ranger 335-V
[Re: PlanoPaul]
#15327320
02/09/25 04:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 17,592
grout-scout
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 17,592 |
Do you see any discoloration around any of the transom bolts? Do any bolts appear to be sunken in?
Are there any screws in the transom that you could remove, if yes, often water will come out.
If the boats in good shape, a new transom would be worth it.
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Re: 1983 Ranger 335-V
[Re: grout-scout]
#15327787
02/09/25 11:37 PM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 468
PlanoPaul
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Angler
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Posts: 468 |
Do you see any discoloration around any of the transom bolts? Do any bolts appear to be sunken in?
Are there any screws in the transom that you could remove, if yes, often water will come out.
If the boats in good shape, a new transom would be worth it. No sir, don’t see anything around transom bolts, and nothing sunken in and no stress cracks anywhere. Great idea on the screws, will do that. All seems fine, I just don’t like the hollow sound. But I feel like if I can jump up and down on the leg of the motor and it doesn’t move, it should have some life left in it.
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Re: 1983 Ranger 335-V
[Re: PlanoPaul]
#15327946
02/10/25 01:32 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 17,592
grout-scout
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 17,592 |
Well, the one good thing about those old Rangers. Even if you do rip the transom out, that boat won’t sink with all of the foam in it.
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Re: 1983 Ranger 335-V
[Re: PlanoPaul]
#15328235
02/10/25 12:45 PM
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 14,682
Stump jumper
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 14,682 |
I had a 1986 375V that a ordered from the factory. Same or similar hull and construction. Transom on a 1983 is wood. Unfortunately on mine the dealer did not seal the top mounting bolts. I caught it after a few years. I pulled all 4 bolts and sealed them with an underwater rated seal. After 30+ years it had stress cracks at the corners of the splash well. The transom still seemed solid when I got rid of the boat. Stress cracks may have been exasperated somewhat by the big floater I hit on Texoma.
2200 Bay Champ/200 Mercury Optimax
2017 Tundra TSS 4x4 Crewmax 5.7L
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Re: 1983 Ranger 335-V
[Re: PlanoPaul]
#15329374
02/11/25 04:07 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 14,573
Dan21XRS
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 14,573 |
Go ahead and pull the engine off the transom and inspect the mounting holes... You can see the condition of the wood used and after 42 years they need to be resealed anyways... And definately take grouts advise, remove all screw from the transom, inspect and reseal... Good luck... Dan
"The problem with having a sense of humor is often that people you use it on aren't in a very good mood"...
Lou Holtz
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Re: 1983 Ranger 335-V
[Re: PlanoPaul]
#15329837
02/11/25 11:51 PM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 468
PlanoPaul
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Lots of good advice here, I appreciate it!
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