I have a older model Ranger '83 372V I believe. It's a dual consol. Anyone familiar with a ranger knows how they didn't put rod boxes or extend the deck on both sides of the boat. It's pretty annoying having to step up and down with the limited even deck up front. Has anyone leveled out the deck? Any ideas would be greatly appreciate. I was thinking of using marine grade plywood to even it out, but I want to make some storage underneat. Thought some of you guys might have done this or have good ideas I haven't thought of.

Hey Sandegr,

I have an 89 Ranger with the same setup you are describing. However, the previous owner bought a deck extension kit from Ranger direct (I think) that basically gave me a full casting deck from the console to the bow. It also provides additionaly storage where it was "open." It looks nice and is very fishable. You might contact Ranger boats and see if they can help you out. You'll want to make sure it is done right so that the carpet matches, etc. . .

Hope it helps

Same for me. I've got a 1993 18' 374V with a front deck you could land a F-18 on.

That's a mighty bold statement after watching F-18s fly around this joint.

I'll check with Ranger, but I'm sure it will be too pricey. Any idea what these deck extension cost?

Had the same question last year and called ranger about a deck extension for my 1986 372v. They no longer make extensions for 300 series boats.
You will have to do it yourself.
I plan on cutting out a cardboard pattern and having heavy gauge aluminum cut into the shape of the pattern. I will also have a box lid cut into this and use piano hing for the lid.
Use L brackets or angle brackets to attach and carpet is fairly easy to install. Just make sure to leave enough of an area on your cut for the lid for the carpet so it will close flush.
Have not done it yet, but this is the idea I have for it.

Are you sure those are F-18's?

My 373V had a extension built in, made out of regular plywood. it was rotted when I bought the boat. I rebuilt the deck with 3/8" Marine plywood & recarpeted it with Ranger Carpet, made boxes on both sides for storeage. I'm not happy withe the lid I made for the rod box & will Re-do it sometime this summer. On the 373 the rod box will barely fit a 6'6" rod so I'm also going to figure someway to extnd it out into the passenger console long enough for a 7' rod. It wasn't that hard, & I assure you if I can do it & make it look decent anyone can, I ain't no carpenter. I can send a pic or 2 if you're interested & might be able to give a little advice.

I have done what yall are talking about. The problem is, having a place to stow the fishing seats with the deck exstension, but is a big + for added storage. Make a templet 1/2 in. smaller than area works great.While your at it make the deck extension with a cooler and step at the backend. I have found that wood is much easyer to work with and will last a long time if you will coat it with fiberglass resin and put clear 100% silicone on all stainless screws and supports. You need 3/4 in plywood for the deck or it will be spongy. Only two ways to get 7ft rods to fit, 2 piece rods or cut a hatch under the pass. console. Make the bottom horizotal cut, install hinge, cut out the rest, install glove box latch at top and your set. The problem is you have to bend the rod to clear the rod handle over the seat going in or out. Best is to get a 400 series up Ranger, 7 footers fit the drivers side. Have had 20 rods in my 482V one side and storage is no problem. This is, a bigger is better moment. Hope this helps

PLEASE DO! I was thinking of using cardboard as a templete to cut out the plywood, but I need instructions on how much gap to leave in the lid and from the gunnels of the boat to allow for the proper fit when I attach the carpet! How would you attach the carpet. Liquid nails??

I cut the deck about a 1/8" short all the way around & filled in the gap with fiberglass resin I got at Home Depot. Used "waterproof" Carpet glue to attach the carpet to every thing got it at a Hardware store, I'll send you some pics.

Gary I'm going to sell this one late this year get me a bigger 1

Guys - I have checked with Ranger in the past for the deck extension. I have a Ranger 482V. If you want it with an extra rod locker, $600 if you just want the deck, $400. Call Ranger direct and ask for parts.

LINEMAN_20,
Thanks for the pics and info. I wish my deck ran all the way back to just in front of the consol on both sides where I could just build a square box to put in the middle. What I'm talking about building is an insert for one rod box just in front of the passenger consol all the way across the center of the boat to the consol in front of driver's side. Any more ideas?

That's what I built. Mine had a open space on the drivers side & a rod box on the passenger side. I left the center open from the front livewell to the consoles so I could haul a couple of more people ( Wife ) & so I could carry the tackle box I was toting around at the time. I will enclose that part & make it deck all the way soon.