Since I'm looking for a boat approximately 10 yrs old, I've been urged to stick with Ranger, Skeeter or Champion.

My questions is, what's wrong with Statos, ProCraft and Javelin? Are these considered second rate brands or has their reputation over the years just not been as strong as Ranger, Skeeter and Champions.

What would you rather have - a 93 Ranger or 96 Statos?

If I had to choose, I'd go with the Ranger if it is in tne same condition as the Stratos. There's a reason everyone is telling you to stick with the big three. They are simply better built boats.

I can't speak for all of them but I have owned a Stratos since January 1998 (a real old Skeeter prior to that) and it has served me well. Pretty much used it every weekend plus vacation, holidays and some evenings the first 4 years but had to scale back a bit since, due to the arrival of my children. SO, I would estimate that it was on the water for about 140 days per year those first few years and maybe 50 days a year since without any structural problems. I would also say that weather (other than lightning) has not hindered my attempts to go out either. It's been in some very rough water on days when others stood at the ramp and watched.. Stratos just doesn't have the name recognition in this area like some other brands but in certain States, Stratos is very popular.

Buy what you want, don't listen to others, and don't look back.

I would appreciate hearing from some of you guys who have owned both a Ranger and Stratos; Champion and ProCraft; Skeeter and Javelin.

You get the picture. Is there a noticable difference in the quality?

I am a ranger owner one of those guys that says ranger all the way. But I have fished out of alot of diff boats. I would say that Stratos is certainly up there I personally think they make a awesome boat 10years ago I dont know. As far as Javelin I am not crazy about the fishing layout of the boat. I say buy what you really like even if its not a "Great name brand boat" my first boat was a '89 Avenger bass boat with a 150hp on and I absolutely loved it and if the motor didnt blow I would still be fishing out of that and who has heard of Avenger. If you click on my boat you will see a 10year old Ranger. Its my baby and I fish out of it every weekend with absolutely no problems. Just my .02 sorry for the long post.

First of all I think everybody should own at least one Ranger. Then when they swithch they will never go back. :p I have owned a Ranger, Hydra-Sport, Cajun, Glasstream and even a Boston Whaler. My current boat is a 2004 Stratos 201 Pro XL and IMHO there is not a boat on the water that is up to challenging it in any conditions. Seeing as my last 9 boats have been Stratos I feel I have the experience to discuss their finer points. I also work on boats and get an ample opportunity to drive many different brands. I always get my feelings about Stratos confirmed afterward.

That being said, all the boats on the market are good. They have to be in order to compete. Each has their good points and bad. You have boats that are built for speed, rough water, comfort and handling. Many times you have to give up something to achieve something else. When you talk about high end boats or low end boats you need to take into consideration the make up of the boat and the advertising behind it. There are some boats out there priced way out of proprotion to their construction.

When you buy a boat, buy it because you like that particular boat. You are the one that will ultimately have to live with your choice. Everybody has an opinion. There are die hard brand fans out there willing to share but the one that has to be satisfied is you.

Good luck in your search. Try before you buy.

Slaphappyttu,

I was in the same situation about 3 years ago. Same amount of $$$ and wanting a boat. I ended up getting a 90 Ranger 482V with a 150 Merc. You will not be disapointed with the quality of Ranger. I promise you, a 10 year old Ranger will look better and run better than any other 10 year old boat on the water. Hands down. I would however also consider a Champion. Watch out for early 90's Skeeters, I heard they had a problem with their transoms? I could be wrong. You might want to check this out www.boattraderonline.com

Brad

I've got a 93 Champion 201 and it is still in excellent condition. I sold a 90 model Champ 2 years ago that was also in excellent condition (j.steve can vouch for it). Any of the upper tier boats will last if you treat them right. Mine stays tarped and inside when not in use. UV is the biggest killer on upholstery, gel coat, trailer paint and carpet. As a result, I spend the extra bucks to rent inside storage for my boat and camper.

Ranger is the best boat made, period. Skeeter would be my next choice. Champion or Bass Cat are great boats as well. Then, maybe Triton. I would not buy any other boats than the one's listed. Good Luck

Have owned 4 Rangers, never a problem with rotting wood, because they do`nt have hardly any. I say that because my 1984 had a piece of wood behind the engine control for strength. Just found out this morning watching Loudmouth Bass that one company owns Ranger, Champion and Stratos boats so it should be easy to figure what to get. For the money, look at how many 84 to 89 model Rangers are still running around.

I currently own a 1986 17 foot Ranger and a 1991 BassCat Sabre. I completely restored both of these boats to basically new condition. New seats, carpet, gelcoat etc. After crawling around over every inch of these two boats, I can tell you they are built rock solid. I've had to deal with both factories numerous times to order factory original parts for these older boats. Ranger's customer service is great, but BassCat's is absolutely unbelievable. The owner of BassCat, Rick Pierce, monitors the "Bass Fishing Home Page" web site daily. He also has a question and answer page on the BassCat web site where you can personnely asked him questions concerning you Cat. And you will get an answer. Not many companies left where you can actually talk to the CEO on a daily basis concerning their product. If you buy a used Ranger or BassCat, they'll treat you as though you just purchased a new $40,000 dollar rig from them. Statos, Champion, Skeeter, Triton, they're all good boats, but when it comes to customer service, I know for a fact that Ranger and BassCat cannot be beat. Good luck with your purchase.

I'd say buy the biggest boat and motor that you can afford.

i have an 89 skeeter sd125 with a 115 on it. it has been taken care of very well and it is rock solid. i have had numerous buddies tell me it rides great and they own the tritons,rangers,and so on.

Great info guys. I put a down payment on a 93 Ranger Comanche this past weekend. If the lake test checks out next Saturday, I'll purchase outright. Costs me a few extra $$, but I believe I made a good choice.