Conference wahoo::fishing-v2

    Where are you located?
    
    Owens Marine in Manchester NH is a pretty big Ranger dealer.
    
    They just had the Ranger Open House w/ a bunck of reps and pros 
    a couple weeks ago.
    
    There's a nice 492VS up there for ya, just a tad over $32k!!!

    PS: btw, I think the AK phone number is (501) 453-2222
    
    -donmac (392V 8^)

    Donmac,
         Did you get a chance to see the new ranger R70 (17ft), and 
    if so what price range.  Looks like a fine boat
    
                                          Stewart
    
    Nitro_owner  

    I think they had an R70 there, but to be honest I didn't look at it, 
    I guess I was too mesmerized by the 492VS...  I recall hearing the 
    R70 was going to be available for around $15K. Found it interesting
    the R70 maxed out at 115HP.  My guess is they were afraid that if it
    could wear a 150hp, then it'd cut too much into the higher priced model
    market.
    
    Also found it interesting that Ranger's getting into the aluminum
    boat market with the Cherokee series. 
    
    I'm sure both the R70s and Cherokees will sell well.  But I also won't be 
    surprized if they wind up hurting the sales of the higher end models
    somewhat.  
    I guess they're betting the volume of the lower priced models will more
    than make up for any drop in the higher end units.
    
    -donmac

    I was thinking it was Ranger's answer to TRACKER and the Nitro
    series???.  But even in a picture the R70 has that Ranger look.
    And under 15K would compete very well with anything but the
    160 or 170 TF (talking price only here).
    
                                      Stewart               
    
                                            

    Yea, that's what Rick Palmer (365V) thinks too.  
    
    Looks like they're trying to do some major growth.
    
    I'm sure Owen's will have an R70 at the Manchester show, and Wilderness
    will have a Nitro 170.  It'll be interesting to see how much more expensive
    the R70 is compared to a similarly equipped 170.
    
    -donmac

Owens did have an R70 model at the show.  Equipped with a 115HP (max is 
130, I believe), extended front deck and few other goodies for about $15.5. 
It was definitely very Ranger-like in appearance.  If I remember right, the 
R72 model (dual console) was about $400 more.  It was a nice looking boat.

Now that Ranger has introduced the new aluminum Comanche (?) series boats, 
I wonder what they'll sell for?  Anyone seen any prices?

-HSJ-

    	How about Ranger salt water boats?  Just because Jeff asked about 
    a Ranger it doesn't mean he wants a bass boat...  Any dealers that
    carry Ranger Center Consoles in the New England area?
    
    					B.C.

    Good point.  I *assumed* he was talking bass boats, but either way 
    Owens carries the Ranger offshore series as well.
    
    -donmac

      Thanks to all for the info.  Actually I'm trying to gather some info
    for a friend who is coming down from Nova Scotia to buy one.  He runs
    a guiding service up there.  In the fall he guides bear and deer
    hunters while in the spring and summer he takes out salmon and striper
    fisherman on the rivers.  He is looking for a boat that would be
    suitable for his fishing clients.  He asked me if I could find some
    Ranger dealers in the area.  I have no idea what specifically he is 
    looking for other then a sea-worthy river boat.  I called Ranger and 
    they indicated that Owens is the only dealer in the area.  There are 
    none ME, Ma, Vt, or RI.  Ranger is sending me some literature on both
    there bass boats and the offshore stuff.  Let you know if I get more 
    info.  Again thanks for all the help.
    
    Jeff  

    Jeff, last fall a DECie traded in his 681T for a 362V at Owens.  Pretty
    sure they still have the 681T. From your description, the 681T might
    suite your buddies needs.  Pretty sure the boat/motor was in good shape,
    and I'm sure it'll be lots less than a new one.
    
    -donmac

    Got a flyer in the mail from Greene's in North Carolina on Saturday.
    
    The R70 was $12.9K w/ a 115hp on it, I think around $11K w/ a 70hp.
    
    They also had 392V XT packages starting at $21K w/ 150HP, around $23K
    w/200hp.
    
    -donmac