Great Lakes - Ranger Reata 2050 for Lake Michigan??

Hi All,

I live right on the lake and after watching boats cruise by for years and asking friends to take me fishing, I finally want to my own.

I am looking for a "do it all" boat, meaning something that I can trailer out of the water when needed to go up north to Wisconsin that can handle rough water decently (i'm not interested in fishing with in more than a 3' chop) while also having the room to entertain and do watersports.

The big issue I have is that I don't really have a place to keep a boat. Sure, I could rent a storage unit but that's another $300 a month and i have to trailer it in the big lake regardless.

So, my thoughts are the following:

Keep the 20' boat in Lake Michigan and trailer it out when I want to take it elsewhere. Now, I know that most of the boats I see are over 25'+ and fiberglass throughout, so I don't want to see my $50k boat swamped from bad weather.

Is this a good or a bad idea? Also, if anyone has some experience with the reata and how you think it would handle in Lake Michigan, please let me know!

Thanks!

I ran my 202 Scout Dorado all over Lake Michigan and elsewhere. You're doing what most do and calling it quits when the chop gets over 3', so yea; that Ranger should do you fine. You'll be able to go offshore for Salmon in the summer and in tight for walleyes in 'sconsin.

Have fun!!!

I ran my 202 Scout Dorado all over Lake Michigan and elsewhere. You're doing what most do and calling it quits when the chop gets over 3', so yea; that Ranger should do you fine. You'll be able to go offshore for Salmon in the summer and in tight for walleyes in 'sconsin.

Have fun!!!

Right on! My big question is though, would it be alright if I left her to sit in a chicago harbor?

Sure, why not? Are you worried about security?

Sure, why not? Are you worried about security?

Not as much, more worried about it getting swamped from bad weather.

Not as much, more worried about it getting swamped from bad weather.

Gotcha,
You'll likely leave it with a mooring cover, so most rain should shed off. I don't think this Ranger is self-bailing; so you will need to have confidence in the bilge pumps and battery charge.

Unless you were going to leave it for a month or two, I don't suspect you'd have cause for concern from too much rain swamping it. The one thing you will see is growth on the hull. Not many boats in this class with bottom paint.

Have you investigated rack storage?

For use on Lake Michigan, with a $50,000 budget, and looking for a "do-it-all" boat, I would be looking at a used (approximately 5-year old) Grady-White Tournament 225 or a Boston Whaler Ventura 210. The Ranger Reata looks more like an inland lake boat.

Thanks for the help guys. Everyone I've been talking to has been trying to talk me into a bigger boat, saying the Reata would be able to do it but it's certainly not ideal.

I've been looking in the $50-70k price range and found some 290 Amberjacks but they seem to be really high off the water. I'm not sure if I'd like that.

I know you mentioned Scouts, Grady Whites, and Whalers, but is there a really solid model in my price range that would allow comfortable cabin space while being friendly for fishing and entertaining?

I intentially steered away from this, ;) but now that the questions go to "type of boat" I'll weigh in . . .

The reason I didn't disqualify your Ranger on Lake Michigan hinges on your comments about towing and use on smaller lakes. However, I have to admit, I wouldn't want to spend much time at all on the big lake with it. You sounded pretty sold on the boat, but if you're open to other options, then absolutely: Grady, Pro-Line, other deep Vs.

*****BIAS ALERT*****

Having grown up and spent 40 years on the Lakes and ocean, I think Albemarle, Carolina Classic, Bertram, Tiara, Pursuit, and other similar manufacturers make THE BEST BOATS.

I searched for the 265 in my signature for a while, but was happy with my Scout before getting what I really wanted.

I displace a lot of water for a 26 foot boat. I feel safe in ANY weather, I can stand up in my cabin (I'm 6'1"), full head for the Admiral, full galley, fuel for extended trips (10 days in Georgian Bay this July).

And . . . . I can fish 8 rods on 4 'riggers without any problem.

And furthermore . . . you might as well budget for the big truck now too. :) I thought my Suburban would do OK with the Albie . . . no way. I want to get there fast, so I'll trailer 9 hours rather than burn the gas and worry about 2-4 footers.

Budgeted about your 50k for used deep V; and after the purchase, upgrades, replacement of parts on a 10-year old used boat, PLUS the truck; am on or a little over budget (~8k).

So, yea; get the bigger boat, your knees, back, friends, and wife will thank you.
:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Although a big Albemarle or Carolina Classic would make an excellent fishing boat for the big lakes, they wouldn't be ideal for pulling a tuber, wake boarder, or water skier, and they wouldn't be ideal for use on smaller inland lakes. The same analysis applies for the SeaRay Amberjack 290 - nice rig for fishing the big lakes, but not ideal for small lakes or watersports.

In your last post you mention cabin space. Are you looking for a boat with a cabin, or did you mean cockpit space (i.e., the open space in the back of the boat)?

Assuming you meant cockpit space, I would again recommend the Grady-White Tournament 225. It will do everything you have mentioned in your posts. It is easily trailerable. It can handle the big lake for salmon fishing. And it can be used for watersports. It also has an enclosed head, which is a big plus for the ladies.

Other similar boats to consider are available from Boston Whaler, Pursuit, Scout, Pro-Line, HydraSports, and other builders. I'm not familiar with most of those models, but I have been on a Grady-White, and I know that it will do what you're asking. In this group of brands, Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Pursuit, and HydraSports are the most likely to retain their value, and all should be easy to sell when you're ready to upgrade.

Twin Cities Marine currently has a Grady-White Tournament 192 listed for $44,000. http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2010-Grady-White-192-Tournament-100127311 It's a little bit smaller than the Tournament 225 and it looks like it doesn't have a head. But the 192 should be a good all-around boat that will be fishable on the big lakes, and can be used on small lakes for watersports.

I've never owned a Grady-White, but if I had a couple of kids and I was looking for a good all-around boat, I would be looking at the Tournament models, and the Freedom models, which is just a new name for the Tournament models.

You guys are awesome and have been a big help!

I really like the GW but I do want to go 22' at a minimum and I'm having trouble finding dealers around Chicago that support them. I have come across some used Boston Whaler 210 Venturas that seem pretty freaking cool. Not sure how they will do with downriggers set up, but they look like a good fit and are right around 40k. The GW's I've looked at are all around 60-70 for a 5-8 year old boat which is just crazy to me!! I don't know why they are so expensive compared to the big cabin cruisers that are similarly priced.

I definitely like the concept of the dual console boat and I really am indifferent about cabin space. I just want something that is a comfortable ride, fishes well, entertains good, and looks nice. Is that too much to ask? lol

What do you guys think of the Whaler? I looked at the others but I can't really find any used boats near Chicago nor a dealer that would support them well that is close.

It's really kind of a two boat problem. Anything that's good for GL fishing is going to be too big for inland fishing and anything that's good for inland is going to pound on the GL's. A boat that can do both really isn't going to do either well. I'd focus on the great lakes boat kept in a slip and then pick up a cheap fish'n'ski that will fit in the garage.

I hate the idea of maintenance on two (or more), but Eddie's on it.

With the boat question and Chicago area, I'll suggest you need to greatly broaden your geographic search (THT is a great place to start). I'll see if I can find my short-cut to the Craig's list aggregation site and update this thread. Ideally, you want a boat that's lived its life in fresh water, but I don't think you need to restrict all options for this one. I bought my boat from a guy who kept it on a trailer in Virginia, and used on the Chessie.

Grady White continues to be a fine option; I have no reason to dissuade anyone on that boat; I've fished 'em, and they are good and safe. IMO they are also on the "utilitarian" side (good fit and finish, but not "lots of cushions for the kids." I'd say the same thing about Carolina Classic: look at the finish compared to Albemarle; they are both great boats (same lineage of builder and now the same company again), but the Albie has more teak, softer tones, enclosed head, etc.

Whaler . . . yep; like 'em. My advice: get out to a few dealers and ask for rides on boats. They may have lines on private sellers in any case; then negotiate your best deal. Of course, if you're in the Cleveland vicinity, PM me; and I'll get you out on a Sportfisher . . . :)

Ideally, you want a boat that's lived its life in fresh water, but I don't think you need to restrict all options for this one. I bought my boat from a guy who kept it on a trailer in Virginia, and used on the Chessie.


How'd you get it to the midwest? Did you drive to VA?

Also, should I stay away from painted bottoms?

Yep, drove to VA and picked it up. 9 hours there (way out at the end of a peninsula south of DC), 15 hours back (8 mpg . . . lots of stops, and only 60 - 65 mph). I hired a surveyor via internet search and a few phone calls; Ideally, I would have been there when the survey was done, but I couldn't make it, trusted in an unbiased report, and bought the boat sight unseen. Again, knew what I wanted, so not too much of a leap of faith.

Pay for the survey!!! It's not a guarantee, but you can avoid a LOT of potential headaches from a used boat purchase by investing a few hundred bucks.

The painted bottom question will get a varied result from folks here, and I'm a bit ambivalent. I wish mine had been pristine because I now have a $3,000 bill looming to have the old paint stripped and new bottom paint applied. However, most boats stored at dock (even just during midwest summers) have bottom paint to avoid blisters and discoloration. So, no, I wouldn't run away from paint, but finding a boat without it can be an added bonus; especially, if you're going to trailer or rack store.

I think I'm going to check our a Sea Ray Amberjack 290.

I know, it's not a hardcore fishing vessel but it seems to be a nice value and you can do a lot out of it. 2001's are going for 50k and thry are local. Thoughts?

the amberjack makes a great salmon fishing platform,

Jerry

Very good boat for salmon fishing. Whatever you do, go with something that can protect you from the weather. Center console's and other open boats are great fishing platforms but you'd freeze your a$$ off unless you only fish noon to 4:00 in July and August. Even in August, it can be pretty cool when you're running out at 3:30 in the morning. A front cockpit enclosure with a removable back drop curtain is the best addition we've made to the boat.

As mentioned above, sounds like you "need" two boats. I will suggest that whatever boat you get for the great lakes have a hardtop. Trust me.

I think you need to do more research....

Don't be afraid of a boat from a ways away. There are issues with salty boats but a good surveyor will help.

There is a world of difference between a 20' boat and a 30' boat. Remember the cheapest part of the deal is the purchase price...

give Steve (freebyrd) a call at South Shore Marine in Huron, Ohio. They handle the premium boats like Pursuit, Grady, Scout, Carolina Classic etc. They also have a good line of trade in's as well.

I just found a Grady White 265 Express a few miles from me!

What do you guys think of the boat? It's a 2001 with Twin Yamaha 200's, 400 hours, and in good shape. Asking price is $50k.

Lot's of good options, One thing I like to suggest to new boaters is to get something cheap and upgrade after a year or two (maybe that's what you're doing?) because undoubtedly you'll have a new idea of the perfect boat after a year or two on the water. My first boat taught me that my next boat had to be faster, bigger, air conditioned, and have a private berth. There's a reason why so many people run big old sedan bridge type boats... you can lower the plow when it gets nasty. The old guys around here will often ask one question when you're looking at a boat, "what's it weigh?" Too bad these big old heavy boats don't run on good looks.:)

Like the boat, but the price seems steep. For that money it should be absolutely pristine with a new trailer. Have it surveyed for sure. My boat's same year and size, but I didn't pay anywhere near that much.

I think we all want you to have a good experience with your purchase.

Again, I say do some more research. That 2001 probably has 2 strokes and while there is nothing inherently wrong with them, they are what they are, and unless you know what that means you need to keep learning. I mean $50k is still some serious jack.

Also you need a real truck to haul that around...

Love me some GW's though... Along with some other serious contenders (and Regulators Pursuits and on and on...)

If this is going to be your first boat, and you plan to trailer it around, a 26-foot boat is a big boat to start learning on. With a 9-foot 7-inch beam, you'll have to pull permits to legally tow the boat on the highway. You'll also need a very big truck. That's a nice looking boat, though - no doubt a solid fishing machine for Lake Michigan.

Appreciate the responses. The GW does seem a bit expensive for its age and I was thinking I could get a lot more versatility in the 23' range.

I found a 2007 Boston Whaler/w trailer in Indiana for $56000. It is a 235 Conquest with a 4-stroke 250 on it, northstar 6000i gps sounder fishfinder, cb radio, stero player, 3 lives wheels,fresh shower. This is a one owner boat and he is upgrading to a larger conquest and towed this to Lake Michigan and Erie.

I spoke to the owner and he said the engine has 600 hours on it and the large majority is in hours trolling which can be viewed on the smartcraft gauges.

What do you think?

http://images.craigslist.org/5G75Fd5Mb3F33J93H7c3ob83550735c241368.jpg

Glad to see you're taking your time and shopping. Also, your brands of choice are very good; I think you'll be much happier with the move toward more freeboard and protection from the elements than the Ranger provided.

I've always had a soft spot for BW; like the ride, the layout, construction.

You seem pretty comfortable in the budget; just make sure you're keeping a reserve for all the incidentals. It's B.O.A.T. for good reason. I topped off 170 gallons at the end of the year last year, and I'm dreading the first $400 fill-up bill coming in a few weeks when I burn off my storage fuel. I'm sure you've read a lot of comments throughout THT posts on what will or can need "investment."

On the one above, 600 hours on a 2006 means this boat (engine) has not been at rest. A very GOOD thing. The gas has been turned over frequently, and the working parts have been working, not sitting idle and rusting.

I wouldn't get too worried about it, but I also wouldn't say lots of hours trolling instead of running at speed on the 250 is a good thing. Definitely sea trial it (take the Admiral if possible), and get a survey. If you're gun-shy on the survey for some reason, at the very least, pay a qualified marine mechanic to look over the engine and systems.

Last comment: the boat, motor, trailer, full load of gear, fuel, etc is going to tip the scales way past 5,000 lbs. I won't say you need a diesel to tow that rig (you don't), but the family truckster ain't gonna make it either. ;)

Keep 'em coming

Thanks Salmondaze! I have definitely spent countless hours researching lately and have also signed up for a marine safety class from the Coast Guard next weekend to get more knowledge about boating on the Great Lakes.

I know that buying a boat is a terrible investment. That said, I've spent years watching boaters and I'm tired of being frustrated. I know I'm going to pay a ridiculous amount on gas and maintenance but to me, that's not what it's about. I value my free time and like spending it with others making good memories.

I really have narrowed it down between GW and Boston Whaler. Strategically thinking, there are not many GW dealers around Chicago and Whalers seem to have much more of a presence. There is a good dealer in Michigan City, MI that have been helpful called B&E Marine. I asked them to be my services dealer if I get my Boston Whaler from a third party and they definitely offered to help.

I really like the versatility of the BW 235 Conquest and have thought this out thoroughly. The 8'6" beam allows for towing without permits and I would be pretty paranoid towing anything larger at this point. It seems easily fishable with two yet I could have 6 aboard pretty comfortably. It has a cabin to get out of the weather though I will probably not stay overnight. I live right on lake michigan and can make it over to Diversey harbor in a 5 minute walk, so I think I'll be using her quite often!

I'm crossing my fingers hoping everything works out. In the meantime, I've asked B&E Marine to look at their dealer network for any 235 Conquests along with price out a new one for comparison's sake. I like the one 235 listed above but I am looking for him to get closer to $50k since it doesn't have a hard top or autopilot.

Take a look at the Boston Whalers -- you could get a dandy 20' for $50K. I had a 19' with the Outrage hull and it handled everything Lake Erie could throw at it. Put it this way, it could handle a lot rougher seas than I could.

A guy just listed a 21 proline walk around on the boats for sale forum. Newer engine. Might make a really nice great lakes boat for you to "get your feet wet" and it has a hard top.

Where is that? I searched the forum.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale-wanted/415286-1994-proline-211-wa-sale.html

Not a bw or gw but a nice rig from the looks of it.

I just spotted a 1999 BW Conquest 23 that I believe I can get for about 26k. Trailer, dual 135hp optimax, very clean boat. I may try to check it out this weekend.

I like the Proline but it would cost me 3k to get it to Chicago which is tough to swallow for a cheap boat like that!

Just an update here!

Went this weekend to check out BW, pursuit, and scout. Definitely looking for a whaler after comparing the layouts and construction. Right now I'm pretty sold on picking up a 2005-2007 BW conquest 305