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New User
Posts: 1
| looking at buying a ranger 620 and I have a few questions. Looking at either the 250 pro verado or the 4 stroke 250 yamaha, has anyone run into troubles with these two? And can't decide if I should ram mount the electronics or have them installed into the dash. thanks for any info. |
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Member
Posts: 12
Location: Indianapolis, IN | You won't consider a 2 cycle? I'm not an expert by any means but I just went through what you’re doing now. I thought about a 4 cycle 300 Verado on my 621VS but was convinced to go with the 2 cycle Optimax Pro XS 250 instead. Here are the reasons why:
1) The 300 Verado actually measures 296 HP at the prop while the Optimax Pro XS 250 measures 275 HP.
2) The 300 Verado weighs about 200 pounds more than the Optimax Pro XS 250.
3) The Optimax gets better fuel mileage than the Verado especially while on plane.
4) The cost in oil basically is the same between the 2 but you will be changing the oil up to 4 times a year on the 4 cycle depending on how much you run it and that means more maintenance.
5) Resale value. Currently the most common engine on the 620's and 621's is the Optimax Pro XS 250. You might want to consider that especially since this is your first boat. Save that one for your last boat.
6) Last but not least, the Verado was almost $4,000 more. I decided to use that money for new rods, reels, drift socks, tackle, etc.
One more point, the Optimax's are much more quieter than they were just a few years ago so there goes that advantage some what.
On to your electronics, the one at the dash might depend on the size. I have the Humminbird 1198SI, (10.4" screen), for that location and had it installed in the dash. 1), It's so big I can see it from anywhere in the back of the boat and 2), Ranger raised the dash height in the 2012 model to accommodate the mounting of the bigger electronics. That left less room for mounting the unit above the dash. If it were a smaller size unit, I might have mounted it on a Bert’s universal electronics mount which would’ve been attached to a 6" track installed above the dash so I could’ve rotated it to where I needed it. My other electronics is a 1158DI which is mounted on a 6" Bert's track at the bow and another 6" track at the left stern. That way I can move that one to where I need it, at the stern for trolling for eyes, salmon, strippers, etc and up front when I trash fish for bass.
I believe this is the first year Ranger is now offering the tracks. I like them because it is a much lower profile and securely holds anything mounted to it in place. The gimble mounts, such as a Ram, can move a little bit while running in rough water, especially when using the bigger electronics. The tracks are also great for rod holders as well. Again a minor knock on the rails is that the rod holders can rotate on them over time. I know the tracks can be had in sizes 6", 12", 48", and 50". I'm sure they come in other sizes as well. They're also perfect for mounting down riggers as well. Very sturdy and mounting them on rails is a no-no..........unless you like your down riggers at the bottom of the lake and big holes in your gunwales?
Again, I'm no expert by any means. This is just my honest opinion after seeing it and talking to many other about these issues.
Edited by chflnghair 2/12/2012 12:20 AM
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Member
Posts: 3899
| I you could get a chance to ride in this boat with each motor, you'll pick the Verado over the Yamaha. I'd say your decision wouldn't even be close. |
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Member
Posts: 3899
| s/b If you could get a chance |
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| I pesonally would take the Verado over ither Yamaha or the Pro xs. Yhe pro xs can't be 275 hp it's against the law to rate a motor more than 9 hp over the actual hp everone has been led to believe that but coast guard regs say otherwise, just a feel good to those who don't research. Rode in a Verado first time this past year and would not buy anything but. Had a friend go down to Ranger and test drive the bots with different motors and say he was glad he put a Merc on over the Yamaha. |
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Member
Posts: 12
Location: Indianapolis, IN | I mean no disrespect to bg eyes but my "RESEARCH" shows that referring to the International Council of Marine Industry Association's Standard 28-83, (which is often cited by manufacturers of outboard engines in the United States), chapter 7 which covers "Manufacturing Tolerance" states that:
"The corrected power at rated speed of any individual marine propulsion engine or propulsion system must not deviate more than ±10% or 0.45kW, whichever is greater, from its declared power, except that for governed engines or systems of more than 100kW [134-HP] the tolerance shall be ±5%".
Not the 9 HP as bg eyes stated here. That would allow a 4 HP rated motor that actually measures 13 HP at the prop still be rated at 4 HP. A percentage makes more sense. The 275 HP that I stated just barely falls within the above specs because it doesn't "deviate MORE than ±10% or 0.45kW, whichever is greater, from its declared power". And before anybody points out the ±5%, that’s for “GOVERNED” engines or systems. The last time I checked my 250 ain’t “GOVERNED”.
Another point here. I may be thinking wrong but I believe the Coast Guard is only concerned with the maximum HP rating, (and I think this means what the manufacturer of the motor states using the above ICOMIA 28-83 standards), for a given boat.
Besides, if that's the only misinformation that I gave here, what about the other 6 reasons? I don't care how you spend your $4,000, (and I got that figure from the Ranger dealer while pricing my new 621 VS), but I'll spend mine on fishing gear and other related items. |
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Member
Posts: 2300
Location: Berlin | Bazinga |
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| I wouldn't flush mount anything, PIA if you have a problem then it leaves a gaping hole in your dash if you decide to switch something up and it can ruin the look of the unit should you decide to upgrade later. I just pulled one out and am dealing with this now, never again. Use a Stabil or Cisco mount, better to keep it out of the weather and elements as well.
Go with the 250 Pro XS I have one and love it thos verado's are super thirsty and heavy, Ranger's don't ride as good with the 4 strokes on the back as well. |
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