Opinions on a 482V Ranger

Kentuck · Post by **Kentuck** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:06 pm

Might be interested in a 482V Ranger. Anyone have any input they might want to share on this model. It's a mid-90's model.

Thanks!

Gator · Post by **Gator** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:21 pm

Excellent rig. A friend of mine in Florida has a 97-98 482V. Great boat, lotsa room and great platform.

Tight Lines!!

Gator

Kentuck · Post by **Kentuck** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:25 pm

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 6:13 pm

That boat is sweet. I had a 1997 481VS and only sold it to get into a 520SVX. Seriously, there are many things about the 481 that I like better than my 520. You can't haul *** in a 3 ft. chop with the 482, but who cares? It has an awesome platform, ample storage, and it drives like a sportscar. My new boat drives and fished like a big boat. I always liked how maneuverable and responsive the 481 was. Hope this helps. Brian

Rich Thiel · Post by **Rich Thiel** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 7:15 pm

>Had one (1991) for many years. If they built it today I would've bought one. The 185 today just about rides the same and turns shaper than the 482V I had. The 500 serie's the boat fits but the trailer want in my garage LOL!!!!!!.

Rich Thiel

That boat is sweet. I had a 1997 481VS and
> only sold it to get into a 520SVX.
> Seriously, there are many things about the
> 481 that I like better than my 520. You
> can't haul *** in a 3 ft. chop with the 482,
> but who cares? It has an awesome platform,
> ample storage, and it drives like a
> sportscar. My new boat drives and fished
> like a big boat. I always liked how
> maneuverable and responsive the 481 was.
> Hope this helps. Brian

Miket · Post by **Miket** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 8:03 pm

> Might be interested in a 482V Ranger. Anyone
> have any input they might want to share on
> this model. It's a mid-90's model.

> Thanks!
I've got a '97 482vs and I'm totally satisfied with everything about it. It rides nice (provided your not trying to fly over big chop)and handles well, has plenty of storage as long as you dont pack your whole garage for the trip!

Chris Koester · Post by **Chris Koester** » Fri Mar 25, 2005 6:13 am

I have a '98 482VS. It's a great boat, and for the money probably the best on the planet. Everything the other guys have said is true. And to be honest, while it doesn't grace the chop like a 520 w/ SVS seats, it actually handles rough water better than any 19' boat I've ever been in. You won't win many races - I have a 2002 Evinrude 175hp Ficht and jackplate and it tops out around 62-63 mph - but in every other aspect it's a real winner.

One goofy thing - they designed this boat without a built-in cooler. Kind of lame, but a small price to pay.

Chris

JB · Post by JB » Fri Mar 25, 2005 1:25 pm

I bought a used 1993 482v and fished from it for a few seasons. It was a great boat for me. I now own a Skeeter ZX225, which is an entirely different type of boat. If you compare apples to apples (18 footers of that era), I think you'll really like the 482. It rides dry and solid for an 18 footer, is very comfortable, and has incredible storage. Mine had a 12" jackplate, which benefitted the boat by making it feel/ride larger than it's actual length. If I had kept the 482 (only sold it 'cause I had a great deal on the Skeeter), I would've been happy. It maneuvered very well, was easy to drive, and was maintenance free (probably because I took great care of it). If I was again looking for a good priced, used 18 footer from that era, that 482 would still be my first choice. BTW... it's a mid-50s boat for speed, and runs well on a Merc or Yamaha 150, even though I think it might be able to handle a 175 too. If you have a 24v trolling motor, you can cram two Trojan 225s in the back, which will extend your daily battery life. Hope that helps!

Bassinlee · Post by **Bassinlee** » Fri Mar 25, 2005 8:26 pm

I couldn't be happier with my 95 482vs. It's big enough to take big water, provides a steady fishing platform in howling wind, has enough storage to hold my buddy's insane tackle collection as well as my own, and is faster than any fish I wanna catch. Plus, it kinda knows where the fish are. Tall order, since I sure as heck don't. On overnight trips, when tied up in a cove, it even sleeps 2 guys, one front, one rear, comfortably. I've pitched a tent on the front deck (w/extension) and had the kids sleep inside. And the previous owner, Jim Turner, installed a recessed foot pedal tray, new lighted guages, retractable rod holders, L.E.D. trailer lights, and etc, so I've got everything I need. No, it doesn't come with a cooler, but I have a soft sided one that fits perfectly inside one of the huge rear compartments, so even that's not a problem. The Motorguide Tour 36v TM holds it against a fast running current and wind with no sweat. Am I satisfied? You might say that.