Ranger vs Triton Quality

[Teri C.]

I know this is a Nitro site but I know alot of you guys on here don't own Nitro's anymore. Seems to me guys who own Ranger say Ranger is the best and guys who own Triton say they chose it over Ranger for this reason or that reason. I've said my next boat will be a Ranger; however, I really like some of the Triton features and I've found a really nice looking fully loaded 2003 Triton SF190 barely used. I will probably keep the Nitro one more summer but....



In your opinion, is Ranger a better quality boat than Triton or are they about equal?

 

[Teri C.]

I don't know much about the build of either one so those are the types of comments I am looking for. I looked over on BFHP but didn't find alot of "constructive" reasons for one or the other. Thanks for your help!

 

[TrepMan]

If you get a Ranger then can we call you "MonkeyWoman"???

 

[Teri C.]

I guess I don't get it....but I have been called alot worse.

 

[JR F]

Check on service,,,I can't say either boat Is better...I have friends that have Tritons they like them... But I can say Ranger service Is job One....Jr

 

[TrepMan]

Teri - I don't know the origin but I believe ( ask Carlos) Ranger owners are said to drive Monkey boats.

 

[Teri C.]

I can tell you I have talked to both the Ranger dealer and the Triton dealer here and the Triton dealer was much more customer service oriented than the Ranger dealer. The Triton dealer actually tried to help me solve my boat/garage dilema. The Ranger dealer didn't return my call until the 3rd time.

 

[Jim B]

Teri, your last statement tells me you should get the Triton if your looking to buy a new boat and its down to those two brands. Its been said here many times before. The service from the dealer is EVERYTHING, they can truly make or break and ownership experience. Both are good boats and in the end it all comes down to the service after the sale.

 

[C C]

The guys are right, if you have a dealer that you like and he has a boat you like go for it. If the dealership that I bought my Ranger at was buring to the ground I wouldn't waste a drop of spit on it.



Now that you know how I feel about my selling dealer I can tell you that Ranger has made everything right without any hassel and only one phone call. I received return phone calls and emails from Ranger on every issue I contacted them with and everything has been taken care of by Ranger. Ranger has authorized 2 minor repairs I need done, a small gel coat ding the dealer was susposed to fix before the boat was delivered and a areator pump housing broke so they shipped me a new one and are paying for the installation at another non-Ranger dealership and I expect they will continue to provide me with the same service.



I doubt Triton or any other manufacture would go the distance for a customer like Ranger does.



Cass

 

[Teri C.]

I would not be buying the boat from a dealer. The boat is still under warranty and the Yamaha is under warranty until 2008.

 

[Staci Matheis]

"...Ranger has made everything right without any hassel and only one phone call. I received return phone calls and emails from Ranger on every issue I contacted them with and everything has been taken care of by Ranger. Ranger has authorized 2 minor repairs I need done, a small gel coat ding the dealer was susposed to fix before the boat was delivered and a areator pump housing broke so they shipped me a new one and are paying for the installation at another non-Ranger dealership..."



That is absolutely incredible!

Good information, Cass!

Two Thumbs Wa-a-ay Up to the folks at Ranger!



me!

 

[Dan J.]

Teri - You also might want to consider which brand is currently up for sale. (Earl is entertaining/seeking offers.) It should have no impact on dealers or warranties, however.....

 

[Bruce Freeman]

Dan you think Genmar want to corner the market??

BF

 

[Al Greco]

Teri, As you know I have a Triton and love the boat. I also have been in many Rannger's. I think for the most part the Rangers have better Fit & Finish and are obviously built very well. It also seems they are a better riding boat when the water kicks up. The Triton in my opinion has a better layout than the Ranger but the fit and finish aren't quite as good. The boat also needs to be "driven" to stay on pad, but is much faster than a comparable monkey boat of equal size and horespower. I believe both boats are of very high quality but you need to take them both for a ride and make you decision. The only regret I have is I didn't get the 21 footer with a 225. Oh well, will be upgrading in the next 2 years.

 

[Bill McElroy]

Teri,...as long as you're keeping the 'nana boat for another year,...keep in mind, that I'll be selling my Z20 this fall for a GREATLY reduced price,..plus it will come with full warranties on EVERYTHING!! (10yr on the hull and 5yrs on the motor!) I don't have my invoice yet, but I can flat gaurantee you a savings of over 10-12K vs. new!! Something to consider!! (And you'll LOVE the color scheme.....and no..it won't be wrapped this year either!!)



Something to consider anyway...

Mac

 

[Brian Bell2]

Teri,

In my opinion when it comes to Triton vs Ranger, its speed vs ride.. Ford vs Chevy.. Both are great boats. Test drive them both and decide.

 

[Teri C.]

Mac, I am sold on the fish and ski's. They are perfect for what I like to do.

 

[Dan J.]

Bruce F - So far the word on the street is that Brunswick Marine has a couple hundred million $$ on the table, but I'm sure Earl is looking for the best offer. (I think he really wants to get back into the racing gig.) Brunswick has been in a boat buying mood lately.

 

[JR F]

One of these days..Forrest's Grandson will take It back over from genmar..Ranger will stay In the family.. (my opinion )...Jr

 

[Dan J.]

Uhh.. Pat, you might want to dig a little deeper into the percentage of ownership Mr. Bentz has in Triton. You'll be surprized. I do agree, for his concerns, now is the best opportunity to maximize his investment.

 

[Dan J.]

Triton L.P. (limited partnership) was established almost identically as Earl's previous venture, Stratos Boats, also an L.P. (Many owner's use the L.P. for capital funding and asset protection, without giving up control of the enterprise. i.e. BPS, Blockbuster, MS, etc...even little guys like myself!) Dunn's has his business laid out pretty good for a privately held company. ($46.5 mil., w/ Earl as the end all, say all.) The Wall Street Journal has a public release, although dated, that gives some good info as well, however not nearly as in-depth as Dunn's (of D&B). I guarantee you without a shadow of a doubt, that what Earl says, goes, as far as Triton L.P. is concerned. I don't mean to be argumentative, just trying not to devalue the man's hard earned position within his company.