Ranger 2510 Bay Ranger: 2018 Boat Buyers Guide

Make no mistake about it: When people with experience in Ranger Boats think of the brand, they think of value.

In our survey, respondents placed Ranger near the head of the pack in value among the most popular brands, spotlighting brand reputation, customer service and resale value for particular praise. All this while also lauding Ranger’s fishability, design and construction, and performance.

Ranger may have begun life 50 years ago as the realized vision of bass-boat pioneers Forrest and Nina Wood, but Ranger techniques, materials and designs have made its boats favorites in fresh water and salt, shallows and bays — in bass, multispecies, fish-and-play, fly-fishing, waterfowl utility and pontoon designs.

Ranger’s fiberglass boats (it again makes aluminum boats too) boast a patented pultruded fiberglass transom, fiberglass knee braces and a fiber­glass stringer system that dampens engine and rough-water vibration. What the company calls Interlock Construction creates a one-piece feel in a strong, quiet boat.

More Ranger hallmarks? Lots of fishing room and storage; finished gelcoated livewells (the company patented the aerated livewell, ­after all); and, of course, the boat’s ­safety-boosting foam filling of all hull cavities.

It all helps create what those who know Rangers admire: their lasting value.

Biggest in Ranger’s Bay Ranger series, the 2510 Bay Ranger is ready for long runs beyond the breakers.

Carolina-flare bow, steeper vee at the stem and higher freeboard help tame big water with a smooth, dry ride, and a 350 hp rating and 97-gallon fuel capacity provide this bay boat plenty of range.

The layout? An angler’s dream: plenty of storage, plenty of space. Dual aft seating pops up when you need it and folds flat into a casting deck when you don’t. Aft, there’s a crustacean livewell, dry storage and ample access to pumps, battery chargers and plumbing. Forward, the center step is a cooler and the center box serves as an insulated fish box or dry storage. Coaming pads surround the gunwales to cushion legs while battling a big fish.

Forward rod storage lockers are served by a patented ventilated rod-storage system that circulates air to keep condensation at bay and the tackle battle-ready.

At the leaning post, a huge aerated tank with dual fill pumps and a recirculation pump keeps catch or bait lively. The console houses a head compartment, and the helm welcomes dual 12-inch displays. Plush upholstered seats with flip-up bolsters and armrests let you match your position to the conditions. There are both raw- and freshwater washdowns standard.

Options include an upper station for tarpon fishermen. A performance jack plate is standard, but Power-Poles and trolling motors are optional.

More Info rangerboats.com