Multi-Species Fishing
Ranger’s 620VS and 621VS
By Capt. Bob Smith
Ranger set up tests for six models at Bull Shoals Lake recently and two of the models were right at home in the windy conditions we tested in. The 620 and 621VS are multi-species boats designed to take on the rough weather and still deliver a smooth, dry ride. Well, with 25-35 mph winds, we put them to the test. The hardest part was keeping the papers in the boat!
Ranger builds these boats to be the “biggest and baddest Walleye” boats around, but they truly are stable and comfortable boats for any type of fishing. The transom heights and the deep interior freeboards make them exceptionally dry riding craft, the large fuel capacity keeps you out on the water longer and is centrally mounted to help stabilize the ride, and provides an easier re-entry when slicing through the big waves. These two models have spacious decks and over-sized storage boxes to keep all your gear dry and organized.
Fishing Features
Starting at the bow, both models have a standard Minn Kota Maxxum 80 trolling motor. These 24volt motors are pre-wired with heavy duty 6 gauge harnesses. Remote switches are in the bow for lights and motor trim for simplicity and convenience. Storage abounds in the bow with lockers on both sides. Lids are lockable and have gas-assisted arms and gasketed lids to keep water out of the box. Aft the port box is an integrated cooler and an integrated baitwell/livewell is over on the starboard side. Both models also have the optional Lowrance equipment at the bow as well as the Lowrance X-135 as standard equipment at the helm. The rod lockers on these boats rival their bass boat relatives. The 620 handles rods up to 8’ long on the first row and 7’6” on the second row of organized layout. The 621 is designed for 8’ rods on the first row and 7’ rods on the second row.
Cockpit and Controls
Stepping back, the cockpit feels huge and safe with high freeboards. Both models were the dual console versions. Four Soft Ride Seats on pedestals provide a comfortable ride in just about any conditions and there are several locations for the movable seats are in the cockpit, bow, and stern levels. The dual console offers a glovebox to keep your wallet and other small gear dry. The helm has a sport-car feel to it with digital switches and custom stainless steel gauges for tach, speed, trim, volts, fuel and water temperature. Large lockers are just behind the forward seats for dry storage and access to batteries, oil reservoir, and other gear. These boxes are built up to the height of the stern deck and wide enough to extend the walking area from the stern to nearly the helm seat along the sides. The boat is just as stable as her bass family and keep you feeling under control when working a fish.
Stepping on to the stern deck, there is room for a pedestal chair. Back here there is a 50” wide livewell for those big walleye or the other catch of the day. The stern on these boats is reinforced and ready for you to add a kicker just like the one we had on our boat.
Vital Statistics
The 620VS measures 20’3” length overall on a beam width of 96”. She weighs 2,165 lbs with a dual console and 2,000 lbs with a single console (both without engine). The 620VS carries 51 gallons of fuel in the center mounted tank and is rated for 200- 250-hp outboards on her stern and are reinforced for adding a kicker motor. Our test model was powered with a Yamaha 250 TXR 250hp four stroke outboard using a 23 T1 14 ½ Yamaha propeller.
The 621 measures 21’3” length overall with a beam width of 94 ¾”. She weighs about 2270lbs dry without engine in the dual console version and 1880lbs with the single console version. The 621 has a bit more fuel at 55 gallons in her center mounted tank. Our test model was powered with a 225hp Evinrude DHXSDF H.O. outboard using a Cyclone 14 1/8 x 21 prop.
Performance
While we found some rather calm waters to run speed numbers, rest assured, we had lots of time to try the ride in the rough stuff. In rather calm waters, the 620VS clocked a cruise speed of 30.8mph for a range of 153 miles on a full tank. When the throttles are full forward, she registered 55.6mph at 6000rpm. This model was breaking over on plane in just 3.4 seconds and up to 30mph in 7.3 seconds. She slices the big stuff pushing the spray well off to the sides which keeps the riders dry.
The 621VS cruised around 22.7mph for a range of 173 miles on a full tank. She topped out at 55.2mph at 5800rpms for a range of 124 miles on a full tank. This model is breaking over on plane in 3.3 seconds and up to 30 mph in 6.5 seconds.
If you like fishing under just about any condition and want a boat that can handle it, Ranger’s 620VS and 621VS offer some of the most versatile, dry riding boats that can tame the rough waters.
