Ranger’s Latest 2000 and 2200 Bay Boat Models
These almost identical twins are big on performance and durability.
By Capt. Bob Smith
Test Captain
Ranger Boats are designed to get the average angler out on the water with minimum hassle and maximum performance. These boats are somewhat light in standard amenities, but they do offer sufficient room for working a couple of fish at a time. There is also plenty of room to add your own set of options as well.
Layout and Features
The bow on each boat is really a spacious casting deck with wide gunwales all the way to the stern. Both models are rigged for Minn-Kota trolling motors with 6 gauge wiring and battery boxes in the helm. The Bay 2000 handles up to 8’ rods in her dual boxes up front. Dry storage is in the center box in the bow while there is an anchor locker in the peak designed to handle Danforth style anchors.
The Bay 2200 mirrors this set up with 9’ rod lockers and an additional center box for a second livewell/baitwell. A carry-on cooler is secured to become a handy forward bench seat with a seat back mounted in the front of the helm for comfort. The helm has wide walkways and four rod holders on each side. The removable windshield and fold-over stainless grab rail allows you to fit these boats in most garages much easier.
Options
There are several options for seating, including a simple leaning post helm set up with foot rail and back rest. Instrumentation is simple with room for adding your own electronics. Our boats were outfitted with hydraulic steering with stainless wheel and speed knob. We also had a jack plate on the engine with either a push button control in the dash, or a turn signal style control on the wheel.
By adding a removable tray, there is easy access to the bilge and the pumps with shut-off valves. The stern casting deck on both models is smaller than the bow, but is still quite useful. The stern seat cushion easily slides out of the track and the seat back removes to create plenty of working room. A standard livewell/baitwell is located in the center with a dry box to port and mechanical access box to starboard. Although the fire extinguisher was mounted in the stern dry box, I would rather see it at the helm for easier access.
Specs
Both these boats appear nearly identical. The obvious exception is the added box up front which is a livewell on the 2200. The Bay 2000 measures 19’6” length overall on a beam width of 100.5 inches. The Bay 2200 measures slightly longer at 22’0” on the same beam width. The 2000 weighs in at 1,775lbs. hull weight while the sister 2200 weighs in at 2,075lbs. dry weight. The 2000 is rated for 115-150-hp outboards while the 2200 is rated for 150-225-hp outboard rigs. The Bay 2000 carries up to 41 gallons of fuel in her tank while the 2200 carries a single 60 gallon fuel capacity.
Test Numbers
We tested these boats in the wide Intercoastal waterways outside of Punta Gorda. The water was almost mirror-calm when we started our test run. Both models handled light to the touch and we didn’t experience a hard bounce when crossing wakes. In addition, walking about these boats when stopped was as stable as you can get.
The 2000 was up on plane in only 2.7 seconds and traveling 30 mph in 7 seconds with an 150-hp Evinrude engine, while its bigger sister the 2200 was on plane in 3 seconds and hit 30 mph in 7 seconds with an 250-hp Evinrude. The 2000 cruised most economically at 26.2 mph turning 3500 rpm for a range of 132 miles while the 2200 cruised at 3500 rpm traveling 29.3 mph for a range of 157 miles on a full tank of fuel. At wide-open-throttle the 2000 reached 43.2 mph turning 5500rpm, while the 2200 topped out at 5500 rpm traveling 53.3 mph.
If you are a fishing enthusiast and want to get into bay fishing, the Ranger Bay 2000 and 2200 offer a suitable performing and stable platform that will serve you for many years to come.
