Ranger is one of the world’s most vaunted names in fishing boats, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy other on-the-water activities aboard one. Witness the Ranger 2050MS Reata, a dual-console boat designed to pursue a wide range of freshwater species and let you participate in watersports.
The Reata’s easy-handling 20-foot-7-inch V-hull sliced smoothly through choppy water during our test.
The Mercury Verado Pro FourStroke 250 outboard propelled us to plane in a head-snapping 3.5 seconds, reaching 30 mph in 6 seconds. We topped out at 57.7 mph at 5,100 rpm.
Four custom Ranger-built pedestal chairs can be positioned in any of six deck bases. For watersports, keep all four seats in the cockpit and swivel a few aft. For fishing, move one seat to the aft deck and the other to the foredeck, where you can run the bow-mounted Minn Kota Power Drive 70 electric trolling motor. A bow panel will accept optional flush-mounted fish-finder/chart-plotter displays as large as 12 inches.
The helm console comes standard with a Lowrance Hook 5-inch combo display, but it will accommodate optional screens up to 12 inches.
A pair of jump seats flanking the covered livewell fold out from the aft deck, where a removable ski pylon also mounts when it comes time for wake sports. A locker in the starboard swim platform secures wet items, like a ski rope. We found a telescoping boarding ladder on the starboard swim platform.
The foredeck can be quickly expanded with a filler that slides into the deck when not in use. This fills the well just forward of the walk-through panel in the full windshield to create a safer area when fishing.
We found beaucoup stowage in five compartments, including an insulated cooler and livewell under the foredeck. An in-sole locker lets you stash up to four fishing rods. We also discovered locking rod storage inside the port inwale.
Ultimately, the Ranger 2050MS Reata allows you and your family to create great memories on the water for years to come.
High Points
* Snap-in carpet is soft on bare feet and easy to remove and clean.
* Expandable foredeck results in a safer fishing platform.
* Tandem-axle trailer comes standard.
* Watersports and fishing features offer versatility the whole family will like.
Price: $57,695 (base with Mercury OptiMax 250 Pro XS)
How We Tested Engine: Mercury 250 Pro FourStroke Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Tempest Plus 14.63″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 18 gal. Crew Weight: 430 lb.
More Information
Ranger Boats – Flippin, Arkansas; 870-453-2222; rangerboats.com
