Ranger Boats Update - 2011 1860 Angler

The most noticeable change for 2011 on the 1860 Angler is the dash. The gauges have been moved higher for better visabilty and opened up a much larger area for mounting larger electronics in-dash. Not only are your electronics easier to view, they are more secure as well. Also new for both the 1760 and 1860 Angler is there addition to the Multi Species line up, which allows you to customize colors on your new Ranger just like other models in the VS series.

Built with the added confidence of a technologically-advanced hull design, the 1860 Angler is engineered to excel. From the demanding waters of walleye and musky country to the maneuverability and finesse of crappie angling, the 1860 has a serious focus on fishing. The spacious interior includes a larger front deck and oversized center rod storage. Trolling motor batteries are centrally positioned for greater power efficiencies and, because fishing conditions are always changing, the 1860 also features our exclusive Rite-Track Keel® for solid tracking and easier trolling even on windy days. The helm is equally well-equipped with speed, tach, fuel, trim and water pressure gauges. Combined with an on-board battery charger, built-in cooler, adjustable seating, a pair of oversized livewell / baitwells and a choice of snap-in carpet and low-profile or walk-through windshields, this is the Ranger 1860 Angler. Now you can experience even more space, features, performance and fishability - all at a value unmatched by performance-challenged aluminum designs.

2011 Lund 1600 Fury - Back to the Basics

NEW for 2011, the Lund 1600 Fury offers the Lund quality and fishability in an economical fishing package. Integrated port & starboard rod lockers, bow aerated livewell, and Lund's renowned IPS Hull.

The 1600 Fury goes back to the basics of what fishing is all about, a small easy to control boat, with the innovation that Lund is famous for. It's time to take another look at Lund and why they make the most exciting fishing boats on the market today.

Available as a 1400 or 1600 tiller and 1600 side console, all models come standard with 2 pedestal seats, vinyl main floor, aerated 10 gallon livewell in bow, navigation lights, and bilge pump. Rod storage is plentiful with a unique stepped compartments that will up to 12 rods. The oversized casting deck in the bow ensures you will have stable footing rough conditions, as well as plenty of storage.

Complete packages availabe for under $10,000 with a Mercury 25hp fourstroke and trailer.

Lund's Lifetime Limited Warranty
Lund's Lifetime Limited Warranty gives you the best overall coverage ever available on hull material and workmanship. From bow to stern, gunwale to gunwale, and from the bottom of the hull to the top of the windshield, your new Lund is backed with a transferable warranty - and Lund's promise that we'll make sure any claims are handled with speed, ease, and our full support.
It's because Lund boats are built so well that we can afford to give you this superior warranty. We don't think you'll need it, we have that much confidence in our boats. But if you do need warranty support, you can be sure you'll have the very best in the industry.
Warranties include…
-Lifetime Warranty on double-riveted seams.
-Lifetime Warranty on all plywood panels, related materials and labor.
-Three Year 100% Bow-to-Stern Parts and Labor Coverage with applicable exclusions - ask your Lund dealer
for details.
-Transferable.
-Some exclusions apply - please see your Lund dealer
for details.

Boating is the one activity that you think would be stress-free and enjoyable. Not so, according to many women who participate in this activity with their spouse or significant other. Many women have reported that they are “useless” when it comes to helping launch the boat.

Some women report they are able to drive the vehicle and trailer back to the parking area after the launch but when it comes to backing the trailer down the ramp, forget about it! They do not have the confidence and skills necessary to do this one thing that could speed up the time it takes to launch the boat. In addition, almost every gal that I have talked to has told me that their husbands, or boyfriends, are not patient enough to teach them the fine art of backing up a trailer. And if they have at least tried to teach them, the lesson has usually ended in tears, yelling or both!

When we were approached by MomsLikeMe.com and Chevy to partner with them on a Women and Trailering Clinic, we were excited to jump on board! What an opportunity for these women to get behind the wheel and practice backing up a boat and trailer while receiving tips from patient instructors.
Some women came at the urging of their husbands, while others came to learn so they could surprise their significant other at the next boat launch with their new found skill. Each participant received a trailering and launch checklist to help them remember the proper steps to ensure a successful trailering and launch of the boat.

We are planning on doing another trailering clinic as there were quite a few ladies who weren’t able to make this one. We are also looking into doing a hands-on launching clinic later this summer. Learn how to launch a boat off a trailer and bring your boat back on the trailer! Stay tuned to www.rapidmarineboats.com or “like” us on Facebook for up-to-date information on events.

Spring Fishing - Guest Article

by: Scott Steil


You just bought that new boat you have been dreaming about at the boat show this year and have been staring at it in your garage for the last few weeks. Or, you are planning on buying a new boat and the thoughts of getting that boat of your dreams on the water this spring continually occupies your mind. Well, literally, I am in the same boat as you and am looking forward to hitting the open water, which appears to be coming much faster than expected. 

When I think spring fishing I think of bluegill and crappie in the shallow bays. While shore fishing in spring is always a viable option, there is nothing better than getting that boat in the water early to explore the portions of those shallow muddy bays that those without a boat can not reach. When spring panfish invade the shallow warm waters of our local lakes, they are hungry, feeding and willing to bite. As anglers we may be tempted to fish with the crowd near shore because they are catching fish but often times the best fishing is on the warm south shore of the bay which is only accessible by boat. When this is the case, you will be rewarded for taking the time to get that new boat in the water early as you will have access to some of the best spring fishing there is.

For those of you that are fortunate enough to live near a border water you may still be able to fish walleye in spring long before the in-state season opens. The Mississippi River between Minnesota and Wisconsin is a perfect example of a river that remains open for walleye fishing. In fact, not only does the walleye season remain open but the spring walleye fishing is fantastic. The first water my new boat sees is usually at Pool 4 in Red Wing. The boat ramps on the Mighty Mississippi open early and give you a great opportunity to not only break-in and run your new boat but also take home a limit of nice walleye while you do it. Most years I am able to get quite a few hours on my motor and bring home some great tasting walleye long before most have ever thought about walleye fishing, thanks to the Mississippi River at Red Wing.

Those are just a couple examples of spring fishing at its best and that are guaranteed to provide a cure for spring fever. Instead of looking at that new boat in your garage or thinking about going to buy that new boat, get out there and do it now. Some of the best fishing of the season will take place in the next month, long before the celebrated Minnesota Fishing Opener. We’ll see you on the water! 

Scott Steil is a professional walleye fisherman from Richmond, Minnesota and has a fishing Blog www.scottsteilfishing,com that offers year around information on both ice and open water fishing which is a great source of information for beginners or the advanced angler.