posted 07-07-2013 08:12 AM ET (US)        

Joining the recently introduced 135 H.O. model will be a 90 H.O. The 90 H.O. will be based on the V4 engine.

A new engine color scheme called the Graphite Series will be introduced on the 15 H.O., 150 H.O., 200 H.O., 250 H.O., and 300-HP models.

E-TEC engine decals are also being revamped.

posted 07-08-2013 03:14 PM ET (US)            

I would much prefer a V-4 90HP E-tec since that is closer to the old OMC VRO V-4. My Dad picked that motor for his classic Montauk back in 1984 because a 3 cylinder block was not as well balanced as a 4 cylinder, with far less vibration.

posted 07-08-2013 06:00 PM ET (US)            

E-TEC Graphite Series

posted 07-08-2013 06:14 PM ET (US)            

Finally, I should mention, these are not "2014" models. BRP joined the crowd and no longer has model years. But they clearly designate every model evolution with unique model numbers. (Look at SHOP.EVINRUDE.COM to see the new model numbering scheme in action.)

posted 07-08-2013 06:26 PM ET (US)            

Evinrude still has model year designations just like all outboard makers. This is REQUIRED for emissions regulations compliance. To figure out what model year BRP designated for a particular motor, you need to look at the firt letter in the engine family code on the emissions compliance label #BCX.....

where # can be

posted 07-08-2013 09:03 PM ET (US)            

All the bass boats I saw this weekend had E-TEC 250 H.O. engines in blue. I think that scheme looks better. The older Johnson gray with red lettering looked better, too.

I don't make fun of bass boats anymore. The really nice ones are very well designed. They have matching trailers that look great. The boats have more electronic and electrical systems than five classic Boston Whaler boats combined. They're very good boats for the purpose they've been designed to fulfill.

posted 07-09-2013 12:35 AM ET (US)            

My FIL, the pro bass fisherman, is/was sponsored by Ranger and always had a nice shiny new one from them, at least before the previous owners went out of business a few years back, and she said he always had Mercury or Yamaha motors. I don't know if there was a corporate tie between hull and motor or if he had separate engine sponsorship.

posted 07-10-2013 03:41 PM ET (US)            

quote:

---

Rangers are also foam filled and unsinkable.

---

I knew there was some kine of "tie" between the two, even if it's only philosophical.

Two more questions:

Is Ranger boats foam fill process in any way similar to Unibond?

Was there ever a corporate tie between the two?

posted 07-10-2013 03:54 PM ET (US)            

Nice Evinrude 250 on this one. You see a lot of Evinrudes on Rangers website as well.

Here is the video, worth watching

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCRtBO6meAU

posted 07-10-2013 04:05 PM ET (US)            

Here is another Ranger video showing their "Dream Rig"
They choose to use the Evinrude 250HO instead of Mercury or Yamaha which they can do.

I believe they are still independent and can bolt up any engine brand you prefer.

Its interesting they choose Evinrude on their top end Ranger Commanche in this video and towards the end they list a few reasons why.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCRtBO6meAU

posted 07-10-2013 05:26 PM ET (US)            

Here it is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z13j9BRatGc

posted 07-11-2013 03:27 AM ET (US)            

"Ranger is smart to offer a variety of engines to their customers."

Yes, they are smart. I wish we could see that with the Whaler line.