I notice when I bought my 16'er that the hp ratings for that model changed.Mine is a 1994 wth a max 80 hp. The newer ones have max 100 hp.The boats are the same I wonder why Arima increased the hp rating.My boat has a 70 hp Evinrude that works god enough for me.My boat tops out at 32 mph and cruises nice at 23 to 25 mph.I havent used the boat enough to figure out the fuel economy yet.But the guy I bought it from said it would get 7 or 8 mpg at cruise.I do know that I didnt use much gas last saturday when I went for a 40 mile cruise.

It's not a good idea to try to overpower any boat, but I would think especially an Arima. The max HP listed for an Arima is more than enough to get you up on plane very quickly and top speed will be about 35 to 38mph. I've read that more power will not make that type of hull go much faster and will consume huge amounts of gas for very little speed gain. If speed is important for getting out to fishing areas or just playing, than an Arima is not the boat to choose. Frankly, unless the water is very smooth with no wind chop, you can't go much more than 20 or 25 comfortably anyway. How often do we have those kind of conditions around here?

OK,
I got the idea.
One more question for you guys.
What other brands of boats would you recommend that are in the category as the Arima Ranger 21?

I looked around but have not actually test drive any.

Thanks

You could take a look at Sea Sports or Tiderunners.Quinns Boats has had a nice looking used Grady White sitting on there lot for a couple weeks.I think there asking 25k for it.

Even though I don't have personal experience with Tiderunners, I really like the new Tiderunner made by Palmer in Port Orchard, WA. It would be high on my list of fishing boats in the 20-25' range.

http://www.palmerboats.com/index2.html

They seem to have everything I would look for in a bigger boat. True deep V, self-bailing, powerpod for outboard(s), and walk-around for anchoring.

Iron Head
My second boat was a 17ft chaser and I caught a boat laod of fish out of it. I took it from Port Hardy BC to Rivers Inlet. After getting the crap beat out of us for 4.5 hrs on the way home I decided to go with something a little more heavy. The Arimas are super light boats thats how they can get away with putting smaller engines on them. If you were going to use it in the sound I would say go for it. The 21 ft might be a different story.

Seaswirl Striper
Bayliner Trophy
Tiderunner
Glasply
Starcraft Islander
C-Dory (in case the Arimas are too fast for you)
Livingston Viking
Campion Explorer

Ironhead,

I'm getting a 21' Arima with a custom cabin from Inland Boats and Motors in Ellensburg. You should take a look at them. I believe they are the best looking saltwater boat on the water, especially with the custom wood cabin.

They are sold out on this go around. I think they have close to 20 boats to build in the 19' and 21'. Anyways just an option I don't know if they are going to do any more this year. I can hardly wait until mine is built.

Tornado,
I was looking at the same boat you are getting too, but with the Arima hard top.
After visiting the Palmer link provided by ET, I think that Defiance 220 is really sweet. We need a boat for offshore so I will need to reconsider the Arima.

Hey, thanks alot guys.
I am going to the Tacoma Dom the end of this month to look at them all.

Thanks again for all of your help.

I have a 190 tiderunner, one of the new ones that Palmer Marine has redone. They are a very stable, smooth ride compared to a Arima. They can seat four people comfortably and fish 3 easily. Mine doesn't have the offshore extension bracket, but I would recommend it if you are planning on purchasing one. Trib Tabs are a must with this boat, since it has a 24 degree deadrise. Give the guys at Palmer Marine a call at 360-674-7090.

A boat dealer told me that the USCG can confiscate your boat if the motor exceeds the hull's HP rating.

Also, I would not limit my search to glass boats. There are are good crop of seaworthy aluminum boats out there.

Like the Hewes searunner...

I have a friend who just ordered a new 21' Ranger. He's really excited about his new boat, but won't get it until May.

They are very back logged...you may not get your boat until August. Check with the dealer.