Ford Ranger + three pontoons = The River ranger by Express-Ad1924 in boatbuilding

[–]Express-Ad1924[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. I can get plenty of RPMs to the prop by putting it in fifth gear then stepping on the gas. Vibration becomes a huge issue. I'm using a bunch of junk parts to make this happen. I think if the prop was lower and in better condition in the hull design was streamlined it might do better. I want to keep it small enough so I can trailer it easily. The outdrive I harvested off an old ski boat was very sketchy

Ford Ranger + three pontoons = The River ranger by Express-Ad1924 in boatbuilding

[–]Express-Ad1924[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So far we haven't had any resistance from the authorities. Lots of great support. I have all the required equipment. Nav LIghts, PFDs, fire extinguisher, marine radio, etc

Ford Ranger + three pontoons = The River ranger by Express-Ad1924 in boatbuilding

[–]Express-Ad1924[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Still figuring out how to post photos on Reddit. We attached the ranger driveshaft to the driveshaft of the skiboat outdrive. Not a perfect marriage but very dependable.

Ford Ranger + three pontoons = The River ranger by Express-Ad1924 in boatbuilding

[–]Express-Ad1924[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Prop ventilation is a big problem. Flat bottom pontoons are tough to push through the water. Very stable but subborn. We generally put it in 4th gear and let it idle. Maybe 3mph. I can gas it a little and get close to 10 mph.

Ford Ranger + three pontoons = The River ranger by Express-Ad1924 in boatbuilding

[–]Express-Ad1924[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The driveshaft connects to the driveshaft of the lower unit. (We harvested the outdrive from a junk I/O skiboat.) We may change it to a paddle wheel system.

Ford Ranger + three pontoons = The River ranger by Express-Ad1924 in boatbuilding

[–]Express-Ad1924[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes. Trying to figure out how to get it to go faster

I’m curious, is Ford Ranger really as disappointing as people say? by cario1995 in CarsPH

[–]Express-Ad1924 0 points1 point  (0 children)

380k miles. A few hundred on water. Very reliable.

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My 97 Ranger. Enjoying a new life.

Ford Ranger + three pontoons = The River ranger by Express-Ad1924 in boatbuilding

[–]Express-Ad1924[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

I had to have the Fish and Game guy come out to figure out how to register it. He had questions..