In the past decade, pontoon boats have evolved from slow-moving, floating-lawn-chair platforms to cruising living rooms with unique and exciting fishing and watersports capabilities. Ranger’s new Reata 200F brings all that to the water and adds a new layer of lasting great style and durability.
The visual excitement begins with the powder-coated tubes and side rails. Unlike raw aluminum pontoons, powder-coated tubes resist stain and corrosion for years after launch. They add dazzling color, and in this case, up to five schemes. Durability and quiet riding also come from solid construction of gates with .040 high-sheen side panels fastened to be secure from rattles and drumming. Powered with Mercury’s super-quiet 90 hp outboard, the Ranger makes for easy conversation, and music clarity from the stereo on our test was undiminished by outboard noise. Connections to electrical devices are secure and watertight, adding to the ease of maintenance over time.
The bow gate is raised at the bottom, improving visibility when docking and creating an easy spot to mount an electric trolling motor for which this boat is pre-wired. Also fresh from the factory are two livewells: one forward and one aft. Dual fishing chairs can be arranged for fishing from the bow or stern.
There’s a vinyl-protected platform fitted with a gleaming four-step stainless-steel ladder, deployable from within the water.
Most remarkable is the standard Bimini top equipped with a system to counterbalance weight so any boater can raise and secure it with a light fingertip touch. Once up, the Bimini has storage compartments for life jackets and LED courtesy lights for convenience.
The molded fiberglass helm gleams — no roto-molded panels here; this is top shelf. The tilt wheel, a Huk 5 GPS sonar device and a stereo are all standard equipment.
Ranger Boats’ reputation for quality construction, style and family fun is clearly exemplified in its new Reata 200F pontoon.
High Points
- Easy-deploy Bimini raises with just fingertip assistance.
- Recoil gate hinges assure gates close when released.
- Sealed wiring connectors add reliability to all systems’ power supplies.
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury FourStroke 90 hp
Drive/Prop: Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade
Gear Ratio: 2.07:1
Fuel Load: 17 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Price: $24,395 (as tested)
