Couple Switches from Pontoon to Ranger Z19 Comanche for Better Fishing
For three years Don and Jamie Cooper enjoyed time on their 24-foot Tracker pontoon party barge, but when Jamie’s passion for fishing grew, the couple found the pontoon wasn’t the most efficient choice for angling. In March, looking for a boat better suited to fishing yet roomy enough for family outings, they purchased a Ranger Z19 Comanche from Angler’s Port Marine in Warsaw, Missouri.
“Ranger is the best boat you can buy,” Jamie Cooper said, praising the Z19’s balance of fishing capability and family-friendly layout. The boat’s sturdy fishing platform, attractive red-and-white trim and strong engine appealed to the couple as they searched for a single boat that could serve both angling and leisure needs for them and their two children.
The Coopers first saw the Ranger Z19 at the Kansas City Mid‑America Boat Show in February. They explored many types of boats at the show before settling on the Ranger display at Angler’s Port Marine. Jamie, 31, noted that the Ranger provided the layout and stability she wanted for fishing, while still offering comfortable seating and space for family outings.
Don Cooper, who manages a branch of an electric machine company, said the purchase process began at the show and was completed at the dealership. “We made the deal at the show, but then we bought the boat at the dealership,” he said. The couple chose to pay cash to avoid financing; the dealership lists the fully loaded model, complete with electronics and a 2-stroke 200‑hp Mercury outboard, at around $35,000.
Beyond the boat itself, the Coopers appreciated the dealer’s incentives and customer service. Don mentioned the dealership provided a swim ladder to help the children get in and out of the water, along with roughly $500 worth of Ranger-branded gear and a couple of fishing lures as part of the sale. He added that they negotiated the price back and forth until they reached a figure both sides could accept.
Customer service was a key factor in choosing Angler’s Port Marine. “There are lots of Ranger dealers near us, but we picked this one because they were very friendly and close to the lake,” Jamie said. That relationship paid off quickly: on their first outing the Coopers struck a submerged stump and damaged the propeller. The dealership responded promptly, meeting them on the water and towing them back—an experience that reinforced their decision to buy from a nearby, responsive dealer.
The move from a pontoon to a ranger-style fishing boat highlights a common choice among recreational boaters who want a craft that can handle serious angling without sacrificing family comfort. Pontoons offer space and stability for social outings, but anglers often prefer boats with a dedicated fishing platform, better performance at speed, and more precise handling—qualities the Coopers found in the Ranger Z19 Comanche.
For the Coopers, the Z19 represents a practical compromise: it delivers stronger fishing performance while still providing room for family activities on the water. The boat’s combination of a purpose-built fishing layout, reliable outboard power and dealer support made it the right next step for their boating lifestyle.
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This article originally appeared in the Home Waters section of the August 2009 issue.