 With the Ranger Ghost 169 back into service after sitting idle for a few years, we have been prowling around the Bid Bend, looking, learning and fishing. As we have explored some favorite areas not fished for years we have found very productive fishing. Our main targets, Redfish, Trout and of course Black Drum are plentiful and dependably caught on live shrimp, cut mullet and artificial baits. Thanks to large amounts of mullet and pin fish, a small 5' diameter cast net is all thats needed to keep the live well stocked. Captain Hoginator and I have co-ventured to bring the boat back into service. I can without hesitation state that this renewed relationship with the Ghost has been great. The boat is very high quality...... dependable, pleasurable and an excellent platform for stalking fish in the backwater.  After the typical electrical system repairs, fluids replacement, new batteries, water pump service, and of course the inevitable trailer repairs, the boat is in fully operational while the small ongoing items are dealt with. 
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January 2020
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Repair notes:
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A marine grade filler was applied
Then sanding and multiple coats of cloth, resin and sanding
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Then a final light sanding and spay can / palmetto paint job
The first trip we put in near Cedar Key and worked our way up a couple creeks that would have been inaccessible in a larger boat. We found 15 or more Redfish and a couple nice trout.
Gear used:
- Old 1980’s Gheenoe, classic model purchased at a garage sale for $150.
- Trailer assembled from parts
- Yamaha 6 hp purchased new
- Gheenoe’s are excellent backwater boats. Their shallow draft, excellent stability and maneuvering are boats you can take just about anywhere in relatively protected waters. And you can pull, push or paddle them if needed.
- The Yamaha 6 hp 4 stroke is a good balance between weight, portability, economy and power. The engine is not yet fully broken in, so it hasn’t been run a full throttle but I’m guessing it will move the loaded Gheenoe between 10 and 15 mph. The 6 hp is not a speed demon but seems fast enough and in the rocky backwater creeks, speed is the last thing you need. Easy to tilt up, shallow draft, and easy pull start are more important to me. As far as fuel economy goes, I don’t know how many hours I can expect from the 3 gal. remote tank because after a two or three hours running time the gauge hadn’t budged from full.
- The ride of the Gheenoe is great in smooth water and fair in a chop. The boat and motor are sensitive to load distribution and the loads should be adjusted to be when heading into the wind and waves to keep the boat dry. I expected and did notice some hull cavitation when in rougher water. The hull could be strengthened in some areas but I doubt I will make many hull modifications.
Paul with a couple nice trout from the first trip