Open or Hard Top

[ebijack]

A couple things I did not see anyone mention. Towing a hardtop uses ALOT more gas. You have to be more aware of bridge heights/low hanging trees etc if you plan on towing to inland/other waters.
Most, troll with the wind. Which in bad weather a HT helps the driver/front seat passenger most times. But everyone else is still in the "sh*t when trolling. And if you are fishing, you are going to get wet in nasty weather. And once the cabin gets full of bugs. The bugs don't blow out like only having a windshield.
IMO, long runs in a Ranger are more comfortable than in a larger/longer HT boat.
I will say loading a 621 on the trailer is one of the hardest multispecies boats I have ever had to load at some ramps. Comparing similar length/rigged boats. A 23ft HT Sportcraft is a tad easier to load. Most ramps are not bad. Use a steep ramp like Elizabeth park on the Detroit river. You best know what you need to do to get one on the trailer.
BUT, a HT you typically get a bathroom. That can be the biggest plus to some if you know what I mean. Using a livewell/baitwell doesn't cut it for alot of folks.
The OP didn't mention/compare using a bimini top.
So do you require a bathroom. Question answered for most.

[Reel_Deal]

i really enjoy my 23 excel! it has the best of both worlds. open top if i would like it be (which i don't i always have the bimini top up because that sun will crush your soul some days!) and i get a cabin for storage and has a head. it's mostly a fishing boat but has a few amenities that i like. i can trailer anywhere without worrying about height or crushing a lot of gas. maybe you should think about getting a "hybrid" boat. you can find some that have the best of both worlds. something to chew on maybe.

[Capt Eric]

Looks I'm late to this party!!! But I was just gonna say, I know a guy with a 23' Parker..... he's trolled walleyes in that boat in 6+ footers, water that I'd even question going out in, but that Parker eats it up. But for an open boat - you're not gonna beat that Ranger. That's as good as it gets there!

Good luck out there!