Finally got a chance to lay hands on the Aluminum Ranger RT-188. I always like the idea of getting a tin boat but for now I am quite happy with my current boat. Anyway, I just wanted to make a couple of comments about the RT-188.
I have always thought that this might be my next boat and for the most part would be great for the type of fishing we do. Since I don't tournament fish and usually stay in fairly small water this would work for me.
The layout of the boat was very nice and functional. Typical Ranger fixtures and seats and this one had a 115 E-Tech. I did not like the small MK trolling motor and would want to upgrade. The electronics were also a waste of effort and would be better off at least doing something decent instead of the tiny unit installed at the dash. So more money would be needed for respectable electronics. Storage was ok for a small boat but did not like the oil tank installed in an area where it would be better served as a tackle locker. I think a 4 stroke might just be a better choice if it can handle the weight.
While I understand that the boat is stable I did not put it on the water but would like to some day. If I had a beef with this boat it would be the quality of the tin work. While the welds looked good and the finish was nice the tin was wavy. Somehow, I expected something better from Ranger. I do wonder if a small jackplate would be appropriate for this model. Both of them I looked at did not have a plate installed.
The trailer was nice and had a swing away tongue and the overall finish was good and the same as any other Ranger single axle trailer.
OK this is my take on the boat and wonder if any Ranger RT Owners can make a comment on how they perform. Currently I would stay with Fiberglass but it sure would be tempting to go tin for a better purchase price and fuel economy.
I've got a buddy that just got one. The waviness wasn't present on his, maybe just a flaw, possibly bad shipping, Idk. I agree totally with the trolling motor. He's actually going to upgrade his as soon as the funds are there. I disagree with the 4 stroke idea. Keep what works and what got you there. Then again, I've never messed with 4 strokes, but to me, the weight isn't worth the oil tank removal. Storage is a plus for this size boat. Layed out nicely. Great choice of colors as well. I'd love to see a 150 version, although that would be the encroachment to the Z100 series. Rides well for being an aluminum boat, then again, it is a Ranger. Priced well for someone that wants Ranger quality without dishing out $30,000+ for the fiberglass. Don't particularly like the swing away tongue, I have my reasons. Electronics is decent for the intro fisherman. I'd still prefer all Rangers come with HDS12 at the console and at least a HDS9 at the bow, with the option of a 12. I'm currently spoiled with the HDS12/9 we have on our Ranger. Size Matters...All in all, good to see them making a affordable boat for the masses. Still would rather have the Z522...
Bud,
Have been running mine since June 2013. Prior to this year on smaller waters. Now have it in TN and will be rubbing rails with the big boys... :)
just the 'mini' RT178. Talked to the marketing folks at the Classic about it this past month.
I am pretty much pleased with this boat. It's going to provide a lifetime of great performance. Stability is amazing (('ve been in some of the 'older' lowes :eek!:)
the blown in foam flotation helps minimize the annoying aluminum 'slap'...and with the added foam, it's a bit heavier...and the semi-V cuts swells very nicely 'for what it is'.
my 17.5 boat rides fairly comparably to a buddy's nitro 452...
my 'old' boat was produced with a softer paint...has no issues with 'waviness' ...well nothing that you don't have to look very close to see...
doing it now? I'd still put an HDS7 IN the console...but go larger up front since I'm usually farther away from the screen... old guy eyes and all.
I chose this boat and the more I run it the more I have grown to like it.
as an aluminum, it does blow around in wind a bit...but heck, here in the south, you all got nothing like what I faced every week out on the plains... still, wish they had room for one more battery....I'd have a 36-volt fortrex system if I could. 'just' the 80 now.
AND as for outboards, perhaps the etec...a lighter powerplant with out that annoying break-in...
I've been interested in the RT 188 with the Mercury 115 proXS which has the oil tank built into the front of the motor. This allows you to keep the extra storage room like a 4 stroke. I've followed a lot of the guys on BBC and there has been one issue about the waviness but other than that they are all built solid as you would expect from ranger. I'm in a BassCat at the moment but will probably end up in one of these. I only fish one tournament a month and then just whenever I get a chance so the RT 188 will fit the bill quiet well for myself. I would want to get rid of the small electronics and add two HDS 9 units.
Just validate what it can accomodate on console if you are thinking flush mount.
Quote from: Wil Holmes on April 08, 2015, 08:42:19 AM
I've been interested in the RT 188 with the Mercury 115 proXS which has the oil tank built into the front of the motor. This allows you to keep the extra storage room like a 4 stroke. I've followed a lot of the guys on BBC and there has been one issue about the waviness but other than that they are all built solid as you would expect from ranger. I'm in a BassCat at the moment but will probably end up in one of these. I only fish one tournament a month and then just whenever I get a chance so the RT 188 will fit the bill quiet well for myself. I would want to get rid of the small electronics and add two HDS 9 units.
Every 178 and 188 I've seen on the showroom floors have only been equipped with 4 strokes. Same for Tritons and Lowes.
Quote from: TWilson on April 08, 2015, 01:51:50 PM
Every 178 and 188 I've seen on the showroom floors have only been equipped with 4 strokes. Same for Tritons and Lowes.
Mercury is still producing the ProXS 115 and most of the guys on BBC say they are getting best performance with the ProXS 115. Scroll down about half way on the page and on the far right select 115 and they are still in production.
https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/engines/outboard/optimax-and-pro-xs/pro-xs-115-250-hp/
You misread what I said. I stated everyone I've seen on showroom floors. Frankly, I prefer 2 stroke due to my past with 4 stroke.
Sorry Wilson, I did misread your post. That is all I have seen as well recently is the 4-strokes rigged on them. I think its just the push for 4-stroke motors.
I also like the 2 stroke but the oil tank on the RT188 is in a locker that would be a better place for storage.
I am not fond of not having a splash well either. The Cables and hoses from the motor are just too much in the way. I have never seen one with a backplate so I don't know if that would help the crowding situation on the back deck.
Quote from: Bud Kennedy on April 12, 2015, 08:43:29 AM
I also like the 2 stroke but the oil tank on the RT188 is in a locker that would be a better place for storage.
I am not fond of not having a splash well either. The Cables and hoses from the motor are just too much in the way. I have never seen one with a backplate so I don't know if that would help the crowding situation on the back deck.
crazy question Bud: on my Mercury Opti (75hp, on the 178) the oil tank is inside the motor cowling. Not under the back deck.
Not the case with the 115?
The one I looked at a couple weeks ago, had a 115 but the oil tank was in a locker on the port side on the rear deck. Didn't like that idea. I think the motor however was a 115 E Tech but don't quite remember. Could have been an Opti. I will have to look again when I am down there again.
Ok, here's the skinny from our local. Matt at McKee's Outdoors is getting his boats from Bunch Marine in Harriman, TN. From what he has told me, most orders being placed have been for the 4 stroke motors, I'm guessing a lot of new boat owners don't want to deal with having to fill two tanks, one of which is buried away. You can get either, but most seem to be getting the 4 stroke. I think he said they're selling 7:1. I knew they'd be popular when they came out, but not like this...
I'll chime in.
I purchased my RT188 in March with the Merc 115 pro xs (wanted the four stroke). More and more consumers are getting them with four strokes and to be honest the four stroke on this rig is where it's at. The new Merc four stroke is quite a few pounds lighter than the pro xs, BEFORE considering a full oil tank.
The Mercury pro xs has it's oil tank in the cowl of the motor. The Etec has a separate oil tank that is placed in the rear storage compartment.
Now with the Yamaha 115 SHO four stroke out, people are seeing even better performance with the bigger lower unit gearing and 6300 rpm rev range.
I have no complaints from my pro xs but the merc four stroke and the new 115 SHO are outperforming the 2 strokes. I get around 47-48 gps by myself and the four strokes are getting up around 50.
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><> Smallie_Stalker <><
Thanks for the warm welcome!
I have a 2015 RT 188 with a merc 115 pro xs. I ordered the boat with a 4" offset plate so the cables and fuel line stay in the splash well. My wife was concerned about that. It's doing 48 mph on gps and I don't have the right prop yet
Quote from: Rkn on October 31, 2015, 03:23:58 PM
I have a 2015 RT 188 with a merc 115 pro xs. I ordered the boat with a 4" offset plate so the cables and fuel line stay in the splash well. My wife was concerned about that. It's doing 48 mph on gps and I don't have the right prop yet
Hello and welcome to Ultimate Bass . If you would stop by here Let Us Get To Know You (http://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?board=254.0) and introduce yourself to all the good folks. You will find lots of friendly people who love to help each other out. Thanks
For those that have fished out of the Ranger RT188, how is the stability of the boat when you're standing up fishing and running the trolling motor? How about if someone is fishing on the back deck too? I'm interested in the boat, that's why I'm asking. I have a 2002 Alumacraft now and it's not stable at all. Thanks.
I had a chance to test this model of ranger. It was truly amazing. It is very solid under your feet and does not tip around even when standing on the edge of the deck. Wife was on the back deck and advises it was totally comfortable and she did not feel any pitch or roll. I did not buy the boat but more than likely if I decided to buy it would be a 188.
Performance was good. The test boat had a 115. It planed out ok but was not a speed demon. I kinda like a bit more power than this can handle. If I was fishing big water on a frequent basis it would not be my preference. for smaller lakes or rivers without a lot of current it would be ok.
I did not try it on a windy day but it is a low profile and would probably do just fine. All in all there really isn't all that much price difference between the tin and an 18 ft glass boat with a 150.
Upgrade required for 24V trolling motor, Decent Electronics. I don't like the fact that the 2 stroke oil reservoir takes up valuable locker space and may want to stay 4 stroke.
I didn't know Ranger made a glass boat in that price range. Nice looking boat.
I had the opportunity to check out the Alum Rangers the other day while at Texas Boat World. I didn't test drive it or anything just checked it out in the parking lot. They are nice looking boats for sure. If I was going to buy one for sure the electronics and the trolling motor would have to be upgraded. Of course I'd want the max horse power I could get on it also.
Another thing I would check into is having a dual console added. There are a few guys running around here in Central Texas with those Alum Rangers.
Quote from: JDflats on March 30, 2016, 08:16:15 PM
I didn't know Ranger made a glass boat in that price range. Nice looking boat.
I was thinking of the Z-175 but I think it only comes with a 90HP 4 stroke. It is in the 28 -30K category. The ranger RT188 I priced was about 28K when upgraded and delivered
My buddy got an RT-188. I liked it. It's a little small for 3 guys but was great. It's bounces around a little more than my old fiberglass boat but the modern control panel and e-tec motor were amazing! I don't know. I was thoroughly impressed by the boat myself. I admit, I felt a little jealous.
For sure it is a two person boat. It is not designed as the family perch jerker. Besides three is a crowd in any bass boat.
as my name implies, I'm a Bass Cat purist, but there is an Rt188 for sale near me right now and I'm really considering making an offer... I'm used to my big, fast fiberglass rigs but for money and storage reasons I really need to consider downsizing....
.... how will this rig fish for a guy used to a 19 ft fiberglass?
I don't own one but have been in a couple. They fish very nicely. The storage is adequate but nothing like your Bass Cat. The thing you would miss most would be the power of a big motor and the ability to run big water especially in the wind.
It is what it is but a very well designed boat that feels good under your feet. Smaller impoundments or rivers it shines. Economical to run and a light deal to tow. You just gotta accept it is not a big heavy boat and has it limitations. It does buck a bit when encountering a wake
Thanks Bud!
went and looked at this boat yesterday.... REALLY liked it.... very impressed with the quality for an aluminum rig. I fish small to medium sized lakes and river bottoms mostly.... this boat would be perfect...... Talking to the bank this week and hoping to make an offer.
Does it have Jet Drive for the river?