2018 RT 188

LC · January 03, 2018, 06:44:20 PM

I'm well into the process of purchasing my 1st new boat (RT188). As I was reviewing the documents on the boat and motor, I noticed the boat is shown as a 2018 model however the Merc ProXS 115 is a 2017 model. I understand that the motor is still new but I'm curious to know why it's not a 2018 model?
Due to the motor warranty I don't actually see this as a deal breaker but I would like to know why the boat & motor don't have the same model years.
As I said in the beginning, this is my first time purchasing a new boat so can anyone let me know if this is this a common occurrence with new boats?

Bigwrench · January 03, 2018, 07:27:32 PM

Makes you wonder if they had several of last years models lying around or if this is standard practice.
I'll have to look locally now lol.

Bud Kennedy · January 03, 2018, 07:31:06 PM

I have always thought that outboards were designated by production year and not model year. Obviously if you already have the boat the motor would have had to be built in 2017. I believe if you check the SN and Hull number they might be 2018 but built in 2017.

Princeton_Man · January 03, 2018, 07:53:13 PM

Bud is kind of on the right track I think. I know we're talking Mercs here, but when I re-powered a few years ago, I learned that BRP no longer designates their ETEC or ETEC G2 motors by model year. The serial numbers do include a date code to indicate the year of manufacture but they don't have 2017 models, 2018 models, etc. All service bulletins, mods, and recall items are supposed to be applied to the motor the time it's rigged.

It makes sense from the manufacturer and retail standpoint. No "last year's models" to deal with and the 10 year warranty starts when the owner takes it home.

Oldfart9999 · January 04, 2018, 06:47:02 AM

It's January 4th, bet the boat, motor and any accessories were built in 2017 like Bud said!
Rodney

Roborad · April 11, 2020, 07:04:16 PM

Purchased in Sept. 2019...Ranger RT 188 with Yamaha 115 SHO...80 lb. Minn Kota...top speed 46.2by GPS with factory prop...hole shot quick and on plane within 7 sec...Yamaha 115 SHO is perfect....fuel economy outstanding...trims easily...pleasure to handle and easy to fish in tight spots, including shallow water...fit and finish OK for price...considered Express as alternative but got deal at year end...negative points include dead speedometer on day one...speedometer intake design on front of motor lower unit a no-go in lakes in North La....a common problem with other vendors too, not just Yamaha/Ranger...gauges fog up with the least amount of humidity which is often in Louisiana...carpet in rod storage compartment had to be re-glued...easy fix...hubcap on wheel lost on the highway somewhere...fished in the rain a few times and all compartments had standing water...a real pain to dry out...punched/ enlarged drain holes at corner of compartments with minimal effect...avoid heavy rain knowing whatever is in compartments will be in standing water...Lowrance 9"Ti is fine...bow roller on trailer replaced within 2 mos...cheap winch and bow strap will need to be replaced soon...have between fishing about 30 times since new and overall impression is good...if there is a boat/ motor out there that is problem free, I haven't seen it...would give RT 188 a rating of 8/10 since all issues pretty minor

coldfront · April 11, 2020, 07:58:37 PM

Quote from: Roborad on April 11, 2020, 07:04:16 PM...negative points include dead speedometer on day one...speedometer intake design on front of motor lower unit a no-go in lakes in North La....a common problem with other vendors too, not just Yamaha/Ranger...

mine quit very quickly too. not sure why, with most folks running GPS sonar, we even need speedometer?
I do use my tach and trim guages ...

the other thing I occasionally deal with: tach guage. sometimes doesn't want to read correctly. think there's a nut to tighten that's supposed to help.

Bud Kennedy · April 16, 2020, 12:44:52 PM

My infatuation with the RT188 went away after I saw the New Vexus Aluminum. Quality of build and design thinking far exceeds the current ranger tins. Especially with fit and finish. Vexus seems to have done all the right things and still sells at about the same price point as the Ranger RT

coldfront · April 16, 2020, 01:26:45 PM

Quote from: Bud Kennedy on April 16, 2020, 12:44:52 PM
My infatuation with the RT188 went away after I saw the New Vexus Aluminum. Quality of build and design thinking far exceeds the current ranger tins. Especially with fit and finish. Vexus seems to have done all the right things and still sells at about the same price point as the Ranger RT

bud, I am not arguing that there aren't a few things that ranger could figure out. that said, I've been up close and personal with more than a few of the vexus aluminums.

they're not all that and a bag of chips every time either. and I am considering that next purchase - possibly after first of year. need to see how this economy settles/rebounds.

if we get a Dem in office come November, I have a feeling 'big spends' are a lot further out for me.

Bud Kennedy · April 16, 2020, 01:41:36 PM

Coldfront, I was not saying that there are no problems with the Vexus. What I am saying is that their planning, engineering and details clearly are superior. Just consider thing like compression latches on the lockers with nice quality gaskets around the hatch openings. Then look down along the side of the hull. The ranger wil have ripples the Vexus boats I have seen do not they are smooth like a glass boat. Little things like the battery compartment layout and location of the pumps etc very easy to service including a lift off hatch iid. It is forward thinking like this that attracts my attention. But bottom line it is a boat and problems will pop up no matter who makes it.

I have only driven the Ranger RT188 and it was a nice solid ride and very fishable so no complaints there except that it is still an aluminum boat. I have never been in a Vexus but have seen quite a few now and would love to take one for a spin. Personally my preference for a larger motor still prevails even though I really don't need one.

Around here the Ranger RT198 seems to have fizzled out and not many folks want them. Folks considering one seem to opt for a fiberglass 18 footer instead. Not uncommon to see fairly new 198 models for sale at reduced prices in the Carolinas

coldfront · April 16, 2020, 02:36:08 PM

Quote from: Bud Kennedy on April 16, 2020, 01:41:36 PM
Coldfront, I was not saying that there are no problems with the Vexus. What I am saying is that their planning, engineering and details clearly are superior. Just consider thing like compression latches on the lockers with nice quality gaskets around the hatch openings. Then look down along the side of the hull. The ranger wil have ripples the Vexus boats I have seen do not they are smooth like a glass boat. Little things like the battery compartment layout and location of the pumps etc very easy to service including a lift off hatch iid. It is forward thinking like this that attracts my attention. But bottom line it is a boat and problems will pop up no matter who makes it.

I have only driven the Ranger RT188 and it was a nice solid ride and very fishable so no complaints there except that it is still an aluminum boat. I have never been in a Vexus but have seen quite a few now and would love to take one for a spin. Personally my preference for a larger motor still prevails even though I really don't need one.

Around here the Ranger RT198 seems to have fizzled out and not many folks want them. Folks considering one seem to opt for a fiberglass 18 footer instead. Not uncommon to see fairly new 198 models for sale at reduced prices in the Carolinas

sorry bud. not meaning to be argumentative. I see the points you make. and I'm wrestling with the decision (now between the RT188p and the vexus avx 1880). probably not getting the lund 1875b.

Bud Kennedy · April 16, 2020, 02:53:08 PM

Being a Ranger owner for the past 40 years, I can't imagine owing something else. But times have changed and my thoughts are the "New" Rangers are not the "Old" Rangers. It is a hard pill to swallow for current Ranger owners but as I said.....The times they are a changing.

Rangerman · May 10, 2020, 08:29:00 AM

I got to agree with you, My first Ranger was 1972 TR with the Mercury Tower of Power stack 6, came from Rose Greene which is Sandi's Mom. Not the same Ranger as years ago. I still think it is the best riding and handling boat on the market. They not the fastest by far, but ride and safety is what I'm into now. Don't get me wrong I had some of the fastest Rangers on the east coast with those Tony Reynold's custom build balance and blue printed engines. Now and for the last 10 years give the ride and handing

That last racing Mercury 2.5 Merc 175 was putting out 245Hp at prop, ran it 6 years and would turn 6700. Well it blew during one of FLW's and hung a stock 175 back on the 461. Still one of the best boat every owned, and for sure the fastest Stock Rangers of it's day with 175 hp. Better handling for lake fishing and tree fishing like Santee. But on Saint Clair and Great Lakes it was a little short

Went for the ride and big water handing. Hated to spend the money to fix something that was not broke except when the wind blows Hell Yes worth the money

coldfront · May 10, 2020, 09:04:42 AM

Quote from: Rangerman on May 10, 2020, 08:29:00 AMHated to spend the money to fix something that was not broke except when the wind blows Hell Yes worth the money

for me it's always been about whether or not I HAVE to go out. since it's not my job/paycheck? I can trailer to quieter water. smaller water. or even, choose to wait for tomorrow.

but when you HaVE to go? I get the glass, bigger boat and why it's a safety MUST

Bud Kennedy · May 10, 2020, 09:34:16 AM

Coldfront, i agree with you but it would be hard to give up the glass boat. I don't need to go out either so an aluminum would do just fine. I still am hung up on at least a 150hp motor and I would not need that either on a tin boat but I sure do like having some power on those rare moments when I want to let the big dog eat. Oh well it really does not matter since I have no intentions of parting with my 30 year old fiberglass Ranger. Must be a man thing. I still want a new motor but that is a want and not a need. I would like to have hydraulic steering and may just do that when it comes time to replace the steering cables again. Funny thing about wants....they do not have to make sense to be a want.

Rangerman · May 10, 2020, 07:39:44 PM

Same same here wind blows I don't go. However when on Big Water and it comes you got to get in safe. Bigger is better

I'm an old guy and I don't do tuff man contest. When the weather changes and the weather man is wrong best be prepared like a good Boy Scout. Just Be Safe