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Originally Posted by CrappieHead
No I will be buying a new Ranger RT series. Duane the 861 and 961 are great boats. The way I fish I prefer the taller deck. But for someone that trolls a lot or can not get up and down with the taller deck the War Eagle is the way to go. It would also be nice when in rough water or waves from boats if a guy does not have good balence.
I will give you that the Xpress X19 and X21 will fly and may ride well but 99% of the time I spend in my boat I am idling/side scanning or have the trolling motor down fishing. I have a 198VX now that is one of the most stable and best rides you can have in a boat of any brand, make or model. It will flat haul the mail also for 19' boat. I have fished in a lot of metal boats over the years and don't think the Ranger RT can be beat by any of them for how they fish with the trolling motor down. It is amazing how stable, quiet and how little they blow around compared to other metal boats.Quote:
Originally Posted by guzenua
I've got no dog in this fight, so you can take my opinion and $2 and get coffee somewhere. I fished out of a friend's 188 last year and found it to be very quiet and very stable. I liked it so well that I'm thinking the 178 might be the boat for me. I'm holding off until I fish Truman some to see if the platform will work.
I really like the Ranger RT188c with the Rawhide interior, no carpet. Hose 'er out. Jigging15 is right about the storage, the bass rig has a lot more.
Yeah, I might have to check out the bass rig...though I like having that front livewell. I think I am sold on the Ranger based on the comments I've read here and talking to some people at the boat ramp. Now to narrow it down to 178 or 188 and "c" or bass rig......decisions, decisions!
Have no personal experience but talked to a guy that has a new Crestliner VT18 and loves it. Similar layout as the Ranger but a chunk of change less money
I've never talked to anyone that says, "I hate this new boat", my experience, other's may vary.
Another thought that might save a few dollars--Triton aluminums are built on the same line at the factory as the Rangers. I looked at the 17-foot version Triton and thought that the storage was a bit different and liked it better (it might not be different at all). I suppose there is a chance that you might be able to get a better deal on one. Don't know, though, nor do I know who the nearest dealer is.
Thanks for the heads up! You are right, the hulls come off of the same line, only difference is the console (still fiberglass) and the upholstery. Found a dealer about 25 miles from the house. Gonna go check em out this afternoon. Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by kjackson
If you make it to Truman and go to Warsaw they have several of the 178's in the bass and crappie versions and also the 188's in both models. I spent a couple hours down there going through and climbing around in all of them. I wanted to see what all the options were to see exactly what I wanted to order. Pete, Bryan or Jerry will all be glad to show you as many of them as you want to see to help narrow down what you want. I would advise looking at several brands/makes of boats and then decide what works best for you. There is a lot of great boats being made right now in the aluminum market. I have been in the Tracker, Lowe, G3, Triton, War Eagle and Crestliners. All have there positives and negatives. I feel the Ranger has a better fit and finish than the others. I also like the layout/storage better on the RT188 bass version. They offer some add on's like the front trailer step system that others don't offer.