Thread: Buying a new boat...advice needed!😃

Rumor on bassboatcentral.com of a new RT that will have longer rod storage in all three boxes up front. I am sure it will be up there with the PT20 in pricing just because of the larger motor it will handle. The RT188 rod storage is more than enough of me. I leave all my 16' trolling rods together on a transport rack down the port side. Then I have hooks on the wall of the garage I can take them out of boat and hang right beside the boat. Same for my 10' and 12' dipping rods. I always leave them together. So all I need is a place to keep a couple tip sections in just in case I would break one while fishing. I plan on using the center "rod storage" compartment for 3700 tackle trays of jig heads and baits. The starboard compartment for life vest's, throw cushion, extra props/hubs for trolling motor and big motor. Then will put my extra tips and two sets of rain gear in the port compartment.

So I was able to put hands on a Triton this afternoon. Nice boats, just like a Ranger. Only differences are the console and upholstery. When it came down to it, only a very small discount on the Triton, between $100-$125 difference. I'm gonna stick with the Ranger just for their reputation and name recognition for that money. I did however get to check out the bass versions in both the 178 and 188 models and have to admit I think you are right Jigging15, about the layout of the storage, and after going through options between the two models, I think we are gonna go with the RT 188 with a Merc 115 on it. Will need to research the electronics a bit as that is a new realm for me.

Thanks for all the replies fellas, it's been helpful!

Originally Posted by Jigging15

Rumor on bassboatcentral.com of a new RT that will have longer rod storage in all three boxes up front. I am sure it will be up there with the PT20 in pricing just because of the larger motor it will handle. The RT188 rod storage is more than enough of me. I leave all my 16' trolling rods together on a transport rack down the port side. Then I have hooks on the wall of the garage I can take them out of boat and hang right beside the boat. Same for my 10' and 12' dipping rods. I always leave them together. So all I need is a place to keep a couple tip sections in just in case I would break one while fishing. I plan on using the center "rod storage" compartment for 3700 tackle trays of jig heads and baits. The starboard compartment for life vest's, throw cushion, extra props/hubs for trolling motor and big motor. Then will put my extra tips and two sets of rain gear in the port compartment.

How soon are you getting yours?

As soon as my Glass Ranger sells I will be ordering. I have all the options figured out. So all I have to do is take them to Pete and let him put them in the computer. There is a great thread on BBC about the new Mercury ProXS 4 stroke on a RT188. Anglers Port had it to 50mph with a stock 20 pitch laser 2 prop. They can only run it full throttle for 1 minute every 10 minutes during break in period. I think these boats with the motor broke in and loosened up with the right prop and having it cupped will run 54-55 pretty easy. The standard 115 4 stroke with the perfectly worked/cupped props are barely breaking 50 with most guys getting 47-48.

Here is my post from BBC on how I will set mine up for storage.

Today, 12:37 AM



Ya I did. Even got the wife to go with me and go out in the RT188 with the Merc. I was very impressed with it overall. It ran in the 46-47 range I believe. Crossed some wakes in it and made some super sharp turns in it. I jumped it up on plane 5-6 times at different speeds and trying different levels of trim and it seemed pretty quick each way I tried it. Only thing I did not like was how far the throttle had to be pushed forward to get to full throttle. It was below my knee level and not sure I would want to make long runs in that position. But it may stay down there and be able to take my hand off of it and keep speed where it needs to be. If not I will add a hotfoot to it. I may need to have the wheel off to add a spacer for clearance of my 1199 at dash. Would be a good time to put pro trim switch on it. Just waiting to get my 198VX sold and I will be ordering one.

Well I ordered my new boat today. An Xpress H20PFC Crappie Series w/ Yamaha F150LB and the Tournament Series (TS) Package. https://xpressboats.com/hyperlift-crappie/
Now to pay for it.

Originally Posted by CrappieHead

Well I ordered my new boat today. An Xpress H20PFC Crappie Series w/ Yamaha F150LB and the Tournament Series (TS) Package. https://xpressboats.com/hyperlift-crappie/
Now to pay for it.

Dang you rollin now....congrats on that!!!

Originally Posted by CrappieHead

Well I ordered my new boat today. An Xpress H20PFC Crappie Series w/ Yamaha F150LB and the Tournament Series (TS) Package. https://xpressboats.com/hyperlift-crappie/
Now to pay for it.

Congratulations! Those are good lookin' boats.