Buying a new boat...advice needed!😃

So I've got the okay from the boss (wife) to buy a new boat and have , I believe, narrowed it down to a Ranger RT 178c or 188c. Love the Wareagles, but nearest dealer is over 100 miles away. I've never bought a brand new boat and have a few questions I'm hoping you guys can help answer.

1) Do any dealers offer "test drives" on new boats that anyone knows of? I would never buy a truck without a test drive!

2) How much wiggle room for haggling on price is there? I know Tracker has "no haggle pricing", but don't know about Ranger and their policy on this.

3) Does anyone have any experience with these models? We've looked at the Lowes and Trackers as well, and we both like the Rangers the best of the 3 makes. Would love to talk with someone that owns one!

4) Any pitfalls or other things to be aware of when doing business with boat dealers?

I know there is a lot of experience here and appreciate any advice you guys can give me.

Thanks, Chris

PM Jiggin15 he's test drove and about to pull the trigger on one our PM the Ranger guy Kazualobzerver

I don't know where you are located but for a Ranger I would go to Cabelas or Anglers port just my opinion.They are great boats youll love it. Only advice is to get max rated horse power no matter what you buy.

Anglers Port will always get you out on the water in a boat before you buy. They had a on the water boat show over the weekend and had a 178c and two of the RT188's. One with a Merc and one with the SHO Yamaha. I drove the RT188 "bass" version and was impressed with holeshot and ride. I am going to go with the bass version because I like the layout and storage better than the crappie version and also want/need the recessed trolling motor pedal. I will be adding the 3 across seating to it like the crappie models have. I have a couple buddies that have the RT's and they love them. They fish really well with trolling motor down compared to other tin boats. I have been dealing with Anglers Port for many years and they are great to deal with during and after the sale. I don't think they can be beat for how they treat you down there. There will be some wiggle room on the Rangers compared to building one online with the options you want.

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Originally Posted by 1MObowhunter

So I've got the okay from the boss (wife) to buy a new boat and have , I believe, narrowed it down to a Ranger RT 178c or 188c. Love the Wareagles, but nearest dealer is over 100 miles away. I've never bought a brand new boat and have a few questions I'm hoping you guys can help answer.

1) Do any dealers offer "test drives" on new boats that anyone knows of? I would never buy a truck without a test drive!

2) How much wiggle room for haggling on price is there? I know Tracker has "no haggle pricing", but don't know about Ranger and their policy on this.

3) Does anyone have any experience with these models? We've looked at the Lowes and Trackers as well, and we both like the Rangers the best of the 3 makes. Would love to talk with someone that owns one!

4) Any pitfalls or other things to be aware of when doing business with boat dealers?

I know there is a lot of experience here and appreciate any advice you guys can give me.

Thanks, Chris

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Chris, I have just started looking at new boats myself. That Ranger 188C is a nice looking boat for sure. But sits higher in the front deck than what I want. Going to go down to Ark. in 10 days to look at 2 war eagles models side by side. I have made a list for just what I want. That way I can ask for the best price.

Thanks for the replays guys! Wow, a day late and a dollar short...the story of my life, wish I would have known about the on the water boat show. Jigging 15, how was the stability when moving about the boat when stopped? That's the one thing that is a must with the 'ol lady. Which choice of engines did you like best? What about the noise level of the aluminum hull? Does it sound like an aluminum boat or does the hull being full of foam help with that? Sorry for all the questions, but you're the first person I have spoke with that has first hand knowledge of the ride quality.

Thanks, Chris

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Originally Posted by CrappieHead

Chris, I have just started looking at new boats myself. That Ranger 188C is a nice looking boat for sure. But sits higher in the front deck than what I want. Going to go down to Ark. in 10 days to look at 2 war eagles models side by side. I have made a list for just what I want. That way I can ask for the best price.

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The war eagles are awesome looking boats! I really liked Randy's predator that he had at crappie camp, that's one heck of a boat for sure. Just don't know about the nearest dealer being over 100 miles away from me. If only I had a local dealer, that would be my first choice.

It will be the most stable metal boat you can get. Being a non mod V hull it sits lower in the water which keeps it from blowing around as bad also. Much quieter than other metal boats because of all the foam shot in them. I will be ordering mine with the new ProXS 4 stroke. I heard that if bought before the end of May from Anglers Port that Dennis is offering 7 year warranty on the Merc's. Hard to beat that.

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Originally Posted by Jigging15

It will be the most stable metal boat you can get. Being a non mod V hull it sits lower in the water which keeps it from blowing around as bad also. Much quieter than other metal boats because of all the foam shot in them. I will be ordering mine with the new ProXS 4 stroke. I heard that if bought before the end of May from Anglers Port that Dennis is offering 7 year warranty on the Merc's. Hard to beat that.

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Are you buying a new War Eagle? 861 or 961?

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Originally Posted by Jigging15

It will be the most stable metal boat you can get. Being a non mod V hull it sits lower in the water which keeps it from blowing around as bad also. Much quieter than other metal boats because of all the foam shot in them. I will be ordering mine with the new ProXS 4 stroke. I heard that if bought before the end of May from Anglers Port that Dennis is offering 7 year warranty on the Merc's. Hard to beat that.

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Xpress will be the most stable and best riding tin rig. And they can haul the mail. :biggrin