Looks like a good boat. Does anybody have one? Any opinions? Thanks
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Looks like a good boat. Does anybody have one? Any opinions? Thanks
They are extremely nice boat and come with a HEAFTY PRICE TAG! I got to go the the plant with a buddy who sells em and they are nice. Probly the best manufactured aluminum boat on the market.
Saw some today. Would not be worth the $$$$$ to me for an Aluminum boat.
Dan
For that much......go custom. AAD boats in Illinois. PM me in you want more info. On my 2nd boat from them.
I've been looking at them pretty hard. Talked to three different dealers on similar boats. Crestliner VT19, Triton X18, and Ranger RT188. All with same o/b & trolling mtr and stainless prop. Triton and Ranger were basically identical. I could see a pretty big difference on the quality of the interior. The price I got (not including set up & delivery and my electronics), the Triton came in a little over 750 lower. The Crestliner, a little bit bigger and I think 3 inches wider was almost the same price as the Ranger. There was another $500 incentive on the Crestliner that I may be eligible for. The Ranger dealer was Throwing in a Custom Cover, Tie downs and Aluminum spare tire.
The other dealers, it wasn't included, or they didn't tell me it was included.
I was really impressed by the quality of the Crestliner and the Ranger. I could upgrade the Crestliner to a 150, the Triton and Ranger was maxed out at a 115.
Like I said before, the layout of the models of the Ranger and Triton were Identical. I thought the seats, carpet and overall construction of the Storage boxes was worth the extra money Ranger was asking over the Triton. Now if the Triton was a couple grand less, that might be a different story. Also, the Console seemed more sturdy on the Ranger. The selling point of the Ranger over the Crestliner right now is the layout with the center rod storage.
Now I priced all 2014 models, there are some leftover 2013 Crestliners and Tritons out there that are attractivly priced, I havent seen any Carryover Ranger RT188 models.
Right now with me, it looks like Crestliner or Ranger.
Look at the lowe 195 great storage setup for spider rigging. I don't know how they price out compared to the others, but it would be the one for me.
Should be able to compare the Triton and lowe side by side if u come to Arthur show this weekend. Dont know if most here know or not but 16 Marine in Shelbyville is now a Triton Dealer also and i know ge plans on bringing both to the show.
Might have to look into them a little closer
The more I hear about this weekends show in Arthur, the better it gets! Hope the weather cooperates!Quote:
Originally Posted by HookItBait
In my opinion you'd be better off finding a used fiberglass model in the same price range. Just my 2 cents.
before you make your final decision give yourself some time to look at express boats...best aluminum boat in my opinion
Thanks for all the input guys. Lots of homework to do.
We have a Ranger Cherokee (aluminum boat) and have had very good luck with it!!! I would recommend one to anyone who is wanting a aluminum boat. I would also check out the G3 boats too, they look to be very nice. More homework for you! LOL!
I've looked at a couple Cherokees if I'm not mistaken Lowe made those for Ranger. The new ones are made in Flippin Ark. by Ranger. I have a Lowe 170W and love it. But the new Ranger RT will be my next boat, I almost pulled the trigger at Collinsville on a new one, but my son was there to pull me back down to earth.
I had a crestliner (06) 1850 cmv. and also had several glass rangers. The crestliner had a better ride and there was not one thing about it that I didn't like. They don't make that version anymore. I thought that crestliner used to make the cherokee.
If I was going to buy another Aluminum boat my first choice would be a Lund, my second choice would be a Lowe. I really don't think they make a more solid aluminum boat than Lund. If they do I have not seen it.
Dan
I have a lund 2010 gro guide for sale. Its a heck of a boat, it has a 175 verado tiller on it
Look at the lowe. I have the 175 stinger love it would of got the 195 but my home lake hp limit is 75 And the predator by sea ark is a bad arse machine too. I went to several boat shows and dealers Check them all out. Looking is free lol. If I had the money I'd pick up an old ranger 690 with a 150 . Heck that may have been cheaper
Kilnducks. Pm me some pics and price. I have co worker looking for that type of rig. Maybe I can help you sell it
I have a 2004 Explorer and looked at Lunds last weekend. They don't seem to be as solid as they used to be. The aluminum seems thinner or there is less insulation or something.Quote:
Originally Posted by MeanV2
We are all entitled to our opinion.
Dan
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pool13_Jeff
Bought my Lowe 175 w/ 90 hp mercury last year after the boat and sport show in Indianapolis. The boat place at Rockville has them wise by side except triton. Saved -a bunch by buying the Lowe and optimax 90. Wife picked it with. My approval, gets lots of great compliments here in Florida ,love it.
Pepper
Come on now... Everyone knows pushing on the hull and tapping on the aluminum with one's knuckle is entirely scientific...Quote:
Originally Posted by MeanV2
Totally agree. Lol
Hi There, just joined today and thought I would comment on this. We Bought a RT 178 Last fall. It is a really nice boat, it has a few things I would change but for the most part it's a great boat. Lots of storage and room up front for two seats. Anyone have any ?'s just let me know.
I just purchased a new 2013 lowe 195 and of course i havent had it on the water yet but i think i did alright for the price. the ranger is definately a nice boat, but i like the 2 full sized live wells in the lowe and at $20000 with the 115 optimax pro xs, it came in $4500 cheaper than the ranger. but i dont think it's as pretty as the ranger
The fish don't care anyway as long as the boat meets your needs Who cares who made it . Like fishing in the rain. Fish don't care they are already wet lol
looked at both of them yesterday, lowe hands down. bigger , more storage, cheaper,Quote:
Originally Posted by antlerjon
I own a brand new lowe. I am the original owner and on the first year my hull/livewell started leaking. supposed to be be under warranty but they never fixed it. lowe said that the leak is in the livewell, not the hull, and therefore not covered by the warranty. even the dealership was able to scope the bottom of livewell where it is attached to the hull and saw a crack where water was coming into the boat. they thought that lowe would fix it. nope. I had to have it fixed by someone else on my own dime. be aware, if you buy a lowe, their customer service is terrible. I also own an older ranger and their customer service is fantastic.
Where do you store the fishing seats?Quote:
Originally Posted by JOHN R
When I am using the double seat up front that's the only seats I have with me. I have a pedestal and butt seat for the front and back for bass fishing or casting etc. Storage hasn't been problem, and I have too much junk!!
I'm sorry you had a bad experience with Lowe I'm on my 4th, never had any issues . The newest one 175 stinger had the weld up front crack right down the middle. I dropped it off at the dealer , He had it repaired, paint matched and brought back to my house. My other Lowe is a rough neck 3rd one I've had. I beat the tar out of it duck hunting call it the battle barge. Never had any problems. I guess they are like cars and trucks theres bound to be a few with quality issues.
I have looked at them both as well. Ranger hands down, one word Quality. You get what you pay for.Quote:
Originally Posted by clfarms1
Opinions vary! What you pay for is the R on that name. I still say best Aluminum boat made is a Lund. Lowe is a Great boat at a very fair price and their customer service record is Very Good. I am moving to Glass this year, just gotta pick it up at the dealer in the next couple of weeks. I have visited 3 plants and believe me Ranger is not the company they once were.
Dan
Quote:
Originally Posted by PIGINTHEPIGPEN
Yep, opinions do vary! I tend to take the opinions of people who fish out of there boat well over a 100 times in a year. As far as glass goes, don't know to many Ranger owners who are unhappy with what they paid for. Try and find a glass boat with the resale value of a ranger. Must be the R that keeps them holding their value.Quote:
Originally Posted by MeanV2
Very well said!Quote:
Originally Posted by PIGINTHEPIGPEN
Bass Cat! I think I know value when I see it. Just because I only fish 99 times a year doesn't mean I don't! LOL!! :cool:
Dan
got to second this! got one of these in dual console a few weeks back. got out of a ranger 361v fiberglass.... the 195 out fishes, and rides better than my old glass boat.it is a CADILLAC! don't forget when your makeing your decision, Lowe taught ranger and triton how to make aluminum boats!Quote:
Originally Posted by clfarms1
Check out Bass Boat Central forums Tin Boats. There are a few that own Ranger aluminum there.
ranger triton made side by side.