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

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Originally Posted by CrappieHead

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

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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.

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Originally Posted by guzenua

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

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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.

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.

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Originally Posted by kjackson

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.

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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!

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.

I have looked at several tin bass boats and like the Tracker 195, Ranger RT 188, and Crestliner VT 18 the best....I don't like how Ranger and Tracker cut the side lockers short, the Crestliner pretty much has three rod lockers. And I really don't like how Tracker pushes the the console all the way to the gunnel, cant slide a long pole down the side. I have a Tracker TV-18 and it rides like a dream and I think the 195 would be even better. Now Crestliner just came out with PT 20 that looks really sweet but gonna cost some ching ching.....and the mackdaddy of all metal boats is the Lund Pro V Bass, dream rig but I'd need a big pay raise before rolling in that.

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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Congratulations! Those are good lookin' boats.

Now to sell my old boat. Going to make a 60" golf umbrella to fit the rear seat pedestal for my 4 on the floor family. No duck tape.

I have the Ranger 178 and love it. I got it with a power pole and 2 Hook 7 Lowrance units and it has been fantastic. I will tell you this about buying the boat. I did a lot of looking and research and found that the Ranger aluminum is about as good as they come in aluminum, no plywood anything (Tracker has wood transom and deck) and they fish like a fiberglass boat. Mine is stable as a rock when I am on the deck (I am a pretty big guy) and I love the features that it has. I have the 60 hp 4 stroke Mercury and it will not win any races but it does get you there. (With me in the boat, and like I said a little junk in the trunk, it will go about 34 mph top with 31 avg in any water condition). All in all I am very pleased with it.