The age old question...

In the market for a boat. Priced a new Ranger Rt188 in the color i want, with all the electronics i want. Went and drove a 16 model Lowe 195 stinger today. I could live with it as its a cadillac compared to what i had. New Ranger is $30kish the used Lowe is a smidge more than half the money of the Ranger. Boats are pretty much the same length, and same h.p. The Lowe did seem a bit "cheaper" built as the lids sagged some when i walked around on them and but the boat is pretty much cherry with no issues. I would have to upgrade the TM and fish finder on the Lowe. The trailer on the Lowe isnt as heavy duty as i would want it. Then comes the terms...Ranger 15 yrs vs Lowe 6 yrs. The new Ranger is "THE" boat, one that Im sure I would keep and love. Haha The lowe is a good buy, i could make do with it, and would suit my needs just fine. The age old question.... new vs used. 4 of my good buddies are 50/50 on the debate. So no help there. Tne ol lady is a "you only live once" person too. Also would like to hear some reviews on the Lowe brand of boats. Thanks in advance!

If you don't get what you really want you yourself will never be satisfied. If you can afford it get what you really want while you are young and can enjoy it. That's my two cents worth.

Get the best you can afford.:cheers2

Buy once....."Cry Once"


Regards

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Originally Posted by scrat

If you don't get what you really want you yourself will never be satisfied. If you can afford it get what you really want while you are young and can enjoy it. That's my two cents worth.

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I agree. One caveat. Get what you want with cash. My opinion regarding boat purchasing...I'm a Dave Ramsey guy when it comes to boat buying. If you can't pay cash, then wait until you can.

I would have to think real hard before I financed a boat 15 years jmho. I willing to bet around year 6 or so your going to start to hate that boat. And you still have 9 years to go. Good luck in your choice.

A 15 year note would scare me also. Also try to pay cash for my toys.......even if it meant selling some of my "not used very often" ones to support something that I will enjoy more. That being said I have put off doing things over the years and now realize that I should have gone ahead and lived in the day. Nobody is promised tomorrow and your health can go south quickly.

I think my biggest concern with the new one is whether my love for it will overcome that monthly payment as years go by. I have never kept any vehicle or boat ive ever owned more than 5 yrs. The new boat may break that cycle. Who knows. Hahaha! I would be somewhat settling for the lowe but it is a good buy. I have drove both in heavy wind and the ranger rides better but I dont fish in heavy winds. I would have to buy an ultrexx TM for the lowe, the ranger will come with one. fighting wind in these tin boats is no fun hence why I want the Ultrexx.

I won't go into the details, most have already been addressed. I've seen the Ranger and talked to the owners and none have an " I wish I had " list to talk about. They're pleased with the boat, every aspect. I bit the bullet a few years back and bought a boat that was real close to what I was after. 8 years down the road, I still wish I had held out and gotten one that was 2 feet longer than what I have. If it's the Ranger that you compare the others to, buy the Ranger and you'll never look back. Just my opinion.

About mid way through the payments on the Ranger the boat is not going to be worth what you owe on it. I have waited
years on things I wanted but not necessarily need. I always got them, just not when I wanted them. I never took a cheaper
route either. I would save and crawl before I walked.

There are lots of boats in the 30 grand range. I would shop very hard and look at everything. Especially if it forces you to saddle up for 15 years. Probably longer, will likely need a repower before you ever pay off, along with new interior new trailer. Better love the one you pick.

The new boat i have got priced...
Ranger Rt188
Bottomland camo
Bedliner sprayed inside
115 Yamaha SHO
80# Minn Kota Ultrexx w/link
2 helix 9's networked.

I originally priced the C model but noticed it doesnt have the recessed pedal for tm up front. I cast....all the time. I do have rod holders that are new that would have the bases mounted but I prefer to feel that "thump" more so than spider riggin. Not sayin its out of the question but as of now thats how i roll. Haha

My original plan was to buy a 10k$ boat then put the TM and electronics on it. I have strayed far far away from that!

Go with the ranger if you can afford it....It should be your last boat. But that's me spending your money.

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Bought a new astro 18sc in 1990. It was the cheapest boat as far as repairs. It was in the shop twice in 25 years for minor repairs to be done. I changed my own water pumps and did most of the maintenance. Only reason that i sold it was i am getting older and it got to be a hassle loading and unloading. New is the best way to go if you can afford it. I agree that you need a lot of cash to put down or a very good trade-in. Fifteen years is a long time to finance something, unless it had doors and a roof.

That Ranger was priced the same as the Lowe, back when they put Triton stickers on them. Is a name worth 10-15k? You can get a whole lot of slightly used "real" Ranger for 30k. I'll never buy another new boat. The depreciation is ridiculous.


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I appreciate all of the input guys, i really do!

Definitely, look at used boats that people jumped out and bought, but never used. Its easy to see who is upside down in one after just 3 years or so.

$30K will get you a lot of a slightly used boat.

Bet this one could be had for under 30K

https://tulsa.craigslist.org/boa/6064464299.html


Oh, think twice about a 15 year note
Annual Amortization Schedule

• Annual Schedule
• Monthly Schedule

	Beginning Balance	Interest	Principal	Ending Balance
1	$30,000.00	$1,765.37	$1,272.55	$28,727.50
2	$28,727.50	$1,686.91	$1,351.01	$27,376.51
3	$27,376.51	$1,603.58	$1,434.34	$25,942.20
4	$25,942.20	$1,515.10	$1,522.82	$24,419.43
5	$24,419.43	$1,421.19	$1,616.73	$22,802.73
6	$22,802.73	$1,321.49	$1,716.43	$21,086.32
7	$21,086.32	$1,215.59	$1,822.33	$19,264.04
8	$19,264.04	$1,103.24	$1,934.68	$17,329.37
9	$17,329.37	$983.89	$2,054.03	$15,275.37
10	$15,275.37	$857.20	$2,180.72	$13,094.69
11	$13,094.69	$722.70	$2,315.22	$10,779.51
12	$10,779.51	$579.91	$2,458.01	$8,321.53
13	$8,321.53	$428.32	$2,609.60	$5,711.95
14	$5,711.95	$267.35	$2,770.57	$2,941.41
15	$2,941.41	$96.47	$2,941.45	$0.00

If you do go with the Ranger you should consider ordering it without electronics and installing your own. I'll bet Brian at BBG Marine will save you a lot over factory installed units and it's not that hard to install them yourself.

I have the Triton 18TX that is the Ranger twin and I'm happy with it but if I had to finance it for for 15 years I'd still be in my old boat.

I have a certificate for a new ranger listed in the classifieds. My stepbrother won it in a tournament and is wanting to sell. Pm me with any questions.

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Originally Posted by feelay

That Ranger was priced the same as the Lowe, back when they put Triton stickers on them. Is a name worth 10-15k? You can get a whole lot of slightly used "real" Ranger for 30k. I'll never buy another new boat. The depreciation is ridiculous.


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The only time you will get out what it's worth is right before you pull it off the lot headed home!! Depreciation on boats is insane.

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Yes, i know that the boat will depreciate something stupid as soon as it latches to the ball on my hitch. Yes 15 years is a loooong time to pay on a rig but that term is the longest they have. I would not plan on paying on it that long but would like the option of a lower payment in tougher times if need be. That Xpress boat is twice the boat I need, but they are super nice! if i liked thier camo model layouts I would probably own k e!

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Originally Posted by scrat

If you don't get what you really want you yourself will never be satisfied. If you can afford it get what you really want while you are young and can enjoy it. That's my two cents worth.

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I totally agree with this statement. I do have a Lowe stinger 195 myself and must say.....I LOVE IT. But you get what u want the first time so you dont have to the 2nd time. Oh and the trailer that came with the Lowe is a mickey mouse piece of crapand I rarely sy this about anything. I have had to make all kinds of modifications just to keep it from damaging my boat going down the highway. If you go with a Lowe....be prepared to put money into the trailer. It is really too much boat to even be on the trailer it comes with in my opinion.

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Originally Posted by LowePro

I totally agree with this statement. I do have a Lowe stinger 195 myself and must say.....I LOVE IT. But you get what u want the first time so you dont have to the 2nd time. Oh and the trailer that came with the Lowe is a mickey mouse piece of crapand I rarely sy this about anything. I have had to make all kinds of modifications just to keep it from damaging my boat going down the highway. If you go with a Lowe....be prepared to put money into the trailer. It is really too much boat to even be on the trailer it comes with in my opinion.

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Yes! Bolt on fenders, el cheapo trailer lights... i wasnt impressed with the quality of it. Any gripes with the Lowe?

No complaints with the actual boat! It was and is everything I wanted and thought it would be. I absolutely love it! But the trailer....man! First thing to replace is the tiny little wench!

Find what you want and get that one... I purchased a Bluewave purebay CC 2200 last year. Found one used, 2 yrs old with 32 hrs... Had all the electronics , tm etc.. .I financed with usaa..15 yr notes make payments low... always pay more to have it paid off in 5-6 yrs...

Before you can pay for the Ranger, boats will change a good bit. I enjoy buying and selling late model used boats. It's been fun. I'll keep them a couple of years and get the itch for something different. If I could pay cash for a brand new boat I still wouldn't, but that's just me. Never know what life may throw at us.

Here is my two cents for what it is worth. I've purchased a few new boats over the last couple of years (still have all 3 of them).

Is this a current year model Ranger?
Is this model different than previous years?
If it is different, is it something you can live with if you purchased an older model?

Start looking for NOS (New Old Stock). Take a look at several dealers that sell Ranger. Might want to also look out of state. Often times, they have boats sitting that they cannot sell. The reason is that, once October or November hits, people order new boats and don't want the old one sitting on the floor. Eventually, they mark them down, take them to boat shows, and try to sell them just to get rid of them.

Look in boattrader and other websites. See what is "used" for sale, and what the price is. Also, look at listing for New, or leftover stock. Many dealers list their stock in these ads. This is how I purchased the last three.

My first one, I saved 8 grand (1 year leftover). My second one, I saved 13k (two year leftover). The third one I saved 10k (current year, purchased in October, last year for that model, small dealer, didn't want to sit on that inventory all winter). Boat two and three is worth more now than when I purchased it (yes, that CAN happen). The boat market was down in 2012 and 2013. As a result, there was a ton of leftover stock that was discounted huge prices. As a result, many of us got lucky and purchased boats that were rock bottom, manufacturer prices.

Look at the sales sheet of this ranger. Find out what they are charging for the trolling motor, the fish finders, installation, and extras. More often than not, they give you zero discount on those items OR, they include them for 100 dollars less than their current sales prices. Most of the time, their normal prices suck anyways. Cross reference that with Brian over at BBG and I'll bet your savings will be close to 1000 or more. See what they are charging for batteries, battery chargers, etc. Often times they tell you it is included in the price but, believe me, they are NOT giving that stuff away. It will be in the invoicing sheets. Why pay $50.00 on a discounted battery that you will replace anyways!

I know people don't always have that cash lying around so lumping all the "goodies" in with the financing is sometimes the only option. If you add up all those "extras" and find out the savings, I'll bet the cost of financing those items for a specific term would be more than enough to sway you to hold off on having them "included" in the sales price.

The dealer might also be able to help you find a leftover model at another location. This might also sway them to lower their prices.

Lastly, I see you are in Alabama. This boat model, type, or layout might be extremely popular in that area. Suggest looking in further away states where this type might not be as poplular. There you will find that dealers order these and cannot sell them. Places like Michigan, Kansas, or other Midwest states where that boat type is not popular or condusive to our average fishing.

Above all else, get what YOU want! On exception... just make sure you can afford it. I've owned a good number of boats in my short time on this earth. I've never said "this will be the last boat I ever buy". Just the boat I want/need at the current point in time!

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Originally Posted by Mudskiff

Yes, i know that the boat will depreciate something stupid as soon as it latches to the ball on my hitch. Yes 15 years is a loooong time to pay on a rig but that term is the longest they have. I would not plan on paying on it that long but would like the option of a lower payment in tougher times if need be. That Xpress boat is twice the boat I need, but they are super nice! if i liked thier camo model layouts I would probably own k e!

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The depreciation of a Ranger Tin is the least of your worries on a 15 year note.

Did you notice of the part where the lender will put $7K in interest in its pocket off of you in the first 5 years AND you will still owe over $22K on a 5 year old Tin boat? You're upside down even at this point and the boat would have to be living in the garage and looking new in the event of a "fire" sale.

Don't "mortgage" a Tin boat Mudskiff


Oh, and lets not forget about how the boat will be yesterdays news at the 5 year point and after looking at what you owe on it will be very depressing.

I am mighty sure that there ranger is all that and then some .....but in my mind I think that myself and my buds would tell ya it isn't a need but more of a want ....we can find some mighty fine assorted varieties of rigs around here used for in the 10 k range ....and if one looks hard a pretty nice rig for under 5 k .....I am not one to want to be in debt myself , but I don't think like most folks ......
have not heard complaints from anyone around here on the Lowes they own and none on the rangers either ....
in the end I think you have to get what makes your day ......

Buddy sent me an ad to an 04 xpress with an 200 yahama this morning.Its 10k needs the electronics amd tm but its a nice lookin rig! More boat than i would need but could deffinately make it work! Only problem is it is 8 hrs away and hes gettin pestered to death im sure!

Inquired about the boat, liked the pics, verbally told the guy if it was what he says it is i have money and will be there in a day or so. He agrees and then its "radio silence" i was supposed to hear from him 3-1/2 hours ago and nothin...he may call me back tonight but this is the 3rd time in a week that a deal has went south. Last monday i drove a rt188 the guy gave me some bs excuse as to why...then i found one 4hrs away, kinda the same way today happened. Tell him i have money on it and am coming to look/buy he agrees then....nothing for hours then when i ask what the deal is...Oh its sold...All 3 boat owners were "kids" had to be less than 25 y/o... The exact reason i ask questions to you guys on here... I figure most of you are somewhat wise lol. Its really lookin like a new boat is in store for me...

I hope you enjoy your new boat, whatever you decide. A lot of great stuff in these posts. I own a 2015 that I bought in Jan 2016 still new, with a 115 Merc 4 stroke. I have shared the below comments on here and with Lowe. Overall I am very happy with my boat but there is always room for improvement.
The only thing that has pissed me off about Lowe is that they never responded to my email below.

Dear Lowe,
In January I purchased a new Stinger 195 DC for use in fishing the lakes and Rivers in Missouri. I am pretty happy with the boat but there are a couple suggestions I would like to provide that I think would make the boat even better. After a dozen trips on the water, and lots of trailering, these are my observations.
-Love the Merc 115 4-stroke; quiet and sips gas. I had an issue with the lower mounting bolt on the port side not being sealed which caused a significant amount of water to enter the boat. I fixed this myself.
- I really like the dual console as it keeps the rain and bugs off my passenger, however, the glove box is not waterproof and should be. It collects waters easily when it rains hard. I drilled a couple holes in the bottom for the water to drain and will attemp to weather seal it.
- the floor needs better drain access down to the hull/bilge. In a heavy rain storm the water collects in the corner near the drivers feet, especially with just the driver in the boat causing a lisp,and only seems to seep away after time. I have had up to 2 inches of water under my feet. I recommend a drain in each corner nearest the seats.
-your live wells need to be molded to drain better. The hole in the center, indentations, and the divider ridges do not allow for a clean drain. I park my boat in the garage and it gets very smelly from the remaining water.
- please consider adding the track systems to future models. Your competitors do, crestliner, tracker, etc.
- I think the center seat and step backing is low quality. I am a small guy and already noticing wear and tear because we use it as a step often. I also think the hinge won't last long, especially for heavier people.

Thank you for your consideration.
Michael


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I know what you mean by missing the deals. I have learned that if you want a deal, you have to have money in hand and be ready to go at a minutes notice or it is gone. I know work can get in the way of that and I have missed good deals as well.

I emailed them about my trailer as well and NEVER got a response back. And I was very nice in my email. One would think they would have bent over backwards to make it right especially since I was not being a butt head.

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Originally Posted by Mudskiff

Inquired about the boat, liked the pics, verbally told the guy if it was what he says it is i have money and will be there in a day or so. He agrees and then its "radio silence" i was supposed to hear from him 3-1/2 hours ago and nothin...he may call me back tonight but this is the 3rd time in a week that a deal has went south. Last monday i drove a rt188 the guy gave me some bs excuse as to why...then i found one 4hrs away, kinda the same way today happened. Tell him i have money on it and am coming to look/buy he agrees then....nothing for hours then when i ask what the deal is...Oh its sold...All 3 boat owners were "kids" had to be less than 25 y/o... The exact reason i ask questions to you guys on here... I figure most of you are somewhat wise lol. Its really lookin like a new boat is in store for me...

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New boat ain't a horrible thing, the 15 year financing is. But you stated you were aware of that and just posted the longest term they offered. Due dilligence and hard shopping on new will be your best tool. And look at everything in your price range. I was looking at Vhull tin boats and ended with a glass boat for same $$$ and 2' longer than the tin I was looking at.

Well....I pulled the trigger on a new one. I was sick of messing with people. It will have everything i want on it too!

Cant wait to see pics. I know your a happy feller now.

Good for you. If you want any ideas for adding stuff let us know. I made several upgrades to mine and there are some posts on here with some great ideas. Get her on the water and have fun.


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