Great choice young man, I too would love a fiberglass boat but who in the hell can afford 65,000 to 80,000 boat, way out of my price range. That's why I stick with the aluminum boats, I can get into areas where that glass boat can't and catch more fish. So after all that I know u made a good choice, nothing's wrong with an aluminum boat my man🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙.
Just bought a Ranger RT188 and I love it. Best boat purchase to date and I’ve owned about 8 boats. Ranger , like a few other brands, is a top tier setup and worth the extra money as compared to a tracker. Mine has a 115 mercury pro xs command thrust motor that is top notch. I would have considered a Crestliner or a Triton but also got an end of year deal I couldn’t pass on. If your in the market I would say definitely check out a Ranger RT188, you’ll be glad you did.
The 2020 RT Lineup looks gr8 with the upgrades they are making like the Rt 188p and rt 198p. 2020 looks to be a great year to buy a Ranger boat. These model will sell like crazy I think.
I am on-board with your points. I mostly Crappie Fish out of my Boat. I can't see the practical use paying for a big boat payment for my type of Fishing. The Wide Beam you got makes up for the smaller Length. New is a good way to go for all the reasons you mentioned. Good points in your Video. I also like the Channel Frame Trailer Ranger has over Tube Style Trailer. I had to replace my tube style boat trailer because it rusted from the inside out. Channel is the only way to go. Ranger hit a home run there.
Nice jeep and boat! I'm looking to upgrade from a 1999 bass tracker pro team 175 with a 40hp mercury. Tops out at 24-26 mph and isn't as wide up front as I would like it to be. I'll be glad when more of these get on the used market for an affordable price of someone coming out of college
Very Well said. I too went from the glass to aluminium. I've had the bigger faster glass boats. Being able to run 60+ and 75+ mph was fun... but Not a necessity. My rig came with the 75 Merc 4 stroke and i love it. Other brands and big box stores tend to throw a 60 on the back and say you don't want the heavier motor. (Ive seen that with Lowe and tracker). In the Merc that is huge because the 60 is a 1 liter china made Merc. The 75 is a 2.1 liter motor made in Wisconsin. Merc 30 & under are tohatsu and 40-60 are china made. Wisconsin made Mercs are 75 & up. The 75, 90, 115 are the same block. It might weigh 100 lbs more than the Merc 60 but i wouldn't trade. I purchase mine @ Anglers Port Warsaw, MO. They rigged all their 178 with Merc, Yammi, Or Rude maxed out same with 188. Too many other brands and big box store put lesser motors on there power wise and then customers are left wishing. I've had plenty of guys come up and comment about how there other brands were rigged and then the 'i wishes' come. i got mine with a 4 inch set back and laser ii prop. The dealer ordered the rigs in with the upgraded Minn Kota MAXXUM trolling motors. Nothing wrong with the big box stores for boat purchases but those shopping may want to look and compare. Buying one has to decide what all do they want to add on the bill now and what add-ons do you want to do after your note is set. My dealer included the swim ladder. I thought they were standard. Nope, at my dealer they were. this is important not just if want to cool off or play, but a SAFETY feature to be able to get back in the boat. The boat also came with 2 power cut off switches (like found on pleasure boats). I've added a 10 SI and a 9 DI Mega and linked them. I've also added a Mark Peiser Trick Step. The two down falls of aluminium 1) it gets blown around much more than glass when sitting. you can control it fine with the tm, but if you have to come off the tm in the wind that boat can move quick. 2) the strakes on the bottom can get you hung up on stumps much easier than on glass. its fairly hard to get hung on glass....not the case with tin. Those are the only two complaints if you can call them that. I love my RANGER rt. It is very stable and i feel very Safe in it. i like the lay out actually like the layout of 188. i like the very large (compared to others) livewell. rides and handles well. I too would recommend the RANGER rt. this boat comes with a factory matched trailor with a Ranger bedliner type coating or you can op up to an aluminium trailer. a lil word.. the Triton aluminium is the same hull as the Ranger thou they each get their own equipment. Lowe is a solid aluminium boat....but you go over both the Ranger and the Lowe side by side you can clearly see the difference. you'll get a good boat for less, but the differences are there though Lowe is narrowing it some. Crestliner is another real good aluminium rig that is very similar to the Ranger. And just now released the new company formed by Forrest L Wood and the Hoppers....VEXUS boats will definitely be worth looking into. I enjoyed the video and i hope my 2 cents may help someone else on their purchase. Please shop around and don't just buy something because the BP name is on it.... because you'll probably find out you could of fished finer. And for the record, i tow my rig with a Coyote V8 so the tow rig had nothing to do with my boat selection. with that being said, it is nice having a boat that fits in the garage and is big enough for bigger reservoirs, but yet can get around well in smaller waters... and sleeps in the garage. good luck and safe fishing to y'all
I learned a lot from my first "USED" boat. Bought new and have loved it. Cranks up everytime and I can fish vice spending weekends trying to fix and toy with stupid crap.
2 yrs old..but it popped up... anyway, the overhead shots really show how boats have changed!! My 1988 aluminum bass boat is paid for and I catch plenty from it, but it's not designed like that! Back then the stern was (mine is) a big wider than the bow bit not like that..and the gunnels were much more vertical. My boat is still one where you can get on the edge...but you still stay in the centerline most of the time. I fish alone 90% of the time, but with a partner we both don't move around a ton. Of course, my 1988 depth finders are far out dated, but they do work fine and do all I need them to (make sure I don't run aground, lol!) I run it the 24v TM and the 40hp it came with....but it is plenty for me. I can run 33ish mph and I have yet to need to run more than 20 minutes in one direction to get all the fishing I can do in that day. If I want to fish 50 miles away on the other side of the lake, I just drive to a boat ramp in that area of the lake. Would I love to have a sweet boat like yours? Of course!! Congrats on yours! But I am happy with the Blessing of the boat I have... and I sure am glad I am saving money now instead of payments on stuff - I would have to have payments on a boat like that. (Before I finally got stuff paid for, and decided to stay with stuff, I blew a bunch on payments!) I pull it with my 2010 JK 2 door Jeep Wrangler... I saw your 4 door JKU. :) Enjoy the heck out of that boat - it sure is a thing if beauty!!
Great Video, and nice boat! I have a 17.5 fisher alum with a 60 horse 4 stroke and I came out of a 18 ft glass boat with a 150 2 stroke. No regrets. I will strongly consider Ranger as my upgrade when the time comes.
CBULL55 that’s awesome man they are tried and true forsure. As for speed when I shot this video I was getting 40 on gps. Now I have gone to a 24 volt Fortrex and added a power pole. I am Currently getting 37 on gps.
I can afford to buy a glass boat and I don’t know if I want to. I don’t want to baby it and worry about stumps etc. I have a chance to buy a brand new ranger 188 with a 115 hp four stroke for $23k otd. It should run high 40’s with 2 guys. I would still have to upgrade the fish finders and trolling motor with spot lock. Thx for the video.
I have had a glass Ranger 18ft....too heavy.....towing and economy the aluminum is the way to go. I bought a 2015 RT188 and love it with a 115Merc Pro XS 2 stroke.....Im a few years away from retiring and will keep this one in to retirement!
Ricky Maynard sweet. Enjoy your retirement. Its what you worked for. May i ask what is top speed on your new boat with your conditions in gear and water? Im in the market again and gathering info. Thanks
@@BassNvlog Retiring mailman here. I have beating myself up over this exact issue. Whether to go w a Ranger RTC or a used heavy fiberglass model. Gonna subscribe to your channel and see the fishability of this one. Thanks for input. Sure like the 178c for I will be alone on my fishing trips 90% of the time.
Right now i have a dual console glass champion 171. Im looking at purchasing the ranger 188 or 198 p. Half the price of new glass with everything i want on it. Seems like these boats have great reviews all around.
sweet boat. The big glass boats would ride better but it is not worth the difference in $ especially when you need a new tow vehicle. That boat will catch as many fish as a big glass boat will, probably more because you can access skinnier water. I just wouldn't feel ok rubbing glass into the bottom but with my aluminum I don't think twice, at slow speeds obviously.
i have a rt178 with a butt seat up front and i'am not a big guy but if i have a few rods on deck i feel pretty confined in a small area. no one has really touched on this lack of space in that area or is no one using a seat post. it's just a little to narrow in the front of the deck
I know I’m a bit young and all but I’m looking at boats already and this is on the top of my list so far great price, looks and performance overall great video really gave a good opinion on this boat!
Great looking boat but no boat is unsinkable. You’re probably too young to remember the old ranger commercials where they cut a bunch of the boat out and claimed it still floated. After ranger boats continued to sink because of various reasons they had to pull that commercial off tv.
do you know the weight of the boat and trailer combine? I'm looking to get back into a wrangler, but not sure if this weights to much. I see you have that same vehicle combo, however I'm looking in a 2dr. Not the 4 dr.
BassNvlog what is this “Big water” I hear so many bass fisherman speak of? Like the Great Lakes Big, Lake ocho in FL? Lake Harttwell, in SC? I asked because I see it posted so much in my research for a new boat. I’m a transplant to SC from FL. I fished for 6ft tarpon out of 11.5ft kayaks, open ocean (👈see thumbnail) and poled my 176 key largo in 10” of water and vise versa. I ask because now that I’m sadly hours away from the salt, I have become a “bass angler”. I know the boat doesn’t catch the fish, but I like to enjoy the platform I fish from as much as possible. Which is why I almost bought a Tracker 175twx with a 75hp last week, almost. I’ve been in aluminum boat but never owed. I just figured my bay boat is not the best bass boat and cost allot more for the same fishing?! Plus the casting deck is all but non existent on my boat and I like to fish “on top”, and always standing ext. storage another huge issue with my boat. Am I going the wrong direction here? Glass to Aluminum? Another thing nagging me, those Rangers! My whole life I’ve drooled over the almighty Ranger and until recently, it was the only bass boat I could name! When I was in the process of buying the Tracker, every time I went in for paper work, I had to walk by the RAnger RT and couldn’t take my eyes off it. Hinge why I’m here lol! I run a 24V system and a Helix GN3 Mega+ now. So in either boat, it would eventually need the same upgrades. What is the general price difference between a Tracker 175twx and your This Ranger or the next one up with max or as close as possible to max HP? I try to build and price the Ranger, but honestly don’t know what I’m adding or taking away, let alone what I’m ending up with?!! Thank You, tight lines and God Bless!
Yes but they don’t make the aluminum bass boats where the Trackers are made. They’re made in Flippin,AR where the glass boats are made. The aluminum walleye Ranger boats are currently made at the same plant as the Trackers but that will soon end with them going back to Flippin because of quality issues coming out of the Tracker plant.
Not completely true, Tracker didn't buy Ranger Bass Pro Shops did . Bass Pro Shops also owns Tracker Marine. The same owner but in different outfits. They are not made in the same factory. They are not built the same.
Great video man good input and questions. I'm so torn between this ranger, the tracker pro 170 (because of the price) and the tracker pro guide v-16 sc. I fish for bass, northern pike and trout/salmon so I tend to fish a variety of lakes that range from very shallow to deep open water. Any input would be appreciated, been searching around for answers no luck. The boat would have to to fish 2 adults and occasionally a child comfortably.
kontra204 if you are going for a deep-v I don’t see a huge difference between tracker and ranger. The bass boats have clear distinctions in quality and features in my opinion. The good thing is that since the merger you now can walk into a cabelas or basspro and see both of them at the same time. I would just say don’t be impulsive do your research. A difference of $5000 is usually about 40 bucks a month in your payment. Don’t let a number turn you away from what you really want. I kick myself for not going with the RT188. It’s your boat you have to fish out of it and look at it in the garage. Hope this was helpful brother.
@@BassNvlog That was helpful when looking at it from a monthly payment view it is less intimidating. How does the ranger handle chop in open water on a windy day? Also does it get pushed around a ton or is it fairly easy to stay on a spot? I'll be buying it at the end of march so I have time to decide. Like you suggested, trying to do as much research as possible in the next month or 2 before taking the plunge.
kontra204 well a deep-v is always better for bigger water and chop. If we are talking aluminum ranger bass boats vs tracker bass boats the ranger is going to be more sturdy. It’s wider than the tracker. Pretty much every aluminum boat due to weight will get blown around, you give some and take some.
@@BassNvlog thanks man appreciate the quick replies and input. Best of luck with everything, will keep watching your videos love it when people don't over produce their stuff.
kontra204 no worries follow up with me once you decide on a boat. There is a lot that goes into new ownership. I’m glad I could help. More videos are coming
I'm not a bass Fishman anymore but I love the boat have a 1989 ranger 354v she's old but a beast I subbed an like again great choice n boats man come on over an watch an old man crappie fish sometime to crappie limit tv an return the favor have fun an tight lines c ya soon
How does you jeep do pulling your aluminum Ranger? I have a 2012 two door jk and I'm looking at the Ranger Aluminum line but was worried about how my jeep will tow it.... nice boat and jeep btw
Great choice young man, I too would love a fiberglass boat but who in the hell can afford 65,000 to 80,000 boat, way out of my price range. That's why I stick with the aluminum boats, I can get into areas where that glass boat can't and catch more fish. So after all that I know u made a good choice, nothing's wrong with an aluminum boat my man🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙.
Perry Corbett thank you sir! Much agreed
I’ve bought some really nice Bass Boats for under $10,000. You just have to look.
Just bought a Ranger RT188 and I love it. Best boat purchase to date and I’ve owned about 8 boats. Ranger , like a few other brands, is a top tier setup and worth the extra money as compared to a tracker. Mine has a 115 mercury pro xs command thrust motor that is top notch. I would have considered a Crestliner or a Triton but also got an end of year deal I couldn’t pass on. If your in the market I would say definitely check out a Ranger RT188, you’ll be glad you did.
Harry Assenback I love the rt188. I will probably get another glass boat eventually.
Was price the reason you chose it over the Triton? They both seem to be about the same except maybe the Tritan hull is better.
The 2020 RT Lineup looks gr8 with the upgrades they are making like the Rt 188p and rt 198p. 2020 looks to be a great year to buy a Ranger boat. These model will sell like crazy I think.
I have a 2016 RT178 and I love it! You nailed when you said it “fishes big”. That’s so true. The fuel economy is amazing as well. Just subbed.
Thank you for the support brother, enjoy your 178. Planing on purchasing a 520 in a year or so and I still don’t think I will get rid of this rig.
I am on-board with your points. I mostly Crappie Fish out of my Boat. I can't see the practical use paying for a big boat payment for my type of Fishing. The Wide Beam you got makes up for the smaller Length. New is a good way to go for all the reasons you mentioned. Good points in your Video. I also like the Channel Frame Trailer Ranger has over Tube Style Trailer. I had to replace my tube style boat trailer because it rusted from the inside out. Channel is the only way to go. Ranger hit a home run there.
Midge Barker please subscribe
Nice jeep and boat! I'm looking to upgrade from a 1999 bass tracker pro team 175 with a 40hp mercury. Tops out at 24-26 mph and isn't as wide up front as I would like it to be. I'll be glad when more of these get on the used market for an affordable price of someone coming out of college
Very Well said. I too went from the glass to aluminium. I've had the bigger faster glass boats. Being able to run 60+ and 75+ mph was fun... but Not a necessity. My rig came with the 75 Merc 4 stroke and i love it. Other brands and big box stores tend to throw a 60 on the back and say you don't want the heavier motor. (Ive seen that with Lowe and tracker). In the Merc that is huge because the 60 is a 1 liter china made Merc. The 75 is a 2.1 liter motor made in Wisconsin. Merc 30 & under are tohatsu and 40-60 are china made. Wisconsin made Mercs are 75 & up. The 75, 90, 115 are the same block. It might weigh 100 lbs more than the Merc 60 but i wouldn't trade.
I purchase mine @ Anglers Port Warsaw, MO. They rigged all their 178 with Merc, Yammi, Or Rude maxed out same with 188. Too many other brands and big box store put lesser motors on there power wise and then customers are left wishing. I've had plenty of guys come up and comment about how there other brands were rigged and then the 'i wishes' come. i got mine with a 4 inch set back and laser ii prop. The dealer ordered the rigs in with the upgraded Minn Kota MAXXUM trolling motors. Nothing wrong with the big box stores for boat purchases but those shopping may want to look and compare. Buying one has to decide what all do they want to add on the bill now and what add-ons do you want to do after your note is set. My dealer included the swim ladder. I thought they were standard. Nope, at my dealer they were. this is important not just if want to cool off or play, but a SAFETY feature to be able to get back in the boat. The boat also came with 2 power cut off switches (like found on pleasure boats). I've added a 10 SI and a 9 DI Mega and linked them. I've also added a Mark Peiser Trick Step.
The two down falls of aluminium 1) it gets blown around much more than glass when sitting. you can control it fine with the tm, but if you have to come off the tm in the wind that boat can move quick. 2) the strakes on the bottom can get you hung up on stumps much easier than on glass. its fairly hard to get hung on glass....not the case with tin. Those are the only two complaints if you can call them that. I love my RANGER rt. It is very stable and i feel very Safe in it. i like the lay out actually like the layout of 188. i like the very large (compared to others) livewell. rides and handles well. I too would recommend the RANGER rt. this boat comes with a factory matched trailor with a Ranger bedliner type coating or you can op up to an aluminium trailer. a lil word.. the Triton aluminium is the same hull as the Ranger thou they each get their own equipment. Lowe is a solid aluminium boat....but you go over both the Ranger and the Lowe side by side you can clearly see the difference. you'll get a good boat for less, but the differences are there though Lowe is narrowing it some. Crestliner is another real good aluminium rig that is very similar to the Ranger. And just now released the new company formed by Forrest L Wood and the Hoppers....VEXUS boats will definitely be worth looking into.
I enjoyed the video and i hope my 2 cents may help someone else on their purchase. Please shop around and don't just buy something because the BP name is on it.... because you'll probably find out you could of fished finer.
And for the record, i tow my rig with a Coyote V8 so the tow rig had nothing to do with my boat selection. with that being said, it is nice having a boat that fits in the garage and is big enough for bigger reservoirs, but yet can get around well in smaller waters... and sleeps in the garage.
good luck and safe fishing to y'all
Very informative to a first time buyer, thank you.
weaintfree - this was an incredibly thorough and unbiased review..thank you for the tips and encouragement!
I learned a lot from my first "USED" boat. Bought new and have loved it. Cranks up everytime and I can fish vice spending weekends trying to fix and toy with stupid crap.
2 yrs old..but it popped up... anyway, the overhead shots really show how boats have changed!! My 1988 aluminum bass boat is paid for and I catch plenty from it, but it's not designed like that! Back then the stern was (mine is) a big wider than the bow bit not like that..and the gunnels were much more vertical. My boat is still one where you can get on the edge...but you still stay in the centerline most of the time. I fish alone 90% of the time, but with a partner we both don't move around a ton. Of course, my 1988 depth finders are far out dated, but they do work fine and do all I need them to (make sure I don't run aground, lol!) I run it the 24v TM and the 40hp it came with....but it is plenty for me. I can run 33ish mph and I have yet to need to run more than 20 minutes in one direction to get all the fishing I can do in that day. If I want to fish 50 miles away on the other side of the lake, I just drive to a boat ramp in that area of the lake.
Would I love to have a sweet boat like yours? Of course!! Congrats on yours! But I am happy with the Blessing of the boat I have... and I sure am glad I am saving money now instead of payments on stuff - I would have to have payments on a boat like that. (Before I finally got stuff paid for, and decided to stay with stuff, I blew a bunch on payments!) I pull it with my 2010 JK 2 door Jeep Wrangler... I saw your 4 door JKU. :)
Enjoy the heck out of that boat - it sure is a thing if beauty!!
Great Video, and nice boat! I have a 17.5 fisher alum with a 60 horse 4 stroke and I came out of a 18 ft glass boat with a 150 2 stroke. No regrets. I will strongly consider Ranger as my upgrade when the time comes.
CBULL55 that’s awesome man they are tried and true forsure. As for speed when I shot this video I was getting 40 on gps. Now I have gone to a 24 volt Fortrex and added a power pole. I am
Currently getting 37 on gps.
Please subscribe brother
@@BassNvlog oh i subbed my friend. You may have said it but where are you located? State?
CBULL55 I’m located in Northern Virginia for the time being.
I have the same boat, 2016, and love it! Not hard to change a 24 volt Minn Kota Ultrex.
I can afford to buy a glass boat and I don’t know if I want to. I don’t want to baby it and worry about stumps etc.
I have a chance to buy a brand new ranger 188 with a 115 hp four stroke for $23k otd. It should run high 40’s with 2 guys. I would still have to upgrade the fish finders and trolling motor with spot lock. Thx for the video.
Nice video! I have a 2015 RT 178 and love it!
Much agreed. Took a look at the 188, man is it sweet. Ended up picking up the 190TX for overall cost and not having to sacrifice size.
Jason Yu I'm thinking about getting the tracker 195tx.
195 is sweet... sam size but wider. I didn't think i could squeeze it in the garage. go for it!
I have had a glass Ranger 18ft....too heavy.....towing and economy the aluminum is the way to go. I bought a 2015 RT188 and love it with a 115Merc Pro XS 2 stroke.....Im a few years away from retiring and will keep this one in to retirement!
Ricky Maynard sweet. Enjoy your retirement. Its what you worked for. May i ask what is top speed on your new boat with your conditions in gear and water? Im in the market again and gathering info. Thanks
52 by myself.....46 with 2 people....
Ricky Maynard sweet around that 50 range. Not bad. Thank you so much for responding
Ricky Maynard please subscribe sir
@@BassNvlog Retiring mailman here. I have beating myself up over this exact issue. Whether to go w a Ranger RTC or a used heavy fiberglass model. Gonna subscribe to your channel and see the fishability of this one. Thanks for input. Sure like the 178c for I will be alone on my fishing trips 90% of the time.
You got a good boat. Looking at RT178, 188, and 188P right now.
appreciate the video just purchased a 188 and I cant wait to take it out.
Great video - Looking at aluminum boats and it's good to have an honest opinion!
Sick combination!! Good luck this year!
Thank you very much
Right now i have a dual console glass champion 171. Im looking at purchasing the ranger 188 or 198 p. Half the price of new glass with everything i want on it. Seems like these boats have great reviews all around.
Sweet boat! Sounds like you did your homework! Congrats 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you im convinced this is my new boat!
ive been looking at the 18 ft , great review.. still looking at those vexxus boats too
The Vexxus boats are really nice as well. Before you buy lets take a spin in mine and you can get a feel for how the 188 will be like.
@@BassNvlog anytime you wana get out , let me know.
sweet boat. The big glass boats would ride better but it is not worth the difference in $ especially when you need a new tow vehicle. That boat will catch as many fish as a big glass boat will, probably more because you can access skinnier water. I just wouldn't feel ok rubbing glass into the bottom but with my aluminum I don't think twice, at slow speeds obviously.
Nice rig. I would have gone that route, but the width of my garage door limited me to a Tracker 190. Liked and subbed.
great video - needed this type of opinion!
i have a rt178 with a butt seat up front and i'am not a big guy but if i have a few rods on deck i feel pretty confined in a small area. no one has really touched on this lack of space in that area or is no one using a seat post. it's just a little to narrow in the front of the deck
The X19 has a 95" beam and the BC210 is 94". The front deck appears wide. Anxious to see 👀 in person.
Would have been nice to see the boat a bit more.
I know I’m a bit young and all but I’m looking at boats already and this is on the top of my list so far great price, looks and performance overall great video really gave a good opinion on this boat!
Nice boat
Keep posting bro. Tight lines!
Great looking boat but no boat is unsinkable. You’re probably too young to remember the old ranger commercials where they cut a bunch of the boat out and claimed it still floated. After ranger boats continued to sink because of various reasons they had to pull that commercial off tv.
I prefer aluminum boats for how I fish. Aluminum boats tend to hold their value better after they get more age on them too.
Yes sir, they tend to take the abuse better without leaving permanent scars.
Nice drone work!
Nice rig bro.
do you know the weight of the boat and trailer combine? I'm looking to get back into a wrangler, but not sure if this weights to much. I see you have that same vehicle combo, however I'm looking in a 2dr. Not the 4 dr.
Brandi _ don’t have real numbers but I’m going to guesstimate 2,000-2400lbs
Great video 👍
Nice videos! What size and type of prop? I have the same boat but am only getting about 35.
Vexus AVX 1880 Baby...!
Im looking to buy a bass boat, i also own a jeep wrangler unlimited how is the towing on aluminum boats?
Thanks
Great video, I am a subscriber considering a 178 with a 75 mercury. what kind of top end should I look for?
Hey sir, depending on how the boat is equiped and propped I’d say you’d see 37-42mph. I’ll be selling mine in a few months if you are interested.
Why are you selling?
Jack Bright I might be moving to some big water in KY and for the safety reasons I’ll go back to a 20footer
BassNvlog what is this “Big water” I hear so many bass fisherman speak of? Like the Great Lakes Big, Lake ocho in FL? Lake Harttwell, in SC? I asked because I see it posted so much in my research for a new boat. I’m a transplant to SC from FL. I fished for 6ft tarpon out of 11.5ft kayaks, open ocean (👈see thumbnail) and poled my 176 key largo in 10” of water and vise versa.
I ask because now that I’m sadly hours away from the salt, I have become a “bass angler”. I know the boat doesn’t catch the fish, but I like to enjoy the platform I fish from as much as possible. Which is why I almost bought a Tracker 175twx with a 75hp last week, almost. I’ve been in aluminum boat but never owed. I just figured my bay boat is not the best bass boat and cost allot more for the same fishing?! Plus the casting deck is all but non existent on my boat and I like to fish “on top”, and always standing ext. storage another huge issue with my boat. Am I going the wrong direction here? Glass to Aluminum?
Another thing nagging me, those Rangers! My whole life I’ve drooled over the almighty Ranger and until recently, it was the only bass boat I could name! When I was in the process of buying the Tracker, every time I went in for paper work, I had to walk by the RAnger RT and couldn’t take my eyes off it. Hinge why I’m here lol! I run a 24V system and a Helix GN3 Mega+ now. So in either boat, it would eventually need the same upgrades. What is the general price difference between a Tracker 175twx and your This Ranger or the next one up with max or as close as possible to max HP? I try to build and price the Ranger, but honestly don’t know what I’m adding or taking away, let alone what I’m ending up with?!! Thank You, tight lines and God Bless!
What was the cost of your boat- I'm currently running a G-3 Gator tough with a 70f Yamaha motor 4 stroke all aluminium
Tracker bought Ranger in 2015.
Yes but they don’t make the aluminum bass boats where the Trackers are made. They’re made in Flippin,AR where the glass boats are made. The aluminum walleye Ranger boats are currently made at the same plant as the Trackers but that will soon end with them going back to Flippin because of quality issues coming out of the Tracker plant.
Not completely true, Tracker didn't buy Ranger Bass Pro Shops did . Bass Pro Shops also owns Tracker Marine. The same owner but in different outfits. They are not made in the same factory. They are not built the same.
Great video man good input and questions. I'm so torn between this ranger, the tracker pro 170 (because of the price) and the tracker pro guide v-16 sc. I fish for bass, northern pike and trout/salmon so I tend to fish a variety of lakes that range from very shallow to deep open water. Any input would be appreciated, been searching around for answers no luck. The boat would have to to fish 2 adults and occasionally a child comfortably.
kontra204 if you are going for a deep-v I don’t see a huge difference between tracker and ranger. The bass boats have clear distinctions in quality and features in my opinion. The good thing is that since the merger you now can walk into a cabelas or basspro and see both of them at the same time. I would just say don’t be impulsive do your research. A difference of $5000 is usually about 40 bucks a month in your payment. Don’t let a number turn you away from what you really want. I kick myself for not going with the RT188. It’s your boat you have to fish out of it and look at it in the garage. Hope this was helpful brother.
@@BassNvlog That was helpful when looking at it from a monthly payment view it is less intimidating. How does the ranger handle chop in open water on a windy day? Also does it get pushed around a ton or is it fairly easy to stay on a spot? I'll be buying it at the end of march so I have time to decide. Like you suggested, trying to do as much research as possible in the next month or 2 before taking the plunge.
kontra204 well a deep-v is always better for bigger water and chop. If we are talking aluminum ranger bass boats vs tracker bass boats the ranger is going to be more sturdy. It’s wider than the tracker. Pretty much every aluminum boat due to weight will get blown around, you give some and take some.
@@BassNvlog thanks man appreciate the quick replies and input. Best of luck with everything, will keep watching your videos love it when people don't over produce their stuff.
kontra204 no worries follow up with me once you decide on a boat. There is a lot that goes into new ownership. I’m glad I could help. More videos are coming
How's the wrangler handle the load? I have a wrangler and looking for a boat but worried about the towing.
If you have the 3.6 you will barely feel the boat back there. Even better if it isn’t lifted with 35inch mud tires.
Curious on what you top out at on that 70hp Yammie....
Is that a The Fallen Outdoors sticker on the back of your Jeep?
Yes it sure is!
I'm not a bass Fishman anymore but I love the boat have a 1989 ranger 354v she's old but a beast I subbed an like again great choice n boats man come on over an watch an old man crappie fish sometime to crappie limit tv an return the favor have fun an tight lines c ya soon
Thanks for your comment sir, I most certainly will watch your crappie slaying videos.
How does you jeep do pulling your aluminum Ranger? I have a 2012 two door jk and I'm looking at the Ranger Aluminum line but was worried about how my jeep will tow it.... nice boat and jeep btw
It does just fine with the 3.6 motor, you can barely feel it.
my dads Tacoma pulls it just fine
Did you talk to Kent Saxon at Gator Trax , you won't be selling it
Nope, sure didn’t.
How fast will she run
where u been?
Just curious, how fast it is on flat water?
ddm62571 anywhere from 36-40 depending on load and passengers.
How much $$
RT188 w/115hp alot quicker than your 178 w/70hp
5-8 mph... marginal
If one doesn't fish tourneys, does speed even matter?
@@Unplugged704 No, it doesn't!
What’s top speed ?
40 loaded on gps with 1 person, 35-37 loaded with 2 people depending on the weight.
you lost me as soon as I saw the jeep.....
100 gauge aluminum no thanks, buy an Excel 160 gauge aluminum much stronger then this Pepsi can.