I've got the RT178 with 75hp 4 stroke...goes 38-39 with stock prop. 75lb thrust trolling motor moves it great. All around good bassboat without breaking the bank and light enough for 1 person to handle.
I've got the rt188 since 2014 and love it. I sold Tracker before and I love the way this boat is laid out. I have the minn kota 55 on it. It apparently was not offered as an option because the circuit breaker is only rated at 50 amps. The 6 gauge wiring will take up to a max rating of 60 amps or so but the minn kota 55 draws 55 amps. The 55 keeps everything simple. All wiring is 12 volts with to tm batteries paired in parallel it lasts all day. I primarily fish a 450 acre lake and because this is small means I am usually off the big engine and on the trolling motor a lot. I have the Ranger charger that charges 2 banks at 15 amps each. since the trolling motor batteries are in parallel, both will charge with only one bank. Of course the other bank is on the starter battery. That one is charged fast and then the whole 30 amps is directed to the trolling motor batteries. Never a problem. I have the 115 merc and get about 47 mph on the 4 hole with a lazer II prop at 20 inches. I have the same prop in 21 inches too but no speed increase but the rpm drops a little bit. I like the 20 a little better for the hole shot. I have developed a auxiliary motor mount that fastens and removes in a couple minutes with no holes anywhere in the boat, thus not voiding my hull warranty and it has a Mercury 6 horse motor on it that I can use on 10 hp restricted lakes, troll, or use as a get home motor should the big motor fail. it is connected with a connector. I cant remember it it was from Attwood or Panther. I love the boat. Do not get the factory cover unless you plan on keeping it where rain and snot wont get to it.
Replying to my own comment 5 years later. Everything is still the same. I love it. The Minn Kota 55 is enough power. The #1 setting gets me around silently without pulling me too quickly most of the time. The #2or3 setting is just fine for general boat control. The #5 setting gets me around rather quickly. It is good in stiff wind. If you are going to fish tournaments you would probably want more power in the windiest conditions. I fish or fun and leave if it is not fun anymore. The Ranger 15x2 charger works great. My boat is a 2014 and I have only replaced the troliing batteries once. The original starter battery is still being used. Everything on the boat is 12 volts and keeps it all super simple. I just love it.
First I love this boat but I went to look at one last weekend and the carpet job was very shabby. Stitching in seats were not strait. I know these are small things and I still love the boat but dang.
I had that same problem with my Tracker Trailstar Tube Trailer with Rust from the inside out. I had to Replace my Tube Trailer with a "C Channel" Trailer. Channel is the only way to go. My recommendation is Channel to anyone in the Market.
I get 47max with the standard merc 115 but my boat is loaded even with a kicker on it and tons of equipment. Put it on the 4th hole and run a lazer 2 of 20-21 pitch. See my comment above. The pro xs is tuned for a little more hp but cost me in 2104 a whole 1500 more. So I gave up 1-2 mph for the kicker that cost the same. Also, check out the new RT198P. Its 8 inches longer and rated for 150 and has a pad v hull. I had a glass boat in the mid 1980s with a pad v hull and it pushed 59mph. No gps then but it had a quality speedoand ran a 24 pitch Turbo stainless on a Johnson v6. Running that pad v into the wind or into a chop caused the nose to become light and many times felt as though a blow over was possible. A little chine walk too sometimes made it hairy.
Just bought a 20-22 Ranger RT 178C doesn't get up on plane till sensor doesn't function correctly motor doesn't RPM over 3,500 RPM filled the tank up had the back live full of 24 keeper crappie would barely get up on playing with one person put more people in the boat. Definitely doesn't perform per the ratings on the boat and the motor I guess I bought a $30,000 hunk of junk might as well be named tracker
We apologize for your frustrations. We recommend contacting an authorized dealer, as they may need to perform an evaluation to help determine what next steps need to be taken. To find your nearest authorized dealer, please visit here: www.rangerboats.com/dealers.html
First, the prop has too much pitch. My RT188 with 115 came with a 23 inch pitch aluminum and it also didnt do over 3500 rpm I now run a 20 and 21 inch Lazer. I get the same speed with both, nearly 47 consistantly while loaded. The 20 has a real good holeshot and the rpms run a little higher than the 21 but they stay just below the max redline. Second, what engine are you running? A more powerful engine is better to snap you up on plane faster. I assume you are trimming the motor out correctly. With the bow lifted high it runs great but pulls to the left and can catch you by surprise if you suddenly throttle down. The RT188 is known to porpoise with the bow too high or the motor trimmed way out. Have the dealer raise the motor a hole or two if this occurs. I run my 115 on the middle hole. This brings the motor up an inch or so but makes a big difference it higher speed handling. Third, I went with the bigger boat to get the bigger motor because a loaded boat nearly 18 feet long needs more power than 60 or even 75 horsepower. You need to bring the bow down by lifting the back end. You may want to put a hydro foil type lifting wing on the cavitation plate. This will bring the bow down but at speed it will be out of the water allowing for bow lift and speed. Fourth, while usually reserved for high performance bass boats, a vented propeller can help with a hole shot but not your top speed. I allows exhaust to enter the propeller blades to it can rev up and give a better hole shot. I have found that it helps basically on most boats that need that extra oomph. It works kinda like a torque converter on your car to launch you better. It is possible to do this yourself if you do it right. I had a 35 hp motor on a 16 foot tracker and it helped a lot. I sold the Tracker and ordered the Ranger. After working for a company that sold Trackers I knew I wanted the Ranger. Thoroughly happy with my purchase. Good luck
Not much different from every other aluminum boat on the market. In my opinion, nothing special about it, and actually behind some other manufacturers.
I've got the RT178 with 75hp 4 stroke...goes 38-39 with stock prop. 75lb thrust trolling motor moves it great. All around good bassboat without breaking the bank and light enough for 1 person to handle.
I've got the rt188 since 2014 and love it. I sold Tracker before and I love the way this boat is laid out. I have the minn kota 55 on it. It apparently was not offered as an option because the circuit breaker is only rated at 50 amps. The 6 gauge wiring will take up to a max rating of 60 amps or so but the minn kota 55 draws 55 amps. The 55 keeps everything simple. All wiring is 12 volts with to tm batteries paired in parallel it lasts all day. I primarily fish a 450 acre lake and because this is small means I am usually off the big engine and on the trolling motor a lot. I have the Ranger charger that charges 2 banks at 15 amps each. since the trolling motor batteries are in parallel, both will charge with only one bank. Of course the other bank is on the starter battery. That one is charged fast and then the whole 30 amps is directed to the trolling motor batteries. Never a problem. I have the 115 merc and get about 47 mph on the 4 hole with a lazer II prop at 20 inches. I have the same prop in 21 inches too but no speed increase but the rpm drops a little bit. I like the 20 a little better for the hole shot. I have developed a auxiliary motor mount that fastens and removes in a couple minutes with no holes anywhere in the boat, thus not voiding my hull warranty and it has a Mercury 6 horse motor on it that I can use on 10 hp restricted lakes, troll, or use as a get home motor should the big motor fail. it is connected with a connector. I cant remember it it was from Attwood or Panther. I love the boat. Do not get the factory cover unless you plan on keeping it where rain and snot wont get to it.
Replying to my own comment 5 years later. Everything is still the same. I love it. The Minn Kota 55 is enough power. The #1 setting gets me around silently without pulling me too quickly most of the time. The #2or3 setting is just fine for general boat control. The #5 setting gets me around rather quickly. It is good in stiff wind. If you are going to fish tournaments you would probably want more power in the windiest conditions. I fish or fun and leave if it is not fun anymore. The Ranger 15x2 charger works great. My boat is a 2014 and I have only replaced the troliing batteries once. The original starter battery is still being used. Everything on the boat is 12 volts and keeps it all super simple. I just love it.
Great to to know I can put a huge hole in my boat and it not sink
After watching this video, I am going to wait for a deal and it will be my first bass boat.
First I love this boat but I went to look at one last weekend and the carpet job was very shabby. Stitching in seats were not strait. I know these are small things and I still love the boat but dang.
I need it with a saltwater trailer, I seen these trailer rust down here near the bay
I had that same problem with my Tracker Trailstar Tube Trailer with Rust from the inside out. I had to Replace my Tube Trailer with a "C Channel" Trailer. Channel is the only way to go. My recommendation is Channel to anyone in the Market.
Thinking about trading my 20 foot Glass boat for a RT188.. just wish they offered it with a 150 hp!
they're way lighter, have you checked speed reviews? I bet she moves with less hp.
around 47-52 tops from what I've read.
+Eric Romines that's what my 17' fiberglass Ranger with a 115hp gets.
They do its called the rt198p. Its basically the big brother to this boat.
I get 47max with the standard merc 115 but my boat is loaded even with a kicker on it and tons of equipment. Put it on the 4th hole and run a lazer 2 of 20-21 pitch. See my comment above. The pro xs is tuned for a little more hp but cost me in 2104 a whole 1500 more. So I gave up 1-2 mph for the kicker that cost the same. Also, check out the new RT198P. Its 8 inches longer and rated for 150 and has a pad v hull. I had a glass boat in the mid 1980s with a pad v hull and it pushed 59mph. No gps then but it had a quality speedoand ran a 24 pitch Turbo stainless on a Johnson v6. Running that pad v into the wind or into a chop caused the nose to become light and many times felt as though a blow over was possible. A little chine walk too sometimes made it hairy.
When Scott Martin wants a bigger live well:
Just bought a 20-22 Ranger RT 178C doesn't get up on plane till sensor doesn't function correctly motor doesn't RPM over 3,500 RPM filled the tank up had the back live full of 24 keeper crappie would barely get up on playing with one person put more people in the boat. Definitely doesn't perform per the ratings on the boat and the motor I guess I bought a $30,000 hunk of junk might as well be named tracker
We apologize for your frustrations. We recommend contacting an authorized dealer, as they may need to perform an evaluation to help determine what next steps need to be taken. To find your nearest authorized dealer, please visit here: www.rangerboats.com/dealers.html
First, the prop has too much pitch. My RT188 with 115 came with a 23 inch pitch aluminum and it also didnt do over 3500 rpm I now run a 20 and 21 inch Lazer. I get the same speed with both, nearly 47 consistantly while loaded. The 20 has a real good holeshot and the rpms run a little higher than the 21 but they stay just below the max redline. Second, what engine are you running? A more powerful engine is better to snap you up on plane faster. I assume you are trimming the motor out correctly. With the bow lifted high it runs great but pulls to the left and can catch you by surprise if you suddenly throttle down. The RT188 is known to porpoise with the bow too high or the motor trimmed way out. Have the dealer raise the motor a hole or two if this occurs. I run my 115 on the middle hole. This brings the motor up an inch or so but makes a big difference it higher speed handling. Third, I went with the bigger boat to get the bigger motor because a loaded boat nearly 18 feet long needs more power than 60 or even 75 horsepower. You need to bring the bow down by lifting the back end. You may want to put a hydro foil type lifting wing on the cavitation plate. This will bring the bow down but at speed it will be out of the water allowing for bow lift and speed. Fourth, while usually reserved for high performance bass boats, a vented propeller can help with a hole shot but not your top speed. I allows exhaust to enter the propeller blades to it can rev up and give a better hole shot. I have found that it helps basically on most boats that need that extra oomph. It works kinda like a torque converter on your car to launch you better. It is possible to do this yourself if you do it right. I had a 35 hp motor on a 16 foot tracker and it helped a lot. I sold the Tracker and ordered the Ranger. After working for a company that sold Trackers I knew I wanted the Ranger. Thoroughly happy with my purchase. Good luck
Not much different from every other aluminum boat on the market. In my opinion, nothing special about it, and actually behind some other manufacturers.
Coastguard specifications don't require foam!!! Geez people really believe this garbage...?
My tracker has all that for half lol
Yes but it's not a Ranger.
Lots of wood to rot in a tracker
Thomas Poucher Pressure Treated plywood decks. Doesn’t rot. Lifetime guarantee.
@@JT_70 But it can warp in time. Which is why some Tracker compartments don't shut properly.
I sold new trackers for a living. Thats why I bought a Ranger before Johnny Morris bought them out.
Lol nice boat crimps!
Mn
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