Just re-re-watched your review; any updates after operating it for ~4 years? Would you make the same purchase again? Anything you would add/delay or do differently? Appreciate your content! 👍🏼
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 You bet, appreciate and enjoy your content. Do the lockers on your 188P stay dry during rain/inclement weather? Have heard these boats run pretty wet but would value your input. Thanks!
@@alltacklenoboat The lockers on my boat do not stay dry. I have come up with a solution for me. I found a lid from a jar that covers the locking apparatus , then I put a small rock bean bag on top for weight. It works well…
I also grew up without bicycle helmets and safe places…. I know how to swim, but most of all, I like having the option of making the call on my life… anybody who rides on my boat is more than welcome to wear one of the lifejackets I have on there. No judgment.
I bought a 2017 Ranger RT188 with a 115HP Yamaha. I immediately change out the trolling motor to an Ultrex, switched out the starting battery with a group 31. Switched out the Lowrance Hook units with 2 Humminbird Helix 10 units ( 1 at the console w/side imaging). Love the boat, however, multiple issues with the trailer such as shoddy wiring connections & area around both rear lights rusted out.
Question on your 2020 rt188p boat. How long is the 2020 model? The reason I ask is that everything is saying the 2020 model is 8'4", but all other models are 8'8" or 8'10". I ask because I am looking at the same year model to purchase out of state. Do you still enjoy the boat? Thank you!!
The 2020 RT188P is 18’ 4”. The other models (like the RT288c), the Crappie model were a little longer. I love my 2020 RT188p. I’m so glad I got the 2020 model because it was the last year the boat was made at the Ranger factory. The Ranger Aluminum’s are being made at the Tracker factory and they are cutting corners on the quality and accessories (no more windshield, lighter duty trailer, etc.). Good luck with your boat purchase.
Really well done review of the boat. I just ordered a 2021 RT178. I’m impressed with your handling of the boat and technology to film. Great bass footage from the drone. Thanks for sharing.
The 188 will be my First bass boat I have done all the research and just love it. Plus going to my Ranger dealer and drooling over one. The Trick step is a must have also. Great review.
The step up pole would be one of the most important feature for me as a man with knee issues. This model Ranger I will be looking at closely in the future.
Nice review. Dang tho, the previous models also had storage under the seats. Ranger dropped the ball here. And I'd recommend mounting the fire extinguisher somewhere more accessible like under your console or something. If there's a fire it'll likely be the motor or in the battery compartment. And that'd make it hard to grab the extinguisher then.
The 188P has bigger rear storage compartments on the left and right. The previous model had almost no room in battery compartment due to the fact you could only mount 1 PowerPole. The 188P easily allows for dual PowerPole pumps in the battery compartment. By moving the gas tank to the center, it also helps balance out the boat.
My girlfriend and I have been researching Bass Boats, this was my 1st choice boat until I noticed two things, one the price and two the quality. I know everyone thinks Ranger has high-quality standards, but the ones I just looked at that were only in the showroom for 3 weeks already had some issues. I noticed the mounts that hold the T handles were broken on a couple boats. I noticed on every Ranger that the sound dampening under the box covers was falling down and not adhered well. I know this might just be a fluke or a bad "Friday/Monday" batch, but it was hard to put money down on a $36,500 boat (I wanted the power poles) after seeing the poor quality. Please let me know if this is not a common thing
So what I heard was that they close the Ranger plant down after the 2020s and we’re moving the boats over to the tracker plant to build them there. It’s my hunch that maybe the quality for Ranger will never be the same again if that’s the case. That’s what I heard, so you might want to investigate that. My boat is a 2020, and I feel like the quality was definitely there for it. I paid around $27,500 plus tax. with no electronic equipment.
Again, really enjoyed your content!!! Quick question - does the depth finder at steering wheel read the bottom depth when your are running down the lake? I have heard that is an issue with aluminum boats. Thanks.
On the light pole being in way. Why don't you just put the light pole in the side rod box up left corner? It's out of the way there and you don't even have that hole occupied with a fishing rod? That way you can fill your main center rod box with just fishing rods. Just saying
Really nice boat. Buying new is expensive though...27K plus tax, title license and dealer prep for an aluminum boat. I paid 36K out the door for a 2019 Ranger Z185. Great boat but sold it. This go around I'll probably buy a used 188 for 22K and call it day. Boats are fun but they are money pits.
I wasn’t planning on buying a new boat, but when the RT188P came out, it had everything I was looking for. (Built in cooler, Coin box step, and fiberglass bow console)
@@youngin881 have been running my RT178 (2013) for a few years now. not sure by what folks mean by 'money pit'. I run it hard. usually have Merc Optimax 75 RPMs at 50K (30-31 mph GPS) ... have not done anything other than routine maintenance... up to this past spring when I lost steering cable. as for how often? I'm out on the water at least once/week year round. usually get one day a week in at 8-12 hours fishing. most of that of course is on the TM... but would estimate that in 9 years now I have somewhere around 1500 hours on the optimax.
Nice review. Hey it gets you on the water! But honest opinion, Ranger is lacking in quality. I hate seeing all the corners being cut with them as well as Nitro and Tracker. From the cup holder to the one rod strap, no lid pistons, cheap seat and carpet upholstery and then they charge you extra for every little detail 🙄 Personally, I think Xpress and Vexus are making the best aluminum boats. Love the surf turf in the cockpit and even on the deck sometimes..
I went from a 2007 G3 aluminum boat to the Ranger. So far it has met all of my expectations and then some. I looked at the Vexus as well, but the difference in the price didn’t make up for the difference in the boat in my opinion, and they were hard to find. The 2020 Ranger RT188P has what I wanted in a aluminum bass boat.
Sir I hope it isn't to late for you to get this . Could you please tell me where I can get the Trick Step as I too have the Ranger RT 188 and I'm getting to old to step out and down onto trailer . Been researching something that would make much easier . Thank you in advance sir and good safe fishing to you .
My buddy was looking at this model and a Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW Tournament Edition. He ended up going with the 195 because of the 150 Pro XS but they look very similar and probably built in the same factory now. He also had dual consoles, one for him and one for his old lady and I like his 2 door livewell. Yours has more bling, better storage and I love the coin box option. Does this model have a track system? Great boat, catch lots of fish!
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 Thank you! Hopefully the order doesn't take too long in new COVID-19 environment. So want to get it out in the water and do some fishing! Post more videos! ;) We'll live vicariously through you until then!
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 Nice rig, my I suggest that you might want to relocate the fire extinguisher somewhere in the front of the boat, almost all fires start in the back, happy boating
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 Thanks for the quick reply. I imagine that they're quite similar.. but i am sure the Ranger is more expensive.. still not sure... Glass or Tin! Thank you
I was on Lake Guntersville yesterday with winds out of the South about 12 mph, and the boat handled it great. So far, that's the strongest winds this boat has dealt with.
Big wake! I don’t think the boat is up on top and it’s calm?they changed the angle of transom. Older models they shim. Watch rt188 standard bottoms running only the tail is in the water? Why do they still make it 46is to slow on calm day pad bottoms r gimmick
The main reason that I purchased this boat was for the floor plan. I wanted a boat that was stable in the water, and this one does that for me. Going 46 miles an hour on the water still makes me smile…
Screamineagle Bass Catcher no problem. A lot of ppl over lay the sounds with music that most ppl would rather hear...but me personally. I love the sound of the engines... I bought a 2015 triton 18tx aluminum boat 3 weeks ago. Has 115 merc 2 stroke on it...kinda wish I would’ve bought a 4 stroke now.
Screamineagle Bass Catcher I also looked at a 2016 black ranger 188 like yours. Guy sold it out from under me while I was at the bank getting the money to purchase it...talk about pissed.. hope you catch many fish in it!
My model is the 2020. They completely remodelled it. It's 4" shorter, and 1" wider. The fuel tank is under the driver and passenger seats. There is a built in cooler. The hull is also different. I bought this boat because of the changes they made.
The boat is very stable with two large men in the boat and moving around. Stepping off the dock onto the boat is really where I noticed the stability of the boat.
Awesome video! Been looking for awhile and this is one of my final two! This really helps me! God Bless and happy fishing
Just re-re-watched your review; any updates after operating it for ~4 years? Would you make the same purchase again? Anything you would add/delay or do differently? Appreciate your content! 👍🏼
I will be doing an updated review soon… Thanks for watching my channel.
I’ll look forward to it! Thanks!
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 You bet, appreciate and enjoy your content. Do the lockers on your 188P stay dry during rain/inclement weather? Have heard these boats run pretty wet but would value your input. Thanks!
@@alltacklenoboat The lockers on my boat do not stay dry. I have come up with a solution for me. I found a lid from a jar that covers the locking apparatus , then I put a small rock bean bag on top for weight. It works well…
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 Great solution - appreciate the tip!
Beautiful Rig!
nice life jacket PUD!
I also grew up without bicycle helmets and safe places…. I know how to swim, but most of all, I like having the option of making the call on my life… anybody who rides on my boat is more than welcome to wear one of the lifejackets I have on there. No judgment.
I bought a 2017 Ranger RT188 with a 115HP Yamaha. I immediately change out the trolling motor to an Ultrex, switched out the starting battery with a group 31. Switched out the Lowrance Hook units with 2 Humminbird Helix 10 units ( 1 at the console w/side imaging). Love the boat, however, multiple issues with the trailer such as shoddy wiring connections & area around both rear lights rusted out.
I haven’t had any issues with my trailer as of yet.
Are you still liking the 188 ?
I love my 188…
Thanks, I am looking at a 188, Do the storage compartments stay dry?
Also what size is your boat garage door? Thanks 😄
Thanks for sharing. Been considering upgrading from my 16ft Tracker to this model. This was very helpful. Dream Boat for sure.
Good luck with the upgrade. I upgraded from a 17.5 G3 boat, and it was the best move I could have done.
Great video
Question on your 2020 rt188p boat. How long is the 2020 model? The reason I ask is that everything is saying the 2020 model is 8'4", but all other models are 8'8" or 8'10". I ask because I am looking at the same year model to purchase out of state. Do you still enjoy the boat? Thank you!!
The 2020 RT188P is 18’ 4”. The other models (like the RT288c), the Crappie model were a little longer. I love my 2020 RT188p. I’m so glad I got the 2020 model because it was the last year the boat was made at the Ranger factory. The Ranger Aluminum’s are being made at the Tracker factory and they are cutting corners on the quality and accessories (no more windshield, lighter duty trailer, etc.). Good luck with your boat purchase.
Really well done review of the boat. I just ordered a 2021 RT178. I’m impressed with your handling of the boat and technology to film. Great bass footage from the drone. Thanks for sharing.
I'm glad you liked the video of my Ranger review. I think you will be very happy with your RT178.
The 188 will be my First bass boat I have done all the research and just love it. Plus going to my Ranger dealer and drooling over one. The Trick step is a must have also. Great review.
Thanks.
The step up pole would be one of the most important feature for me as a man with knee issues. This model Ranger I will be looking at closely in the future.
I highly recommend the Trick Step. It was very easy to install, and is very well made.
No life jacket on plane?
This is a great video for anyone thinking of buying this boat.
Thanks John, I love my Ranger.
Beautiful boat. I've been thinking about getting this exact model for the past two years. Great video thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching! It's a Great model.
Life jacket while moving is a must!
it is in my state..
@@gewglesux ONLY FOR KIDS UNDER 13 HERE IN MY STATE
@@craigbielsky115 I'VE seen that in a lot of states...
My dad is thinking about buying this boat. I’m sure this video will be helpful to him. Nice boat man
Thanks. For all of the research I did on Aluminium bass boats, I thought this Ranger had the biggest bang for the buck.
Screamineagle Bass Catcher he was torn between the Lowe stinger 198 and this ranger boat but I think he’s leaning towards ranger. Thanks again brotha
Great boat report. I'm seriously considering getting this boat.
Nice life jacket!
Nice review. Dang tho, the previous models also had storage under the seats. Ranger dropped the ball here. And I'd recommend mounting the fire extinguisher somewhere more accessible like under your console or something. If there's a fire it'll likely be the motor or in the battery compartment. And that'd make it hard to grab the extinguisher then.
The 188P has bigger rear storage compartments on the left and right. The previous model had almost no room in battery compartment due to the fact you could only mount 1 PowerPole. The 188P easily allows for dual PowerPole pumps in the battery compartment. By moving the gas tank to the center, it also helps balance out the boat.
Get a drotto coupler. You’ll love it! Good review this has helped me decide on what I’m buying this spring.
Great video!
I think you can change out the spring in the box between the seats and it will open further. Glynn
muy bonita, me encanto!
I’m curious if you have had it in wind/rough waters? If so how did it handle it? Great video, thx.
I have not had it in rough wave or wind conditions yet.
My girlfriend and I have been researching Bass Boats, this was my 1st choice boat until I noticed two things, one the price and two the quality. I know everyone thinks Ranger has high-quality standards, but the ones I just looked at that were only in the showroom for 3 weeks already had some issues. I noticed the mounts that hold the T handles were broken on a couple boats. I noticed on every Ranger that the sound dampening under the box covers was falling down and not adhered well. I know this might just be a fluke or a bad "Friday/Monday" batch, but it was hard to put money down on a $36,500 boat (I wanted the power poles) after seeing the poor quality. Please let me know if this is not a common thing
So what I heard was that they close the Ranger plant down after the 2020s and we’re moving the boats over to the tracker plant to build them there. It’s my hunch that maybe the quality for Ranger will never be the same again if that’s the case. That’s what I heard, so you might want to investigate that. My boat is a 2020, and I feel like the quality was definitely there for it. I paid around $27,500 plus tax. with no electronic equipment.
Again, really enjoyed your content!!! Quick question - does the depth finder at steering wheel read the bottom depth when your are running down the lake? I have heard that is an issue with aluminum boats. Thanks.
Yes, I can be riding 46 mph and still read the depth.
Do you think this boat will fit in a 20ft deep garage? What the length with motor down and swing tongue open?
On the light pole being in way. Why don't you just put the light pole in the side rod box up left corner? It's out of the way there and you don't even have that hole occupied with a fishing rod? That way you can fill your main center rod box with just fishing rods. Just saying
It will not fit in the left side pole box.
I may have missed this but, do you run a jack plate and in your opinion, would it help the performance enough to justify the added cost?
I do not run a jack plate. I would also need to find out the benefits verses cost.
add a link for the t4rick step.
Really nice boat. Buying new is expensive though...27K plus tax, title license and dealer prep for an aluminum boat. I paid 36K out the door for a 2019 Ranger Z185. Great boat but sold it. This go around I'll probably buy a used 188 for 22K and call it day. Boats are fun but they are money pits.
I wasn’t planning on buying a new boat, but when the RT188P came out, it had everything I was looking for. (Built in cooler, Coin box step, and fiberglass bow console)
Everything that has a motor and you ride are money pits. That’s why you spend s little more and buy quality...Ranger.
@@youngin881 have been running my RT178 (2013) for a few years now. not sure by what folks mean by 'money pit'. I run it hard. usually have Merc Optimax 75 RPMs at 50K (30-31 mph GPS) ... have not done anything other than routine maintenance... up to this past spring when I lost steering cable. as for how often? I'm out on the water at least once/week year round. usually get one day a week in at 8-12 hours fishing. most of that of course is on the TM... but would estimate that in 9 years now I have somewhere around 1500 hours on the optimax.
Nice review. Hey it gets you on the water!
But honest opinion, Ranger is lacking in quality. I hate seeing all the corners being cut with them as well as Nitro and Tracker. From the cup holder to the one rod strap, no lid pistons, cheap seat and carpet upholstery and then they charge you extra for every little detail 🙄
Personally, I think Xpress and Vexus are making the best aluminum boats. Love the surf turf in the cockpit and even on the deck sometimes..
I went from a 2007 G3 aluminum boat to the Ranger. So far it has met all of my expectations and then some. I looked at the Vexus as well, but the difference in the price didn’t make up for the difference in the boat in my opinion, and they were hard to find. The 2020 Ranger RT188P has what I wanted in a aluminum bass boat.
Sir I hope it isn't to late for you to get this . Could you please tell me where I can get the Trick Step as I too have the Ranger RT 188 and I'm getting to old to step out and down onto trailer . Been researching something that would make much easier . Thank you in advance sir and good safe fishing to you .
I got mine from Trickstep.com
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 thank you very much sir have a great day
Is that trick step a factory, dealer, or aftermarket option? The Lord knows I need something like that.
I bought the Trick Step from trickstep.com, and installed it myself. This was by far my best upgrade.
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 Thanks for that info.
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 Very nice steps but WAY overpriced!
My buddy was looking at this model and a Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW Tournament Edition. He ended up going with the 195 because of the 150 Pro XS but they look very similar and probably built in the same factory now. He also had dual consoles, one for him and one for his old lady and I like his 2 door livewell. Yours has more bling, better storage and I love the coin box option. Does this model have a track system? Great boat, catch lots of fish!
I love the coin box. The Ranger RT188P does not have the Versa Track system.
That can't be G. There are no 3-4 foot rollers and dozens of boats within 100 feet of you.
Just ordered my rt June the 6th...how long does it usually take to get it in?
I'm not sure. I bought mine from the dealers lot.
Jesse,Comment back if you get a timeframe.
@@johnpoppa3554 MY BUDDY ORDERED HIS OCT 2020 JUST RECEIVED IT FEB 20 2021
@@craigbielsky115 that's not too bad of a timeframe. Folks say always buy a boat in the winter! 👍
How much $$$.??
The way you see it, I have about $32,000 in it out the door.
Can it handle 1-2ft chops?
I’m not sure yet. I’ll be doing a 1 year review in July, and maybe by then I will have gotten into some rough water.
I was out on Knickajack Lake yesterday and the wind kicked up and produced some choppy water conditions, and the boat handled very well.
What is the dimensions of your coin Box
Approximately 24”x22”x6”
I just placed the same boat on order, 2021. Counting the days! Enjoyed your video! Glad you are enjoying the boat!
Congrats... It's an awesome boat.
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 Thank you! Hopefully the order doesn't take too long in new COVID-19 environment. So want to get it out in the water and do some fishing! Post more videos! ;) We'll live vicariously through you until then!
Lol. I will be posting more videos, so subscribe to my channel and you will get notified when I post a new Video.
what color is this one?
It's called Charcoal Metallic.
What is the price range for that rig?
I have about 32K in mine.
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 Nice rig, my I suggest that you might want to relocate the fire extinguisher somewhere in the front of the boat, almost all fires start in the back, happy boating
Has anyone done a comparison to this vs the Tracker?
I will be doing that soon. My Brother-in-law has a 2020 Tracker 190.
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 Thanks for the quick reply. I imagine that they're quite similar.. but i am sure the Ranger is more expensive.. still not sure... Glass or Tin! Thank you
@@screamineaglebasscatcher8311 Wouldn’t a comparison to the Tracker PT195 be more appropriate?
how does the boat handle in the wind?
I was on Lake Guntersville yesterday with winds out of the South about 12 mph, and the boat handled it great. So far, that's the strongest winds this boat has dealt with.
First thing i notice was no life jacket while running.
Go talk to Kent Saxon at Gator Trax and design your dream boat
Big wake! I don’t think the boat is up on top and it’s calm?they changed the angle of transom. Older models they shim. Watch rt188 standard bottoms running only the tail is in the water? Why do they still make it 46is to slow on calm day pad bottoms r gimmick
The main reason that I purchased this boat was for the floor plan. I wanted a boat that was stable in the water, and this one does that for me. Going 46 miles an hour on the water still makes me smile…
WORLDS FASTEST BOATS ALL HAVE PAD BOTTOMS SON....LOL .... EVER HEARD OF ALLISON BASS BOATS.....WORLD RECORD HOLDER 2002XB ?
For your safety you should be wearing a life jacket while under power.
Would’ve rather of heard the engine instead of that music....nice boat though
Sorry about that. The engine is very quiet and smooth running.
Screamineagle Bass Catcher no problem. A lot of ppl over lay the sounds with music that most ppl would rather hear...but me personally. I love the sound of the engines... I bought a 2015 triton 18tx aluminum boat 3 weeks ago. Has 115 merc 2 stroke on it...kinda wish I would’ve bought a 4 stroke now.
Screamineagle Bass Catcher I also looked at a 2016 black ranger 188 like yours. Guy sold it out from under me while I was at the bank getting the money to purchase it...talk about pissed.. hope you catch many fish in it!
I love the convenience of the four stroke.
My model is the 2020. They completely remodelled it. It's 4" shorter, and 1" wider. The fuel tank is under the driver and passenger seats. There is a built in cooler. The hull is also different. I bought this boat because of the changes they made.
Is the fiberglass front where the graph is standard or an upgrade?
It only came on the P hull boats, like the RT188P.
How much?
I have about $32k in it.
how is the stability when there are 2 guys fishing, and one moves from oneside to the other?
The boat is very stable with two large men in the boat and moving around. Stepping off the dock onto the boat is really where I noticed the stability of the boat.