Ranger Aluminum Test Ride

[J-Doc]

I wanted to provide a write-up on the Ranger RT188 Aluminum bass boat. There are few forums with adequate information collected into a single resource. Much less feedback or opinions on the boat itself. Most "users" who own one will say they love it and that it rides great and what not but not much info after that. My goal/intention is to provide a comprehensive write up on this particular model based on A LOT of research. I hope it benefits others.

First and formost.....Ranger's overall quality is second to none in this class...........period. Go see for yourselves and see if you disagree with me. Before disagreeing with me or saying "X" boat is the same or better, I challenge you to see one in person. I've seen where others say "it's the same boat as a Lowe, Alumacraft, and Crestliner". I can promise you it is definatley not the same hull and the quality is VASTLY different. Triton alum. is the only boat that is the same or similar. Both made by same company so that is why. THey are made in Flippin, AR and the demand is so high right now, Ranger is builing a 4th production line.

Test Ride Experience

PLEASE call Samuel Barnes at the Rogers Cabelas. Super nice guy who genuinely wants to help.

I left my name/number for salesmen at local Cabelas to call me. Salesman called and said a test ride would be next week. I really wanted on this weekend so he offered up his personal fishing time to take me out on his father's personal boat (new RT188). I met up with Samuel at a small local lake and he started going over the features. I stopped him and said, I know this boat as well as anyone. I've researched myself into oblivion.....lets ride. lol!! So we took a spin around 46-47mph with 115 Merc 4-stroke with 19-pitch alum. prop. I told him he would get 49-50 with a 21p Laser II. (again, more research based here on other users).

Ride

(If you rate a flatbottom on a scale of 1-10 and a Ranger Z series 519 at a 10, than I would rate the RT188 at a solid 6.75. Slightly above halfway)

We rode through some small chop (less than 1ft) and you can definately tell it's an aluminum boat. I've used a large 18ft console flat bottom jon-style catfish boat for over a year (few years back) and I know what a flat bottom rides like. This isn't it. I attribute it as a half-way point between flat-bottom and full-on fiberglass bass boat.

We did some tight circles, crossed our own wake, etc. Winds were gusting up to 20mph. I got wet as a passenger just with a light spray one or twice. Nothing major.

He then let me drive his personal boat which I was most appreciative. Me being a short fella made me feel like a kid at the helm. Steering wheel is a bit far away and tilted upwards. I wished I could scoot the seat forward but they are mounted to the lid that allows storage beneath. It was not completely uncomfortable but being short, I'd like an adjustable seat.

When chasing down a passing wake boat to cross it's wake, the wind was so rough it smoothed the wake out. I finally caught up to a 1-2ft wake and the boat cut through it reasonably well. I noticed a bit of bounce but nothing anywhere close to how a flat bottom would have felt. Flat bottom would have jarred your teeth loose. A glass boat would have cut like a knife. Again, this is the half-way between the two but far better ride than a flat bottom.

Think of this boat as riding similar to a light weight tri-hull. My current boat is a heavy tri-hull (1979 model) and because it's glass and heavy, I feel it rides a bit better until crossing a wake and then the Ranger wins hands down. You can feel the chop transfer from the bottom up through the hull just a bit. I'm used to a glass boat so I noticed this. It's not intolerable at all. Just something to be aware of. Again, it's a ligher alum boat, not a glass boat. Heavier than a large flat bottom.

Comfort Issue

Here's my biggest gripe about the Ranger RT188. The controls. The Merc control was mounted too low. I'm used to my controls being up high though so I am very biased on this oppinion. The Merc control switch is made with an angle so it's away from the side of the boat which makes it stick out and where your legs are. I literally had to reach down below my legs to engage full throttle. Felt weird. Control arm was in the way. I'd probably have to change to a hot foot just for comfort. Added cost that's not needed and the only unfomfortable thing I found on the Ranger. I could live with it but I wouldn't like it. There are lots of pluses on the Ranger that could make me tolerate the controls.

The ride in a passenger seat is COMPLETELY different than the ride from the driver's seat. WAY different. Rougher for passenger, smoother for driver. Probably just because you're driving and not focused on the ride so much. Could be just me.

Drove smooth. A little bouncy similar to a flat bottom boat when hitting wakes or rollers. A few small white caps. Nothing major. Just a normal day condition on the lake for me.

Turning

The hull design of this boat is a modified v hull. It's not a pad hull. It's not a fiberglass bass boat (of which is pad hull and true v-hull).

When going from full bore throttle to trimming down and making sharp left turn, it went a bit wide (again, modified v-hull) so it's not going to turn like it's on a rail. Although I've heard one owner say it does when used with a stainless steel prop vs the alum on used on the boat I was in. I simply do not think it can turn as sharp as a glass boat. Not with that hull design. I don't think ANY alum boat (other than Xpress due to pad hull design) can match or come close to a glass boat.

Crossing Wakes

The boat does not slice a wake although it does not beat your "jubilees" when crossing wakes and rough rollers. It's lighter than a glass boat and THAT is the reason. That and the front V-hull is not as pronounced as a glass bass boat or the Tracker series (190tx).

Trim and Porposing

This can be a minor issue for this hull design. You cannot run full trim on this hull. It's a fairly flat v-hull on the very bottom and with it not being a pad hull, it's not going to allow full trim. Will not really make the boat ride that much smoother. It's reasonable at full bore. The boat doesn't "bounce" or porpose very much. The prop just blows out. Trim the motor back down a bit and the prop bites again and your speed increases again. I believe a stainless Laser II (Merc prop for Merc motor) will perform a bit better. I believe it will also help with steering as well for tighter turns than the alum prop.

Fishability

This is where the Ranger really shines I think.

Samuel was so cool that he showed me the 80lb Minnkota trolling motor and then handed me a dropshot rod and said "let's catch some fish". How cool is this guy? Caught probably 6 or 7 little bass on a drop shot in 45min or so. Wind was howling! The 80lb Minnkota kept the boat in place easily. I flipped the continuous troll switch on so the motor would run continuously and adjusted the variable speed easily with my foot when needed. Wind was gusting 20-25 with occassional 30mph gusts. The 80lb troller when turned up full bore and engaged to a 90-degree right or left turn will not throw you out of the boat IF you are sitting down. If you're partner is not paying attention and on the front.......throw him a life preserver. (lol)

Boat was quiet and did not show any "hull slap" from waves. Fishes just like a big glass boat. Stable, not wobbly, doesn't rock, sit's upright and level as advertised by Ranger. Plenty of room for 3-4 guys fishing for crappie on front deck or two guys flipping jigs for bass. Reasonable deck space for a co-angler in the back deck.

Cannot get a 36volt system (4 batteries). Only enough room for 3 batteries and no one should use their starter battery wired in a series to make 36 volts for a 36 volt trolling motor. It's really not needed anyway.

Storage

Second to none........hands down, no question, cannot be beat by any other manufacturer in this class and size. That's my final opinion until someone proves me otherwise. The RT188 has a middle rod locker that allows up to 8'-6" rods, probably pushing near 15-20 rods max in storage (if using rod socks/sleeves), and all storage lids are equipped from factory with stainless lockable storage. Most others...........NOT! Irritating because I want all lids locking. I've had a tackle box with $200-300 gear stolen. Fool me once but never twice.

The front deck storage is far lager than any other manufacturer and uses rubber gaskets on the lids to seal off for water proof storage. Deep and long lockers. Plenty of room.

Rear deck storage is larger than most as well. Comes with ice chest in the rear storage for a cooler option to keep it out of the way on the floor. Removable and built in slots for tackle boxes.

Console

This is also where Ranger shines. Solid built. Nice high end look for an alumn boat. FIberglass console is stronger and just flat looks nicer than the composites in the competition.

Under seat storage

Again........Ranger separates itself. It's the little things that stand out for Ranger on all of their boats. They have a nice rubber mat that is embossed with "RANGER" on it. Plenty of storage under both seats and it's not compartmentalized. It's all one large storage area. I like that. Allows you to store a paddle, or collapsable bait retriever and such.

FInal analysis.......great boat. Decent ride but nothing to write home about bragging over. SOLID construction. NO Wood anywhere. Fit and finish is second to none. Comfortable (except for helm if you're short fella and controls were not what I'm used too)

How Ranger Stands Out

I've looked at ALL aluminum boats in this class range. For minor details, fit & finish, quality of product, and overall quality, etc. Here's a list of things that have caught my eye where Ranger has stepped up higher than competition

• Fiberglass console similar large glass boats vs. composite plastic

• Btw, LOWE Stinger requires an alum. brace/support to hold their composite console in place.....what the heck LOwe????

• Wheels are superior (to some, this is a non-issue but when paying this much for a boat, the wheels look hi-end and make the overall package look super sharp vs. a galv. wheel. Again, some do not care about wheels but for the same money, I'll take the nicer wheels)
• Self-lubricating hubs.....no bearings to re-pack and grease. Same technology used as on their larger Z series

I believe Bass Tracker offers a similar self-lubing system as well where as most do not. Just wanted to throw this out there on Tracker

• Seats are of same quality and material as larger Z-series Rangers. All made in house by Ranger. VERY COMFORTABLE seats. I fished out of the front seat and rode in both. Front seat is like a lazy-boy......you could fall asleep.
• ALL FRONT LIDS ARE SEALED AND WATERPROOF WITH BIG RUBBER GASKETS TO KEEP WATER OUT AND DRY STORAGE (this is a big deal for me. I want my stuff to stay dry and keep moisture/mold/mildue OUT of my storage compartments
• Road Armor used on trailer will far out last painted trailers. Look at their "sand blast test" on Ranger's website. Shows how it's sandblast resistant

There are several other things to list that separate them from others. I challenge you to look into it for yourself.

Expected speeds with 90hp outboard and 115hp outboard matches the Ranger websites information. I have been told 51-52 with Laser II stainless prop (21p) at around 5,600-5,800 rpm. with medium to light load.

Hope this is helpful.

See also previous thread with more information below.

[kjackson]

Great review! Thanks, but it doesn't make the decision easier... Are you going to do the same for the Tracker or just step up and buy the Ranger? I'd love to see a comparison.

[J-Doc]

I wasn't planning on it but I could write up one on the Tracker. I've ridden in one enough to know that the ride difference between Tracker 190 and Ranger 188 is different. The Tracker is as suspected, smoother in rough water. The deadrise on the bow allows it to slice better. It won't be as long but I can provide something.

[dtrs5kprs]

Nicely done. Assume you are looking to move on from your current boat?

[J-Doc]

Yes. I got the green light from the wife!!!!!!!!!!!

Only took over 10yrs. I'll post a for sale thread searately. It's a darn shame. Going to hate to see it go. I've spent thousands on it, have it setup just how I want it, but I simply can't afford two. I want a bigger boat and for the life of me, I just want a new one. Always have. Can't shake it. Heart wants what it wants. Lol

[rps]

J-Doc

Your new boat will be perfect for you. Obviously you have spent the time to look into the features that matter to you. Ranger has made quality products for years.

I love my ride, but it is not for everyone. I hope you feel about your choice after three years the way I feel about mine.

[J-Doc]

Me too. That's just it. The feel and ride bother me. I feel like I'm asking too much from the alum. boat. It's not the manufactures fault as they have created a great boat. The ride is definately an aluminum boat and not a glass boat. Same can be said for other alum boats but today was the first one I've driven. It was a different feel that I would have to get used too. I'm sure after a month it wouldn't bother me. But the "what if" is bothering me. That and they are not a pad hull which means the ride is rougher on small chop. A little lift and that goes away. Can't get lift without pad hull.

In the end, I'll have a new rig that's extremely fishable, bigger for the family outings, can venture into skinny waters, and be what I need out of a boat. I just may have to live with the ride.

I HATE the control location. Hate hate hate. Might have to get a hot foot just to keep the control off my leg.

I think that's an issue Ranger needs to look at. Any size fella short or tall, this is an issue. Needs resolving.

[REDSOXWSCHAMP]

when and if you decide to do a review on a tracker boat, let me know. i work for them and would happy to give you any info you needed.

[J-Doc]

when and if you decide to do a review on a tracker boat, let me know. i work for them and would happy to give you any info you needed.

Hey that's cool. Thanks!

[kjackson]

when and if you decide to do a review on a tracker boat, let me know. i work for them and would happy to give you any info you needed.

I may take you up on that, if it's possible. I am looking into the new boat thing as well.