Ranger Z117 Or Rt178

[Scotty58]

I figured I would start this thread hopefully peak the interest of you Ranger guys. I recently said in my Nitro Z6 that came across and ranger RT178 aluminum boat a few days ago and fell in love with it. But I have also recently looked at a z117. I was all about nitro before I found these two rangers. Just looking for info on either the RT178 or the z117. Experiences with them and all that. Haha I'm very picky when it comes to spending as much money as i'm planning on spending so leaning on you guys to give me good info. Thanks everyone!

[slonezp]

The Triton tins come off the same assembly line as the Ranger. They are slightly different and slightly less expensive. Might be worth a look as well

[TRYTOFISH]

I have a z118. went from a tracker to it. no comparison on ride,dryness and fishability. i wont go back to aluminum. depends on where and how you fish and how deep pockets you have. i dont believe i would spend the extra cash on a aluminum boat just for the name. most are all quality boats. balance and layout are the key.

[Downeaster2010]

I have had a lot of fiberglass boats in my fishing days.  As far as bass boats go, I am on my 5th.  My first was in 1978, and it was

a HP178 Glastron, then 3 Rangers.  Unfortunately I found out later the boat I like the best was the Glastron bass boat.  It wasn't

as fast as a Ranger, but it could handle any kind of water, and the Rangers couldn't.  I found workmanship to be lacking in the

Ranger glass boats, and I expected for so much money, it should have been better.  I now have an all aluminum G3 Angler

boat.  It doubles as a trolling boat when I feel like trout fishing, and works superbly for bass fishing, which is what I do most now.

It cost about the same as the RT117 on sale.  There are zero rattles, and no wood of glass in the boat except the steering console.

Of all my boats this is the best.  I don't have the speed like a Ranger, so I have to think a little harder during tournaments.  It comes

pre rigged with a 24v outlet in the bow for the trolling motor.  Some of you that haven't had a real quality aluminum boat in the past

10 years, then you would be surprised at how well these are made.  Another thing they are half the cost of the larger full size

Rangers.  Mine is paid for, and when you buy a new Ranger, you get a book of payments for 12-15 years.  Paying 3 times as

much for your boat over time, is no bargain.

[tnriverluver]

I love all my tin boats and have owned many glass and tin bass boats.  The biggest deciding factor is pretty easy to use to make your decision.  If you need to make long runs across rough water and also require speed then get the glass.  If you mainly fish waters that don't get too torn up and can get from point A to point B at your leasure then the tin will work.

The only possible exception to this that I can come up with would be some of the Express models.

[toadhead]

Just went through the same due diligence process; I actually started looking at Tracker aluminum due to financial outlay concerns and it was my first "new" boat purchase. I was weighing the Tracker and also the Nitro Z6.  I really liked the layout of the Nitro and if I was a bit less timid, I might have selected that.  That said, in my due diligence process I learned about the Ranger Aluminum Tournament series boats.  I learned that the Tracker boat was not as well built as the Ranger RT178/RT188. I like not having to deal with any plywood in the deck that could delaminate over time and liked the idea of having the foam injected throughout the boat. Also didn't care for the cheap steering wheel on the Tracker.  I went with the RT178 series boat.  I elected to go with it because it's a better built boat for the money.  I did not go with the Ranger glass boat simply because it's more expensive for what I want and willing to pay for and as I previously mentioned, since this is my first "new" boat and to a great degree my first serious fishing boat, I felt I ease into boat ownership with an aluminum boat that won't sink and one that is a bit more forgiving should I run up on objects.  If you did go with a Nitro Z6, do get the HAMBY keel guard.  Keelguard did purchase HAMBY but the one ordered at the factory is the stick-on type, not the one put on at the dealership.  The HAMBY installation process uses a bonded fiberglass epoxy so it won't peel on you and it's significantly thicker.  Also, another piece of news, BassPro purchased the holding company that owns Ranger Aluminum boats and Triton boats; not sure about the Ranger glass boats.

[kikstand454]

If you're going to go aluminum. ..... save yourself the trouble and get an XPRESS.

[flyfisher]

I am not in the market now but hope to be in the next year or so and i am leaning heavily at the Xpress boats.  I like them when i saw them online but after seeing them in person, I was highly impressed.  They are definitely worth adding to your research list.

[toadhead]

I reviewed the Xpress; don't care for the configuration as much.  Also, prefer the swing-away trailer tongue on the Ranger trailer. That said, I suspect it will come down to buyer's preference.

[Al Wolbach]

I reviewed the Xpress; don't care for the configuration as much.  Also, prefer the swing-away trailer tongue on the Ranger trailer. That said, I suspect it will come down to buyer's preference.

There are kits available to modify nearly any trailer for a swing away tongue. I would not allow this to swing a boat decision on its own......Al

[toadhead]

concur; it's one of several factors I reviewed; again, it's how much does the boat you are interested in have what you are looking for, how is it configured, how well is it constructed, fit and finish, etc...I haven't looked at the Xpress in person but judging from the boat options and materials used, it appears to be a good boat just I feel the Ranger RT178 Series is. Assuming the foam and weld quality is the same, I doubt either boat would be a bad choice.