Sweetale Posted February 13, 2014 Posted February 13, 2014 Both boats priced by dealers (not BPS) with 24 volt 70# Edge TM, 60 hp Merc, pedestal seat up front, and same fish finder. Both will install my Humminbird on the bow at no cost. Ranger is $1700 more. Here are some of my thoughts: I like the look of the Tracker more, along with the awesome rod storage locker. The 2 livewell situation on the Tracker is not a concern of mine, but they are not huge by any means. I love that the Ranger has no wood, has a big livewell, and great storage. Ranger is obviously known for making a great boat. What do you guys think? Quote
Curtis B. Posted February 13, 2014 Posted February 13, 2014 From what I have heard, Ranger makes a much better product. Â And what I have learned is that when you're spending so much money as it is, spend a little more and get something much better and you'll be happier in the long run. Quote
Super User MarkH024 Posted February 13, 2014 Super User Posted February 13, 2014 The resale of the Ranger down the road will be much better than the Tracker. fwiw. Â Sounds like your heart is with Ranger, go with it. Â 1 Quote
Super User flyfisher Posted February 13, 2014 Super User Posted February 13, 2014 1700 is a lot of coin....as far as quality goes the jury is out on the ranger aluminum series since this is their first year. Will they be as nce as ther glass oats, who knows but reputation is taking them to good reviews right now. Think of all the additional gear or upgrades to the boat you could get with that money or just help pay for registration, gas etc....  I have atough time spending 1700 more for something mainly on the name and reputation.  Personally i would look at the tracker or an xpress or g3 aluminum as they are tried and true brands that have been around a while. Quote
Super User MarkH024 Posted February 13, 2014 Super User Posted February 13, 2014 1700 is a lot of coin....as far as quality goes the jury is out on the ranger aluminum series since this is their first year. Will they be as nce as ther glass oats, who knows but reputation is taking them to good reviews right now. Think of all the additional gear or upgrades to the boat you could get with that money or just help pay for registration, gas etc....  I have atough time spending 1700 more for something mainly on the name and reputation.  Personally i would look at the tracker or an xpress or g3 aluminum as they are tried and true brands that have been around a while. Second year. Last year they were introduced. Quote
Super User Fishes in trees Posted February 13, 2014 Super User Posted February 13, 2014 If you are concerned about resale, the get the one that says RANGER on the side. If not, then . . . . . The first rule of boat buying is to get one from a dealer that is convenient and has a good reputation. Â Do a bunch of research. Â If you have an EXPRESS dealer near you, look at them. Â WAR EAGLE makes an awesome aluminum boat. G3 and LOWE have been around for a long time, and those are just the ones which which I have some passing familiarity. Â I have a 2002 LOWE and I decided on the LOWE basically because of the convenience of the dealer. Â MY Lowe is a tank, I smack it into stumps all the time and it just bounces off. Â I have a buddy with a thinner hulled STARCRAFT and he winces every time I smack into a stump. Â I don't go out of my way to smack into stumps, but it happens from time to time. Â It is good to know that you have a boat that will stand up to that. Â My boat is more than 10 years old now and it is butt-ugly - a result of sliding/bumping against numerous trees each time I go fishing. Â I'm going to keep fishing it until it doesn't work anymore. Quote
Sweetale Posted February 13, 2014 Author Posted February 13, 2014 Both dealers are equidistant from home, (and are actually owned by the same group). I don't have a dealer for any of the other big name boats close enough for comfort. How much should the wood vs no wood factor into my decision? Quote
Super User flyfisher Posted February 13, 2014 Super User Posted February 13, 2014 Second year. Last year they were introduced. well considering i do not believe they were introduced as of Jan 1 that means that many of the boats are less than a year old. 1 Quote
Super User Scott F Posted February 13, 2014 Super User Posted February 13, 2014 Another thing to consider when comparing boats is the trailer they come on. Most boats spend more time on the trailer than on the water and a trailer that breaks down will leave you stranded on the side of the road. A friend bought a new Lowe boat a couple of years ago and has had nothing but trouble with the trailer!. Cheap tires that had to be replaced after 1 year, guides that broke off, lights and wiring caused problems, trim pieces falling off and the winch broke. I've had my Ranger boat and trailer for 25 years and have never had to do any repairs. Haven't even changed a light bulb. Don't over look the quality of the trailer. 4 Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted February 13, 2014 Super User Posted February 13, 2014 This is actually Ranger's second aluminum line. They had one back in the mid to late 90's possibly even into the early 2000's. They were a bit higher priced than others but they were absolutely awesome boats. Definitely worth the extra money. Ranger's hold their resale value extremely well, and they are built to a very high standard. Trackers are nice boats, don't get me wrong, but I think you'll find yourself a happier camper if you get the Ranger. $1700 really isn't much in the total price of a boat, especially when you'll get it back in added resale value. Quote
Super User Sam Posted February 13, 2014 Super User Posted February 13, 2014 And the service. Â Tracker's Power Pros are not pros and their repairs may not be what you expect. Â On the other hand, if you buy the boat from a Ranger dealer any repairs needed will be done correctly and professionally. 1 Quote
tritonguy Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 2014 No comparison in a Ranger to a Tracker. Ranger hands down. Ranger service if you would have a problem is fantastic. Quote
Pa Angler Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 2014 It seems that all the Tracker complaints are with BPS Power Pro's if you check my hooked hull post it also seems you'll get better service at a stand alone dealer. Just a couple of years ago a Ranger video compared their glass boats to equivalent aluminum boats stating glass was the way to go now in order to compete with volume Ranger has made an about face that video is no longer shown on their website. I would't turn a blind eye to Tracker or Nitro do your own hands on research all brands have some problems now and then including Ranger.  Tight Lines Pa Angler Quote
Waterlogged Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 2014 A little off topic but when considering a purchase such great expense. I agree with everyone about going with the Ranger. I own a Tracker TXW myself and I am 100% satisfied but when I was in the market I wanted the comparable Ranger aluminum. Anyway, my recommendation is to REALLY consider getting the 75hp Optimax. There are advantages of having a 4 cycle outboard but most people that I've talked to with the 60hp complain about how sluggish they are when trying to get up on plane. Mine has the 75 and is very peppy when coming out of the hole. A little food for thought! Quote
curtis9 Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 2014 I went to the boat show in Greenville, SC a few weeks back.  They had a Ranger 188 and a tracker 175.  The Ranger looked to be a lot better boat.  It just seemed to be a more solid boat.  I don't know if the 178 is the same.  I have a 2004 Tracker 175.  I've been happy with the boat, but would love to upgrade to the new Ranger.  The Ranger also seemed to have better attention to detail than the Tracker.  For example, the console on the ranger is shifted off the side of the boat to give room to lay rods on that side of the boat.  On the tracker, the console will block rods from laying on that side of the boat.  The ranger has cup holders built on for both passengers.  The tracker doesn't.  The ranger also appeared to have a much better trailer.   I'm not sure the additional features are worth the extra money, but comparing the boats side by side, I was much more impressed with the new Ranger than I was the tracker.  Quote
Super User slonezp Posted February 14, 2014 Super User Posted February 14, 2014 A little off topic but when considering a purchase such great expense. I agree with everyone about going with the Ranger. I own a Tracker TXW myself and I am 100% satisfied but when I was in the market I wanted the comparable Ranger aluminum. Anyway, my recommendation is to REALLY consider getting the 75hp Optimax. There are advantages of having a 4 cycle outboard but most people that I've talked to with the 60hp complain about how sluggish they are when trying to get up on plane. Mine has the 75 and is very peppy when coming out of the hole. A little food with thought! I believe Tohatsu makes the 60hp and under Mercs Quote
Pa Angler Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 2014 I went to the boat show in Greenville, SC a few weeks back.  They had a Ranger 188 and a tracker 175.  The Ranger looked to be a lot better boat.  It just seemed to be a more solid boat.  I don't know if the 178 is the same.  I have a 2004 Tracker 175.  I've been happy with the boat, but would love to upgrade to the new Ranger.  The Ranger also seemed to have better attention to detail than the Tracker.  For example, the console on the ranger is shifted off the side of the boat to give room to lay rods on that side of the boat.  On the tracker, the console will block rods from laying on that side of the boat.  The ranger has cup holders built on for both passengers.  The tracker doesn't.  The ranger also appeared to have a much better trailer.   I'm not sure the additional features are worth the extra money, but comparing the boats side by side, I was much more impressed with the new Ranger than I was the tracker.  Just curious, what was the price difference?  Tight Lines Pa Angler Quote
Super User slonezp Posted February 14, 2014 Super User Posted February 14, 2014 Just curious, what was the price difference?  Tight Lines Pa Angler The Tracker 190 and the Ranger 188 are pretty close in price with the Ranger coming in cheaper by a few hundred. The Ranger website has a boat builder with pricing so you can compare Quote
curtis9 Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 2014 Just curious, what was the price difference?  Tight Lines Pa Angler  They were pretty far off, since it was a Ranger 188 with a 115 and a Tracker 175 with a 60.  I think the Ranger was ~22k.  I don't remember what the tracker was priced at.  I also saw the Phoenix 920 or 921 (I can't remember which).  It looked to be a bargain at $64,000.  Quote
Gotfishyfingers? Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 2014 Ranger~ better quality and resale value. Quote
Pa Angler Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 2014 The Tracker 190 and the Ranger 188 are pretty close in price with the Ranger coming in cheaper by a few hundred. The Ranger website has a boat builder with pricing so you can compare Been to the Ranger website Ranger comes stock with a 25hp motor while the Tracker comes with a 60hp motor for about the same money can't imagine running the Ranger with a 25hp motor one would not be happy with it both have a max rating of 75hp. Tracker's estimated top end is higher as well with both having a 75 on the back the Ranger is $1,800 more.  Tight Lines Pa Angler  Tight Lines Pa Angler Quote
Super User slonezp Posted February 14, 2014 Super User Posted February 14, 2014 Been to the Ranger website Ranger comes stock with a 25hp motor while the Tracker comes with a 60hp motor for about the same money can't imagine running the Ranger with a 25hp motor one would not be happy with it both have a max rating of 75hp. Tracker's estimated top end is higher as well with both having a 75 on the back the Ranger is $1,800 more.  Tight Lines Pa Angler  Tight Lines Pa Angler The 190 and 188 prices are both with a 90. I didn't check out the 17 footers Quote
cadman Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 2014 I had a Tracker Magna 17 alum. for 17 years, I can't say a bad thing about the boat other than my deck boards rotted out but it was a 1985 boat. I now have a Ranger. When I was looking at boats in 2007, I was looking at the Tracker Tundra, Lund and Ranger. The Tundra and the Lund were alum. With all said and done with the money I would have spent on the Tundra or the Lund I got a Ranger. This is my first glass boat. Pay the extra few bucks and get the Ranger if you can afford it. I was on the fence with my decisions, and I'm very happy with my Ranger. 1 Quote
Pa Angler Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 2014 The 190 and 188 prices are both with a 90. I didn't check out the 17 footers I aplogize for the confusion the original post compared the Ranger 178 and the Tracker 175TXW so I was reporting my findings on that. The Tracker 190TX comes with a 90hp Optimax the Ranger comes with a Rude 90hp Blue the Optimax is a $1,100 upgrade on the Ranger.which cost a total of $1,600 more on the Ranger. If cost is an issue then $1,600 is a lot but then if one's mind is already decided on what brand then cost may not be an issue. I hope whatever one buys one will be happy.  Tight Lines Pa Angler Quote
Brian Needham Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 2014 it don't matter what name is one the side of it, it is a tin boat and you WILL take a bath on it if you sell in 3 years. Â don't let the Ranger people tell you different. 1 Quote
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