Brian Needham Posted February 14, 2014 Posted February 14, 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? where is the wood at? also don't forget "composite" only means wood covered in glass. 1 Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted February 14, 2014 Super User Posted February 14, 2014 I believe Tohatsu makes the 60hp and under Mercs Pretty sure it is 30hp and less. Jeff Quote
Super User ww2farmer Posted February 14, 2014 Super User Posted February 14, 2014 I have a Tracker. It's been good to me, and gets the crap beat out of it, BUT, my next boat (hopefully in a few years) will be a Ranger or Crestliner. Quote
Sweetale Posted February 15, 2014 Author Posted February 15, 2014 The Tracker has a wood deck, and the Ranger has no wood anywhere. While I am a long time boat owner, I do not know the repercussions of a wood deck on an aluminum bass boat. Quote
Brian Needham Posted February 15, 2014 Posted February 15, 2014 The Tracker has a wood deck, and the Ranger has no wood anywhere. While I am a long time boat owner, I do not know the repercussions of a wood deck on an aluminum bass boat. I know a tournament team that has had their 175 for 7-8 years with no issues with the deck, they regularly both fish from the front.... and fish hard out of the boat. and I know another guy that has a 190, boat sits outside year around, covered in the winter. fishes out of it like he stole it and never had an issue. bream, bass, crappie, big catfish his boat has seen it all. Quote
Sweetale Posted February 15, 2014 Author Posted February 15, 2014 I was able to finally see the Ranger in person today, and was very impressed with the storage and fit/finish. I'm definitely leaning toward this boat, although not quite a done deal yet. Everyones' comments have really helped me with this process. Quote
Stanthebassman Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 I bought the RT178 last August and could not be more happy with the performance and with the service from the dealer. I have the Mercury 75 Optimax and it runs 40 mph when I am by myself and 37-38 mph with a passenger. It literally jumps out of the water. I had a minor problem with the Ranger stickers on the seats peeling and instead of replacing the stickers Ranger replaced the seats. It is a sharp boat and I have received many compliments from people in much bigger bass rigs. The extra money was well spent versus buying a Tracker. 1 Quote
Sweetale Posted February 20, 2014 Author Posted February 20, 2014 Good to hear, since I put down the deposit today on the RT178! I'm pretty stoked. Thanks to everyone for their help and input! 3 Quote
jhoffman Posted February 20, 2014 Posted February 20, 2014 Buy whatever the biggest motor they offer is, especially if financing. 1 Quote
Koofy Smacker Posted February 21, 2014 Posted February 21, 2014 stickers on a seat? REALLY? I believe these are what he was referring too Quote
Super User BassinLou Posted February 23, 2014 Super User Posted February 23, 2014 Good to hear, since I put down the deposit today on the RT178! I'm pretty stoked. Thanks to everyone for their help and input! Congrats!! I am excited for you. I will be in the market for a new boat in a about a years time, and the rangers really have my attention. Keep us in the loop when your new boat arrives. 2 Quote
AQUA VELVA Posted March 20, 2014 Posted March 20, 2014 I have a 94 Tracker TV-17 with a 60hp, 2 stroke Merc that I bought new as a first boat. I can't say anything about service because Ive never needed any. The only downsides are it doesn't handle big water very well and it's a little on the ''cozy'' side for two people as it has a 72'' beam. I like the floor plan ,which is no longer offered, and it tows like a feather. If I ever need to re-power, I will go 4stroke but for now old ''smokey'' still makes her fly. From my experience, I would go out and buy another Tracker if I had to replace this one. By the way, I've never had any problems with the trailer either. Quote
Joespy Posted January 12, 2016 Posted January 12, 2016 The Ranger RT178 is an incredible boat. I own a 2014 RT178 with an Evinrude Etec 75hp. Went with the 178 to have it fit in single garage spot. Looked at all competitors and the Ranger stood out strong. Incredibly stable, and solid feel. Fit and finish are incredible. Plenty of rod and tackle storage. Comfortable boat all day long. I would recommend this boat to any one looking to buy an aluminum bass boat. 1 Quote
Tim Kelly Posted January 12, 2016 Posted January 12, 2016 For that 17ft boat size I think the G3 Eagle Talon DLX is the best thought out in the class. 90hp rating, 9ft rod box, cooler in step. Compared to the others in that size class it would probably be my choice. Quote
Joespy Posted January 15, 2016 Posted January 15, 2016 The G3 talon is a good boat. Though the 90hp vs 75hp performance difference is minimal as in maybe 2 to 3 mph. But your fuel consumption goes up. As with every thing on this type of boats there are trade offs. Gain in one area lose in another. For me I went with the boat that was in my opinion the best overall value and performance. I have yet to be at the boat dock where at least one person has asked me about my boat. And I am seeing more aluminum Rangers on the water here in Idaho. Fish on my friends! Quote
desmobob Posted January 16, 2016 Posted January 16, 2016 On February 14, 2014 at 6:14 PM, 00 mod said: Pretty sure it is 30hp and less. Jeff Tohatsu makes the 30HP and under four-cycles. The 40, 50 and 60 four-cycles are made by Mercury in China, and the larger ones are US-made. Tight lines, Bob 1 Quote
Quarry Man Posted September 24, 2017 Posted September 24, 2017 May friend has an RT188 and loves it. I am looking at a new boat, might want to go with an RT178 and 75 HP. How will it handle big water? Quote
Super User gim Posted September 25, 2017 Super User Posted September 25, 2017 5 hours ago, Quarry Man said: May friend has an RT188 and loves it. I am looking at a new boat, might want to go with an RT178 and 75 HP. How will it handle big water? I have a 2015 RT 178 with a 75 4-stroke HP (merc). This is my second full season with it. I have not had any problems, although I wouldn't expect it to either. It does not handle big rough water well though. It takes a beating in bigger waves, but it is a modified V-hull aluminum boat too so I wouldn't expect it to slice through 4 footers like butter anyways. I didn't really buy it with the intention of being on a big lake when it was windy so its not really a problem for me because I'm not going out in that. In terms of layout, I wish the rod locker was in the middle. I have the non-skid polymer floor coating instead of marine carpet. I wasn't initially going to get it but the salesman talked me into it. I like it better than carpet after using it for 2 seasons now. 1 Quote
Quarry Man Posted September 25, 2017 Posted September 25, 2017 7 minutes ago, gimruis said: I have a 2015 RT 178 with a 75 4-stroke HP (merc). This is my second full season with it. I have not had any problems, although I wouldn't expect it to either. It does not handle big rough water well though. It takes a beating in bigger waves, but it is a modified V-hull aluminum boat too so I wouldn't expect it to slice through 4 footers like butter anyways. I didn't really buy it with the intention of being on a big lake when it was windy so its not really a problem for me because I'm not going out in that. In terms of layout, I wish the rod locker was in the middle. I have the non-skid polymer floor coating instead of marine carpet. I wasn't initially going to get it but the salesman talked me into it. I like it better than carpet after using it for 2 seasons now. I don't plan on having in on 4 fooyters, but you never know what will happen. Any other advice? what tm do you have? Quote
Super User gim Posted September 25, 2017 Super User Posted September 25, 2017 5 minutes ago, Quarry Man said: I don't plan on having in on 4 fooyters, but you never know what will happen. Any other advice? what tm do you have? I've got a 70 pound thrust Minnkota Maxxum (24 volts). Its plenty of bow mount power for this boat. They were going to give me a 12 volt Minnkota Edge but I wasn't having that and upgraded immediately. I can get about 35 mph out of it. I could probably get 40 if I upgraded to a stainless steel 3-blade prop. 1 Quote
Quarry Man Posted September 25, 2017 Posted September 25, 2017 I have a power drive on my current boat, which is electric steer. never used a cable drive. Was thinking of doing that upgrade or even to the highest end mine kota, but I'm not sure. Im definitely interested in the 178. its just awesome. how about electronics, I've never used any. any advice no matter how basic is awesome. thanks again. Quote
Quarry Man Posted September 26, 2017 Posted September 26, 2017 WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RT178 AND THE 178C? Quote
Super User slonezp Posted September 26, 2017 Super User Posted September 26, 2017 C is the crappie edition. Extra livewell and 3 seat posts on the deck Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.