Buying a ranger rt178. Standard electronics vs optional?

[AmericanMade]

Pulling the trigger on my first new boat. It comes standard with minn Kota edge 45 45" TM,  lowrance elite 3x,  and an onboard dual pro charger 6x1

here are optional upgrades... List is too long to type out

http://www.rangeraluminum.com/model.cfm?sid=7323#accessories

 

anything you notice that is worth upgrading too?  I fish just about every weekend April-September, have never fished any tournaments but considering the possibility within the next couple of years. 

[slonezp]

Definitely go to a 24v trolling motor and 3 bank charger and if you're going to do road tournaments, the 15 amp charger is a must. Rod straps, auto bilge, recirc livewell, boarding ladder, custom cover are all must haves.

Retractable trailer tie downs and trailer brakes are a nice upgrade although not a necessity.

As far as electronics, they can add up quick. You're likely to find better deals online. Figure out an electronics budget and must have features and go from there  

 

 

[Wayne P.]

Pretty much bottom of the barrel for electronics and trolling motor for a standard package.

Of the sonar options, I would choose the Lowrance HDS 7 Gen3 at the console and bow then add the LSS transducer later if you want Side Scan and Down Scan. Other than that, I would just take what comes with it and get my own choice of sonar GPS units with SideVu or Side Scan, or Side Imaging someplace else.

You would be better off with a 24V trolling motor of your choice, for efficiency and power.

[Joespy]

When we ordered our RT178 we added Elite5 on the console and a 5x on the bow. We are in the process now of upgrading our console to an HDS7 touch with side scan and will move our Elite5 up to the bow. We also got the upgraded on board battery charger. Also upgraded to the Minn Kota Fortex 24V 80# trolling motor. We also got the Ranger cover but had to have a trolling motor pocket added to fit the bigger trolling motor. I do not think you can even get  trailer brakes on this but could be wrong. I would like to say you have made a great choice on what boat to get. We bought our 2014 new in 2015 with the Evinrude ETEC 75hp. We have added a SS prop and really are happy with the performance. The trade off in speed for fishability is well worth it in my mind. During tournaments we just really prepare our strategy for morning and afternoon bites to reduce un needed travel from spot to spot. We run 39MPH WOT @5400 rpm. We have also added a MICRO power pole. Looking into a 10ft pole. One of the things we love is upgrading our boat to suit us. You will be very happy with the platform and as stated in other posts. Congratulations.

[eddallen]

For me it would be important to network bow and console units with N2K and Ethernet NOW. Also suggest using HDS bow and console.

[RangerDanger]

Upgrade the trolling motor and electronics for sure.  Mine came already upgraded to a 70lb maxxum along with the charger and batteries and I picked out the depth finders I wanted at the dealer.  I can tell you the standard 45lb would be horrible in any current or wind on that boat.  I have the Yamaha F70 and loaded with 2 guys I topped out at 39 mph by GPS. 

[PAGreg]

I just ordered an RT188 and deleted the electronics. When looking at prices online compared to the upgrade charge, the options aren't worth it. Only advantage is being able to finance the electronics as part of the boat.

 

BTW, electronics delete was worth a whole $45.

 

I advise upgrading the tm to a digital model with variable speed. Even though its not listed, I was able to upgrade to the digital MG X3 70# tm for $100 more than the x3 listed.

[gim]

I just bought a 2015 Ranger RT178 in December.  Although I have not had it on the water yet (because I live in MN and everything is froze), I immediately made upgrades on some items already.  I would advise upgrading the trolling motor to a bigger Edge or a Maxxum and definitely add more battery power to a 24 volt system.  I already had new electronics that I bought last year on sale knowing that I could use them when I bought this boat so I have a Lowrance HDS7 at the console now.  I believe this is the largest screen they can flush mount in it.  I had them put the Lowrance Elite 3x at the bow, which is fine for now.  You can tinker with some other upgrades, etc as you please but definitely upgrade the trolling motor and battery power.