Anyone own a Ranger RT198?

[Pete-K]

Wondering if anyone owns the RT198? Like the looks of these, and went and looked at one. They had a 115 4 stroke on it. I priced it out with a 150 G2 HO Dual console, Coin box in the center rather than the center seat. Minn Kota auto stow and deploy . Wanted the 112 lb thrust, but was told could not fit the extra batter. Also wanted  a dual axle trailer. Again no can do, along with no hot foot from the factory. But they can cut up the panel where the hot foot would go and fit one in there. Evinrude G2 150 has fly by wire foot peddle like the new cars. So should not be an issue. Told them no electronics, as I would mount my own Helix 10 SI and 12 Si on it.

After getting quoted the price. Not sure it will ever happen.

Pete

[AC870]

You know we're curious. What was the price? I first thought $25K. Then I said, Nah, probably $35K. 

I like the look of that RT188. Wondering if you'll be able to get a deal or 2 on them used in 4-5 years. Been seeing a guy at the gas station fueling his up. I think it has a 115. He likes it. 

Coulda swore I saw him putting ethanol fuel in it though. 

[Pete-K]

Dual console, fishing package, 3 bank charger, Evinrude 150 G2, and I'm sure a few more things.. They quoted $35,780.

Pete

[iabass8]

You can get the z185 cheaper with the same motor. If i were to go tin, i would opt for the 188 every time. I believe the 188 and 198 are almost identical insize deck width, storage and consol wise. The only difference is the transom length behind the rear storage to accept the 150 vs 115 and the right storage on the deck split in 2. Havent looked at the specs in a while though. 

[BrianinMD]

Love my RT188, I have not been in a RT198 personally but have been told the extra foot of length is behind the seats. Front deck size is the same, and there is plenty of room. The first time I had my 188 out and got to run wide open it went 47mph (I have a 115hp Pro XS 2 stroke). with a little adjustment they are running low 50's with them.

[jamey1e]

IMHO that boat is not worth $35,000. 

[gim]

I saw one at the Minneapolis Boat Show last weekend.  Unfortunately they did not have the RT188 out so that I could compare the two side by side.  The one out on the boat show floor had "boat show" pricing and was listed at $25,000.  Bear in mind it was had a very basic Minnkota Edge bow mount, a basic sonar only unit at the console, and a 150 four stroke merc outboard.  Crestliner just introduced a smaller model of their aluminum tour boat too and I was able to look at that too - the Crestliner PT18.

[3dees]

I just traded my Crestliner VT19 for a new PT18. I like the lay out better than the Ranger. .110 aluminum sides and .125 transom. 3 rod lockers. ordered mine with a 150 Pro XS, hydraulic steering, one 10' Talon, and other options. no electronics as I'm transferring my two 9" units from the VT19. should be here in about 6 weeks. 33,400 out the door. Yeah, tins are getting expensive. I like the Ranger 198 and if Crestliner didn't come out with this boat I would have probably bought the Ranger.