Bay boat for bass?

[J Francho]

I do a TON of deep water smallmouth fishing that just isn't very comfortable in a traditional bass boat or deep-v with a walk through unless your on the front deck.  The CC format allows for just what you are talking about, and for more than just a couple anglers at once, too.  Great for guests and kids.  And I still get my bow platform.

[Junger]

Thanks for the update, I was really leaning toward a bay boat, but I can't find one that has a reasonable layout that would fit my 21' garage. The Key West 18'8 bay reef was #1 on my list, but it won't fit because of where the trailer tongue swings, and the engine. I don't have any possibility of outside storage because of an HOA, and I don't want to drive 20 minutes and pay $200/month at a storage facility just to access my boat.

[Deephaven]

I have the exact needs as the OP albeit with a slightly longer garage and bought a tiller for the same reasons.  I can easily tow the kids skiing/tubing, but at the same time have TONS of fishing space and storage.  Also seats a lot of people.  A bit wetter in the crap, but being somewhat of a walleye/muskie hull with platforms it takes big water well and doesn't compromise casting locations either.

[K1500]

I fish a fair amount of the time for smallmouth deep as well. Vertical jigging is a favorite technique of mine, and it seems to do pretty well when the fish aren't shallow or if they have lockjaw.

[Artback]

The Ranger RB190 is actually 19’ 10”. The RP190 (circa 2016) was 18’ 8”. That’s an important distinction. The RB190 is a bigger, and roughly 200 lbs. heavier boat. 

 

I was researching the RB190 before buying my 2023 model and was confused by the difference in specifications as a couple of forums have stated the RP and RB were the same. They are close, but not identical.

 

Ranger has made some meaningful improvements in the RB190 since its launch, including changes in the console seat mounting, and the orientation of the live-well opening (now opens towards the stern).

 

Two things to note on 2021 through 2023 models: they were likely built in the Tracker factory in Missouri due to Covid issues. They resumed manufacturing in Flippin, AR, for the 2024 model year. They were,,however, built to Ranger’s higher quality specifications. The 2021 through 2023 models years may also have EZ Loader trailers versus Ranger’s own manufacturing. The EZ Loader trailer, while labeled Ranger Trail, comes with a 5 year warranty versus Ranger’s 3 year. The aluminum trailer’s spec’s  are pretty much the same, although the wheel hubs may require less maintenance on the EZ Loader (my dealer’s techs did a walk-through orientation with me when I made my purchase).

 

I’m new to this boat, and it is February in the Northern Midwest, so I can’t comment further until I get time fishing it on the water. I’m a multi-species fisherman ranging from Smallmouth Bass, Northen Pike, and panfish, to Salmon snd Steelhead. It is, for me, a familiar design as I grew up with Center Consoles fishing Stripers on the East Coast. In comparison to a comparable length Deep V center console, however, the RB190 has a lot more usable deck space, yet far less freeboard. It’s going to be a great inshore bay, lake, and river boat. The Great Lakes? Only on calm days, and within sight of shore. Hell hath no fury like Lake Michigan when the winds pop up from offshore.