rangerboats I Found My First Bass Boat

[ATA]

Ive been thinking about my first boat for a year now, I had opportunity to buy a glass boat from very trusted person (WRB TOM), But unfortunately I was late two weeks for the money. Anyways I start research and research and ;ask week when glenn upload the video about buying bass boat, I got so many new information and I start more seriously look for what boat I want and what boat fits my needs. Since I am not going to very big lakes and not fishing rough waters, I chose the aluminum bass boat and specifically Ranger RT 178. Even in standard packaging will fits my needs, I might only upgrade to 70 trolling motor and add another battery, That would be all the changes.

Since I want to buy it cash, I am looking for money and deal both come in the same time so I can buy it. I put the link of Scott Martin talking about the boat for anglers like me that they looking for the first boat, it might be helpful. I forgot to say my last decistion was bass tracker but this ranger is way higher quality.

 

THIS WILL BE MY BOAT

 

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RT178 W/ Yamaha® F70LA	$24,624
Trailer	Included
Minn Kota® Edge 70 45in	$206
Midnight Blue	$$0

 

 

 

Since I know so many of you guys have bass boat, Do you have any comment for me about this boat that might change my mind?

[RobA]

I ordered the same boat a few weeks ago and am anxiously awaiting delivery.  Lots of choices out there.  I agree that the quality is good.  The only changes I made was the 75hp motor, the Fortrex 80 trolling motor and 2 Garmin 93sv fish finders.

[Fishes in trees]

Since you're buying new - be pretty sure that you're getting everything you want/need.  I bought my boat in 2002 and for the most part it still fits my needs - HOWEVER - I got talked out of getting a 36 volt trolling motor because you "couldn't do it."  Turns out you could do it, but it was more work than the dealer wanted to do, it would involve rewiring & relocating batteries, etc.   He made it sound like it was so much work and so expensive that I got talked out of it.  I know better now - it wasn't that much work and re-wiring isn't that hard.

My dealer at the time was 100% interested in selling the boat packages as they came from LOWE and wasn't interested in making custom changes.  He didn't even try to sell me a spare tire for the trailer.

My advice is to make sure that you get everything you want.  MY other advice is to make sure that you get the biggest electric trolling motor that you can afford.

[K1500]

No need for more than a 24V trolling motor on that boat. I have a Lowe 20’ aluminum bay boat and get multiple days out of my Motorguide Xi5 24V. Be sure to get a motor with spot lock/anchor mode. And think about electronics, as it’s easier to do it right the first time.

 

Also, just make sure the rated capacity of the boat is high enough for your use. I don’t know what the passenger weight capacity of that boat is, but I’m guessing you won’t really fit a family of four on it and be within the limit. most folks just fish 1 or 2 in a boat. I’m just throwing it out there in case you have visions of taking out a 4-5 person family. It looks like a nice boat. 

[moguy1973]

The only thing I’d do is upgrade the trolling motor further to a Fortrex or Ultrex. The Edges aren’t that great.  If I was in the market for a lake boat the aluminum Rangers are what I’d be looking at.  

[Captain Phil]

Your decision on a trolling motor will depend on local conditions.  Two factors should be taken into consideration, wind and weeds.  If you don't have to contend with either, a minimal trolling motor will do the job.  Normally, that is far from the case.  Fishing against the wind with a 12 volt trolling motor is not fun.  Neither is constantly having to stop and clear your prop of underwater weeds.  A 24 volt 70-80 pound trolling motor is a good choice. I have a Minn Kota Travolta and I love it.  The anchor lock feature is a must have in my opinion.

 

I once had a custom Storm 22' bass boat constructed for use in Lake Okeechobee.  Okeechobee can get very rough and I wanted something substantial under me.  It was like fishing off an aircraft carrier.   I ordered it with a 36 volt trolling motor.  The first time I hit the button on high, it nearly threw me off the boat.  I can't imagine a modern 36 volt trolling motor on an 18' aluminum boat unless you want to water ski behind it.  ?

[ATA]

So highly recommended to get 24V trolling motor? Actually one of the main lake I am going is only electric motor policy, so I need to use trolling motor only on that lake.

[K1500]

I think it would be wise. The upcharge is pretty small and you get twice the power on high and twice the life at a given thrust. Don’t forget that you will need another battery and a three bank charger in the upgrade as well. 

[detroit1]

Minn Kota Travolta? Does it dance ?  

[Deephaven]

16 hours ago, ATA said:

Since I know so many of you guys have bass boat, Do you have any comment for me about this boat that might change my mind?

Same dough in used buys you a TON more boat.  Nothing wrong with the Ranger, but I'd have a really hard time paying the new tax in comparison

[Captain Phil]

11 hours ago, detroit1 said:

Minn Kota Travolta? Does it dance ?  

That's Minn Kota Terrova.    I hate spell check....   ?

[DogBone_384]

Congratulations on your new boat! 

 

I, too, bought a Ranger RT178 last year and so far love it.  I bought mine used, with a 45 pound trolling motor, and you're right in upgrading it.

[GaryH]

On 2/14/2021 at 6:01 AM, ATA said:

Ive been thinking about my first boat for a year now, I had opportunity to buy a glass boat from very trusted person (WRB TOM), But unfortunately I was late two weeks for the money. Anyways I start research and research and ;ask week when glenn upload the video about buying bass boat, I got so many new information and I start more seriously look for what boat I want and what boat fits my needs. Since I am not going to very big lakes and not fishing rough waters, I chose the aluminum bass boat and specifically Ranger RT 178. Even in standard packaging will fits my needs, I might only upgrade to 70 trolling motor and add another battery, That would be all the changes.

Since I want to buy it cash, I am looking for money and deal both come in the same time so I can buy it. I put the link of Scott Martin talking about the boat for anglers like me that they looking for the first boat, it might be helpful. I forgot to say my last decistion was bass tracker but this ranger is way higher quality.

 

THIS WILL BE MY BOAT

 

---

RT178 W/ Yamaha® F70LA	$24,624
Trailer	Included
Minn Kota® Edge 70 45in	$206
Midnight Blue	$$0

 

 

 

Since I know so many of you guys have bass boat, Do you have any comment for me about this boat that might change my mind?

Congratulations and best of luck. Looks good.

[gim]

I own this model boat, bought it new in 2015. You made the right decision to get the bigger outboard. As others have mentioned, upgrading to a 24 volt bow mount would be a good idea as the edge is pretty basic. I have a 24 volt 70 pound thrust Maxxum on mine. I have never been underpowered. If you can do it, upgrade to an Ultrex.

 

22 hours ago, K1500 said:

I don’t know what the passenger weight capacity of that boat is, but I’m guessing you won’t really fit a family of four on it and be within the limit.

The max coast guard rating is 4 passengers but you really can’t have more than 3 because there’s only room for 3 to ride in the cockpit. 75% of the time I have 2 people in mine and 25% of the time I either have 3 or I’m solo.

 

Another item I would recommend is the flooring material. Get the polymer-vinyl material instead of carpet. It’s so much easier to maintain and clean.

 

Congrats on the boat and make sure you post pics in the “show your ride” thread when you get it.

2 hours ago, Captain Phil said:

That's Minn Kota Terrova.

This model has a recessed tray for the pedal and I can tell you that the pedal for the terrova, ulterra, and power drive do not fit into it properly. He’ll want the pedal of a cable steer model. Or no recessed tray at all if using one of those models with a lower profile pedal.

[ATA]

10 hours ago, DogBone_384 said:

Congratulations on your new boat! 

 

I, too, bought a Ranger RT178 last year and so far love it.  I bought mine used, with a 45 pound trolling motor, and you're right in upgrading it.

What was the year and how much you paid if you don’t mind to tell/

[DogBone_384]

‘17 with approximately 20 hours. $14,500.

[ATA]

1 hour ago, DogBone_384 said:

‘17 with approximately 20 hours. $14,500.

nice deal, good luck

[DogBone_384]

2 hours ago, ATA said:

nice deal,

Thank you. It’s been great so far.

[ATA]

Quote

RT178I have few questions

 

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RT178 W/ Mercury® 25 ELPT FourStroke	$18,695
Trailer	Included
Dual Pro® On-Board Charger 15 X 3	$410
Humminbird® Helix 5DI Bow Gimbal	$364
Humminbird® Helix 9 MDI GPS G4N Console Backmount	$1,364
Power-Pole® - 8' Foot Sportsmans II (Port Only, Requires Jackplate)	$1,759
Retractable Trailer Tie Downs	$139
Minn Kota® Ultrex 80 / US2 / IP 45" BT	$2,181
Midnight Blue	$$0

 

 

Did I miss something here? is fish finders good and match with ultreX?

Also onboard battery chargers?

 

$24,912 USD*

[Dirtyeggroll]

Is there a reason you have opted for the 25 hp motor? Personally, starting with the biggest outboard possible would be at the top of my list and supersede all other “upgrades” - everything else is cheap and is to add in comparison later on. 

[ATA]

18 minutes ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

Is there a reason you have opted for the 25 hp motor? Personally, starting with the biggest outboard possible would be at the top of my list and supersede all other “upgrades” - everything else is cheap and is to add in comparison later on. 

The reason is the main lake I am going to be is no gas motor policy, also it is very cheaper than bigger options.

I have second lake I am going to visit also and can have any power motor, 25 is too weak? 

I really have no knowledge and appreciate the help.

[Dirtyeggroll]

1 hour ago, ATA said:

The reason is the main lake I am going to be is no gas motor policy, also it is very cheaper than bigger options.

I have second lake I am going to visit also and can have any power motor, 25 is too weak? 

I really have no knowledge and appreciate the help.

If you’re only or mostly fishing no gas lakes then you will likely never notice.

 

I don’t have that boat and have no experience with it being pushed by a 25 hp motor, but I imagine it’s slow to get to plane and that it won’t do more than 15-20 mph.

[Deephaven]

Just to point out alternatives...and I assume you are near LA, here is a used machine that is a lot more boat than that one. 

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/boa/d/bellflower-2005-champion-bass-boat/7278716473.html

 

At the same time, no way I would buy that Champion without really knowing exactly what is meant by a new top end, who put it in and why...but it gives you an idea of what values are out there.  If you were willing to travel a little ways to get one you could get something closer to what you are shopping for size wise, there isn't much on LA's CL and I didn't check Facebook Marketplace.

[J Francho]

I would max out HP and get the highest power TM I could get.  The boat will never sell used with a 25 on it.  Skip the jack plate.  There's no reason to ever skimp on the TM, get an 80.  It worked great on my 18' Xpress and 22' Bullet.  You're not financing, so I'd shop elsewhere for electronics - they're way overpriced through the dealer and easy to install on an aluminum boat.  I'd want at least a 7" screen at the console and a 9" or larger at the bow.  SI and GPS are must haves.  After owning an 18' aluminum, I'd pony up for power poles, but I fish in the wind quite a bit.  Other tips, the folding chairs were never used in any of my boats, always go with bike seats.  Pro Pole seat post upgrades are meh, nice to have.  Retractable tie downs are not even negotiable for me.  I don't know what every trailer doesn't have them.  Absolutely get the cover and use it every time.  Good luck and post it when you get it!

[ATA]

7 hours ago, Deephaven said:

Just to point out alternatives...and I assume you are near LA, here is a used machine that is a lot more boat than that one. 

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/boa/d/bellflower-2005-champion-bass-boat/7278716473.html

 

At the same time, no way I would buy that Champion without really knowing exactly what is meant by a new top end, who put it in and why...but it gives you an idea of what values are out there.  If you were willing to travel a little ways to get one you could get something closer to what you are shopping for size wise, there isn't much on LA's CL and I didn't check Facebook Marketplace.

I check it almost daily, I didn't see that, just posted, you know buying second hand is 50/50, but for that price, I am willing to take that chance. I am still looking. thanks for sharing , I can travel 500 miles easy, I am long distance driver.