Ranger 178 Vs Lowe Stinger 175

[Jonald]

What’s up guys.
 

Looking for some advice on which boat I want to buy next year. It seems like both boats are priced around the same even with add ons. Just under $30k.
 

I know BPS bought out Ranger. Should I be worried with quality with them? Is one brand better than the other? I know they are both very reputable boat brands. I wanted to get your opinion on which boat you would chose and why. 

 

A little about me and what I’d better using the bot for. I Bass fish in the northeast on small to medium size lakes and rivers. Mostly fish the weekends or after work during the week. It would mostly be me fishing solo and occasionally another angler. I will most likely trailer the boat and keep in my garage. I don’t really fish tourney’s. I don’t see the need in maxing out the engines even though I know it’ll be better for resell and performance. Looking at 60hp for each. If it takes a little longer to get to a spot I’m ok with that. Both boats should plane fine with that amount of HP right? 
 

Looking for a boat that will give me minimal issues as far as maintenance and repairs go. Open to other boat options besides these two, just not really considering Tracker. 
 

-Nick

[Jig Man]

I would rate them and GIII pretty close to each other.  On a boat that size storage compartments and rod locker lengths would be a major factor for me.  If you can’t get stuff out of the way the boat will get crowded in a hurry.

[gim]

I've got a 2015 Ranger RT178 with a 75 hp Merc 4-stroke on it.  I bought it new before Bass Pro bought Ranger.

 

I use it almost exactly how you described you might use it: primarily on small or medium sized lakes, usually solo or with one other person, along with storage in the garage and trailering it myself.

 

I have been satisfied with the performance of it over the course of 6 full seasons now.  I would recommend going with a non-carpet interior.  I have the polymer-vinyl surface in gray.  I'll never go back to carpet in the boat ever again.

 

One item that I do wish was different is the rod locker.  Its off to the left side.  I would prefer a big center rod locker, but in order to get that I believe an upgrade in boat size would be required.  Additionally, since its a mod-v hull, its not great in rough water, but I'm sure you already knew that.  I didn't buy my rig with the intention of using it on the Great Lakes.

 

Whatever rig you decide to go with, make sure you post photos in the "show your ride" thread.  We all like seeing photos of new boats.

 

[NorthernBasser]

Have you looked at the Crestliner XF?

[WRB]

There are usually several used aluminum bass boats on the market with very little use and low engine hours available.

The reason entry level or 1st time bass boat buyers are in that market and find out it doesn’t suit them and upgrade to larger boats.

Consider a used boat  and be willing to  buy a airplane ticket to travel out of state if a great deal is available.

Garaged boats are ideal and in good condition. I always garaged all my bass boats so it was convenient to leave everything in the boat and easy to keep everything organized.

Folding tongue trailer also allows longer boats to fit in the garage.

Between Ranger and Low, I would go with Ranger. Also look at XPress boats, heavier 125 thick hull and better ride.

Tom

PS, it’s always a mistake to under power a bass boat, no reason to run WOT.

[Jonald]

@NorthernBasser I haven’t, but will look into that. Do you have that boat?

@WRB I was looking At the H17 but a bit expensive. Nice boat though. Love the yammy and sea deck. 

[Jonald]

After more research I think I’m between the Crestliner XF179 and the Ranger RT178. Hard to find content on the crestliner. Does anyone have one? 

[gm4511]

Either boat would work well.  I'm personally a fan of Rangers but Crestliners are popular and have a good reputation.  Any new boat can develop probems so the best way to remain happy with your boat is to buy from a large dealer with a good reputation who will stand with you if problems develop.

 

Regardless of which one you select, I'd consider moving up to an 18' model.  More room, more storage, and welcome space when you have a co-angler.  

 

[Captain Phil]

I bought my Ranger 178RT fully equipped and ready to fish with a Merc 75 4 stroke, front and dash mounted Lowrance Hook Series electronics, extra pedestal seat, Minn Kota 24 volt foot controlled trolling motor, three batteries with in-built charger, trailer with fancy aluminum wheels with spare and a boarding ladder.  It listed for $28K.  It's a wonderful little boat that rides much bigger than it looks.  Given the price of boats and gas, I am very happy with my purchase. 

 

[DogBone_384]

I bought a ‘17 RT178 in July ‘20 and so far love it.  Like @gimruis, I use it on small lakes and fish solo most of the time. My boat is powered by a Yammy 70.  I get a full Summer out of one tank.

 

Best of luck finding a boat.

[gim]

Might want to consider the location and/or reputation of the dealer and service center. Not much fun hauling a boat 2 hours one way for service.

[BigAngus752]

I own one of the last RT188s made prior to the sale.  

 

I've had a Lowe owner on my deck who was beside himself with how stable the front deck is.  He said it was like standing on a dock compared to his Lowe.  His Lowe, however, can handle water that I would not take my RT188 into and it's faster.  Sorry, no experience with the Crestliner.  

 

2 hours ago, gimruis said:

Might want to consider the location and/or reputation of the dealer and service center. Not much fun hauling a boat 2 hours one way for service.

^^^ This would be my very first thought.  There are many excellent boat brands.  Pick one that has a dealer close. Especially if buying new.  

[Jonald]

On 3/12/2022 at 5:14 PM, gimruis said:

Might want to consider the location and/or reputation of the dealer and service center. Not much fun hauling a boat 2 hours one way for service.

That’s definitely something I need to consider. Thank you