Ranger Z185 or PT 198

[WildmanWilson]

So, if you had to pick what one would you want? I can get both in 2017 models. The alum. one has less than 100 hours and the glass one has under 200 hours. Both with 150hp but the one on the Z185 is a two stroke while the other is a four stroke. The Z185 has an Ultrex and Livescope. The 198 has SI hummingbirds but no spotlock or livescope. The 198 is 28,000 and the Z185 in 29500. 

I'm torn with the aluminum being a little bigger but the glass should be smoother and better ride. I do fish big water so whats your opinions? I don't fish tournaments. Just crappie and bass.

[gim]

What kind of lakes or rivers do you primarily fish?  The glass version is going to be better on big water when there's a chop out there.  But its also heavier, and will suck down more gas (which isn't cheap), both on the water and being towed on the trailer.  The price tag, size, and hours are both quite similar so there's a negligible difference there.

 

If it were me, I'd probably go with the aluminum version.  The 4-stroke motor is a big selling point for me.  I wouldn't even consider a boat anymore now that still has a 2-stroke outboard.

[GaryH]

Seeing how you fish big waters I would go with the 185 with the Ultrex w/spot lock. But like @gimruis said I’m not a big 2 stroke fan. I’ve been running glass boats for years so hopefully some of the guys on here can comment better on the tin boats @A-Jayfor big water. Good luck on which ever one you choose.

[WRB]

It comes down to 2 stroke vs 4 stroke engines imo.

The Z185 is a turn key bass boat with everything you need.

The Aluminum TM should be upgraded with a spot lock model, about $3K. The 4 stroke engine is the only question to answer, it’s heavier but less fuel consumption and very quite engine. Easier to change accessories, not the engine.

I would go with Z185 because prefer glass bass boats.

Tom 

PS, engine V6 Merc Pro XS?

 

[Woody B]

What brand are the engines?   I'm a tin boat fan.   I'm also a 4 stroke fan.   I'd get the 198, change trolling motors and add live scope.  That would be more money than the glass boat, but not more than the glass boat with an engine change.  

 

 

Actually, I'd go with the 198, scraps the 'birds, add Lowrance graphs, with active target and a Ghost trolling motor.   

[WildmanWilson]

Are the four strokes that much more dependable? This was the one big concern between picking the two. Had the glass boat had the four stroke I don't think Id have as hard a choice to make. And they both have Mercs

[Woody B]

1 minute ago, WildmanWilson said:

Are the four strokes that much more dependable?

 

I suspect the modern 2 strokes are better than the 2 strokes in my memories.  2 strokes to me mean fouled spark plugs and leaking carburetors.   The newest 2 stroke I've had was from the 70's.   

[BigAngus752]

The engine tips the scales for me.  If the two were equal I'd say it's a coin toss (except for big water) and personal preference.  They aren't equal, though, and the 4-stroke is a hands-down winner.  Since it's a Ranger I'm guessing a Merc Pro XS?  Big winner.  Buy an Ultrex and you'll be happy with it for the rest of your life.  

[A-Jay]

52 minutes ago, WildmanWilson said:

Are the four strokes that much more dependable? This was the one big concern between picking the two. Had the glass boat had the four stroke I don't think Id have as hard a choice to make. And they both have Mercs

I ran a 2 stroke from 2016 - 18. (Optimax)

Repowered to the V8 4 stroke ProXS 2018 to current.

Both 200 HP.

Weight & Top end Performance is similar.

4 stroke is quieter, less to no exhaust fumes, has a different power band, 

And IMO looks and definitely sounds much better.

 

Good Luck with your decision. 

 

A-Jay

[WildmanWilson]

1 hour ago, BigAngus752 said:

The engine tips the scales for me.  If the two were equal I'd say it's a coin toss (except for big water) and personal preference.  They aren't equal, though, and the 4-stroke is a hands-down winner.  Since it's a Ranger I'm guessing a Merc Pro XS?  Big winner.  Buy an Ultrex and you'll be happy with it for the rest of your life.  

The two stroke is a Pro XS the four stroke only says four Stroke on the side. Both are Mercs

[WRB]

Merc made 3 different 150 4 stroke engine in 2017-2018 era.

The Pro XS is 3.4 V6 engine with grey color 2.0 ratio gear housing. The 4 stroke (red letters) could be a Inline 4 cyclinder 3.0 w/ Black 1.91 gear housing or the 3.4 V6, same black 1.91 gear housing. Hopefully it’s newer V6 engine if you prefer the 4 stroke engine.

Tom

 

 

[BigAngus752]

9 hours ago, WildmanWilson said:

The two stroke is a Pro XS the four stroke only says four Stroke on the side. Both are Mercs

Gotcha.  I have the 115 version of the Merc 4-stroke and my mechanic says the only thing more reliable is a Honda.  But you have to go with your gut.  You aren't going to pick "wrong".  

[NYBasser]

The price on the tracker sounds a little high compared to the price of the ranger

[Rockytop]

This summer I went from a 1996 Stratos 285 Pro XL with a 1997 175 Evinrude Intruder to a 2017 Ranger RT 188 with a 115 Yamaha SHO and I don't regret it for one second. The Stratos had 20+ mph on the Ranger and a little better ride but I like the Ranger a lot better. I went from no less than $25 a day to 3-4 days for the same amount plus it takes less fuel to pull it and I'm not buying a gallon or two of two stroke oil a month. If I fished lake Michigan or something like that it would be different but I'm comfortable with it on all the Tennessee river lakes that I usually fish.              

[Shimano_1]

I'd personally go with the glass boat. Had a similar aluminum triton 18tx, sold it and bought a 20xd bullet. I wasn't ever satisfied with it on any type of bigger water. It's plenty of boat but I believe those boats are made with too thin of aluminum for anything bigger than a 115. I'm sure you'd be satisfied with either and the 4 stroke is definitely a little nicer and easier to maintain.  The aluminum will definitely tow a little easier and sip the fuel compared to the glass boat. All comes down to what "you" personally are wanting from your rig. Obviously you're gonna get varying opinions. If I ever went aluminum again it would be an express or a lund. Much better made boats in my opinion. 

[WRB]

It’s been awhile since the ? was asked, maybe tossed a coin a made a decision....up date.

Tom