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Thread: Ranger 188

  1. #1
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    Default Ranger 188


    I'm thinking about purchasing the 188 Ranger but like some feed back from this group in regards to the way it rides, handles in rough water, and wind. also how stable when moving from side to side. I'm looking at it being powered by a 4 stroke 115hp, so I also wander how well it runs out on top in, and the millage of a 4 stroke, and thanks for any and all feed back.

  2. #2
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    I have a 2015 Triton 18TX which is the same hull as the Ranger RT188. About the only real difference between them are the consoles and decals. The Ranger also has a channel trailer but the Triton uses a tubular trailer.

    I bought my boat in December 2015 and I've been real happy with it. With a 92" beam and a 12 degree deadrise the boat is very stable. I can be at the bow and my buddy can be moving back and forth on the back deck and the boat doesn't rock much at all. Another thing I like about this boat is that it sits level and doesn't have the bow high attitude of my last boat.

    This hull runs pretty flat on the water even when trimmed out so its not going to be a speed demon. I have the 115hp Mercury 4 stroke on mine and while I know of guys hitting 50 MPH mine has averaged about 45MPH with a Laser2 22" prop. The Laser2 prop is popular for this rig but the guys going faster are running the 20" pitch.

    This boat has impressed me with the build quality. The braces on the bottom of the lids are welded solidly. (The ones on my last boat were spot welded and fell off.) The seats and wiring harnesses are made made in house and it shows. The harness uses weatherpac connectors and also has terminal blocks at the console and bow to power your graphs. There is also a wiring schematic for the boat wiring in one of the lids.

    My boat is the bass version with the center rod box and two storage compartments at the bow as well as two small compartments on the rear deck and storage under the seats. Having all the storage up front is great but I do miss not having a front livewell. If you mainly crappie fish you should reall compare the two versions and decide which one is best for you.
    Likes Bigtom1 LIKED above post

  3. #3
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    Also have a Triton CTX 18'8", mine has the 90 4 stroke, easy on fuel have had it up to 45mph at 4800 RPM with 2 people, rides better than I expected in rough water, not as smooth as a fiberglass boat. Fished 10 days on 30 gallons of fuel on Green and ran around quite a bit hunting crappie. Mine has 45 lb trolling motor it could use a bigger one when windy.

  4. #4
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    Apr 2014
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    Quite a few of them at bbcboards.net in the tin boat forum. Seems to be a well liked boat.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bigtom1 View Post
    Also have a Triton CTX 18'8", mine has the 90 4 stroke, easy on fuel have had it up to 45mph at 4800 RPM with 2 people, rides better than I expected in rough water, not as smooth as a fiberglass boat. Fished 10 days on 30 gallons of fuel on Green and ran around quite a bit hunting crappie. Mine has 45 lb trolling motor it could use a bigger one when windy.
    When I bought my boat it came with a Motorguide X3 70# 24 volt motor. It would push the boat about 2.7 MPH on high and was plenty powerful for this boat but it was a 5 speed and pulled the boat at .8 MPH or more at its lowest setting. I have since replaced the X7 with a 80# Minnkota Fortrex that is variable speed.

    As far as fuel consumption there is no comparison between the 4stroke and the 2 stroke 90 hp carbed motor on my last boat. I would say I use half the gas as my last boat.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by okhawg View Post
    Quite a few of them at bbcboards.net in the tin boat forum. Seems to be a well liked boat.
    Great site and excellent info that boat. I have a ranger 1652 it is very stable and love it I just wish it had a live well. I crawled all over the 188 and now ultimately wish i had bought it or the 188c not exactly sure which i like the most. Go for the ranger the build quality is top notch.

  7. #7
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    If you purchase one, let us all know your evaluation. I too am looking to replace my older SeaArk 17 foot with something a little bigger and with more lateral stability and sure do like the layout of the Ranger 188c.

  8. #8
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    I am not trying to hijack this thread, but I am having problems. I have a 2016 Triton 18cTX with merc 115 4stroke. I love the boat, it is a fishing machine, and exceeds all expectations that I had. But I cannot get any speed out of it. I am currently running a Laser 2, 21p and my top speed at 5800 rpm is 31 mph. It came with 19p and the dealer replaced it with the 21p. All three holes have plugs in them with the same size holes, the holes are about as a large as the plugs. If anybody has any thoughts, please share them.

  9. #9
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    Think each one of you for some great feedback, It looks like I will go for the 188.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by etexbasser View Post
    I am not trying to hijack this thread, but I am having problems. I have a 2016 Triton 18cTX with merc 115 4stroke. I love the boat, it is a fishing machine, and exceeds all expectations that I had. But I cannot get any speed out of it. I am currently running a Laser 2, 21p and my top speed at 5800 rpm is 31 mph. It came with 19p and the dealer replaced it with the 21p. All three holes have plugs in them with the same size holes, the holes are about as a large as the plugs. If anybody has any thoughts, please share them.

    How high is your motor mounted? Is that speed from GPS and known to be accurate? Does the boat get up on plane quickly? Mine is mounted in the third hole. They normally come from the factory mounted in the 2nd or 3rd hole from the top. I think my PVS plugs have 1/2" holes.

    I'm running a 22 pitch Laser2 prop and it's turning about 5400 RPM at 44-45 MPH. That is GPS speed. I don't know if the tach on my dash is accurate but the motor seems to be turning up pretty close to that.

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