Thoughts on a new boat

[RC57]

Thinking about looking for a new boat over the winter for next year. I still like to bass fish some but as I get a little older I seem to enjoy crappie fishing more and all it has to offer. I would like at least an 18’ but would prefer 19’. Room up front for side by side fishing with whoever goes with me, son, daughter, grandsons or the wife. There are three boats I’ve got in mind, Ranger rt 188/198, Lowe Stinger 198 and Vexus avx 1880/1980. I would like opinions and thoughts from members who went through this and what was your decision and why. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

[Blackjeepjk]

I just went through the exact same decision.
I searched for over a year. Not so much for the boat I have now but trying to rule out boats that I knew I didn't want.
So many models, so many options and features, power plants, etc., etc., etc., then all of the equipment I would need to get it outfitted like I wanted.

I had it narrowed down to Tracker and Crestliner, Ranger never made the cut due to price.
As I was trying to commit to 1 of the 2, I broke down and talked to Ranger one day when wasting time.

Turns out I could get in the Ranger for about the same $ as the other 2, maybe cheaper when looking at options, and the rest is now history!

I think most of the top boat brands are of all about the same when it comes right down to it. Same could be said for auto manufacturers.
Mine came down to personal preference, service, and location.

[skeetbum]

I like the storage in the 19’ tracker. Much more than others that I’ve seen. Sea ark also has some nice options. After a glass bass boat with full interior I look for less soft interior components to hold water. Just my two cents.

[Webfoot]

I have a very nice war eagle predator for sale very nice and fully loaded for crappie fishing feel free to contact me 731-571-5090

[Ketchn]

I wish I had the room, the time and the extra money to get me a another water ride . you are in a select few that get an opportunity to find another boat ride my friend and I wish you luck in your endeavor .
I know kinda what I wish I could get if it helps you decide . I would get about a 17 foot all weld heavy aluminum hull center console with a mid range Yamaha power plant .
I know a big fiberglass will take big water better in most cases but I don't attack larger waters often and the smaller a rig is the more agile as well .
and since "bumper car" happens a lot in timber and around bridges and docks this is why the aluminum has my eye .
my 2 cents

[brettw]

I wish I had the room, the time and the extra money to get me a another water ride . you are in a select few that get an opportunity to find another boat ride my friend and I wish you luck in your endeavor .
I know kinda what I wish I could get if it helps you decide . I would get about a 17 foot all weld heavy aluminum hull center console with a mid range Yamaha power plant .
I know a big fiberglass will take big water better in most cases but I don't attack larger waters often and the smaller a rig is the more agile as well .
and since "bumper car" happens a lot in timber and around bridges and docks this is why the aluminum has my eye .
my 2 cents

Come to think of it, i could use another boat!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[BuckeyeCrappie]

Come to think of it, i could use another boat!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

X2, 3, 4, etc.......

[Grumpy1]

I really like fishing out of my RT188C but it’s all about the options. I have a Helix 9 SI at the console and a Helix 9 Mega DI on the Ultrex and added a HB 360 earlier this year. I spider rig fall, winter and some in the spring and pull crankbaits in the summer. I recommend setting it up to start with the way you want it. I also agree that you can get a Ranger or Xpress for not much more than a Tracker. I looked at the thickness of the aluminum when comparing brands; figured thicker was better.


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[lowe rider]

I’ve had the Triton 18TX ( Ranger188 hull) for 4 years and I’ve been happy with it. I fish for crappie and bass both and I bought the bass version because I wanted the extra storage. It sits flat on the water and fishes very well. I have the 115hp Mercury 4 stroke and the trim unit started acting up and it was replaced under warranty. Other than that it’s been flawless.
If you were to buy the bass version I’d get the 3 seat pedestals as a factory option. My boat was bought off the showroom floor as a close out but I wish it had them.

["G"]

Take a look at the SeaArks