RANGER RT 188

[jblair267]

     New to the forum thing but have found a lot of good, interesting information.  I'm at a crossroads.  I am thinking on pulling the trigger on a Ranger RT188.  I've had an Xpress 18ft. w/115 yamaha.  I've had a G3 with 90 yamaha.  The Xpress was hard to beat but I found the fit/finish on the G3 was great. The Ranger quality is impressive.  I have always been partial to Yamaha in the past but have read up on the new Mercury Pro XS 115 with command thrust. I'm not a speed junkie but am curious if you have to sacrifice speed with the CT lower unit.  I've seen many props discussed from Enertia, Fury, Turbo II, Lazer anywhere from 19 up to 25 pitch.  I understand the boat will top out at around 50 which is fine.  I just don't want to get into a boat that tends to porpoise.  I plan on a Hydro. plate to help in some of the areas I fish.  Any thought or suggestions are welcome.

[West6550]

Not sure about the RT188 but I have a VS1780 and love the boat. You are right about the quality. Mine has a Evinrude 115 HO and I have hit 46 mph by myself, full tank of gas and tackle in the boat.

My boat holds 4 people and with 4 it takes a second or 2 longer to get on plane. Mainly because the 2 extra people sit behind me and it puts more weight on the rear of the deck.


With out them it planes ridiculously fast. I have owned 5 boats (aluminum and a big glass boat) or so and it planes quick.

I have the standard aluminum prop.