RT 178

coldfront · July 22, 2013, 09:54:07 AM

turned 50 this spring. have been thinking new boat for over 10 years and decided I hadn't done anything really stupid for a while...

finally took delivery of this boat in mid-June. Have been working on getting the outboard 'broke-in'...which can be challenging as most lakes around here are no-wake/5 mph max. Where we do have lakes that allow higher speeds, they get a lot of skiers, tubers and PWC...and all on a lake in the 1000-1800 acre size...

took some photos yesterday...
Ranger RT 178 with some upgraded electronics, trolling motor. Maxed out rated HP with a new optimax. 17.5 ft. 92-inch beam. 30 gallon re-cirulating livewell. no-wood construction, lots of storage including rod box for 8-foot rods (7)...

3-blade prop has a 17pitch. Getting 38mph GPS at WOT (5600 RPM) with full livewell, full gas tank, 3 batteries, full equipment load and me...guess that's not too bad...but thinking about a 4-blade and tweaking the pitch a bit...

my fishing buddy isn't fond of getting her photo taken...

Deadeye · July 22, 2013, 06:59:02 PM

Glad you found what you wanted and I wish you many years of happiness in it!

Donald Garner · July 22, 2013, 07:24:03 PM

CF,

Congrats on the new boat it looks great.

Craig314 · July 22, 2013, 07:47:32 PM

Sweet ride, Have to give us a full report when you get her broke in, got to love a ranger.

coldfront · July 22, 2013, 08:00:47 PM

lots of great boats out there...this is the one that just finally followed me home. expecting 20-30 years of garage kept use...

fishinfranklin · July 24, 2013, 10:12:38 PM

That's a sweet boat!!! Congrats, sure it will give you
many years.

3deez · July 25, 2013, 08:35:06 AM

should get you through your mid life crisis quite well. congrats.

Deadeye · November 01, 2013, 08:14:46 AM

Well now that you have had it for a while any update on your likes and/or dislikes? I have heard that both the Ranger and the Triton (same hull with slight differences on interior) ride very well and fish good with out to much of that side dip/lean that is common with aluminum boats.

Not sure if I want to go aluminum on the next boat but if I did ones of these would be near the top of the list.

coldfront · November 01, 2013, 09:22:14 AM

Quote from: Deadeye on November 01, 2013, 08:14:46 AM
Well now that you have had it for a while any update on your likes and/or dislikes? I have heard that both the Ranger and the Triton (same hull with slight differences on interior) ride very well and fish good with out to much of that side dip/lean that is common with aluminum boats.

Not sure if I want to go aluminum on the next boat but if I did ones of these would be near the top of the list.

I use this boat HARD...that's why aluminum is for me. It is not a glass boat, but it does ride very very similarly to a friends boat I've been in: Nitro 482... now, it's not really 'fair' to talk about ride at WOT when comparing 38mph vs mid-50mph...but this Ranger RT 178 rides really really nicely.

also, as I'm not a fan of running out in water with 2 foot or higher swells, I can't speak to those situations...but probably would prefer not to be out in those conditions in a 17.5 foot boat anyway...

fish-ability: have been exceedingly happy. side to side 'lateral' stability is amazing. I'm a very big (fat AND big boned

) guy and have shared this boat with up to two other guests and as always 'the dog'...we move around well and don't worry about staying 'on centerline'...

Over all, I cannot imagine a better designed/laid out aluminum boat for bass fishing. Deck space and storage are very very good.

Now, since nothing is ever exactly the way 'I want it' there are some things for me to be a bit picky about:

1. this is a fairly heavy boat for aluminum. the underdeck floation/foam that gives this boat a very solid ride also make it a bit heavier. I'd like room for one more battery so I could have the option of a Fortrex 101. I am one who believes a guy can never EVER have too much Trolling motor. I did upgrade to the 80lb Foretrex and it works great
2. it does catch more wind than a glass boat...so it tends to 'turn' in windy conditions more easlily than glass, I think.
3. Ranger has a rub rail on this boat. That is absolutely great in an aluminum boat...but one area where I struggle with this is how it 'finishes' at the stern corner. I've said I use this boat HARD...specifically, I'm running it in backs of coves/lakes with lots of standing timber and going through tight spaces. the rub rail at the stern 'tackdown' point (a screw) can compress and the screw 'hangs up' on standing timber as I pass by...am constantly replacing screws that get bent. Not sure how to go about 'fixing' this... then again, I'm an aluminum guy; I don't boat like a glass guy...perhaps it's time I started learning?
4. Seating: seating is awesome. What I've wondered about is this: the drivers/passenger seats are on a 'box' ... this gives great underseat storage that I love...but it's the tight spaces 'around' the box that collect dead leaves, dust...things can fall between... that I wish weren't there.
5. livewell: for the life of me, I can't figure this t hing out. Just about every time it gets an air bubble and won't pump water. man that's frustrating.
6. console/dash: only enough space for an HDS 7...nothing bigger. I'd LOVE to have had the option for NO GUAGES so I could put a bigger sonar unit there and keep tabs on my data electronically.
7. Outboard rating. max hp for this boat is 75hp. that's plenty of outboard, and in fact, 'a lot'. While I'm not a guy to succumb to -2-foot-itis' I do have a bit of 'more power' in me. this boat would handle a 90hp ... and would be awesome to run with that 90... I know that thre are many reasons to not power it at that level or offer than option...but boy do I wish they would have. I'd be running a '90' instead of the 75.

As I talked to Ranger and will write this up better and share with Ranger later this fall...I realize that what I want is all the ammenities of glass in an aluminum boat. I really don't view this boat as 'entry level' just because it's aluminum. for me, it's the current pinnacle of functionality in an aluminum boat.

Only one other boat that I have seen comes close (and maybe surpassed this): the Triton V176magnum series.

these are my thoughts...I've tried to explain them as clearly as I can...pictures make a lot of difference. (will see if I can add some from my time on the boat tomorrow).

I absolutely LOVE this boat; how it handles and how it fishes. I bought it new so it wasn't 'cheap'...but then again, if I'd have tried to wait and purchase a gently used boat, I'd probably have gotten one with a 60hp and 'stock' electronics and TM. Decided that looking at the cost and averaging the difference over 20+ years of coming use, I could afford it.

I'm estimating that a boat with the same set up as I have on this would run somewhere in the $23-$25K range. Know most folks on here would say 'wow! I can get a whole lotta glass for that'.

yes you can. But I could not do what I do with this boat if it were glass. This boat will be doing just fine and 'the same' 20 years from now. I would beat a glass boat to death in 5 years.

Long term, this is my best value approach.

Love to discuss any thoughts, ideas with anyone... thanks for the opportunity to share a bit.

one more thing: I did not look at the triton aluminum series...not sure how different they are...if much. And am NOT saying that there aren't a bunch of great aluminum offerings out there; there are. This Ranger RT 178, though, is almost exactly what I want in a boat. Alumiminum or glass.

Nice job Ranger!

fishinfranklin · November 01, 2013, 09:43:31 AM

WOW !! What a great review of your RT 178

Craig314 · November 01, 2013, 10:27:56 AM

Outstanding review if I went back to a tin boat i would look hard at this one, thank you for the write up.

Deadeye · November 01, 2013, 11:42:20 AM

Thanks for the great report! This is what I like to see someone that actually has and uses a boat tell about it instead of a video of some paid guy telling you why this boat is the ONE.

From what I can tell both Ranger and Triton hulls are made in the same factory and go down separate lines for interior. Designs for lay-out are identical. Consul dash and gauges are different. Fishing seats are different: ranger has one-piece-seat, and triton has removable seat lining and both are styled different. Carpet is similar but different. A little more paint on boat sides with the Triton. Under seat storage in Ranger is rubber floor, Triton is carpet.

Their livewell capacity blows away every other tin I've looked at, with 30 gallons. Fit and finish looked great. Option of 4-stroke 115 on the 18's. Dual Consul option. More other options offered than any other I've seen.

Only thing I wish was they they would of stayed with the center rod box on the 17's. Probably was a space issue.

They both look like great boats and I hope you continue to enjoy yours.

coldfront · November 01, 2013, 12:46:56 PM

Quote from: Deadeye on November 01, 2013, 11:42:20 AM
Their livewell capacity blows away every other tin I've looked at, with 30 gallons. Fit and finish looked great. Option of 4-stroke 115 on the 18's. Dual Consul option. More other options offered than any other I've seen.

Only thing I wish was they they would of stayed with the center rod box on the 17's. Probably was a space issue.

They both look like great boats and I hope you continue to enjoy yours.

will enjoy this boat for what I expect to be 'the rest of my fishing life'...I'm 50. So at least 20 years...and maybe then, depending upon the stock market, I get a newer one? who knows? might still love this one...

centerline rod boxes are always my preference. but I've gotten to appreciate this one even so.

that is a BIG livewell on this boat. 30 gallons. Have had no problems with full limit in it all day...just have to keep running fresh water in... the challenge is for battery...not what the boat capability is.

One last point: I thought long/hard about this purchase...did I want to buy a 'first year model'... wouldn't surprise me to see a change or two (small) come about as they go forward...but yes, this is a great piece of fishing equipment.

I chose the 178 over the 188 because I was looking for the smallest boat that had the amenities I wanted. then there's that pesky garage space thing. this isn't the 70's anymore and doggone it, folks seem to want to build garages just big enough to park my tricycle.

Deadeye · November 01, 2013, 07:35:36 PM

Quote from: coldfront on November 01, 2013, 12:46:56 PM

then there's that pesky garage space thing. this isn't the 70's anymore and doggone it, folks seem to want to build garages just big enough to park my tricycle.

LOL. Isn't that the TRUTH!

Bigwrench · November 01, 2013, 07:55:27 PM

I really enjoyed your take on your new Ranger. Sounds like you have really put it through its paces and know where it shines and where it could be different for what you use it for. Thank you for a very thorough write up and review !

Donald Garner · November 01, 2013, 08:47:17 PM

CF,

Great review on your Ranger........Thanks for putting it together and sharing it.

Deadeye · November 16, 2013, 06:40:42 AM

I was at a dealership that carried these yesterday and got to look them over very well. They are a very well made boat. Also learned a little about the differences between the Ranger and the Triton, both from this place's Manager and from some on-line research.

The Hulls are made the same then split to go down two separate lines. Ranger uses the same Foam System to fill their hulls that they use on their Z series boats, Triton does not and not sure what foam they use. Ranger also reinforces the Transom and parts of the hull with their own product called Protrusiom (?). It is a fiberglass pressed composite that pound for pound is stronger than steel. They own the Patton and no one else can use it. Ranger makes all their components like Consul, Seats and Trailer in-house. Triton uses some other supplies for parts of theirs. The Ranger Trailers are the same as on their Fiberglass Boats and Triton Trailers are made by someones else and shipped in.

In the end the use of the foam and Protrusiom makes the Triton lighter and faster with the same motor set-up, while the Ranger is heavier but more stable and quieter in waves a hull slap.

After looking at the lay out and storage in the RT 188 (more than you think and more than every other 18 ft boat including glass I have looked at) and how you can set them up with the options offered, If I decide to buy a new boat they have definitely moved to equal footing on the top of the list. Fully rigged with a 4-stroke 115, 80 lb Foretrex, 2 HDS7 Touch (one consul/ one bow), Trailer Brakes, Dual Consul, Cover, Extra Bike Seat your looking at around $28,000. That's like a stock Z7 price and definitely worth a look.

coldfront · November 16, 2013, 11:55:24 AM

Deadeye: one area that I didn't think about up front...

I upgraded to the fortrex too...and the custom cover wasn't cut to fit it. what I ended up doing is installing the quick release mount...rather than take the dealer up on a 'recut' option.

lots of moving parts with a new purchase and a new model... might not hurt to ask up front...

my solution works great. I just have to take the TM off the mount when I want to cover the boat.

again, I;m not complaining here...but suspect a lot of folks would be like me: I spend even $10 I'd like it to be 'right'...

Deadeye · November 17, 2013, 07:51:58 AM

That is good info to know about the Foretrex not fitting with the cover. Would make for some more negotiating with the dealer for a fix before order.

Place I looked at them at had just got 14 of them in and had had 7 of them sold already. Said they had another 15 on order. The manager told me that most were opting for the more standard package of RT178 with the 60 and stock trolling or the RT188 with the 115 and stock trolling to keep pricing down. Told me they had sold a lot and everyone seems very happy with them.

mojo · December 25, 2013, 09:48:46 AM

I looked at both the 178 and 188 and when I can swing it have decided on the 188.

Deadeye · May 23, 2015, 06:00:47 AM

Well it has been 2 years almost since your bought your new Ranger RT 178, How's it holding up and do you still like it?

I got a chance to look at both the 2014 and 2015 models two days ago. WOW some great changes they made for 2015!

Really liking the RT 178 now and the more I looked at the lay-out the more I liked it even better than the 188.

So how about an Update?

steve76 · May 23, 2015, 08:16:35 AM

I keep re-reading this thread and have it narrowed down to the Ranger or a G3 sportsman 17 with a Yamaha 90 for my new boat. Love the detailed and honest review Coldfront.

coldfront · May 23, 2015, 07:13:53 PM

Quote from: Deadeye on May 23, 2015, 06:00:47 AM
Well it has been 2 years almost since your bought your new Ranger RT 178, How's it holding up and do you still like it?

I got a chance to look at both the 2014 and 2015 models two days ago. WOW some great changes they made for 2015!

Really liking the RT 178 now and the more I looked at the lay-out the more I liked it even better than the 188.

So how about an Update?

Deadeye:
the update? moved to Chattanooga late December. Have had this boat out on Chickamauga now about 6 times. Today as a matter of fact. Ended up getting off the water after about 8 hours and am a little 'seasick'... lots of wakes out there today...water was rocking and rolling a bit with all the Memorial weekend boaters...

I could not be happier with this boat...although at times I sure wish I could have a larger outboard and close in on 50mph... typically find myself running on Chick at about 4800 rpm's which falls between 30 and 31 mph (GPS) depending on whether I'm into the wind or with it.

WOT is still at a touch over 38...

livewell works great...have provided taxi service for some nice specimens the past few weekends.

Here's one:

other than top end speed, am very happy with my boat. runs great. handles well.

finding that it's not nearly as windy day to day here as it was back in Nebraska...boat handles the wind, water, waves here very well.

yep. I'm good. made the right call for me.

Deadeye · May 24, 2015, 08:13:46 AM

Quote from: coldfront on May 23, 2015, 07:13:53 PM
Quote from: Deadeye on May 23, 2015, 06:00:47 AM
Well it has been 2 years almost since your bought your new Ranger RT 178, How's it holding up and do you still like it?

I got a chance to look at both the 2014 and 2015 models two days ago. WOW some great changes they made for 2015!

Really liking the RT 178 now and the more I looked at the lay-out the more I liked it even better than the 188.

So how about an Update?

Deadeye:
the update? moved to Chattanooga late December. Have had this boat out on Chickamauga now about 6 times. Today as a matter of fact. Ended up getting off the water after about 8 hours and am a little 'seasick'... lots of wakes out there today...water was rocking and rolling a bit with all the Memorial weekend boaters...

I could not be happier with this boat...although at times I sure wish I could have a larger outboard and close in on 50mph... typically find myself running on Chick at about 4800 rpm's which falls between 30 and 31 mph (GPS) depending on whether I'm into the wind or with it.

WOT is still at a touch over 38...

livewell works great...have provided taxi service for some nice specimens the past few weekends.

Here's one:

other than top end speed, am very happy with my boat. runs great. handles well.

finding that it's not nearly as windy day to day here as it was back in Nebraska...boat handles the wind, water, waves here very well.

yep. I'm good. made the right call for me.

West6550 · June 01, 2015, 08:18:47 PM

Love this review, I too have been keeping up with this post.

I am looking at the Triton, Ranger, and Crestliner. I too have a post 1970's garage lol. The boat and trailer need to fit in my 20' garage. So 17' boats are what I'm looking at.