2009 Ranger 198 opinions

[oscardog]

Anyone have any experience with this model?
Pros/Cons?
Powered by a Yamaha 200 HPDI Series 2.

[jc2bg]

Good hull. Was rebadged with different numbers and in Ranger’s lineup for around a decade. At 19 feet, it’s a good compromise for a lot of waters. No big downside at all, depending upon what you want to do with it.

[oscardog]

I don't fish any big water. I'm retired so only fish during the week, not a tournament guy anymore and if the wind is going to blow pretty hard I just stay home or fish a smaller lake close to home.
Thanks

[jc2bg]

I think you’d really like it. Just a tad bit smaller than my Z519, which to me is the perfect mid-size boat. And the Yamaha HPDI series has a strong reputation. Maybe post a query on the Yamaha forum and ask what to look for in that model/year engine. Good luck.

[Whiteboat]

I don't fish any big water. I'm retired so only fish during the week, not a tournament guy anymore and if the wind is going to blow pretty hard I just stay home or fish a smaller lake close to home.
Thanks

Under these circumstances, you will love this boat. I ran a 519vx for eight years, which is an earlier version of the 198vx, and it is my favorite Ranger out of the seven Rangers I have owned. Excellent layout and fishability. The rough water ride was very average for a 19' boat which is the only bad thing I can say about this boat.

If Ranger reintroduced it again, I would probably buy it.

[oscardog]

Thanks for the info. I might just go after it.

[Crankin]

I'm looking for that exact hull now in a used boat. I think for what you are going to be using it for I would go for it. The HPDI is awesome !!

[Javelin387]

I own a 2009 Ranger 198vx Dual Console. The only regrets that have are the passenger console takes up too much room (the wife made me have it) and I should have had the dual axle trailer instead of the single axle. I really love this boat though, I have the 200 Etec and it screams on this boat. Do yourself a favor and get lithium batteries, they will make a big difference on performance.

[bngolfen]

Great fishing boat. Liked mine, purchased a 521 like it too.

[wmitch2]

You'll love it !! the HPDI is an awesome motor too ! PLUS @ 19'8" it should fit in your garage !! ( The single console is a plus, or I think you can remove that one if a Duel )

[Javelin387]

You'll love it !! the HPDI is an awesome motor too ! PLUS @ 19'8" it should fit in your garage !! ( The single console is a plus, or I think you can remove that one if a Duel )

The 2009 Ranger 198VX is not 19'8", it is exactly 19'.

[OsageJoe]

If it's the one at Pro's choice.. you need to jump on it. Nice boat

[buster502]

If it's the one at Pro's choice.. you need to jump on it. Nice boat

i made them a offer yesterday on it, it looks like its its been well taken care of

[Bassin Bob71]

That's a sharp rig. I see it says pending so congrats in advance

[OsageJoe]

Good deal. Looks like a nice rig

[buster502]

it was sold last week

[wmitch2]

The 2009 Ranger 198VX is not 19'8", it is exactly 19'.

Hmm, my bad !! I have a 205 and it's 20'5" so I thought the 198 was 19'8", sorry, but even better to fit in the garage !!!

[buster502]

looks like the perfect size for me

[diveshades]

My previous boat was a 2010 198 single console with the same Yamaha HPDI. My only complaint on the Yamaha is that it uses LOTS of gas and oil for its displacement. It also runs on 2 cylinders at idle and I had it on a no wake lake quite a bit and I fouled the plugs once because of Yamaha's design and idling around for to long. If you are not doing much idling around, it should not be an issue. The motor performed well for this hull and I would recommend the 6" jack plate to get the best performance. The hull is nice for your use and the center compartment up front is great for tackle storage. Best of luck!