Thread: 188p question

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  1. #1
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    188p question

    The front compartments in my 188p seem to always be soaking wet. Is this an issue for anyone else or something I need to look further into?

  2. Charlie Don't Surf! King_Fish's Avatar
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    #2
    make sure your latch mechanisms are tight enough to compress the gaskets. other than that they are pretty decently dry but not 100%
    2018 Ranger RT198p
    Charcoal Metallic
    Etec 150HP G2 HO
    24p Raker Stainless prop
    82# MotorGuide Tour Pro TM
    Fishes as good as anything out there, with the TM down...

  3. Member
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    #3
    Soaking wet at home? Condensation? Can you store it with the lids open?

  4. Member ILbassin's Avatar
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    #4
    Could be condensation issue considering you’re in the southern US. Mine are always dry and it’s stored inside.

  5. Member tcesni's Avatar
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    #5
    Quote Originally Posted by bcpc View Post
    The front compartments in my 188p seem to always be soaking wet. Is this an issue for anyone else or something I need to look further into?
    If they are wet following a fishing trip in the rain then this is pretty common and the carpet can take a very long time to dry out unless the lids are left open for several days and many folks don't have the situation where they can do that on a regular basis.

  6. Member
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    #6
    Initially I thought they were just wet from using it all day, but it seems to be all the time. I am not able to store it indoors, but will try to crack the lids under the cover and see if that helps. I appreciate the ideas.

  7. Member
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    #7
    This is the main concern I have with going tin, my 14 year old glass is bone dry every compartment after 8-10 hours in a soaking downpour so it’s not like it’s that difficult but very few seem to care enough to pull it off.

  8. Member
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    #8
    If you store outdoors, look into compartment fans to cycle the air.
    Also a bilge compartment fan.

    When I store mine indoors and put a box fan above the bilge compartment on low.

  9. Member Bill Reynolds's Avatar
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    #9
    While reading your post, I was trying to determine if the moisture is from condensation. Are there moisture droplets under the lids after it sits overnight?
    If I remember correctly, The RT188P has insulation under the lids but not on the support bar. This is an oversight on Ranger’s part because this uninsulated bar condenses a lot of moisture.
    If the problem is condensed moisture from the air, cracking the lids open should solve the problem.
    One thing I have learned is that you have to start with a dry boat and it can take days of running fans in the compartments to completely dry them after a severe event. My boat came from the factory with wet compartments and it took a while to figure it out.

    I can’t leave my lids open because I leave my tackle in the boat and use a lock-R-Bar for security. My solution has evolved from insulation under the lids to passive vents and finally forced ventilation. The problem is finally solved but it has been a lot of work and frustration.
    this pic shows the compartment vents (ignore the two arrows) and there is a muffin fan in each compartment to draw air in and circulate it through the compartments. The fans are powered by a 115 VAC cable that is linked to the battery charger supply cord so anytime the battery charger is operating, the fans are running.


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  10. Member
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    #10
    I have a 188p with the same issue. I also will have moisture show up in my gauges. I think it is a issue with the cooler. I have opened all the lids and let it dry out, it will stay dry until I put ice in the cooler. I took a bore scope and inspected the cooler. It is not sealed at the top where the plastic liner sits on the deck it attaches to.