Looking at a 198p

[kycrappie11]

Posted this in the ranger forum figured I might get more traffic here.

I'm looking at getting a 198p, I've been torn on wanting a fiberglass boat or a tin rig. I currently have a small tin rig that is used for crappie fishing and have owned 21ft glass boats before.
I was just looking for input on these 198ps? It's a 2020 model, when I do a search on this forum or anywhere else all I see is cracked hulls. Thanks for the feed back.

[bassfisher444]

Posted this in the ranger forum figured I might get more traffic here.

I'm looking at getting a 198p, I've been torn on wanting a fiberglass boat or a tin rig. I currently have a small tin rig that is used for crappie fishing and have owned 21ft glass boats before.
I was just looking for input on these 198ps? It's a 2020 model, when I do a search on this forum or anywhere else all I see is cracked hulls. Thanks for the feed back.

I was in the same situation you were and had the same thoughts. I liked the 198p but I kept hearing reports of the hulls cracking, not to mention the performance issues people were having and needing to grind the welds on the back to make it run right. I ended up getting a few year older fiberglass boat for less than what I could find a used 2017-2020 198P for.

[Mechanic Bob]

Just saying you are NOT going to find posts about "How Great They Are". People only post Bitches and complaints.

Over all I have been very happy with my rig.

[Upstate Gamecock]

Just saying you are NOT going to find posts about "How Great They Are". People only post Bitches and complaints.

Over all I have been very happy with my rig.

I have same rig . No problems with mine either .

[pabasshawk]

I have had mine for 4 years and have fished some big waters with it, does everything I want it to with no problems so far. I would definitely buy another one.

[catdude28]

As mentioned, you will hear mostly about issues, but not happy owners. If you are concerned about cracked welded hulls, then look at brands with riveted aluminum hulls in that style.

[Dmy-rt188p]

Not the same, but am happy with my 2022 RT 188P. It's a great fishing platform. While safety in big water is always paramount, consider the amount of time you spend running the big motor compared to the time you spend fishing from the front deck.

[tcesni]

The 208p is another option.

[Bill Reynolds]

The 208p is another option.

I just saw this in the latest Bass Pro Shop fishing catalog. $20K more than a 198P. I hope they have one at the local boat show in February, very interested in the hull manufacturing process.

[Rebelkris76]

I have a 2020 RT198p and have been very pleased with it. As stated above, it does everything I need. Plenty of room, even for 3 (over) grown men fishing in it. It's a relatively heavy hull - for a tin - and performs very well in rough water (again, for a tin boat). It has its limitations no doubt...it'll get you a little wet in really rough water, has a tendency to lean a little if two or three fishermen are on the same side and is definitely no speed demon. I have had no quality issues with mine but I also do not abuse it. No matter what brand, material or build process, if you abuse a boat it's going to show. I have mine completely loaded - hydraulic jackplate (highly recommended), dual power poles, Ultrex, 4 - 12" graphs, MEGA 360, AT, trick step, keel guard (yes, it can be done) and a host of other add-ons and upgrades. Feel free to PM me for more information, pics, etc.

Reb

[King_Fish]

I have had mine for 4 years and have fished some big waters with it, does everything I want it to with no problems so far. I would definitely buy another one.

X2

[Mechanic Bob]

X2

Where you been? I hope you have been to busy catching!

[javjoe]

No complains at all about my 2018, it's been a great boat!