Thread: RT 188 motors

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  1. #1
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    RT 188 motors

    I know everyone has their motor bias, but I'm wondering what motors are doing the best on the Rt 188. I'm not overly concerned with speed, reliability is the main thing for me. And I definitely want a 4stroke. Basically it comes down to a decision between 115 proxs and 115 sho, am I right? Also, what are the 90 horse motors running on the 188 if anybody has one.

  2. Papap
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    #2
    I have the Suzuki 115ss on mine
    2016 Ranger RT188
    Suzuki 115SS
    80# Fourtrex
    Lowrance HDS 10 & 9

  3. Member
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    #3
    Oh cool, what are your thoughts on it so far

  4. Member tcesni's Avatar
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    #4
    I would be curious is anyone has Merc's new 4-stroke 90 on their boat. The RT188 performs well with the 90 Opti but I've not yet seen a 4-stroke.
    2018 Ranger RT188 SC Black/115 hp Yamaha SHO 4-stroke; Garmin LVS34 - north
    2018 Ranger RT188 DC Black/115 hp Merc Pro XS 4-stroke; Garmin LVS34 - south
    14' Mirrorcraft tin boat (ancient) with a 9.9 Mercury 4-stroke, no electronics; catches fish anyway

  5. Member
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    #5
    Don't leave the Yamaha F115 off your short list. Solid performer and very reliable.
    Last edited by Ship; 08-03-2016 at 05:32 PM.

  6. Member
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    #6
    Suzuk or yammy!!!! The Yammy F115 has a lot of thumbs up!!!

  7. Member Bobcat55's Avatar
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    #7
    I got a Yamaha SHO 115 on mine. Had I of ordered a boat I would have went Suzuki because I have a certified mechanic 20 miles away. That's the important part. Have a mechanic close by certified to do warranty work.

    Crappie fish fry. It don't taste any better.

  8. Member justsomeguy's Avatar
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    #8
    Going 4 stroke go Hammer or Zuke..
    1995 Viper 201D
    1995 Johnson Venom 200
    Gas mileage is for sissies

  9. Member
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    #9
    Thanks for the opinions fellas

  10. Member
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    #10
    Mercury Pro XS four stroke is pretty quick. Other than the dealer mounting my Jack plate too high, it's awesome. Very good on fuel.
    2017 Triton 18 TRX
    200 Mercury Pro XS opti


  11. Member Panama's Avatar
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    #11
    I would buy my Yamaha F115 again in a heartbeat. I have never had trouble with it and have run it a lot. That would be my first choice.
    Second place would be the Merc or Suzuki depending on if you have good Suzuki support in service near you. Sometimes good mechanics are hard to find.

    Sorry about the Rude and I am sure they are and will be great engines.....no offense to anyone, but I am through owning two strokes....especially after owning this Yamaha F115 for the last three years (almost).
    ----------------------------
    The bitterness of poor quality is remembered
    long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten - Benjamin Franklin

    2013 RANGER RT188 - YAMAHA F115 - ULTREX - LOWRANCE GRAPHS
    LOCK-N-HAUL Transom Saver, ALL ABOARD Emergency Ladder
    1996 RANGER CHEROKEE - 40 YAMAHA

  12. Member Jeff Hahn's Avatar
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    #12
    Yammy F115
    "The man of system is apt to be very wise in his own conceit; and is often so enamored with the supposed beauty of his own ideal plan of government that he cannot suffer the smallest deviation from any part of it…He seems to imagine that he can arrange the different members of a great society with as much ease as the hand arranges the different pieces upon a chessboard.” Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments

  13. Member XS-Skeet's Avatar
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    #13
    I would be curious is anyone has Merc's new 4-stroke 90 on their boat. The RT188 performs well with the 90 Opti but I've not yet seen a 4-stroke.
    I have a 2014 RT188 with the 90 Merc 4 stroke on it. I picked it up in April of 15, and as it was a 14 model carry over I got a pretty good deal on it.

    With myself and fishing partner in the boat, and we are not little guys.. 1/2 to 3/4 bag of gas and all our crap, I see anywhere from 39 to 42 on the GPS speed @ WOT depending on water and weather conditions. Fast enough for us! We don't tournament fish, so it's strictly an enjoyable day on the water.

    I recently put the 17P 4 Blade spitfire X7 on it, and did not really see any speed change, but handles much better in hard turns.

    So.. Yeah, I'm happy with the 90...

  14. Member
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    #14
    I would ask you to consider that you can cruise in a 115 at the WOT of the 90, burning the same fuel. I cruise at 44@4800 and 46@5000. Yesterday, I was racing a storm to the landing and I'm glad I could go 48.
    2015 Ranger RT188 DC; BassCat Storage Box; Mercury Optimax 115ProXS;
    19" Spitfire X7; Vessel View Mobile; Minn Kota Ultrex 80; GForce Handle;
    TM Eliminator; Helix 7 G2N SI Combo F/R; HydroWave KVD; BBT 4" Angled Bow Mount; Durasafe Locks for Electronics and Ultrex;
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  15. FOOTLONG MEMBER Ranger RT's Avatar
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    #15
    Yamaha
    2013 Pre-Johnny Ranger RT 178
    115 PRO XS
    Due to the increase of ammunition prices... There will be no warning shots
    Honda certified Master technician 33 Years

  16. Member XS-Skeet's Avatar
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    #16
    Yesterday, I was racing a storm to the landing and I'm glad I could go 48.
    Excellent point...

  17. Member
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    #17
    Will be picking up one with the Suzuki as well. Heard great things and more importantly, I've heard nothing bad. It looks sharp too on that charcoal gray hull

  18. Member
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    #18
    I ran a Yamaha 90 on an express boat for 12 years with 0 problems . Well guess what's on my RT188 . ��

    It's all good !
    2016 Ranger RT188 White
    Yamaha 115 sho
    motorguide Xi5 80 with pinpoint gps
    Lowrance elite 5 ti with total scan console
    Lowrance hook 5 bow

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