did anyone ever get confirmation about whether or not there is room under the console to install a hot foot on the new Ranger RT198P?
did anyone ever get confirmation about whether or not there is room under the console to install a hot foot on the new Ranger RT198P?
I have one on my RT188, its tight but it works. I'd say it shouldn't be a problem on a 198. I wouldn't buy one a 198 if I couldn't have a hotfoot. IMO its a necessity on a boat like that.
i was at dealer sat. they said it can be done but would have to modify foot rest at factory
Should find out soon asked ranger to install dealer told me if they coulee the he would it's been 4-5 weeks since I orderd it any day now I hope
This is my post from June 22 and also the latest information I have from Ranger as off last Monday:
I held up on my order until I could get confirmation from Ranger. I asked if they would leave off the new sloped pieces under the consoles on my boat. They agreed to modify my boat and I placed the order last week. There is not enough floor space to mount a hot foot with the piece in place. If I remember correctly, the pieces are screwed to the back of the front deck but don't hold me to that. Maybe someone has seen one these boats up close and can enlighten us. The problem with removing the piece at the dealer is they are carpeted and although I don't know this for sure, I'm betting the back of the front deck is not finished with paint like the RT188. So if you remove the sloped piece, you're probably going to see unpainted aluminum under the consoles and that's not going to be pretty.For those who may be thinking of ordering the new RT198, here is some new information that may interest you.
Ranger is going to install a 4” Atlas jackplate on a RT 198 tomorrow and test it. Testing will take approximately 3 weeks. They suspect that it will be approved and OK’d after testing but at this point that can’t be confirmed.
On another note, it doesn't look good for those who want a hot foot. They will not install a hotfoot but the dealer can.
However, it doesn't look like there will be room for one - due to that angled piece on the floor that they have added. The reason they did the angled floor piece was to have something for your feet to brace against in rough water.
I don't see why they couldn't stop the angle about 10" from the starboard side to allow for a hot foot. Maybe if the dealers complain they will review the new design.
IMO, it would be simple to solve this problem by stopping the slope at about the center of the driver's console and wrapping it back into the front deck at a 90 degree angle so if someone wants to install a hotfoot they can and without jumping through hoops. I think the problem at Ranger is the tin operation is separate from the glass operation. The tin people are not accustomed to their boats approaching speeds of 60 MPH and don't understand the importance of having both hands on the wheel. That certainly takes precedence over a place to rest your feet. I would recommend sharing this info with your dealers and ask them to call Ranger. Hopefully, if enough dealers call they will make a very simple design change that will benefit others down the road.
The specs on my boat and I have at least 6 more grueling weeks to wait:
White
MERC 150 4S
Fishing Package
15x3 Charger
Auto Bilge
Extra Deck Strap
Passenger Console
Atlas Hydraulic JP (if approved)
Hot Foot
Blinker Turn Style Trim
Ranger Custom Cover
Retractable Tie Downs
Aluminum Spare
MK Fortrex 80
DEKA AGM Batteries
Ranger Bike Seat/ Pro Pole
Stainless Prop
Tilt Steering
Ladder
6" Balzout @ Bow
Garmin 93SV Bow
Dek-It Console Mount
Garmin 93SV Console w/ Data Sharing
Ram Mount Console
Garmin 73SV Console w/ Data Sharing
Stern Saver
G-Force TM Handle
Rigid TM Light Kit
LED Flood Backup Lights
Last edited by Wackyman; 08-31-2016 at 02:21 PM.
Hang on a minute....I think I've got a bite!
2017 Ranger RT188 * Merc 115 4 S Pro XS * Spitfire X7 19P
Should be a very nice rig. I have been waiting on a 150 powered Ranger tin only to be disappointed. I cannot for the life of me figure out why you would make a boat rated for 150 hp that is not compatible with both the hotfoot and jack plate.
any developments on this issue yet? I was at a Ranger dealer yesterday and they knew nothing of it.
Wait a year or two. They will allow it eventually. Just like the 188. Sales.
See my previous post above for more details.
My boat was ordered on 8/22. Ranger agreed to modify the sloped panel so the dealer can install the hotfoot. If you want to order the RT198P and want a hotfoot you will have to get the dealer to call Ryan Patterson. He will put in a special change order for your boat. I suspect they will make this change on all boats if enough dealers ask for it.
I'm not sure what the modification will look like but I'm hoping they just paint the back of the front deck like my RT188.
Also, I was told on 9/11 they started testing an Atlas jackplate on the boat. The test were to go on for about 3 weeks and they suspected the jp would then become an option. We should be hearing something any day.
When my boat goes into the rigging department I hope to have more details.
Hang on a minute....I think I've got a bite!
2017 Ranger RT188 * Merc 115 4 S Pro XS * Spitfire X7 19P
Great info thanks. I had his number about a year ago and noticed when I called it a few weeks ago I got another department. They put me thru to one of their engineers. I was thinking he was one of the guys that left.
Whackyman,
What is a stern saver? I'm not familiar with that item. Are talking about a motor support?
Phillip "Wade" Norris
2015 Ranger Z520C
250 Merc Optimax Pro XS (S# 2B113454)
25P Fury - 4 blade all holes open
Here is a Youtube link:
Hang on a minute....I think I've got a bite!
2017 Ranger RT188 * Merc 115 4 S Pro XS * Spitfire X7 19P
Very cool. I haven't seen this item before. Thanks for the information.
Phillip "Wade" Norris
2015 Ranger Z520C
250 Merc Optimax Pro XS (S# 2B113454)
25P Fury - 4 blade all holes open
Wackyman,
Were you able to get your boat modified for a hot foot and get the jack plate? If so could you provide some pics. Thanks.
What is the 'Fishing Package' on the 198? I couldn't seem to find an explanation on the website.
2017 Ranger RT188, Dual Console, Crystal Red Metallic, Mercury 115 Pro XS Four Stroke, Command Thrust with Tempest 24P, 52 MPH GPS @ 5200 RPM
Motor Guide 80 lb Xi5 Pin Point/GPS , Lowrance HDS 7 w/Totalscan @ Console, Lowrance Elite 7 TI @ Bow; Romans 6:23
The fishing package on an RT 198 contains the following: coin box (between the driver and passenger seats), custom Ranger boat cover, boat buckle tie downs on the trailer and a spare tire.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
They ever figure out a way to put a hotfoot, allow jack plate, and dual anchors I'll buy one but until then no thanks.
You can add a 6" plate and have dual power poles. I do not have a hot foot and am taking it off my 521c as well so I did ask that question.