Ranger RT188 vs Lund Renegade 1875

[keng8554]

I'm getting ready to make my first boat purchase and I am stuck deciding between these 2 boats. I'm having a heck of a time. As there aren't any local boats available for me to sit in and get a feel for I will have to make a decision on which to order. They both seem like very nice boats with similar options and slightly different lay outs. They both can be fitted with the same Merc 115 pro xs.

It seems like the Renegade might be a couple thousand cheaper.
I can get the Lund from an in-town dealer. Where as the Ranger will have to be bought at least 60 miles away.
Also, the in-town Lund dealer sells aftermarket electronics at cost and installs them for free. So that saved cash when buying the Lund might go that much further in accessories.

I am just wondering what others might use for a deciding factor?

[tjsellsfords]

Storage, livewell and standard features.

[Bassman25]

get the most boat for the money that you can afford and add the electronics etc later. I just ordered a RT198P Ranger because of the fit and finish is spot on and perfect and I am a picky picky person.

[tharris811]

1st off NOBODY sell their acc. for cost and then installs them for FREE. I he does he will not be in business very long..

[keng8554]

1st off NOBODY sell their acc. for cost and then installs them for FREE. I he does he will not be in business very long..

Lol... I didn't make this up. You have to buy the boat new from them, so I guess that's where the profit comes from.

A co-worker told me this was the case when he bought his boat and the sales rep confirmed. Perhaps the electronics come at a discount, but installation is definitely free.

[Jeff Hahn]

I have a friend with an RT188 that I fish with a few times a year. Very nice boat. However, when considering only tin boats, Lund makes the best in the market. So, I'd have to go with the Lund, especially since you have a local dealer.

[keng8554]

get the most boat for the money that you can afford and add the electronics etc later. I just ordered a RT198P Ranger because of the fit and finish is spot on and perfect and I am a picky picky person.

188 is the best fit for my garage. So I can't go any bigger and I definitely want aluminum. I will be fishing lots of shallow water with hazards and don't want to worry about the hull. I am also pulling it with a mid-size SUV so weight is important. I drive a toyota 4runner with towing capacity of 4700 lbs.

[keng8554]

I have a friend with an RT188 that I fish with a few times a year. Very nice boat. However, when considering only tin boats, Lund makes the best in the market. So, I'd have to go with the Lund, especially since you have a local dealer.

Thanks for the input! I sure hope I wont have any hull issues, but if I do it would be nice to drop it off in town rather driving 1 hour on the interstate. The in town dealer is an authorized Mercury shop as well, so engine trouble wouldn't make a difference since I should be able to have that handled in town regardless of the hull.