So many months ago I ordered a ranger rt198p, and with it i requested to have the ultrex 80 with 45 shaft installed amongst other things when it came in. Well the boat finally arrived the other day and the dealer said theres one issue.... The ultrex 80 with 45 shaft is on back order and would take another 3-4 weeks to get in but he has a 52 model in stock. Is it worth having that extra length or wait for the 45??
(Leave your comments and shaft jokes below)
If you fish choppy water the extra length won't hurt.
I can't see a down side...as long as the TM doesn't impede the front deck or hang over the side too far while in the stowed position.
Last edited by Original Tin; 04-17-2018 at 04:46 PM.
on the 52"..........I see you are from NY, and if you fish Erie, or that region at all, definitely a 52"!
you won't regret it.
I have a 52" on my PK 195, and glad I went 52".
l
mine hangs over about 6" too far, but wife doesn't mind!Originally Posted by Original Tin
you asked for it!
Haha i new they were comming!
I like the 52" shaft on my Lund. It does stick-up, but really is not in the way.
If you ordered a cover with your boat, did they make it to fit the 45" shaft? If so, you'd have to have the cover modified if you get the 52" model.
"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
If you like skipping docks, or skipping in general, I would definitely wait on the 45" because a 52" would get in the way unless you lowered it. If you're skipping in shallow water you may not be able to lower it enough. But, like everyone else is saying, if you fish a lot of rough water you may want to go with the 52".
How rough a water you guys think the 198 is going to take to need a 52" shaft? I am not seeing it's that much bigger than the 188 and I seldom...I am talking seldom, have the head of the TM come out of the water. Maybe it's the 265 pound anchor standing on the front deck?
So far I count 3 cons...
1) Cover will need to be modified.
2) Skipping docks could be difficult.
3) What waves?? Do you really need the extra length??
Last edited by Original Tin; 04-18-2018 at 04:51 PM.
It’s not a matter of what waves? Every body of water can get rough. It’s a RT 198 not a deep sided Lund. Rangers fish flat. I don’t see it having 7” more freeboard than a RT188. I’ve fished about as rough waters as you want to fish in my 188 and haven’t found the need for a deeper shaft.
If he wants it go for it. I see a hazard at docks, covering, PITA going shallow, plus the head will be sticking up all the time when shallow, maybe a garage? Not to mention the extra weight hanging off the nose. If he still wants/needs it go for it.
I have a 45" one on my RT198 and it sticks out over the side quite a bit. The mount is the same as a Fortrex but the motor itself is bigger than a 45" Fortrex. I wouldn't go with the 52" unless you really need it for big water, which I doubt you'll be going into much with this boat.
2013 Ranger Z520c, 2013 Yamaha 250 SHO
2018 Ranger RT198p, 2013 Mercury 150 Optimax
Adding a forth con...
4) Extra weight at the bow.
As much as it pains me to have to wait even longer for this boat the pros don’t outweigh the cons. Fml
2018 Ranger rt198p
Evinrude E-TEC G2 150
Minn Kota Ultrex 80
Lowrance Elite Ti 12 - bow
Lowrance Elite Ti2 12 - console
I think you're right.
Honestly when this thread began I was all for you getting the longer TM...
But after reading everything I came to the same conclusion...
If you don't need the extra length wait for the shorter TM.
Last edited by Original Tin; 04-18-2018 at 11:34 PM.
I mean ive already waited 18 weeks. Whats another 4
2018 Ranger rt198p
Evinrude E-TEC G2 150
Minn Kota Ultrex 80
Lowrance Elite Ti 12 - bow
Lowrance Elite Ti2 12 - console
18+4=22 ...22 weeks.I mean ive already waited 18 weeks. Whats another 4
You were asking a question, right??
LOL... Hang in there bud...waiting is half the fun.
Wouldn't work in my waters.
2016 Ranger RT178 white
75 4S Merc, VesselView Mobile
Simrad Go7, Baystar hydro, SpitFire X7 17p
Another option for you is to get the 52" and have the shaft cut down to a 45". It would give you the opportunity to experience the 52" in action and you can decide whether you want it shortened or not.
2013 Ranger Z520c, 2013 Yamaha 250 SHO
2018 Ranger RT198p, 2013 Mercury 150 Optimax
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