I am looking a purchasing an RT188 with and Ultrex. I like to fish shallow and deep. Which shaft length is recommended? Anyone have a 45" and wish they had 52"?
I am looking a purchasing an RT188 with and Ultrex. I like to fish shallow and deep. Which shaft length is recommended? Anyone have a 45" and wish they had 52"?
45" should be just fine...what type of water will you be fishing? Some of the folks fishing big water that tend to get into some rough conditions have preferred the 52" over the 45".
2018 Ranger RT198P
Mercury 150 4-Stroke
Mostly small lakes but will be on Sam Rayburn and Toledo on occasion. Of course weather permitting on the big lakes.
If it were me, I would be just fine with the 45" shaft. I currently run a 45" shaft on my RT198 and haven't had any issues or regrets with not getting a 52".Originally Posted by Kuhuna
2018 Ranger RT198P
Mercury 150 4-Stroke
I have a 45 inch Ultrex on my RT188 and it seems fine. I can actually lower it 4 more inches from where I normally run it if I need to but haven’t so far.
I have a 45", too. One thing to consider is the motor head will hang an additional 7" past the side. My 45 hangs 6" over. Whatever length you decide, it will be the finest accessory you will get for the 188.
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;
Twist Step Boarding Ladder; EZEE Step ES1; BAC RAC Rod Storage; Motor Mate Transom Saver
A 45" Ultrex is the next thing on my list to add to mine!
2016 Ranger RT188 Charcoal Metallic Dual Console
2017 Yamaha 115 VMAX SHO SS Prop
Lowrance Elite 7Ti in console
Humminbird Helix 10 SI on BBT Bow Mount
Humminbird Helix 10 SI on a BalZout @ Console
Minn Kota Ultrex 80 - 24V i-Pilot Link
Transducer Shield Mount
Custom step in place of center seat
Trick Step
In the winter I fish Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn in my RT198 with a 45" Ultrex and it's just fine. The only instance where the motor kept coming out of the water was when a brisk SE wind picked up at Indian Mounds but that was my signal to get to more sheltered water.
2013 Ranger Z520c, 2013 Yamaha 250 SHO
2018 Ranger RT198p, 2013 Mercury 150 Optimax
45. I have fished KY lake the last 2 years with it and it rarely comes out of the water. When it does it is really rough days and I'm taking waves over the bow so I go fish shallow anyways.
I'm going against the grain and saying the 52 inch shaft. It allows you to stand on the back deck of the boat in the rough water and make casts if the nose of the boat is pointed into the wind. The 45 will pull out of the water where the 52 keeps you planted. Just have to watch the overhang and not bang it on a dock. I'm glad I went this route on my 198P.
I run the 52” ultrex on my 198 and Im very happy i went with it. If you dont plan on fishing in the nasty stuff you dont need it though.
2018 Ranger rt198p
Evinrude E-TEC G2 150
Minn Kota Ultrex 80
Lowrance Elite Ti 12” - bow
Lowrance Elite Ti2 12” - console
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