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  1. Banned
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    #21
    In that list for an 18 ft boat the crestliner hands down. Thicker aluminum, larger decks, more storage. No brainer.

  2. Member
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    Sep 2018
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    #22
    Good information for thought. Thanks

  3. Member
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    #23
    Yea crestliner has .110. Ranger is .100. But xpress is .125

  4. Member 3dees's Avatar
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    Mar 2011
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    #24
    the PT 18 has .110 on the sides and bottom. the transom is .125.

  5. Member
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    #25
    I like the thicker transom. Helps hold the 150 up.

  6. Member Panama's Avatar
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    Apr 2009
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    Southern USA
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    #26
    I am a fan of Ranger boats. I have been very happy with the RT188 for almost five years and have had a few minor things but that's to be expected. It has been a very durable solid boat and I really really use it a lot. I am retired and fish a lot.

    That said..... I am not a fan of hanging a 150 on a boat with the standard .100 aluminum transom no matter who makes it. Never have thought it was a good idea.

    I would probably buy the Xpress myself because of the thicker hull and transom..... They build a good boat as far as I have heard and I have driven them and fished from them ----- but I have never owned one....not yet.
    ----------------------------
    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

  7. Panfish Forum Moderator SOONER*REDNECK's Avatar
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    #27
    Ranger, Xpress, Crestliner. In that order. All make a fine boat though.

  8. Member ChanceG's Avatar
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    May 2017
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    Little Rock, AR
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    #28
    I would go with Xpress out of those. Thicker aluminum in transom and very nice ride. The new xpress boats are very nice looking as well. Rangers quality control has had some issues but seem that they do address issues some have had. But if you can look at and ride in a Vexus, I think you would be waiting for one of them! They are in a class of there own.
    Always Ready!

  9. Member
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    #29
    Thanks. I would like to see a vexus in person but i dont want to wait a year or more. Lol. Plus im always weary about new brands and products even if its from professionals. Will see how they treat customers in future years with warranty issues. Before ill jump. Lol

  10. Member Bill Reynolds's Avatar
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    Aug 2013
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    The Diamond State
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    #30
    May be further than you want to drive, but our local Vexus Dealer has a fully loaded 1988 in stock.
    Pics here:
    https://www.traderbills.com/default....=xAllInventory

    I try to drive as if my 16 year old Grandson is following me
    Speak as if he is listening and act as if he is watching

  11. Member
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    Sep 2018
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    OH
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    #31
    I want to say a big thank you to gordonsweb. He took me out on his boat for a demo ride. Crestliner pt. It was a smooth riding boat that seemed to have it all. Lets say hole shot almost zero. Touch the throttle and your on plain. Ton of storage. Smooth as butter. Only thing im looking for is a ride in an xpress so i can compare. But crestliner is making a big impression with there factory rep and Gordon for customer appreciation and support.

  12. Member
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    Sep 2018
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    OH
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    #32
    Buy comparing your ranger to xpress you say the xpress doesn't fish as well. Are you meaning stability with 2 guys on board moving around?

  13. Member
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    OH
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    #33
    What engine are you running on your pt 18 3dees?

  14. Member 3dees's Avatar
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    Mar 2011
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    Chicago burbs
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    #34
    150 Pro XS.

  15. Charlie Don't Surf! King_Fish's Avatar
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    Jul 2017
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    Washington, PA
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    #35
    Quote Originally Posted by Big-Dan View Post
    Look at getting a new boat. List is
    Crestliner pt 18
    Xpress x18
    Ranger 198p
    With 150 outboard.
    I live in ohio and prices are so close. Just not sure what to pick. All are welded and seem to be great boats with nice features and finishes. The crestliner and xpress have thicker hulls. My big problem is i can't go see a crestliner or xpress because local dealers non in stock. Anyone near me that owns one who would allow me to check them out? I live between Columbus and i77 . Not afraid to drive a ways to see them. Thanks
    Also any concerns or problems to be aware of or warranty hassles would help.
    Ranger 198p, look no further.

    Call Danny at Wright's Marine down in St. Marys WV (~ 1.5 - 2.0 hrs from ya) and tell him you want to come over and test drive a 198, they will hook you up and you won't look back. They will deal better than what is on the web-site as they are a volume dealer, and are located on the OH river so it's convenient for a test drive.

    Let 'er eat!

    PS. Don't listen to all of that baloney from those folks who are "afraid to hang a 150 on a .100" hull" They have zero hull design experience or the mechanical expertise to rate hull design, mechanical advantage, etc... I, Sir, design boats for a living, R E A L L Y big ones, that keep you all safe at night...

    That being said, any of the ones on your list are probably fine choices.
    Good luck, young man!
    Last edited by King_Fish; 10-13-2018 at 06:41 AM.
    2018 Ranger RT198p
    Charcoal Metallic
    Etec 150HP G2 HO
    24p Raker Stainless prop
    82# MotorGuide Tour Pro TM
    Fishes as good as anything out there, with the TM down...

  16. Member
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    OH
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    #36
    What realistic speed can you run with gear and 2 guys?

  17. Member
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    OH
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    #37
    Thanks for the info. I might try to get with them.

  18. Charlie Don't Surf! King_Fish's Avatar
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    #38
    Quote Originally Posted by Big-Dan View Post
    What realistic speed can you run with gear and 2 guys?
    Realistic, with 2 - 200 # guys and tourney load w/ fish in LW, top is probably 57. Ultimate top end 60.

    55 in that boat is flying.

    If you are really concerned about top end and the need for speed, you are probably better served w/ a 200 on the PT Crest or an Xpress.

    For me I can cruise at 55 all day and I'm good with that.

    This boat takes off like a rocket ship, out of the hole. I could probably give up some of that and eek out a couple more MPH top end by going to a 26 prop, but, I'm not about to start playing the prop-swap game, too old for that nonsense

    You are never gonna have the fastest boat anyway, somebody always faster..

    Keep us posted on your decision.
    2018 Ranger RT198p
    Charcoal Metallic
    Etec 150HP G2 HO
    24p Raker Stainless prop
    82# MotorGuide Tour Pro TM
    Fishes as good as anything out there, with the TM down...

  19. Member Big Al's Avatar
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    Mar 2005
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    WG, Maine
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    5,348
    #39
    Dan,

    The 198P is a pad design hull. You need to look at the Crestliner because I don't believe it is a pad hull. If I remember correctly the Xpress is a pad hull boat also. If you haven't been in these boats, you need to try them out. I had a G3 and my friend has a G3 HP180 and I can tell you it is a huge difference in a pad hull boat compared to something like a Tracker PT 190, which I also owned.
    2018 G3 Sportsman 17 90 SHO

  20. Charlie Don't Surf! King_Fish's Avatar
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    #40
    Quote Originally Posted by Big Al View Post
    Dan,

    The 198P is a pad design hull. You need to look at the Crestliner because I don't believe it is a pad hull. If I remember correctly the Xpress is a pad hull boat also. If you haven't been in these boats, you need to try them out. I had a G3 and my friend has a G3 HP180 and I can tell you it is a huge difference in a pad hull boat compared to something like a Tracker PT 190, which I also owned.
    X2... The pad hull rides like a dream..
    2018 Ranger RT198p
    Charcoal Metallic
    Etec 150HP G2 HO
    24p Raker Stainless prop
    82# MotorGuide Tour Pro TM
    Fishes as good as anything out there, with the TM down...

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