The dealer I visited carried Ranger, Vexus, Pheonix, and Triton. They had the 18' Vexus and a 18' Triton tin sitting side by side. The Vexus had a beefier transom and the trailer looked to be heavier. The back lockers were glassed in vs the Ranger Triton drop in box type. There was zero storage under the seats in the Vexus and the middle rod locker didn't have the places for the Plano boxes that my RT does. The Vexus had a V style hull under it vs the modified V. Their version looked rounded, not sure how much better the ride would be? It should ride better. Since the rounded hull up front reminded me of the 80's, is it as stable would be my question? I like the storage under my seats. The welds looked great on both. I expected more upscale things like better locks in the Vexus. It would be an option if I were just in the market, but trading for one isn't an option for me at this time. I just didn't see the stuff for the price difference. Maybe after I have owned my RT longer (I've only had it a couple of years) and Vexus has more of a track record? The guy with me BLEEDS Ranger and he was looking simply because he knows the Woods. I am on my third Ranger. If I were buying new I would still shop around and buy based as much on dealer as brand. Some people are as much brand loyal as they are politics LOL. The guy with me was looking at Vexus for nothing other than Forrest Woods name.
They had the foot tray up front out and I noted the wiring and center rod locker tubes were equally a mess as my Ranger RT. I miss the neat and tidy wiring of my Cats.
IMO without going to the water it was a toss up for actual fishability with the trailer going to Vexus and storage going to the RT. From what I saw they should be a player, but they are FAR from inexpensive. If you are in the market for a nice aluminum boat they would be worth a look!