Hey everyone, I've not owned a boat for 20 years and have been looking HARD over the last month at the options, and have narrowed it down to a new Ranger RT178 (60 or 75hp), Crestliner VT 17 (75hp) or VT 18 (115hp). My budget (pre-tax) is $25k so that ruled out the RT188 - best price I've found on one of them (w/115hp) is just over $28k.
All my quotes include two Lowrance Elite ti2 7's, 70lb 24v, 3-bank charger, cover, transom saver and tie downs.
My best VT 17 (dx package) quote, w/75hp, is just under $20k. Not crazy about this model as it doesn't have starboard bow storage that's separate from the center storage, so I'm leaning away from it.
My best VT 18 (dx package) quote, w/115hp Pro XS, is just under my max budget of $25K and includes a 2 speaker bluetooth stereo so I can entice the fish with sound .
My best RT178 quote w/60hp is $22.6K. Probably another $1000 for 75, but I forgot to ask.
Of course the Ranger dealer says, and I quote, "but your comparing a Ferrari to a Pinto. Better resale, smoother quieter ride, better fit and finish!"
From everything I've read, the hulls are virtually identical between Crestliner and Ranger, and I know Crestliner made the old Ranger Cherokees. Has anyone rode in both that can validate the Ranger dealer's statement about ride? The Ranger dealer is 3 hours away, so I haven't seen one in person, the Crestliner dealer is an hour away. Of course I've viewed every video and looked at every picture on the entire interwebs, but I don't know that there's a $3K+ difference in "fit and finish". The trailer is probably a bit better with the Ranger, although I'd be getting Crestliner's deluxe one with the DX package.
It's really hard to decide, and believe me, I hesitated in posting this but I'm in dire need of a little help (or a push over the edge) and I want to ensure I do everything I can to get the best boat within my budget. Any of these boats would provide what I require for the small lakes of N. Georgia. so I know it comes down to what I want - just wanted to see what others think!
I'm leaning towards the VT 18 DX w/115 Pro XS but if I'm making a mistake, enlighten me.
Thank you