Getting a Ranger RT198

[Tundah]

Been close to a year plus now since I’ve been boatless. Unexpectedly got a great job offer, changed careers, and moved the family from Florida to Texas. Now that we’re settled in time to get back in the saddle. One of the main reasons we bought this house was the 28x40 detached garage. Not bad for 25 miles from downtown!

I looked at the Vexus line, Crestliners, Excel, and the Ranger RB190. I was leaning towards the rb190 since I don’t do tournaments and like other kinds of fishing too, until we test drove it on Conroe in 15mph winds. Hard ride and wet. The rt198 was dramatically better and in my gut just felt like the right boat for me. I eliminated the other brands based solely on personal preferences, observations, and dealer interactions.

Dealer had one 2018 leftover at 3k discount so I am scooping it up. They will be upgrading to an Ultrex for me and it has the Yamaha SHO. Looking forward to this motor as I’ve only had a couple gray ones in the past.

It will not have a JP but that should be fine for me if they have it set up right. Now I have to figure out if I want to go garmin or HB. May add power pole later on. Anyone do poles on this rig with no JP?

Will post pics when I pick her up probably sometime next week.

[PolarKraft195]

Congrats on an awesome ride!

[Flash5150]

Congrats! I have an RB190 on order right now. Might check into the pole situation and see if you can put two poles on that model year. I could not on a 2018 RB190, but can on a 2019 model according to Ranger’s recommendation.

[Tundah]

Good call. Even if I can do one pole that will be fine.

[BigDozer66]

Awesome!

[slonezp]

[FloridaFlyer]

Congrats....
Same thing I did.
I liked Vexus, but could not make the decision on it. About the same performance and HP.
RANGER was an easy decision.
Xpress was my next choice.

You will LOVE fishing from the Ranger....Fast enough and stable as walking in your house.

Great reputation, customer service and they have been around for a long long long time.

[pabasshawk]

I have had my 198 for 2 years and so far it has done everything I have asked of it. Would not hesitate to buy another one.

[King_Fish]

I have had my 198 for 2 years and so far it has done everything I have asked of it. Would not hesitate to buy another one.

X2!

Congratulations to the OP!

[Tundah]

Thanks guys! Excited would be an understatement.

Follow-up question...think I need to pick up a command link gauge for the SHO? Otherwise I'll have to do the old stopwatch during break-in phase.

[Tundah]

Thankful for the break in the nasty weather this morning. Here’s a couple pics, not the cleaned up glamour shots yet haha





2018 Ranger RT198P
Yamaha SHO 150
No JP
Dealer installed power pole brackets for me while he changed the engine height
Ultrex 45/80
Will be working on my Garmin and Livescope install this weekend
Hoping for a quick early morning engine break in on Sunday

[grandbassslayer]

Sweet ride!

[GeauxTide]

You'll love the Ultrex. I've got G2 Helix and they are fantastic. My console would only take a 7, but that's fine with me. Just be sure to get the Combo SI/DI/GPS unit.

[Tundah]

Console came with a Hook 7 that I’ll keep flush mount. Adding a couple Garmin 93s and Livescope.

[Roosterman]

Very nice boat and garage!!

[bamarig06]

Congrats man! Love the red color too! Let us know how the SHO pushes the 198

[Tundah]

Thanks all! Weather permitting, my daughter and I will knock out the 2 hour break in in the morning and be back in time for Mother’s Day festivities.

[Keystone Caster]

That garage is sweet! Drive Thru! ...and the boat is pretty darn nice too. :)

[Tundah]

That garage is sweet! Drive Thru! ...and the boat is pretty darn nice too. :)

Thanks!! We got real lucky finding this place. In a golf course subdivision less than 30 minutes from downtown with a 28x40 detached garage. Only thing that surprised me is the last owner who had it built did not run any water lines to it. Would have been nice to wash the boat on the rear pad and have a water connection for my fridge.

[SOONER*REDNECK]

Awesome!