About to pull trigger on the rt188

I came across this forum and have found it quite informative. I am at best a recreational bass Angler. I work a ton. I have never owned a boat before. I didn't want to break the bank on glass boat.

Looking at a 2015 model, factory rigged with mercury 115 pro xs, 70 lb maxxum, standard Ranger trailer, but w aluminum wheels, manual jack plate, Mark 5x in bow and console, auto bilge, 3 bank charger.


The only thing I would do right now extra is to put a lowrence 7 on the console i think. Eventually add a mk talon.


I live in North Texas, and will fish lakes here most of the time. Am i making a big mistake or am I on the right path?


Would it be crazy to use this boat for the occasional trip south to the bays for reds and trout?


Any help is appreciated by this novice boater!

I think you are on the right track. ALot of 18 footers are used in bay areas chasing reds. My suggestion would be go with the new Mercury 4 stroke motors they are supposed to be compairable with the optimax now. If dealer will allow you to test both that would be great. Also more people run 4 strokes in salt water for some reason. Maybe they handle salt water better. I have a 75 opti on my boat and its been great, but my next one will have the new merc 4 stroke. I get tired of buying two stroke oil and it's sorta expensive. Just my two cents.

I would purchase a glass boat designed for saltwater.

I just bought my rt188 on September last year. First boat i owned, i mainly fish south west fort worth lakes.

The motor is a good choice in my opinion there a lot of owners here with that motor and they will help you a lot. I don't know how much oil the pro xs consumes. But i think they are direct injection same as my rude, yes oil is expensive $50 the gallon, but you know what, i have not filled my oil thank since i bought it on September last year.

which part of north texas? ... you know .. texas is windy. i have never owned a cable trolling motor so i cant tell you a lot. the fac is that the boat will be blown by the wind pretty easy and if you are fishing open water it will be hard to keep your boat on position. i would recommend to stretch that monthly payment some dollars and get your self a Minn Kota Terrova or Ulterra, i don't know how i would fish with out it on windy texas.

check this video out to see how the terrova handles the wind

http://youtu.be/ZjikjOgLoDc

check this videos on this thread

i think there is one with the terrova handling some waves

http://www.bbcboards.net/tin-boats/5...deo-rt188.html

I dont know anything about texas lakes so take butons advice there. If it is very windy at times perhaps an 80 lb tm will be better. I dont think its much of an upcharge from 70-80 as far as cable steer. The wireless models do off the spotlock feature and follow contours etc which is cool but I have never had a problem with cable steer either. It keeps you busy in the wind tho these boats blow around easy. One plus to cable steer for me is I have comete comtrol over it when I want to turn quick to back up quick etc it does it when I do it no sensors and electronic controls to wait on. That technology keeps getting better and better tho.

The optimax pro xs engines are a fantastic engine. Fuel efficiency is insanely good. Yes they are a DFI like the rude and use very little oil. They dont smoke have turn key starting in all weather and are very quiet. Dfi if you shop around can be has for about $ 30-35 per gallon. A 3 gallon case lasts me about 2 years. This will vary by use tho. I think you are making a good choice for your first boat. Welcome to BBC. :thumb up2:

The RT188 is a nice boat and with your busy work schedule, you won't break the bank getting on the water for those precious non working days. Wind is a factor when tin fishing, but 24 volts will help ease the effort. The Opti 115 is a great motor. Oil consumption is not a bank breaker as you will be amazed how little it uses. That rig as described will make you smile each time you blast across the lake or sneak into a cove and work the shore.

True they don't use very much oil. I have one myself and it's been the best outboard I have had had so far.but looking to future who knows if two strokes will even be here. Plus the new technology in the new four strokes are great. I have yet to drive one myself to compair hole shot. But consider resale down the road. I would think the four stroke would hold its value better since they are taking over the market. You will for sure get different opinions on this. I'm struggling with it myself. I would think if you troll a lot with the outboard a 4 stroke would be better. But either way as far as reliability on either you can't go wrong.

Good choice with the RT188 - It is basically the same boat I have and I love mine. Whether you buy the Maxxum 70 or 80, be sure it is variable speed ( I think the 80 only comes in variable but the 70 may be a 5 speed unless you specify). I think Minn Kota calls it Maximizer.
You don't have a cover listed. If you store it outside, you will need one. My boat is on a lift in my boat stall most of the year and I still use the cover to keep the afternoon sun off.
You may want to consider the optional step up to the front deck. You are probably much younger than me so it may not be a concern.
I have the 115 Pro XS but if I had to do over, I would get the 4 stroke.
The only lake in North Texas that I fish is Lake Fork and I know how rough it can get when the wind is blowing from the West. The boat handles rough water well but not that well. You nay have to hide in a cove and wait out the worst winds.

Thanks for the replies! Lakes close to me include lavon, Ray Hubbard, tawakoni, fork, Ray Roberts, joe pool. One of the draws of this setup is that i can garage it. I toyed with the idea of s center console, but probably not the best choice for 90% bass fishing.

Only change I'd make is the Fortrex. As far as Optimax, mine is the best motor I've ever owned. I'm getting Opti oil for less than 30, so check the price of a 4s oil change for apples to apples comparison. I'm sure the rest are tired of hearing it - the hole shot of the 4s motors takes 50% longer, and the gas mileage isn't better. One more thing, look at the price of the 4s with a 3 year warranty versus the Opti with 3+3 year warranty.

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Originally Posted by GeauxTide

Only change I'd make is the Fortrex. As far as Optimax, mine is the best motor I've ever owned. I'm getting Opti oil for less than 30, so check the price of a 4s oil change for apples to apples comparison. I'm sure the rest are tired of hearing it - the hole shot of the 4s motors takes 50% longer, and the gas mileage isn't better. One more thing, look at the price of the 4s with a 3 year warranty versus the Opti with 3+3 year warranty.

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Priced mercury 10w30 about 30 dollars a gallon and filter around 9 dollars. As for warranty that's a different story.

Is the hole shot talking about the new Mercury 2.1 liter four stroke or previous model? The command thrust should make hole shot about the same. Not for sure though.

The command thrust model will have a great holeshot with the 2.38:1 gear ratio. This new motor has come a long way from the previous model which I have driven and they are kindof eh in all aspects and they were heavy. That being said giving the choice I would still take the opti mine has been perfect for just shy of 5 years and its easy to maintain. Is not a single thing that I dont like about it. :thumb up2:

I second what Bill said about getting variable speed for the TM tho. Be careful on the 70 most are standard 5 speed. I have a 5 speed motorguide while it has been a good trolling motor variable would be much nicer. :wink:

Good info. I don't get the difference between a variable speed tm and a 5 speed. Isn't the 5 speed by definition a variable speed?

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Originally Posted by Agdoc2000

Good info. I don't get the difference between a variable speed tm and a 5 speed. Isn't the 5 speed by definition a variable speed?

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Variable has settings between o-100. You can put the speed anywhere in that range you want. You are not limited to to just 5 settings. Variable gives you a lot better fine tuning to the speed you want.

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Originally Posted by Lee0250

True they don't use very much oil. I would think if you troll a lot with the outboard a 4 stroke would be better. But either way as far as reliability on either you can't go wrong.

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When we fish for stripers/hybrids we do a lot of trolling and my partners Opti sips gas and oil, it is rather stingy on both so it doesn't cost us much when we troll. I probably will go with the Merc 4S when I order my boat but would not be afraid to buy the Opti instead. Either motor is a good choice so it is going to be what you think is best for you.

You said you were looking at fishing for trout and redfish, if you do that you need to make sure you buy a trolling motor designed to use in salt water so you shouldn't buy the standard TM's that are shown for the boat. You need to look at both Motorguide's and Minn Kota's selections for salt water use.

You are buying an awesome boat for fishing. It excels when you put the trolling motor down and fish. The RT fishes better as far as stability and getting into the shallows than any aluminum I have ever fished from...
The variable speed also will give you more battery life ... At least that is what I have read. The variable speed will allow you to go slower than the #1 setting on a 5 speed for slower, quieter operation in shallow stuff...I have a MK Maxuum 80 variable speed and am happy with it. I stay on a TM a lot of the day and have never ran the batteries down.

I pretty much agree with all Bill Reynolds had to say above. Except --- even if I was young I would add the step. I made one for my boat and it is handy. If you don't order the option then you will probably make one yourself someday...

I would definitely get a four stroke. Go to a boat store online like Anglers Choice or pretty much any of the big dealers and check their stock. Pretty much all four stroke motors at 150 or 115 and below. They know what's up. The resale will probably be better too. I like the Yamaha very much and would buy it again in a heartbeat --- but also think the Merc 4S would be a good selection. Just buy the 4S. I think within the next couple of years Merc will even stop making the 2 stroke 115.

After reading your initial post I believe I would also suggest you buy the aluminum Ranger trailer. The add is about $500 and if you are think some brackish water - get the aluminum. If I could change one thing on my boat, it would be thatI would buy the aluminum trailer. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Ranger regular trailer but you are thinking some salt or brackish use maybe -- get the aluminum channel trailer.

As far as the wind... If it is too windy to fish from the RT188, stay home. It handles wind pretty well up to about 15 MPH and I fish Texas too. I never liked fishing in bad wind even in the glass boats I have owned. I would rather fish in the rain than the wind.

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Originally Posted by basstrackeroptimax

The command thrust model will have a great holeshot with the 2.38:1 gear ratio. This new motor has come a long way from the previous model which I have driven and they are kindof eh in all aspects and they were heavy. That being said giving the choice I would still take the opti mine has been perfect for just shy of 5 years and its easy to maintain. Is not a single thing that I dont like about it. :thumb up2:

I second what Bill said about getting variable speed for the TM tho. Be careful on the 70 most are standard 5 speed. I have a 5 speed motorguide while it has been a good trolling motor variable would be much nicer. :wink:

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I went to look at mercury's website and they showed to do maintenance every at 100hr and 300hr. I assume that's just oil change since they say everything else is maintainence free. From what website says the oil change is very simple on those models.

Wow guys. Thanks for the great info. I coild grtta used skeeter tzx190 w yam 150 for a very similar price....thoughts?

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Originally Posted by Agdoc2000

Wow guys. Thanks for the great info. I coild grtta used skeeter tzx190 w yam 150 for a very similar price....thoughts?

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Also you could get a new left over fiberglass 17 pro from triton. They are actually lighter than the rt 188. Some very good prices on those right now.

Go with the RT for sure. I fish Lake Fork and especially Lake Caddo and I wouldn't want to be in a glass rig in some of the spots I've been. Welcome to the boards and buy what the heck you want, it's your money.

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Originally Posted by justsomeguy

Go with the RT for sure. I fish Lake Fork and especially Lake Caddo and I wouldn't want to be in a glass rig in some of the spots I've been. Welcome to the boards and buy what the heck you want, it's your money.

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Im still leaning toward the RT188. How do like it on Fork? Caddo is a beautiful lake. Any issues at all with towing, trailering, keeping fish alive in the livewell, getting blown around?

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Originally Posted by justsomeguy

buy what the heck you want, it's your money.

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Ask for opinions, information and get advice ..... But in the end - this is absolute truth. You only do it seldom and it probably has to last a while and get what makes you happy.

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Originally Posted by Agdoc2000

Im still leaning toward the RT188. How do like it on Fork? Caddo is a beautiful lake. Any issues at all with towing, trailering, keeping fish alive in the livewell, getting blown around?

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Last time on Fork it was windy but I still fished, also got high center on a log and had to crank the Rude to get off, why I'm glad I got a tin. Tows like a dream and as far as the livewell I can tell you I left Bob Sandlin with fish in the livewell in July and arrived home in Alvarado and they were still swimming. It will move around in the wind but not much more than any glass boat I have owned. I was on Caddo last March when a cold front was coming through and the wind was blowing me sideways while running on pad, still a dry ride, now of course I wasn't on the big lake but made for a cold ride back to the cabins.

from which dealer are you buying the boat?

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Originally Posted by buton

from which dealer are you buying the boat?

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Diamond sports marine on Lake fork.


Cabelas by my house has some 2014 for sale at a slightly higher price, but they give you a 1000 dollar gift card.

have you check outdoor specialties in eastland tx?

i fish on Grand lake in ne oklahoma with the wind and the forty ft. crisers never had a problem. my rt188 with the opti max 115 does great. oil use is no factor really used less than a gallon all summer and fall. get the talon also i love mine and it hanging off the back still run around 48 mph on the gps.

Guys...i need help. Found a nice used skeeter with low hours. here are my options as I see it

Option 1:
Brand new 2015 Ranger RT188 in maroon (gig em)
115 HP merc pro xs
single console
obviously with warranty
dual mark 5 depth finders
MK maxx 70 (5 speed i think)
3 bank charger
fit and finish of a Ranger
Max MPH 45ish

25700 out the door

Option 2:
used skeeter 2011 zx190
Yamaha vmax 175 HP HPDI
dual console
dual hds 5 (gen 1 i think)
MK maxx 80
keel guard
good reviews on this site
38 hrs on motor
max mph 60ish
no warranty

28000 out the door

Im bleesed to be able to buy a boat this year! Any thoughts? All opinions welcomed.

Again I really think it depends on what your needs are for a bass boat. In your backyard for yard work do you need a wheelbarrow or a small tractor?

[QUOTE=Agdoc2000;5709300]Guys...i need help. Found a nice used skeeter with low hours. here are my options as I see it

Option 1:
Brand new 2015 Ranger RT188 in maroon (gig em)
115 HP merc pro xs
25700 out the door

Option 2:
used skeeter 2011 zx190
Yamaha vmax 175 HP HPDI
no warranty
28000 out the door

Well the Ranger is a great deal no doubt. the Skeeter should be a great deal but there should be a transferrable warranty available on the motor from Yamaha. The Skeeter does have a transferrable warranty probably available as well. I would contact a Skeeter dealer and discuss warranties that may be available on the boat. I don't see any reason why there isn't some type of warranty on the motor. You may also be able to talk to your local Yamaha dealer about aftermarket warranties especially with the motor only have 38 hours on it.

That is low hours for a 2011 boat. Like got limit said depends on what YOU want. Having warranty on a new engine is a plus tho. Unless its a 5 year promotional warranty it was probly a 3 year standard. But like said above an extended warranty can possibly be bought. Worth looking into if you like the boat.:thumb up2:

Thing about used boats............


They are used. If you're okay with it and prefer it then go for it. Just know that the motor (being a 2011) already has substantial hours on it and that some higher hours maintenance and repairs are a significant possibility. There is also the factor of not knowing if the former owner used Sta-Bil at every fillup, compression may be good but could fail soon due to sticky rings (happened to me), or other things. Thus....USED boat.

I bought brand new for these reasons. I wanted to be the only owner for a while. Some people never buy new and always used cars/trucks/boats. They like it that way. I don't. It's your call.

Also, get the boat that best fits what your needs are. Not the prettiest or the fastest. While these are big factors, get what best suits your needs. Bigger boat burns more gas too. A LOT more gas.

The hpdis are known for being a little thirsty and they like oil. Not as efficient as the optimax engines in the DFI world. Wouldnt call 38 hours substaintial by any means but unless there are service records to go along with it the past is a big guess. :wink:

Ozark...how do you like your setup? can you campare it to a similar sized skeeter or other glass boat?

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Originally Posted by Agdoc2000

Ozark...how do you like your setup? can you campare it to a similar sized skeeter or other glass boat?

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HA! Compare to a Skeeter? Nope. I don't know about the older models but I rode in a new boat about 20ft long with the new 250SHO on it and it was the best riding glass boat I've ever been in.

Now this model I don't know about but it's glass......it's going to ride better BUT......you owe it to yourself to take a test ride in both. I can tell you the glass will feel and ride better and it will be faster. Again......what do you need from a vessel?

By the way......I did NOT see the boat above only had 38hrs on it as BTO was quick to point to. That's nothing. Barely broke in really. I assumed it had 150-200+. Apologies...

I would still like to have service records tho and a compression and leakdown test. Which the dealer should easily perform for you if interested. :wink:

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Originally Posted by basstrackeroptimax

I would still like to have service records tho and a compression and leakdown test. Which the dealer should easily perform for you if interested. :wink:

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Yeah I wouldn't buy a used boat unless the boat could pee in a cup in my presence, blood tests, leak down tests, compression tests, MRI, stress tests, voltage test, and the Back to the Future Test (connect 1.21 jigawatts to it and if it don't go flaming off into the future, I wouldn't buy it).


I'm making jokes but to get the point across. GET THE MOTOR TESTED AND MAKE THE DEALER WARRANT IT for a least some short time period. A few months, 6mo, something.

These are two completely different boats.
I could understand deciding between and new metal Tracker or the Ranger or G3 .... Or I could see deciding between the used Skeeter and a used Ranger glass boat and a used Triton glass boat ---- or something like that. But you have two completely different boats.

My opinion is that you should think about how you will use the new boat and where you will use it. How do you fish and the type of water.....Decide what type of boat you want and go from there... Just my thoughts. They are completely different boats.

My only other thought is that the Skeeter price is higher than I personally would pay for a 4 year old boat. You are in the general ballpark of a brand new Charger similar and I would also be more impressed with it if it had a Yamaha four stroke. I am not a HPDI fan personally.

If your also considering an 18 ft glass boat NEW for about the same cost of the RT188, take a look at the new Triton 179 TRX. 18' 6", rated for a 115, same as the Rt. Both are great boats, just different.

The deck on smaller glass boats are WAY smaller. Almost any Tin boat brand today has a much larger front deck.

I've had fellas at the dock tell me....
"Man. Your deck is way bigger than mine and my boat is 20ft!" (Older Ranger glass rig)

Just something to consider also.