Just ordered a new 2016 RT188!

Printable View

07-18-2015, 02:54 AM
ckeck

Just ordered a new 2016 RT188!

First boat (that I personally own) and getting back into fishing after not seeing much action for 8-10 years. Now I'll have to make time :)

Super excited, my order is going in at the Ranger dealer meeting and hopefully they can start on it sooner than later. Free aluminum wheel upgrade too (show order special I guess). I posted the other week for feedback and thanks to your suggestions I nailed down a pretty good configuration, at least to start.

Two big remaining questions are:

- What electronics? Might not do factory install since I can procure some Lowrance product way below dealer/factory cost and also not sure what size units I want yet (and how best to mount)
- Power Poles or Talons
- MercMonitor (to feed data to whatever FF/Sonars I get...needs to be Level 2 I believe?)

Here are the specs:

- 2016 Ranger RT188
- Charcoal Metallic Color
- Single Console
- Mercury 115 ELPT Fourstroke
- Dual Pro® On-Board Charger 15 x 3
- Battery w/ Holder / TM (2 Each)
- Front Deck Rod Strap (Extra)
- Automatic Bilge Pump (Replace Standard)
- Recirculating Livewell
- Stainless Steel Boarding Ladder
- Ranger Custom Boat Cover (for now)
- Stainless Steel Prop
- 4 Inch Hydraulic Set-Back Plate - TH Micro Jacker
- Retractable Trailer Tie Downs
- Aluminum Wheel Upgrade
- Trailer Brakes
- Aluminum Spare
- Minn Kota Fortrex 80 US 45 Inch TM

Thoughts? Anything I need to be immediately aware of once the boat arrives? Any must-have upgrades/tweaks you'd recommend?

Pumped but I know the next 6-12 weeks are going to crawl by.
07-18-2015, 04:09 AM
BrianFLA

Congrats the Jenson blue tooth stereo is a nice option I got it on my z117 and love it I believe it was only a few hundred dollars
07-18-2015, 05:09 AM
jcpanther

Congratulations...... Sleeping will be difficult now!
07-18-2015, 08:11 AM
crawdadking

Congrats :beers: Looks like you've got things covered but I would keep the standard bilge pump and add the automatic one wired straight to battery, never can be too safe. Also, it's hard to beat Ranger's covers. Like said above, good luck sleeping now.
07-18-2015, 10:05 AM
Bill Reynolds

Congratulations - I know you will be pleased with the fishing platform. You did a good job with the accessories. My RT188 is a 2014 and some of those choices were not available but I have added them since. Not sure of your age, but I would have included the front deck step but I am an old dude. I also added the pro-pole and Butt seat for the front. I definitely recommend the MercMonitor: I added one to mine. I have the Level one and have it networked to my HDS9's console and bow. You will need a NMEA 2000 starter kit and an extra tee to make this hookup. I started with an HDS7 flush mounted in the dash and later upgraded to the HDS9 Touch mounted on a Precision Sonar bracket. BTW - Unless something has changed, the automatic bilge does have a feed directly from the battery. It can also be operated manually from a switch on the console.
07-18-2015, 10:23 AM
Carlos H

congrats!!!!
07-18-2015, 10:28 AM
GhostComanche

Congrats, you will love it. They are awesome fishing machines ...........................RR
07-18-2015, 12:09 PM
ckeck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Reynolds

Congratulations - I know you will be pleased with the fishing platform. You did a good job with the accessories. My RT188 is a 2014 and some of those choices were not available but I have added them since. Not sure of your age, but I would have included the front deck step but I am an old dude. I also added the pro-pole and Butt seat for the front. I definitely recommend the MercMonitor: I added one to mine. I have the Level one and have it networked to my HDS9's console and bow. You will need a NMEA 2000 starter kit and an extra tee to make this hookup. I started with an HDS7 flush mounted in the dash and later upgraded to the HDS9 Touch mounted on a Precision Sonar bracket. BTW - Unless something has changed, the automatic bilge does have a feed directly from the battery. It can also be operated manually from a switch on the console.

Thanks for the additional details. I'm 32 so I'm not too worried about the front deck step...right now anyways. If it had a small cooler compartment inside I probably would have done it though, but just by itself...I'd prefer the flexibility of the open space.

On the MercMonitor, do you get all the data you want from the Level 1? I'm not sure of the key difference between that and a Level 2. Want to make sure I can take full advantage of the engine data.

Can an HDS 9 be mounted into the center console? Doesn't look big enough, but I'd like a clean install if possible instead of a side mount. Is there any advantage to the side mounts I should be aware of?
07-18-2015, 12:10 PM
ckeck

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianFLA

Congrats the Jenson blue tooth stereo is a nice option I got it on my z117 and love it I believe it was only a few hundred dollars

I would have added something like that but doesn't seem to be a factory option on this boat...bummer. I'd prefer not to add things like that outside of the factory, but we'll see.
07-18-2015, 12:57 PM
ckeck

Thanks everyone...I'll post pics when it arrives and maybe capture some break-in video too!
07-18-2015, 01:09 PM
Bradley Lane

Congratulations on a awesome fishing machine! The only thing you might want to add is a power pole.
07-18-2015, 01:39 PM
Bill Reynolds

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckeck

On the MercMonitor, do you get all the data you want from the Level 1? I'm not sure of the key difference between that and a Level 2. Want to make sure I can take full advantage of the engine data.

Can an HDS 9 be mounted into the center console? Doesn't look big enough, but I'd like a clean install if possible instead of a side mount. Is there any advantage to the side mounts I should be aware of?

Yes the level 1 provides all the info I want and has a NMEA 2000 output so it can communicate with the HDS units. I don't know all the features of the various levels but I do know that the Basic model cannot communicate with the HDS units. I bought mine from European Marine (Board Sponsor) and Don Weed designed a kit containing all the components to meet my needs. He also talked me through the installation. I don't have any experience with Hummingbirds but the largest Lowrance HDS that can be flush mounted is the 7 inch. I too did not want a side mount and this led to me starting with a flush mounted HDS7 but later I upgraded to an HDS9 Touch and used a Precision Sonar dash mount so I could keep it on the dash. I included a picture of both so you can see the mounting arrangement.Attachment 188003 Attachment 188004
07-18-2015, 04:08 PM
CaymasRodney

If u r considering power poles I would go with the Talons, no pumps to take up space.
07-18-2015, 08:11 PM
GeorgeSantaRosa

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckeck

First boat (that I personally own) and getting back into fishing after not seeing much action for 8-10 years. Now I'll have to make time :)

Super excited, my order is going in at the Ranger dealer meeting and hopefully they can start on it sooner than later. Free aluminum wheel upgrade too (show order special I guess). I posted the other week for feedback and thanks to your suggestions I nailed down a pretty good configuration, at least to start.

Two big remaining questions are:

- What electronics? Might not do factory install since I can procure some Lowrance product way below dealer/factory cost and also not sure what size units I want yet (and how best to mount)
- Power Poles or Talons
- MercMonitor (to feed data to whatever FF/Sonars I get...needs to be Level 2 I believe?)

Here are the specs:

- 2016 Ranger RT188
- Charcoal Metallic Color
- Single Console
- Mercury 115 ELPT Fourstroke
- Dual Pro® On-Board Charger 15 x 3
- Battery w/ Holder / TM (2 Each)
- Front Deck Rod Strap (Extra)
- Automatic Bilge Pump (Replace Standard)
- Recirculating Livewell
- Stainless Steel Boarding Ladder
- Ranger Custom Boat Cover (for now)
- Stainless Steel Prop
- 4 Inch Hydraulic Set-Back Plate - TH Micro Jacker
- Retractable Trailer Tie Downs
- Aluminum Wheel Upgrade
- Trailer Brakes
- Aluminum Spare
- Minn Kota Fortrex 80 US 45 Inch TM

Thoughts? Anything I need to be immediately aware of once the boat arrives? Any must-have upgrades/tweaks you'd recommend?

Pumped but I know the next 6-12 weeks are going to crawl by.

Are you going to order that new Trailer Step that they showed at the Dealer Meeting ? If so how much was the option ? I want to order it for my 2015 RT188
07-19-2015, 01:18 AM
ckeck

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeSantaRosa

Are you going to order that new Trailer Step that they showed at the Dealer Meeting ? If so how much was the option ? I want to order it for my 2015 RT188

Are you referring to the trailer step accessory on the front of the trailer? If so my dealer (who was out there) said it looked pretty bad and not at all necessary, at least on the RT's. Not sure if he was referring to just overall fit/finish or the fact that it's just something mounted onto the trailer and not really built as part of it.

Either way I didn't opt for it right now so I'm not sure about the cost. I may be able to find out though.
07-19-2015, 02:21 AM
ckeck

Quote:

Originally Posted by RangerRodney

If u r considering power poles I would go with the Talons, no pumps to take up space.

Yup, I've been doing some reading the past couple of days and Talons are the direction I'm leaning right now. Hope they can be mounted and not interfere with the stainless boarding ladder which might get used here and there for some (minor) recreational activities.
07-19-2015, 02:26 AM
ckeck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Reynolds

Yes the level 1 provides all the info I want and has a NMEA 2000 output so it can communicate with the HDS units. I don't know all the features of the various levels but I do know that the Basic model cannot communicate with the HDS units. I bought mine from European Marine (Board Sponsor) and Don Weed designed a kit containing all the components to meet my needs. He also talked me through the installation. I don't have any experience with Hummingbirds but the largest Lowrance HDS that can be flush mounted is the 7 inch. I too did not want a side mount and this led to me starting with a flush mounted HDS7 but later I upgraded to an HDS9 Touch and used a Precision Sonar dash mount so I could keep it on the dash. I included a picture of both so you can see the mounting arrangement.Attachment 188003 Attachment 188004

Thanks for the follow-up. Good to know the Level 1 seems to provide everything. Not sure the dealer has done many of these so I'll probably need to give them a checklist. I see you replaced one of the gauges with the SmartCraft gauge. Which one did you pull? Wasn't sure if you could get away without that and just have the NEMA 2000 output, but looks like it's tied to the SmartCraft gauge.

Regarding the HDS units, would love to mount a 12" at the console somewhere but for fit/finish I'm still leaning towards something on the main console so I'll definitely look at one of these mounts so I can go with at least a 9". I like the look of the flush mounted 7" but I think I'll kick myself later if I don't get something a bit bigger.

Suggestions for a mount to install a front unit? I've seen them mounted countless ways so figured I'd see what works well. I know I'll need to run an Ethernet cable between the two for data/map sharing if I go the HDS route but that shouldn't be a big issue. Security on these as well?
07-19-2015, 05:52 AM
oldgoat188

Your going to LOVE it!!!! I know it will seem like an eternity but it will be worth the wait.
07-19-2015, 06:01 AM
CaymasRodney

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckeck

Suggestions for a mount to install a front unit? I've seen them mounted countless ways so figured I'd see what works well. I know I'll need to run an Ethernet cable between the two for data/map sharing if I go the HDS route but that shouldn't be a big issue. Security on these as well?

BBT a board sponsor makes a 2 and 4 inch angle mount that fits on the front of your boat for bow mounting your electronics, use those like crazy at our shop and he also has a console mount for electronics.
07-19-2015, 09:56 AM
rkylake

5 Attachment(s)

Attachment 188169 Attachment 188171 Attachment 188172
Attachment 188175

Attachment 188174
07-19-2015, 10:42 AM
Bill Reynolds

I replaced the speedometer with the MercMonitor. Didn't need it anyway. Mercury motors use the "CAN" communication protocol instead of the NMEA 2000 used on other outboards so you have to have a gateway to change the protocol. You can purchase one without the MercMonitor and hook directly to your HDS but I don't know if it displays all the same functions as the MercMonitor. Don Weed can advise you on that. I don't think an HDS12 would fit well on the console but the 9 inch is perfect. I see that Randy with Precision Sonar weighed in with some photo's, he is a good guy to work with. On the bow unit, I use the Precision Sonar unit shown in Randy's pictures except I have the shorter one. However I wish I had the taller one and for sure on a 2015 you need that one since your pedal tray comes all the way to the front and you will need the extra height to clear the tool holder. The picture shows my old HDS mounted on the bow but it shows the eLocks I use for security on the current HDS9T. You will also notice that I drilled a hole through the mounting bracket and installed a lock. I also attached the sonar bracket to the deck with security screws and locknuts under the deck so you have to remove the trolling motor tray to remove the sonar bracket. I also have a lock-R-Bar covering all the deck hatches. My boat resides on a lift in my boat stall and I don't want to have to remove all the gear every night.Attachment 188176
07-20-2015, 03:35 PM
ckeck

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldgoat49

Your going to LOVE it!!!! I know it will seem like an eternity but it will be worth the wait.

Already counting the days...sigh!
07-20-2015, 04:21 PM
oldgoat188

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckeck

Already counting the days...sigh!

They have a app for that. I think its called "countdown". Put in the date and it tells you the amount of time left. Months,weeks,days,hours,minutes,seconds. It also can do it in reverse...time since. It's pretty cool.
07-21-2015, 11:37 PM
ckeck

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldgoat49

They have a app for that. I think its called "countdown". Put in the date and it tells you the amount of time left. Months,weeks,days,hours,minutes,seconds. It also can do it in reverse...time since. It's pretty cool.

That is just going to make it worse :)
08-15-2015, 11:17 AM
ckeck

Just got the word that my order was "locked in" and production will start the week after Labor Day. Hope those guys are refreshed after a long weekend and knock out an extra good build that week :)
08-23-2015, 07:52 AM
lilduckx3

I also just ordered a new rt188 . I was told September. But I have been seeing adds online from dealers that have the 2016's in stock so I am guessing they are in full production .The dealer said he would give me a build date but so far no word. Your up grades are about the same. One thing I have found is its cheaper to upgrade than to buy and install. I got a couple bucks credit for the standard sonar and trolling motor .
I own a 190tx now and looked real hard at the 195tx its a little bigger than the rt and has a 150 on it . But! No where near the quality . Plus my 2006 190 is worn out . lids and floors flex and plumbing and carpet is shot . It's stored in doors but I am on the water 3 days a week. I don't think it was made to be use that hard .
I have a 12' talon now the dealer is going to switch over. The Talon is noisy. I have never use all 12'. Not sure it was worth the extra money. I've never got it stuck unlike what I have seen with the power pole . No Pump but the Talon weights 55 lbs (not sure of power poles weight) and is hanging a foot off the back of the boat which changed the ride of the 190tx.
The only thing I wish was offered is a padded front deck.
09-02-2015, 11:44 PM
ckeck

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilduckx3

I also just ordered a new rt188 . I was told September. But I have been seeing adds online from dealers that have the 2016's in stock so I am guessing they are in full production .The dealer said he would give me a build date but so far no word. Your up grades are about the same. One thing I have found is its cheaper to upgrade than to buy and install. I got a couple bucks credit for the standard sonar and trolling motor .
I own a 190tx now and looked real hard at the 195tx its a little bigger than the rt and has a 150 on it . But! No where near the quality . Plus my 2006 190 is worn out . lids and floors flex and plumbing and carpet is shot . It's stored in doors but I am on the water 3 days a week. I don't think it was made to be use that hard .
I have a 12' talon now the dealer is going to switch over. The Talon is noisy. I have never use all 12'. Not sure it was worth the extra money. I've never got it stuck unlike what I have seen with the power pole . No Pump but the Talon weights 55 lbs (not sure of power poles weight) and is hanging a foot off the back of the boat which changed the ride of the 190tx.
The only thing I wish was offered is a padded front deck.

Congrats on your order -- I'd bet you'll hear something soon. I just got the update myself and seems pretty close to delivery, so you never know. Looks like this is about 6-7 weeks since the actual order was placed.

I won't have nearly as much time on the water as yourself, but if I'm going to spend this kind of money I'd rather buy quality that I know will last, or at least retain more of it's value if I don't use it as I "hope" to :)

Thanks for the comments on the Talon. I'm really wanting one but might not do it right away. Not cheap and I don't necessarily want them to pull the motor to install a sandwich bracket. About the noise, have they not come out with a newer model recently? I was thinking about the 10' option since it's external height is about the same as the 8ft (or even less?).

Electronics I got a deal on that saved me a ton over factory install...and Ranger wouldn't install an HDS-9 on the console anyways. Shouldn't be too hard to mount both the console and bow units myself and set up a NEMA2000 network w/ the MercMonitor. I've done hundreds of complex network installs to varying degrees (computer networking), so I'm certain I can figure it out!

This whole connector bar with terminators reminds me of ancient token ring networks. Seems antiquated, but if it works that's cool I guess.
09-02-2015, 11:45 PM
ckeck

Thought my boat was going into production this upcoming week...looks like it's actually done and leaving the factory next week and dealer said I could take delivery next Fri/Sat! Too bad it wasn't this long weekend :(
09-03-2015, 12:13 AM
cdemarse

Nice. Make sure you post pics.
09-03-2015, 08:52 AM
ckeck

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdemarse

Nice. Make sure you post pics.

Will do! I'll snap some just before I start the process of figuring out how to get this in my garage that is 1-2' too short.

Set trailer at an angle, got it. Turn engine to one side, got it. GONNA BE CLOSE!
09-03-2015, 02:49 PM
Bassakwards

Congrats. I bought one on Monday, It will be ready to pick up Saturday. Same color, trolling motor and Mercury 4s. I went with the manual plate over the hyd jackplate though. Maybe one day I will get one.
09-03-2015, 03:21 PM
ckeck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassakwards

Congrats. I bought one on Monday, It will be ready to pick up Saturday. Same color, trolling motor and Mercury 4s. I went with the manual plate over the hyd jackplate though. Maybe one day I will get one.

I noticed that very few people actually got the hyd jackplate after I ordered a got a bit worried. Any reason NOT to do it aside from cost? I guess it's not NEEDED but figured the flexibility would be nice to have.

And awesome...looks like we'll have twin boats :)
09-03-2015, 03:21 PM
ckeck

Well never mind then, apparently it showed up today/yesterday and has already been lake tested. Just needs to be detailed and it's ready to go!
09-03-2015, 03:42 PM
Bassakwards

No reason, other than I didn't want to spend $1000 on it.
09-03-2015, 06:34 PM
ckeck

3 Attachment(s)

Attachment 197490 Attachment 197491 Attachment 197492

Boat hasn't been detailed yet after lake/water testing but had them send me a few quick pics.

Edit: sorry about the oddly rotated pics...will get that fixed!
09-04-2015, 05:24 PM
oklaranger

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckeck

Will do! I'll snap some just before I start the process of figuring out how to get this in my garage that is 1-2' too short.

Set trailer at an angle, got it. Turn engine to one side, got it. GONNA BE CLOSE!

Looks great. Remember you can also lower the tongue down and gain a few inches.