Do you think with the success they have had with the 188 and the 198, that Ranger would expand to a 20 foot tin at some point in time? That would be in my eyes pretty sweet. Love my glass boat, but would love the tin for many reasons, launching alone, ramps without docks, upkeep etc.... Just was curious if you guys thought Ranger may step up into the 20 foot range at some point moving forward.
There is a major difference between Ranger and Xpress. Ranger sells glass boats and Xpress does not. Who knows what decisions Johnny Morris will make but I think there has in the past been a reluctance at Ranger to go to larger tin boats to prevent cutting into the entry level glass sales.
You have to consider the niche market that lead to the development of the Xpress. South Louisiana with their endless miles of shallow stump filled water opens a market for a combination of performance and metal hull. Xpress built a boat for that specific market, and is just recently looking to expand beyond that market. Ranger on the other hand has been a nationwide marketer of glass boats from the beginning who has only recently started to venture into the metal hull market. Their primary focus though is still glass for all water types nation wide. Basically the two companies come from diametrically different beginnings.
So while there is a market for thick metal performance hulls, most of the market isn't willing to pay glass prices for it. The glass boat is a better option for them at that price level and their needs.
Last edited by Skeeterbait; 09-25-2017 at 10:48 AM.
Personally I'd rather see Ranger update / refine their present designs than expand into bigger and bigger models.
The 198 pad hull, strake and transom design is a good start, they should work on getting that to the 188 line as well. Keep up with the competition.
I bought my boat for reasons of economy... great fuel milage and lower cost of ownership. I'd be surprised if most Aluminum boat owners didn't get theirs for the same reason.
Not sure what a bigger boat would do for my fishing enjoyment other than being faster maybe. My 188 has plenty of room.
Ranger RT188 (2015)
Mercury Optimax ProXS 115, 4" Setback Plate
Minn Kota PowerDrive V2 iPilot 70lb
Garmin 73SV @ Helm, 93SV Chirp @ Bow
Ive ordered one for the same exact reasons. Tired of dealin with glass boats with big motors.
Ive seen on instagram Gerald swindle is fishing the open out of an 18' tin triton decked out. Todd auten is doing the same out of a ranger 198p and it appears David walker fishes out his 198p on many many occasions. Those guys can have anything they want and still find pleasure in the tin boats that are on the market today while fishing for big money
I don't think so. The 198p at 19'4" is already as much as the cheapest ranger 18 ft glass rig. I have the 198p and I think it is one heck of a fishing platform. It is also quite a joy to drive and ride in especially when you pass a few of those glass rigs at 58mph. I also think the rt188 is a fantastic option also. I just wanted the bigger motor to get in the 55mph range. I actually think the layout of the 188 is a little better than the 198. I could do without the giant cooler in place of more storage and losing storage under the seats kinda sucks but moving the gas tank forward does improve the ride and performance.
Originally Posted by Bosh
This
The 188 is plenty for me. I fished with a local pro last week who is considering the 198 since he wants the additional speed delivered by 150 HP. Like bamaman84 said above, I actually like the 188 layout better.
I saw a Crestliner PT 20 on a local lake about a month ago... the front deck on that thing looks large enough to land a helicopter on it! Sweet boat, but if I had something that big I'd fill it up with more stuff than I really need. Plenty of boat for competitions, though, for sure...
Morris owns well over half the market, he is smart enough to know not to rest on his laurels.
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