Looking at possibly buying a used 2016 RB190. Any input would be great from other owners. Is there any additions or changes the 2017 or 2018 models added? Any issues with cracked welds like I’ve read about on some of the Ranger RT series boats? Anything to ask or look out for? The one I’m looking at has a Mercury Four Stroke 115HP.
Thanks
I haven't had any issues with mine. I haven't heard of any issues with the RB 190, but my theory is that any model of any product is going to have a few out there with problems. You never hear about the majority of people that are content with their purchase, just the ones who aren't that make the most noise.
What I mean is, I'm sure there are boats out there in every model of every aluminum boat manufacturer that end up with cracked welds.
How much is the 2016 you're looking at?
There are actually 3 2016 models I’ve found within driving distance of me. They all have a few differences with electronics, TM, etc. but are all listed around 23,500-24,000. I also have an email into a dealer that has 2 2018’s in stock to see what the price of a brand new one would be out the door.
I know that Mike at Tri-County Marine in Granite Falls, NC had several new ones, if it is still available there was one in the classifieds under Ranger boats for a steal if a deal down in Florida. The savings more than made up for the drive. Good luck and they are great boats, I love mine.
I was searching through old posts and saw the post but the boat isn’t listed any longer. Do you remember what they were asking for it?
I have a 2017. When I bought mine I had been looking at the 2016 for quite some time. The only real difference between the two years is the upholstery material. To the best of my knowledge everything else is the same. I have the 115 SHO and have had zero issues with the boat or the outboard. At one year old that's to be expected.
ETA: My largest regret is that I didn't get the jack plate. I'm going to get one, but if I had to do it again I wouldn't leave it out. I'm still kicking myself for cheaping out on that.
My RB190 was picked up in late March. Really enjoy the boat. Took the stock trolling motor off and put on an Ulterra which I installed myself. Also had the dealer remove the small Hook and put on a Helix. The ulterra and helix talk to each other. Oddly enough, the boat came with no cleats-I didn't realize it until delivery. Took the boat anyway and installed my own folding cleats. The top rail is clean. I like the center console and like the finish. It fishes like a much larger boat. I've had 4 adults fishing on the boat and it handled just fine. My top speed with the 4 adults was right at 40 MPH too.
I'm buying an 18 Friday with the 115 SHO. Pretty excited.
Is a 60" Terrova 80lb too long for it?
Also what boat cover do you guys recommend?
Sorry not trying to hijack the OP's thread. Just felt weird starting a new thread with the same title...
I was impressed with the one I crawled around on. I would have liked the front deck to be bigger but I was very impressed. If I lived anywhere near some salt I would be in that style of boat.
If your local guy doesn't have one PM me, I'll help you out with one. I have one we used for a Garmin TV commercial shoot, was in the water one day probably has 5-10 hours on the motor, will save you some $.
Last edited by Boatwarehouse; 09-25-2023 at 12:13 PM.
Man, I know it takes a long time to get a boat in if you order it but seeing those prices for a 2016 (23-24k) that's exactly what I would do.
Mine is a 2018 model, got the fishing package extras (seat cooler, trim gauge, water pressure gauge, auto bilge pump, etc.) and I paid 24k. Even got a Ranger boat cover. Talk to several dealers and shop prices. Got it a couple months ago. It does have a 90 horse instead of a 115, but heck 2 weeks ago it was running me and 2 other guys around Guntersville Lake at 40mph easily with a 90 horse on it.
He had it listed for less than $20kOriginally Posted by duck dogs
For you guys that have or about to get the RB 190, please share lots of posts and reviews. That’s currently the top model on my list but I’m still a year or two out. Really looks like a good do it all fun fishing boat for me. Thanks!
Lots of pics too please!!
It would make an outstanding boat for Florida Waters. Be sure to check out Xpress's similar rig too.
I had a GREAT deal on a RB lined up before buying the RT. Alas it wouldn’t fit under the garage door opening so I went with the RT. The only thing I could fault on the RB was the console didn’t fold for standard garage doors. You may want to measure on the trailer if you plan to garage.
I have been looking for that measurement but can’t find it. Any idea on what the height is of the top part of the console? That would be a deal breaker for me too since the boat would be stored in the garage.
I store my boat in my garage. My garage is 6' 10" high at the garage door. My RP190 fits under the garage with about 6 inches of clearance.
I've had a couple issues with my 2016 RP190. First is the jack plate. Mine came with the Atlas Micro Jacker jack plate. I have taken it back to the dealer twice and had them replace it each time. So, I'm on my 3rd jack plate now. Hopefully this one will last more than 7 months. The 2nd issue I've had is the bench seat. The screws back out and I had the bench seat fall on one side. I fixed that myself with some JB Weld and larger diameter stainless self locking screws. Other than those issues, it is an amazing boat. I trout fish, tournament bass fish, hunt, and tow my children on tubes with it. We absolutely love this boat. I'm sure the Atlas Micro Jacker jack plate will go out again, but I know for a fact my dealer will take care of me and replace it at no charge like the other 2 they replaced.
2019 Skeeter ZX225
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Current: 2014 Sportsman Masters 207/150 Yamaha
9 previous Rangers
I've had my 2017 RB 190 115SHO 80lb Kota about six months now. I bought it very lightly used from someone who only put 18 hours on it. I have used it in fresh and salt. A few observations:
Pros:
Easy to trailer and super good on fuel
Runs pretty well in a moderate chop as long as you stay on top of it
Best speed so far is 52.0 GPS light load no trolling motor (removable bracket) with Spitfire x7 21p @ 6200 RPMs
I've also run a Solas Titan 19p right at 50.2 GPS, but it goes over the rev limiter
I installed sea dek on the cockpit only, and in hindsight I probably would not do it again. It feels awesome, but is a bitch to keep clean.
Rod storage length can be easily improved but cutting tips off rod tubes in the bow, it can accommodate 8' rods this way
With the 80lb TM, I can move easily through heavy cover
A "stick it" holds the boat pretty well in shallower water. A power pole would be an awesome accessory
I installed a Garmin 94SV above the console and everything went pretty smoothly. Make sure to get a transducer block.
The large Orca cooler is really nice
I put in a detachable trolling motor mount. This is a fantastic option if you use the boat for cruising, skiing or any type of fishing where you don't use the trolling motor. Highly recommended.
Cons:
Blows around like crazy in the wind. Coming from glass, this is the primary fishing difference. This is the tradeoff to moving around so easy in heavy cover
At slower speeds or idling when there are moderate waves, the boat rocks. A lot. I don't really mind, but your significant other or kids might.
If you are in and out of your livewell a bunch, you will probably want to reverse the way it opens to face the rear. The helm seat is nice, but a PITA for livewell duties. I think Ranger got it right in the way they developed it but you'll want to vet this if you frequently go in/out of the livewell.
It's a big step down from the front deck. Use the little triangle steps at the front and no problem, but don't underestimate how far it is. I'm 6'1" and always use the steps.
Wish list:
I want a 4" jackplate, but not the micro jacker in case I want to add a power pole.
I actually want to take out the factory installed 4" Lowrance (why on earth even cut the damn console, ridiculous to have such a small unit) and put in a glove box
I paid $22,000 in Dec 2017 for a 2017 model bought that was 8 months old from a private individual and it was barely used. I think the owner had $30k in it but that included taxes.
Ask whatever questions you want in the thread, it will help others.
Would I buy again? Yes, as long as you are getting a great deal. This is my ninth Ranger, so I have a bunch of experience.
PS: @Model70man has the prop testing dialed in on this hull
Current: 2014 Sportsman Masters 207/150 Yamaha
9 previous Rangers
That’s a great review thanks! I will also be looking at Xpress when the time comes. Seems the livewell is the common complaint on some of the salt forums as well.
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