Tracker 195 TXW vs. Ranger RT188

[Slicefixer]

Agree. Alot of folks out there let what they read,hear and think what others want them to say dictate what they do without any true experience. Can wood rot? Yes. Is it the death wish everyone thinks it is? No. I say at the end of the day being in the boat you can truly afford is most important

You bet...👍

Look, if you leave a boat with a wooden deck exposed to the elements 24/7 then you'll certainly have rot. However, if you take care of it and store it indoors/covered you'll most likely never have a problem. If you do have a problem with a panel they're nothing to replace.... easy.

[BassCatBrad]

That's a small motor for that boat isn't it?

Caymas has three 18ft models. They are powered by a 115, 150 and 175. We sold 1 with the 115hp last year and the owner put an Ultrex and 2 raptors on it. He loves it, he is not concerned about top end speed and propped it for holeshot.

[FloridaFlyer]

As long as you can pass the guy with the 115hp and get to your spot first that's all that really matters.

And just as you are passing the guy with a 115... From behind you comes a guy with a 250 that passes you both...bwahahaha

A lot of people that can't fish a lick have big fast boats because they see the guys on TV that have them. You don't have to have a fast boat to catch fish. I wonder how many fish some of these big glitter boats drive right past to get somewhere that is a community hole.

Also, a lot of people don't fish tournaments...I bet most people do not fish tournaments. Some people fish for fun and the sport or relaxation and the two or three minutes extra doesn't matter.

I own a RT188 now. It is a great platform to fish from. I have owned about 20 different bass boats. I have been doing this for a long time and am retired and have the money to buy any boat I want.

One thing I learned.....there is always a faster boat...always. I know this. But it is my experience that the people with fishable boats and not speed boats catch the most fish.

When I think of some of the best fishermen I know and some guides I know, they do not have the fastest boats on the water.

[FloridaFlyer]

You bet...👍

Look, if you leave a boat with a wooden deck exposed to the elements 24/7 then you'll certainly have rot. However, if you take care of it and store it indoors/covered you'll most likely never have a problem. If you do have a problem with a panel they're nothing to replace.... easy.

Sooooo...exactly how do you know how hard it is to replace a wood floor????? Bwahahahaha

And by the way...it is a real real PITA. I have done it on a used boat I bought. I have also recarpeted a boat. It is hard work.

I agree about buying a boat you can afford. BUT BUT BUT....if you are deciding between two boats about the same price, it is a no-brainer to buy the one without wood in it. Lots of reasons why...lots.

[bassfisher444]

And just as you are passing the guy with a 115... From behind you comes a guy with a 250 that passes you both...bwahahaha

A lot of people that can't fish a lick have big fast boats because they see the guys on TV that have them. You don't have to have a fast boat to catch fish. I wonder how many fish some of these big glitter boats drive right past to get somewhere that is a community hole.

Also, a lot of people don't fish tournaments...I bet most people do not fish tournaments. Some people fish for fun and the sport or relaxation and the two or three minutes extra doesn't matter.

I own a RT188 now. It is a great platform to fish from. I have owned about 20 different bass boats. I have been doing this for a long time and am retired and have the money to buy any boat I want.

One thing I learned.....there is always a faster boat...always. I know this. But it is my experience that the people with fishable boats and not speed boats catch the most fish.

When I think of some of the best fishermen I know and some guides I know, they do not have the fastest boats on the water.

I agree with you, a couple months ago I was fishing my local lake and the bite was slow but still managed to catch 4 or 5. A guy with a brand new Caymas with a 250hp was loading up the same time I was along with another guy in a newer fiberglass Ranger, they both didn't catch anything all day. The nice thing about a small aluminum boat is you can get into places a big fiberglass boat can't, so it really wouldn't matter if one of those passes you.

[fishon!sc]

Any kind of rough water and you are basically idling. The design just doesn’t do well in rough water.

Not true. Not true at all. Sounds like operator error. I fish Lake Marion and Lake Murray pretty often and have no problem out of my tracker. Does it run as good as a deep vee. Absolutely not but to say any kind of rough water and you have to idle is just plain wrong.

[Mcjenson]

Not true. Not true at all. Sounds like operator error. I fish Lake Marion and Lake Murray pretty often and have no problem out of my tracker. Does it run as good as a deep vee. Absolutely not but to say any kind of rough water and you have to idle is just plain wrong.

its a better ride than a Jon boat or maybe some other tin boats, but honestly worse than any glass bassboat I’ve been in, and not even close really.

[PolarKraft195]

You should just be a walking advertisment for Polarkraft. Everything is "great" lol

what can I say...................pk decal.jpeg

[fishon!sc]

its a better ride than a Jon boat or maybe some other tin boats, but honestly worse than any glass bassboat I’ve been in, and not even close really.

Of course but we are not talking about glass boats.

[FloridaFlyer]

You should just be a walking advertisment for Polarkraft. Everything is "great" lol

I see these posts a lot....
This is the issue... very common.

What Is Post-Purchase Rationalization? Post-purchase rationalization is a cognitive bias whereby someone who has purchased an expensive product or service overlooks any faults or defects in order to justify their purchase. Post-purchase rationalization is often called “Buyer's Stockholm Syndrome”.

And I see the posts a lot...Yes, his PK might ride better and be a better rig than my RT.... BUT a PK is far far far from being the best aluminum boat out there...far far from it. There are a LOT of better ones. But you have to ignore the problem above to see it.

[Mcjenson]

Of course but we are not talking about glass boats.

fair point. Good ride is relative i suppose

[FloridaFlyer]

I agree with you, a couple months ago I was fishing my local lake and the bite was slow but still managed to catch 4 or 5. A guy with a brand new Caymas with a 250hp was loading up the same time I was along with another guy in a newer fiberglass Ranger, they both didn't catch anything all day. The nice thing about a small aluminum boat is you can get into places a big fiberglass boat can't, so it really wouldn't matter if one of those passes you.

I have always had a lightweight boat. Sometimes it was my second boat. In Florida, when you get close to the bank, the lakes get very very shallow and flat with silt and mud from dead vegetation. Usually there are a bunch of pads and junk close to the shore. In the pads and grass and junk, there are holes where the pads don't grow for some reason. Many times I have taken a shallow draft lightweight boat through the pads in about 18 inches of water to get to the holes.

I have been sitting in the shallows catching fish and the big glass boats or and boat with much of a draft fish the outside edge and watch.

[Slicefixer]

Sooooo...exactly how do you know how hard it is to replace a wood floor????? Bwahahahaha

And by the way...it is a real real PITA. I have done it on a used boat I bought. I have also recarpeted a boat. It is hard work.

I agree about buying a boat you can afford. BUT BUT BUT....if you are deciding between two boats about the same price, it is a no-brainer to buy the one without wood in it. Lots of reasons why...lots.

Lot you know "Mr ALL seeing and ALL being of the marine world"......

Let's see.......just completed a frame up restoration......

- 25 circuits wired or rewired......deck, all boxes lit....fuse breaker boxes and negative busses, check....
- redid/created new switch panels.....
- installed dual spotlights on the bow.....
- pulled, rebuilt, installed the old/existing locks to the boxes...
- installed 5 new modern hatch locks and set them up so they're dual locked....old and new..
- built a deck extension....carpeted....created 2 watertight boxes that lock...and a cooler
- installed a ladder so I can get my arse back IN when I inevitably fall OUT...
- BUILT our own "marine grade" carpet from 10 year guaranteed indoor-outdoor carpet and .25 roofing rubber as well as cutting and installing.....then "two toned" it
- found a box designed for a Tracker pontoon and made it a step with storage..
- rod tie downs.....yep....installed
- flip up boat tie downs.....yep....4 installed to date....
- multiple 12v charger ports and battery monitors....
- trolling motor recessed tray....yep....from a cake pan
- installed new seats....good un's
- created battery tie downs, that ain't moving, from battery boxes and cutting boards....
- stripped the hull and taped/painted it with Raptorliner.....
- installed an Ultrex...
- installed 4 new to me graphs....
- installed a remote plug....
- installed a 6" jackplate....
- removed a 75hp ELPTO and installed/rigged a 115 ELPT....

Next.....

Bought a good used 1990 tandem axle then completely refurbished it.... Raptorliner/stickers/2k Fulton Jack/LED's.....cut and rewelded the bunks to fit.....designed and constructed my own nylon bunks....

Man, I could go on and on......

Is all of it equal to a $120k Bass Cat in quality? Hell no, lol.... But, it's exactly what I wanted and I did it myself.

Oh yeah, designed and welded up my own boarding ladder....2 versions to date....steel (34#) and Al (12#)....one that, IMOP, is FAR superior to a "Trick Step"....but I freely admit that I'm biased.....

Can provide pics if you'd like em' since I'm sure an "ALL seeing and ALL being" expert like yourself will need proof.....i have several hundred BTW.... there's a few already on this site that you're free to peruse.

Anyway, in summary, I think replacing a few deck panels is well within my capabilities.

Btw, conceived, negotiated with a nationwide Corp for the real estate, designed, then built a multi-million dollar golf facility..... from concept to reality.....from my noggin' to reality....took 10 years.

Man, you REALLY need to think before you pop off...

[Slicefixer]

So sorry OP.....i HATE to hijack your thread.....but man, only so much....hehehe

[AB7R]

Checking to see if I can get my Ranger deposit back. I found a nexus dealer about 4 hrs away. Still far, but workable I think. Avx 18 about 3k more than ranger but still in budget.

[Slicefixer]

Vexus is a darn fine boat.....from my understanding, the company is basically the "all star crew" from the old FLW Ranger.

Congrats!

Again, SO sorry to hijack YOUR thread for a moment.....

[Cbump]

Checking to see if I can get my Ranger deposit back. I found a nexus dealer about 4 hrs away. Still far, but workable I think. Avx 18 about 3k more than ranger but still in budget.

Great choice.

[FloridaFlyer]

need to think before you pop off...

Easy to pop off to someone who does not understand that wood will rot....I have had to replace it...
Aluminum does not rot.

Some people don't understand basics...

Don't see many wooden planes...wonder why??

And to the original poster....that Vexus is also a fine boat. I was at Branson on a flight and we drove down to Flippin and toured the Vexus plant. It is state of the art and their boats are as well....I love their boat and would be proud to own one.

[Slicefixer]

Man, honestly, is THAT the best ya' got?

Obviously I understand the differences in durability between wood compared to steel/Al or any other metallurgic compound. However, treated decking will last a loooooooong time IF properly cared for and protected. Al decks WILL sag if not properly supported. Saw a bunch of em when I was tin boat shopping in the used market.

One other thing, MANY airplanes have been created from wood and successfully flown without issue. Do the research.... (I also fly a bit)

Btw, inserting "Bwahahahaha" into your posts (which you seem to do with regulatory) in an attempt to demonstrate some type of intellectual/moral authority doesn't speak well for the competency of anything else IN the post. In fact, it's sounds like a braying mule or donkey. I'm sure you're well aware of a slang term for a donkey?

[bassfisher444]

I would rather have a wood deck, more comfortable to stand on all day and it will easily last 30 years or more if you take care of it.