If you could get the Xpress X19 pro or the Ranger 188p/198p, which one would you choose and why?

 

I’m trying to decide which boat to go with. I’m going this week to check both boats out.

I've ridden in a 19' Express - great boat.  Better than my 19 year old 18'  Lowe.   Never ridden in a Ranger metal boat - the guys who I've met who had them liked them.  For me it would come down to which dealer did I like better.  Who is the closest?   Who has the best reputation for maintenance, service after the sale, stuff like that?

You should take a test ride in both.  Like fishes in trees I have ridden in Xpress boats.  They have lift and ride similar to a glass boat.

I think you should still buy used. But pay a bit up front for a pro mechanic to look the boat over first.  A pre purchase inspection. 
 

there is a point where your remaining balance will be greater than the boats worth.  
 

buy used. Pay cash.  Maybe save up some more to buy a newer used boat. 

I assume you have done all of your research and know the pros and cons of each brand relative to the water you are going to fish and the money you are willing to spend.  If all things are equal then a test ride in each will tell you which boat fits you better.  Believe me when I say different boats fit people differently and it makes a huge difference.  

Thanks for the input. I went by a Ranger dealer today and he basically tried to talk me out of the Ranger models(they just started carrying Venus and he’s pushing those). He said Ranger just went with new builders and they won’t be the same anymore in build quality. I’m going to check out the Xpress this weekend.

^^^Vexus not Venus. Lol

You hear people talk negatively about the ranger tins but my experiences have been different.  I have a triton tin thats basically identical and a couple guys we fish with have the rangers. They have all been very pleased as have I. Nicely built and fit and finish is pretty good as well. Never been in an xpress but lots of people speak highly.  I agree that you should go crawl around both and see what you think. Im sure one will stick out to you. Those vexus are nice tin rigs as well but like xpress you pay for it. 

My fishing buddy of 40 years has a 2019 198P that ran like crap barely over 50 with Merc 150 until he sent it back to Ranger last summer and they reworked the bottom and ground welds. Now its 56-57 mph  and riding as it should have to start. Great fishing platform with enough storage for anyone. I'm an Xpress guy with a 2021 X 18 so I can't speak for the X 19 but I chose Xpress for several reasons. Owed 2 other Xpress boats and loved them, thicker metal, .125 vs. .100, able to go with a higher hp motor, more color choices but the best reason is Sea Dek over carpet. Personally the dealer I bought from sold Vexus as well Xpress so I was able to compare both at the same time. Maybe it was all the hype over Vexus that had my expectations higher but I was kind of disappointed in them, just did not see any difference in it or the Xpress I ordered other than a smaller motor and higher cost. All are good boats but "To each his own" as an earlier post said. 

On 1/20/2021 at 7:59 PM, Shimano_1 said:

You hear people talk negatively about the ranger tins but my experiences have been different.

I think a big underlying reason for this is because Bass Pro bought them, so they’re running the show now. Mine is a 2015 model so it was built before the change.

Here's a brand new video to help you in the purchase process.  Enjoy!

 

 

35 minutes ago, Glenn said:

Here's a brand new video to help you in the purchase process.  Enjoy!

 

 

Pin this one ~

A-Jay