First post here....

 

I have been boat hunting for months now.  My problem is a low garage entrance of 72 inches.  Looked at a 2019 Tracker V17 pro guide a couple days ago that was in nice shape.  It was darn close to that 72 inches with the front jack lowered.  It was $29K.  Man all boat prices are just ridiculous around here.

 

Now I am looking at a new RT188.  I wish it was the "P" version but they just don't have any and no idea when more will be in.  The few 188s they have do have the padded hull like the P, but none of the other features.  The problem is they want to charge what a "P" costs since it has the pad hull.  The price before taxes would be $36K but that includes moving the 7" garmin up front and putting a 93SV UHD on the dash.  Wife also wants a bimini top.  Has seats fore and aft and the XS Pro 115 Command Thrust.  Not sure the difference between the command thrust and plain XS Pro 115.  I am so close to pushing the button but that is a bunch of cash to throw down (no financing).  At about 38K after taxes.

 

Any suggestions or comments on this rig?  Should I wait for something used to pop up? 

 

Thanks!!! 

Greg

Caldwell, ID

 

If it checks most all of the boxes and you feel that in the long term you'll be happy then I would go ahead and do it.  I've had my Ranger R83 for 21 years and I still like it.  With new you will get the warranty, which won't be available on a used boat.

 

If you do got with the RT188 my only suggestion would be to leave the 7" Garmin at the helm and put the 93 at the bow.  The 7" (at the helm) would basically be used for navigation and finding areas to fish while the 93 (at the bow) would be used more for targeting fish once you're in the area you want to fish.

 

$29K for a used Tracker vs. $36 for a new Ranger . . . and you don't have to finance any of it (smart move), I'm going with the Ranger.

Might want to google “problems” been a few issues with Ranger boats hulls cracking since the buy out.

Oh crap...will do, thanks.

 

The CT has the bigger gear box with a slightly lower gear ratio. You can run larger diameter props with the CT.  Not sure any of that is necessary on an 18' boat but I do love mine.