Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

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ezyb925
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon May 19, 2014 2:56 pm

Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by ezyb925 »

In the market for a new boat and having a hard time choosing between the two boats only negative I've heard on the ranger is you can't throw a talon on it or it voids the warranty but I've never really had a need for shallow water anchors so that problem doesn't bother me..........any one have experiences with the two boats that can give me pros and cons on the two boats?
Freefall
Posts: 319
Joined: Sat Feb 27, 2016 5:19 am

Re: Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by Freefall »

I own a a Triton TR 186 and love it. Very stable, handles rough water well and extremely dry ride. Mine is an '05 so there are differences in the newer models but I would definitely buy another Triton when I upgrade to a 21.
Fear does not prevent death, it prevents life.

You've never lived until you've almost died and for those who have fought for it, life has a whole new flavor that the protected will never know....
MT
Posts: 802
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:48 am

Re: Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by MT »

They are the same boat. Same factory. Like a GMC or a Chevy. Pick one. I have a '14 RT188. It has served me well. Had a Basscat before and the only thing I really miss is the speed. If you are really looking for feedback on both brands I would recommend you go to bassboatcentral.com and ask the same question on the Tin forum or just do a search on both brands. Both boats have been talked about ad nauseum since their inception. BTW get the Ranger and also take a good look at the RT198 before you decide. It is basically an RT188 with a built-in setback and a pad hull rated for 150hp. Good luck.
monte300
Posts: 952
Joined: Thu Mar 02, 2017 12:18 pm
Location: San Ramon

Re: Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by monte300 »

I have a 2000 Triton Tr19 and I love it. However, be sure to get the opinions of owners of newer Tritons. I've heard since they started sponsoring BASS the quality of Triton is not what I have from the early 2000's.
nate50
Posts: 224
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 6:53 pm

Re: Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by nate50 »

I know this isn't one of the boats you are asking about, but I have a 2015 tracker. They are similar to boats you are looking at. I have the 175txw it's a great boat. If I had to do it again the only thing I would change is get the biggest size you can afford and have room to store. The bigger size helps out with rough water and allows you to put a bigger motor on the boat. I have the 60hp motor and the only time I wish I had a bigger motor is when I'm fishing a tourney. My top speed is about 32mph. Plenty fast for fun fishing, not so good for tourneys. I love my boat especially for the price, all the new fiberglass boats are beautiful machines I just can't afford to spend the price they go for.
monte300
Posts: 952
Joined: Thu Mar 02, 2017 12:18 pm
Location: San Ramon

Re: Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by monte300 »

Thanks for bringing up horsepower, Nate. I have never ever known a person that chose less than maximum HP for their boat not have regrets later on. In 2000 when I ordered my boat I was planning to power it with a 175 HP Optimax. However, in year 2000 the Opti was only available in 150 or 200. I went with the 175 HP Evinrude Ficht, had some issues while still under warranty and it hasn't given me an ounce of trouble since, knock on wood! In 2001 Mercury decided to build a 175 HP Optimax.
ezyb925
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon May 19, 2014 2:56 pm

Re: Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by ezyb925 »

Thanks for the feedback everyone I felt they were pretty much the same boat but wasn't 100% I have looked at the 198 ranger but can't afford that at the moment and I've heard to many horror story's about bass pros tracker center when it comes to warranty work I think I'm going to get the rt 188 going to go see them in person this weekend and see how I like them after I sit in one
Bassmonkey1980
Posts: 252
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2015 9:00 am

Re: Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by Bassmonkey1980 »

GIANT DECK HOLDS 10 RODS UP FRONT COMFORTABLY ITS LIKE AIR CRAFT CARRIER YES ITS FOAM FILLED!
Last edited by Bassmonkey1980 on Wed May 17, 2017 2:37 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Bassmonkey1980
Posts: 252
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2015 9:00 am

Re: Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by Bassmonkey1980 »

Go to BOAT COUNTRY IN ESCALON ASK FOR LANDON GET A CRESTINER VT 18 19 OR 20 WITH A 150 THERE THE SAME BEAMS AND LENTH FOR 3 TO 5 THOUSAND CHEAPER THAN RANGERS LAST YEAR JON COX RAN A ALUMINUM CRESTLINER WITH A 200 AND WON THE FOREST WOOD CUP IN IT LOVE MY CRESTLINER VT SERIES
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ezyb925
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon May 19, 2014 2:56 pm

Re: Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by ezyb925 »

Bassmonkey1980 wrote:Go to BOAT COUNTRY IN ESCALON ASK FOR LANDON GET A CRESTINER VT 18 19 OR 20 WITH A 150 THERE THE SAME BEAMS AND LENTH FOR 3 TO 5 THOUSAND CHEAPER THAN RANGERS LAST YEAR JON COX RAN A ALUMINUM CRESTLINER WITH A 200 AND WON THE FOREST WOOD CUP IN IT LOVE MY CRESTLINER VT SERIES 14950598096722065827666.jpg
Wow just took a look at those crestliners not bad .........does anyone know if there foam filled like the ranger ?
Bassmonkey1980
Posts: 252
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2015 9:00 am

Re: Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by Bassmonkey1980 »

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Freefall
Posts: 319
Joined: Sat Feb 27, 2016 5:19 am

Re: Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by Freefall »

As far as Aluminum goes, I would definitely go crestliner. Quality build.
Fear does not prevent death, it prevents life.

You've never lived until you've almost died and for those who have fought for it, life has a whole new flavor that the protected will never know....
Chad Sweitzer
Posts: 189
Joined: Tue Sep 02, 2014 4:49 pm

Re: Ranger rt188 vs triton 18 tx

Post by Chad Sweitzer »

Hey that Crestliner is my dream first boat! Can't beat the durability of aluminum. We've hit stuff on the delta and Melones in our Tracker that would cost thousands of dollars in a glass boat.
PB: Spot-9.625 (Shasta Record) LMB-13.27 SM-4.36
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