Ranger 188 VS

[mr.bass91]

I seriously considering a 2007 Ranger 188 VS. I was just looking for a little feedback from any of you guys out there that may own this boat or have ridden in it. I have never ridden in one but I have seen a couple in person and I like the layout. How is the ride? What kind of speed can I expect from the 175 Merc? I know Rangers are no speed demons but I am mainly buying Ranger for the quality as well as the resale, hopefully I can upgrade to a 20 footer in a few years. In a boat this size I would actually prefer a single console but the dual console would be best for family purposes. The only slight drawback that I have ever heard regarding this boat is the fact that the gunwales are a little higher than most bass boats. Thank you in advance your feedback is greatly appreciated.

[XMAN]

I would think if you are thinking of a 20 footer, buy the 20 now--new boats after 2 years are down 20k so dont lose twice--higher gunwhales in the wind could move ya abit, keep it low--i'm suprised at how low a 521 sits, likewise a 520---xman

[mr.bass91]

X Man, thanks for the feedback. The reason I am considering the 2007 188 is because it is a good deal and there are 3 years of factory warrenty remaining. A 20 footer would be better but to buy a 2007 or any one with warrenty remaining would cost 30k or more and I do not want to spend anywhere close to 30k. As far as I know the 188 sits low in the water what I mean by the high gunwales are that they are about 4-6 inches above the front casting deck compared to 2 or 3 inches on many bass boats.

[Ranger Jason]

You have a PM

[aNNieNsaLTIE]

mr. Bass,

If you seen a z21 for 30k get it because I think the 188's go for 26k - 29k.

But then that was very early this year, before this stock crash!

Steven

[semipro]

Mr Bass -

I have a 2007 188VS with the 175. I like it very much! I can get 55-60mph depending on the size of the guys and amount of tackle in the boat. My team partner and I are "big guys" and we have the usual 100lbs of tackle, so it's a little slower when we are in the boat. Better speed if I am by myself. I run the motor at 5k to 5400 rpm max, so that cuts the speed a bit also.

Fuel usage is less than my old 115 so I'm happy there too!

I bought mine new, but if you can find a used one i'd say go for it.

[mr.bass91]

Semipro, thanks for the response. I am no lightweight either and neither are any of the guys I fish with(except for my 7 year old daughter). What is it with fat bass fishermen. I had a chance to pick up a 188 a couple months ago for a good price but it only had a 150 opti on it and from everything I have read for that hull you really need the extra 25 ponies.

[185vsfrog]

pm sent