Does anyone have experience with the Ranger RT178? What are the pros and cons? I have had two Tracker 175TXWs, and have been very satisfied with them (kept each one for 14 years). Getting ready for a new boat and wanted to consider these new Rangers, even though they cost a little more. Thanks

I have fished out of one a couple times with a friend and they are very nice boats. Lots of storage and very stable. I'm sure a Ranger dealer would take you for a demo ride.

Great little boats but if it was me id buy the triton. Exact same boat minus the finishing touches.

I know you want replies from folks who have experience with the Ranger aluminum, but you're going to get all kinds of opinions. Some will tell you to buy boat X or Y instead and not give you a good reason.

My advice is go with your gut....you've had good experience with two Trackers but are considering the Ranger....I say buy it unless the price is crazy high. No way you can make a bad decision going with that boat. Otherwise I would stay with the proven Tracker.

I appreciate the comments and didn't know Triton made a similar boat. Will have to check them out too.

The Triton tin rigs are actually made by Crestliner. I have a Triton VT19 and LOVE IT. I too am looking at the Ranger boats; but the more I compare them the more likely I will keep what I have. The Ranger has a heavier gauge aluminum, a better transom, a dual console and road armor trailer. I had a glass Ranger before this Triton and I really like their finish out and the aluminum rigs are actually made by Ranger and the attention to detail is traditional Ranger. The Triton rigs are a step up from Tracker and the Ranger seems to be a step up from Triton. Good luck in your search, I REALLY like the reviews of the new 2.1L 115 Four Stroke. I have a 125 OptiMax and the 115 smoked it in a recent test. Faster plane, faster top-speed and better fuel economy. It's also quieter and not as high strung so should be more reliable.

I've owned numerous boats and I will tell you that my Xpress x54 has been the best so far (aluminum boats). It planes instantly and takes rough water well.

I'm on my second Tracker because the first was one was bullet proof. I now have the 190 with a 115 and I like it a lot. It sips the gas and runs 50mph WOT which is fast enough for me. The 2016 190 comes equipped with a 150 four stroke at new price of $27,000. Dealer told me that it will do around 65mph. I think I'll keep mine.

I want to compare to the Triton aluminum but haven't seen a dealer in the Fort Worth area. Is there one?

I just went through the tin boat process and the Ranger RT188 was down to my final 2, but ended up not getting it. There is TONS of info on the BBC Tin Boat forum and those guys can tell you all you want to know, plus a little.

Wow, BBC Tin Boat looks like a great site for answers. Thanks! Mind saying what boat you ended up getting?

not sure what they have outside at Cabelas, pretty sure they are rangers, but I found them to be pretty cheaply made, even my 11 yo son pointed out how the aluminum flexed, just from mashing with his hand. In the rear corners

Send a PM to Jim SR. on this forum. He has one. He should be able to give you the skinny.

The good thing about aluminum boats is that they don't take as big motor to push it the same speed as fiberglass because they wiegh less,but you don't get the ride like fiberglass unless you get a deep v aluminum boat. Smaller motor less money.

I don't think Aluminum boats take quite the hit in depreciation as glass boats do, either.