I�ve been considering the Ranger RT198P for quite some time now. Reached out to DSM, OS Eastland, and Cabela�s. Cabela�s doesn�t run test rides and other two are out of stock.

Reaching out here, wondering if anyone out there is running an RT198P and would be willing to have me tag along. Gas/launch fees on me, of course. Just want to verify that all I�ve heard is true before pulling the trigger! I�d be extremely grateful.

Currently running 1995 R70. Located on JP, but willing to travel anywhere within DFW and possibly further if you�re willing.

I'll be glad to take you out one day. I will be back in Texas by May. I'm living in Mountain Home Arkansas right now ( just down the road from Ranger in Flippin ). I live about a mile from Fayette Lake if you don't mind the drive down there. I own a RT198P and love it. My email is Dwayne@Benchmarkspecialties.com. I can talk anytime.

I've thought about these boats also, anyone have any idea how they handle rough water or let say 15-20mph winds that we encounter so often around here, or how stable are they compared to a fiberglass boat when walking around the boat/fishing/etc...

I love my RT198P. It has enough storage for the fishing gear and boat necessities that I really need, but not enough for the "I might need that one day stuff'. Partner needs to travel light and his tackle bag is going to be on the floor. I have Mercury 150 Pro XS without jackplate. Boat runs around 55 mph with just me, gear, and 31 gallons of fuel. If I had a boat that would run 70 mph, I would still be running it around 55-60 mph LOL. It is plenty fast enough and handles great. I have run in some pretty good chop and have not beat my innards up at all, in fact it handles like most 19 foot or bigger fiberglass boats. It's solid. Tin boats do drift around quite a bit due to not displacing water as much as it's fiberglass cousins, but it's not enough of an issue to not think about owning a quality tin. The largest bass boats I have ever owned were 15 footers ( two of them) and the drifted too, it just ain't an issue with me, but an Ultrex is in the near future. The biggest issue with drifting for me is when launching (even with slight breeze) and trying to get to a dock to tie off. I have learned to deploy trolling motor to get to dock, it is more reliable. Trailer is quality and solid also.

Absolutely! Thanks a ton. I�m going to swing by and look at some tomorrow. I�ve been out of a 17� fiberglass, and everything I see and hear leads me to believe the tin rig is still an upgrade in chop. I drool over their set up for tournaments. I generally stay shallow year round as is, too, so a few naysayers on the drift is something I think can be fixed by an ultrex.