2014 Ranger Rt178 Or Tracker Txw? 2024
Sweetale reply :
Both boats priced by dealers (not BPS) with 24 volt 70# Edge TM, 60 hp Merc, pedestal seat up front, and same fish finder. Both will install my Humminbird on the bow at no cost. Ranger is $1700 more. Here are some of my thoughts: I like the look of the Tracker more, along with the awesome rod storage locker. The 2 livewell situation on the Tracker is not a concern of mine, but they are not huge by any means. I love that the Ranger has no wood, has a big livewell, and great storage. Ranger is obviously known for making a great boat. What do you guys think?
Curtis B. reply :
From what I have heard, Ranger makes a much better product. And what I have learned is that when you're spending so much money as it is, spend a little more and get something much better and you'll be happier in the long run.
MarkH024 reply :
The resale of the Ranger down the road will be much better than the Tracker. fwiw. Sounds like your heart is with Ranger, go with it.
flyfisher reply :
1700 is a lot of coin....as far as quality goes the jury is out on the ranger aluminum series since this is their first year. Will they be as nce as ther glass oats, who knows but reputation is taking them to good reviews right now. Think of all the additional gear or upgrades to the boat you could get with that money or just help pay for registration, gas etc....
I have atough time spending 1700 more for something mainly on the name and reputation.
Personally i would look at the tracker or an xpress or g3 aluminum as they are tried and true brands that have been around a while.
MarkH024 reply :
On 2/14/2014 at 12:44 AM, flyfisher said:1700 is a lot of coin....as far as quality goes the jury is out on the ranger aluminum series since this is their first year. Will they be as nce as ther glass oats, who knows but reputation is taking them to good reviews right now. Think of all the additional gear or upgrades to the boat you could get with that money or just help pay for registration, gas etc....
I have atough time spending 1700 more for something mainly on the name and reputation.
Personally i would look at the tracker or an xpress or g3 aluminum as they are tried and true brands that have been around a while.
Second year. Last year they were introduced.
Fishes in trees reply :
If you are concerned about resale, the get the one that says RANGER on the side. If not, then . . . . .
The first rule of boat buying is to get one from a dealer that is convenient and has a good reputation. Do a bunch of research.
If you have an EXPRESS dealer near you, look at them. WAR EAGLE makes an awesome aluminum boat.
G3 and LOWE have been around for a long time, and those are just the ones which which I have some passing familiarity.
I have a 2002 LOWE and I decided on the LOWE basically because of the convenience of the dealer. MY Lowe is a tank, I smack it into stumps all the time and it just bounces off. I have a buddy with a thinner hulled STARCRAFT and he winces every time I smack into a stump. I don't go out of my way to smack into stumps, but it happens from time to time. It is good to know that you have a boat that will stand up to that.
My boat is more than 10 years old now and it is butt-ugly - a result of sliding/bumping against numerous trees each time I go fishing. I'm going to keep fishing it until it doesn't work anymore.
Sweetale reply :
Both dealers are equidistant from home, (and are actually owned by the same group). I don't have a dealer for any of the other big name boats close enough for comfort. How much should the wood vs no wood factor into my decision?
flyfisher reply :
On 2/14/2014 at 12:53 AM, MarkH024 said:Second year. Last year they were introduced.
well considering i do not believe they were introduced as of Jan 1 that means that many of the boats are less than a year old.
Scott F reply :
Another thing to consider when comparing boats is the trailer they come on. Most boats spend more time on the trailer than on the water and a trailer that breaks down will leave you stranded on the side of the road. A friend bought a new Lowe boat a couple of years ago and has had nothing but trouble with the trailer!. Cheap tires that had to be replaced after 1 year, guides that broke off, lights and wiring caused problems, trim pieces falling off and the winch broke. I've had my Ranger boat and trailer for 25 years and have never had to do any repairs. Haven't even changed a light bulb. Don't over look the quality of the trailer.
WIGuide reply :
This is actually Ranger's second aluminum line. They had one back in the mid to late 90's possibly even into the early 2000's. They were a bit higher priced than others but they were absolutely awesome boats. Definitely worth the extra money. Ranger's hold their resale value extremely well, and they are built to a very high standard. Trackers are nice boats, don't get me wrong, but I think you'll find yourself a happier camper if you get the Ranger. $1700 really isn't much in the total price of a boat, especially when you'll get it back in added resale value.
Sam reply :
And the service.
Tracker's Power Pros are not pros and their repairs may not be what you expect.
On the other hand, if you buy the boat from a Ranger dealer any repairs needed will be done correctly and professionally.
tritonguy reply :
No comparison in a Ranger to a Tracker. Ranger hands down. Ranger service if you would have a problem is fantastic.
Pa Angler reply :
It seems that all the Tracker complaints are with BPS Power Pro's if you check my hooked hull post it also seems you'll get better service at a stand alone dealer. Just a couple of years ago a Ranger video compared their glass boats to equivalent aluminum boats stating glass was the way to go now in order to compete with volume Ranger has made an about face that video is no longer shown on their website. I would't turn a blind eye to Tracker or Nitro do your own hands on research all brands have some problems now and then including Ranger.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Waterlogged reply :
A little off topic but when considering a purchase such great expense. I agree with everyone about going with the Ranger. I own a Tracker TXW myself and I am 100% satisfied but when I was in the market I wanted the comparable Ranger aluminum. Anyway, my recommendation is to REALLY consider getting the 75hp Optimax. There are advantages of having a 4 cycle outboard but most people that I've talked to with the 60hp complain about how sluggish they are when trying to get up on plane. Mine has the 75 and is very peppy when coming out of the hole.
A little food for thought!
curtis9 reply :
I went to the boat show in Greenville, SC a few weeks back. They had a Ranger 188 and a tracker 175. The Ranger looked to be a lot better boat. It just seemed to be a more solid boat. I don't know if the 178 is the same.
I have a 2004 Tracker 175. I've been happy with the boat, but would love to upgrade to the new Ranger.
The Ranger also seemed to have better attention to detail than the Tracker. For example, the console on the ranger is shifted off the side of the boat to give room to lay rods on that side of the boat. On the tracker, the console will block rods from laying on that side of the boat. The ranger has cup holders built on for both passengers. The tracker doesn't.
The ranger also appeared to have a much better trailer.
I'm not sure the additional features are worth the extra money, but comparing the boats side by side, I was much more impressed with the new Ranger than I was the tracker.
slonezp reply :
On 2/14/2014 at 10:01 AM, Waterlogged said:A little off topic but when considering a purchase such great expense. I agree with everyone about going with the Ranger. I own a Tracker TXW myself and I am 100% satisfied but when I was in the market I wanted the comparable Ranger aluminum. Anyway, my recommendation is to REALLY consider getting the 75hp Optimax. There are advantages of having a 4 cycle outboard but most people that I've talked to with the 60hp complain about how sluggish they are when trying to get up on plane. Mine has the 75 and is very peppy when coming out of the hole.
A little food with thought!
I believe Tohatsu makes the 60hp and under Mercs
Pa Angler reply :
On 2/14/2014 at 10:06 AM, curtis9 said:I went to the boat show in Greenville, SC a few weeks back. They had a Ranger 188 and a tracker 175. The Ranger looked to be a lot better boat. It just seemed to be a more solid boat. I don't know if the 178 is the same.
I have a 2004 Tracker 175. I've been happy with the boat, but would love to upgrade to the new Ranger.
The Ranger also seemed to have better attention to detail than the Tracker. For example, the console on the ranger is shifted off the side of the boat to give room to lay rods on that side of the boat. On the tracker, the console will block rods from laying on that side of the boat. The ranger has cup holders built on for both passengers. The tracker doesn't.
The ranger also appeared to have a much better trailer.
I'm not sure the additional features are worth the extra money, but comparing the boats side by side, I was much more impressed with the new Ranger than I was the tracker.
Just curious, what was the price difference?
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
slonezp reply :
On 2/14/2014 at 10:27 AM, Pa Angler said:Just curious, what was the price difference?
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
The Tracker 190 and the Ranger 188 are pretty close in price with the Ranger coming in cheaper by a few hundred. The Ranger website has a boat builder with pricing so you can compare
curtis9 reply :
On 2/14/2014 at 10:27 AM, Pa Angler said:Just curious, what was the price difference?
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
They were pretty far off, since it was a Ranger 188 with a 115 and a Tracker 175 with a 60.
I think the Ranger was ~22k. I don't remember what the tracker was priced at.
I also saw the Phoenix 920 or 921 (I can't remember which). It looked to be a bargain at $64,000.
Gotfishyfingers? reply :
Ranger~ better quality and resale value.
Pa Angler reply :
On 2/14/2014 at 10:41 AM, slonezp said:The Tracker 190 and the Ranger 188 are pretty close in price with the Ranger coming in cheaper by a few hundred. The Ranger website has a boat builder with pricing so you can compare
Been to the Ranger website Ranger comes stock with a 25hp motor while the Tracker comes with a 60hp motor for about the same money can't imagine running the Ranger with a 25hp motor one would not be happy with it both have a max rating of 75hp. Tracker's estimated top end is higher as well with both having a 75 on the back the Ranger is $1,800 more.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
slonezp reply :
On 2/15/2014 at 12:08 AM, Pa Angler said:Been to the Ranger website Ranger comes stock with a 25hp motor while the Tracker comes with a 60hp motor for about the same money can't imagine running the Ranger with a 25hp motor one would not be happy with it both have a max rating of 75hp. Tracker's estimated top end is higher as well with both having a 75 on the back the Ranger is $1,800 more.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
The 190 and 188 prices are both with a 90. I didn't check out the 17 footers
cadman reply :
I had a Tracker Magna 17 alum. for 17 years, I can't say a bad thing about the boat other than my deck boards rotted out but it was a 1985 boat. I now have a Ranger. When I was looking at boats in 2007, I was looking at the Tracker Tundra, Lund and Ranger. The Tundra and the Lund were alum. With all said and done with the money I would have spent on the Tundra or the Lund I got a Ranger. This is my first glass boat. Pay the extra few bucks and get the Ranger if you can afford it. I was on the fence with my decisions, and I'm very happy with my Ranger.
Pa Angler reply :
On 2/15/2014 at 12:35 AM, slonezp said:The 190 and 188 prices are both with a 90. I didn't check out the 17 footers
I aplogize for the confusion the original post compared the Ranger 178 and the Tracker 175TXW so I was reporting my findings on that. The Tracker 190TX comes with a 90hp Optimax the Ranger comes with a Rude 90hp Blue the Optimax is a $1,100 upgrade on the Ranger.which cost a total of $1,600 more on the Ranger. If cost is an issue then $1,600 is a lot but then if one's mind is already decided on what brand then cost may not be an issue. I hope whatever one buys one will be happy.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Brian Needham reply :
it don't matter what name is one the side of it, it is a tin boat and you WILL take a bath on it if you sell in 3 years.
don't let the Ranger people tell you different.
Brian Needham reply :
On 2/14/2014 at 1:33 AM, Sweetale said:Both dealers are equidistant from home, (and are actually owned by the same group). I don't have a dealer for any of the other big name boats close enough for comfort. How much should the wood vs no wood factor into my decision?
where is the wood at?
also don't forget "composite" only means wood covered in glass.
00 mod reply :
On 2/14/2014 at 10:17 AM, slonezp said:I believe Tohatsu makes the 60hp and under Mercs
Pretty sure it is 30hp and less.
Jeff
ww2farmer reply :
I have a Tracker. It's been good to me, and gets the crap beat out of it, BUT, my next boat (hopefully in a few years) will be a Ranger or Crestliner.
Sweetale reply :
The Tracker has a wood deck, and the Ranger has no wood anywhere. While I am a long time boat owner, I do not know the repercussions of a wood deck on an aluminum bass boat.
Brian Needham reply :
On 2/15/2014 at 8:03 AM, Sweetale said:The Tracker has a wood deck, and the Ranger has no wood anywhere. While I am a long time boat owner, I do not know the repercussions of a wood deck on an aluminum bass boat.
I know a tournament team that has had their 175 for 7-8 years with no issues with the deck, they regularly both fish from the front.... and fish hard out of the boat.
and I know another guy that has a 190, boat sits outside year around, covered in the winter. fishes out of it like he stole it and never had an issue. bream, bass, crappie, big catfish his boat has seen it all.
Sweetale reply :
I was able to finally see the Ranger in person today, and was very impressed with the storage and fit/finish. I'm definitely leaning toward this boat, although not quite a done deal yet. Everyones' comments have really helped me with this process.
Stanthebassman reply :
I bought the RT178 last August and could not be more happy with the performance and with the service from the dealer. I have the Mercury 75 Optimax and it runs 40 mph when I am by myself and 37-38 mph with a passenger. It literally jumps out of the water. I had a minor problem with the Ranger stickers on the seats peeling and instead of replacing the stickers Ranger replaced the seats. It is a sharp boat and I have received many compliments from people in much bigger bass rigs. The extra money was well spent versus buying a Tracker.
Sweetale reply :
Good to hear, since I put down the deposit today on the RT178! I'm pretty stoked. Thanks to everyone for their help and input!
jhoffman reply :
Buy whatever the biggest motor they offer is, especially if financing.
Brian Needham reply :
stickers on a seat?
REALLY?
Koofy Smacker reply :
On 2/21/2014 at 9:32 AM, Brian Needham said:stickers on a seat?
REALLY?
I believe these are what he was referring too
BassinLou reply :
On 2/21/2014 at 3:59 AM, Sweetale said:Good to hear, since I put down the deposit today on the RT178! I'm pretty stoked. Thanks to everyone for their help and input!
Congrats!! I am excited for you. I will be in the market for a new boat in a about a years time, and the rangers really have my attention. Keep us in the loop when your new boat arrives.
AQUA VELVA reply :
I have a 94 Tracker TV-17 with a 60hp, 2 stroke Merc that I bought new as a first boat. I can't say anything about service because Ive never needed any. The only downsides are it doesn't handle big water very well and it's a little on the ''cozy'' side for two people as it has a 72'' beam. I like the floor plan ,which is no longer offered, and it tows like a feather. If I ever need to re-power, I will go 4stroke but for now old ''smokey'' still makes her fly. From my experience, I would go out and buy another Tracker if I had to replace this one. By the way, I've never had any problems with the trailer either.
Joespy reply :
The Ranger RT178 is an incredible boat. I own a 2014 RT178 with an Evinrude Etec 75hp. Went with the 178 to have it fit in single garage spot. Looked at all competitors and the Ranger stood out strong. Incredibly stable, and solid feel. Fit and finish are incredible. Plenty of rod and tackle storage. Comfortable boat all day long. I would recommend this boat to any one looking to buy an aluminum bass boat.
Gotfishyfingers? reply :
Ranger hands down..
Tim Kelly reply :
For that 17ft boat size I think the G3 Eagle Talon DLX is the best thought out in the class. 90hp rating, 9ft rod box, cooler in step. Compared to the others in that size class it would probably be my choice.
Joespy reply :
The G3 talon is a good boat. Though the 90hp vs 75hp performance difference is minimal as in maybe 2 to 3 mph. But your fuel consumption goes up. As with every thing on this type of boats there are trade offs. Gain in one area lose in another. For me I went with the boat that was in my opinion the best overall value and performance. I have yet to be at the boat dock where at least one person has asked me about my boat. And I am seeing more aluminum Rangers on the water here in Idaho. Fish on my friends!
desmobob reply :
On 2/15/2014 at 7:14 AM, 00 mod said:
Pretty sure it is 30hp and less.
Jeff
Tohatsu makes the 30HP and under four-cycles. The 40, 50 and 60 four-cycles are made by Mercury in China, and the larger ones are US-made.
Tight lines,
Bob
Quarry Man reply :
May friend has an RT188 and loves it. I am looking at a new boat, might want to go with an RT178 and 75 HP. How will it handle big water?
gimruis reply :
On 9/25/2017 at 3:00 AM, Quarry Man said:May friend has an RT188 and loves it. I am looking at a new boat, might want to go with an RT178 and 75 HP. How will it handle big water?
I have a 2015 RT 178 with a 75 4-stroke HP (merc). This is my second full season with it. I have not had any problems, although I wouldn't expect it to either. It does not handle big rough water well though. It takes a beating in bigger waves, but it is a modified V-hull aluminum boat too so I wouldn't expect it to slice through 4 footers like butter anyways. I didn't really buy it with the intention of being on a big lake when it was windy so its not really a problem for me because I'm not going out in that.
In terms of layout, I wish the rod locker was in the middle. I have the non-skid polymer floor coating instead of marine carpet. I wasn't initially going to get it but the salesman talked me into it. I like it better than carpet after using it for 2 seasons now.
Quarry Man reply :
On 9/25/2017 at 9:01 AM, gimruis said:I have a 2015 RT 178 with a 75 4-stroke HP (merc). This is my second full season with it. I have not had any problems, although I wouldn't expect it to either. It does not handle big rough water well though. It takes a beating in bigger waves, but it is a modified V-hull aluminum boat too so I wouldn't expect it to slice through 4 footers like butter anyways. I didn't really buy it with the intention of being on a big lake when it was windy so its not really a problem for me because I'm not going out in that.
In terms of layout, I wish the rod locker was in the middle. I have the non-skid polymer floor coating instead of marine carpet. I wasn't initially going to get it but the salesman talked me into it. I like it better than carpet after using it for 2 seasons now.
I don't plan on having in on 4 fooyters, but you never know what will happen. Any other advice? what tm do you have?
gimruis reply :
On 9/25/2017 at 9:10 AM, Quarry Man said:I don't plan on having in on 4 fooyters, but you never know what will happen. Any other advice? what tm do you have?
I've got a 70 pound thrust Minnkota Maxxum (24 volts). Its plenty of bow mount power for this boat. They were going to give me a 12 volt Minnkota Edge but I wasn't having that and upgraded immediately. I can get about 35 mph out of it. I could probably get 40 if I upgraded to a stainless steel 3-blade prop.
Quarry Man reply :
I have a power drive on my current boat, which is electric steer. never used a cable drive. Was thinking of doing that upgrade or even to the highest end mine kota, but I'm not sure. Im definitely interested in the 178. its just awesome. how about electronics, I've never used any. any advice no matter how basic is awesome. thanks again.
Quarry Man reply :
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RT178 AND THE 178C?
slonezp reply :
C is the crappie edition. Extra livewell and 3 seat posts on the deck
Quarry Man reply :
On 9/26/2017 at 9:50 AM, slonezp said:C is the crappie edition. Extra livewell and 3 seat posts on the deck
ok, that makes more sense, i did notice in a video that there were 3 seat post brackets. and someone mentioned a live well in the front. thanks.
lol at first i thought you meant crappie a=in a different way. my bad
crypt reply :
I am Ranger guy,20years now. if I was looking at an aluminium boat Crestliner is what I would probably go with. then a Ranger.if price is a concern look for a good one a couple of years old. save quite a bit of coin that way.
gimruis reply :
On 9/25/2017 at 9:28 AM, Quarry Man said:I have a power drive on my current boat, which is electric steer. never used a cable drive. Was thinking of doing that upgrade or even to the highest end mine kota, but I'm not sure. Im definitely interested in the 178. its just awesome. how about electronics, I've never used any. any advice no matter how basic is awesome. thanks again.
I'm a Lowrance guy simply because its the operating system I've used for 15 years. If your not used to one brand or the other, I would consider Humminbird and Garmin in addition to Lowrance. It only has room for a 7 inch screen to be flush mounted the console. There are ways to mount a larger screen but flush mount has room for a 7 inch screen only.
My old boat used to have a Powerdrive bow mount too. It takes some getting used to going from an electric steer to a cable steer. Having used both, I now prefer the cable steer. If I could afford it I'd upgrade to an Ultrex but that's just not in the budget right now.
viking4 reply :
I picked up a 2018 rt178 early this Spring after comparing and crawling over all the other competitor models in this range, I found this boat fit me the best for the style of fishing I do. I have fished out of it a lot so far and each time I am amazed at the stability of this boat. The layout is very fisherman friendly and functional in the sense that I can access all my tackle without having to move all my rods on the deck. The front deck is solid and is not tippy when standing near the gunnels. I had a mount installed on my console instead of cutting a hole in the dash and was able to install a fish finder and a couple ram mounts for my phone and other accessories. This boat does cost a little more but I believe the extra cost of it is worth it and if I had the choice to reconsider I would buy it again without a second thought.
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