I have a 2005 19ft tracker now with a 90 Mercury, will be buying a new boat in a year or two.

I know the ranger boats are built well, but would you put them ahead of a new tracker?

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Posted by wickowick

Head of Island

Member since Dec 2006

45793 posts

Posted on 3/22/15 at 9:04 am to headboard banger

Why are you limiting your search to these two brands? What about Xpress or Alumicraft? There are probably more brands to look at also...

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Posted by Polar Pop

Member since Feb 2012

10748 posts

Posted on 3/22/15 at 9:13 am to headboard banger

Ranger is lightyears ahead of Tracker.

Not hating on Tracker, but 99% of aluminum rigs are ahead of them.

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Posted by LSUlefty

Youngsville, LA

Member since Dec 2007

26440 posts

Posted on 3/22/15 at 9:36 am to Polar Pop

I've never heard of an aluminum Ranger. The Tracker has been around forever. I prefer Xpress or G3.

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Posted by Polar Pop

Member since Feb 2012

10748 posts

Posted on 3/22/15 at 9:39 am to LSUlefty

Aluminum Ranger

Check out the aluminum Triton along with the other brands listed.

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Posted by KLSU

Baton Rouge

Member since Sep 2003

10285 posts

Posted on 3/22/15 at 9:46 am to headboard banger

Xpress Aluminum if you want a performance boat that is not a beater.

Hanko's or similar if you are looking for a work boat..

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Posted by shawnlsu

Member since Nov 2011

23682 posts

Posted on 3/22/15 at 3:18 pm to KLSU

quote:
Xpress Aluminum

Finishes suck arse on Xpress boats.
Trackers are cheaper scrap than Xpress.
Ranger is top notch quality all around
I have no bias

This post was edited on 3/22/15 at 3:20 pm

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Posted by ctiger69

Member since May 2005

30589 posts

Posted on 3/22/15 at 3:50 pm to shawnlsu

Ranger is very nice. I came very close to buying one but went with a fiberglass instead. I would have been perfectly happy had I bought the Ranger thinking back now.

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Posted by 007mag

Death Valley, Sec. 408

Member since Dec 2011

3873 posts

Posted on 3/22/15 at 6:30 pm to ctiger69

quote:
fiberglass instead

After having both several times I'll never go back to aluminum for a fishing boat. I find fiberglas rides smoother and doesn't catch the wind as bad when fishing.

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Posted by Aubie Spr96

lolwut?

Member since Dec 2009

41059 posts

Posted on 3/22/15 at 9:35 pm to 007mag

quote:
I find fiberglas rides smoother and doesn't catch the wind as bad when fishing.

All of this is true. However, it is because the aluminum boat is lighter. Which means you get better gas mileage when towing it and better gas mileage when running it. Plus, the added benefit of durability.

Its a trade off for sure. I run aluminum because of the durability. I hunt and fish outa my Xpress. Couldn't dream of taking a fiberglass Ranger where I take my Xpress and dump dead deer in it.

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