Ranger RT188 vs Tracker 195 TXW

I bought my RT188 in 2016. Only thing I wish was different would be being rated for a big motor. However I still love the boat. It is a very fishable boat.

I have never owned or fished from a tracker so can’t give a direct comparison, but if you have any specific questions about the RT188 ask away.

They do make a RT188P now as well. I would think about one of those as well.

Dad owns a 2016 tracker 195 with a 150 on the back

Honestly, I couldn’t think of anything else you would ever need for a bass boat. It goes 50+mph easy with us in it and it rises smooth and has a TON of deck space. Far more than any other bass boat I have fished in under 20 feet

To get the ranger with a 150hp I would imagine you would pay a decent bit more

I have a 2015 RT188. Love the boat. When I was shopping I remember a glaring difference in quality between Ranger and the rest of the tin boats I saw, which was Tracker, Lowe, Xpress and G3. G3 was the closest in comparison I believe, but none of them could touch the quality, or the layout of the RT188.


I bought mine from Country Creek in Hattiesburg strictly because in-stock boats were hard to find back then and they had several, and they had thousands off their boats on the lot. Other dealers in LA, especially Cabela's, couldn't (or wouldn't) come close in price.

Vexus was started and is still run by former Ranger guys. I have seen a few around in the last year and if I were in the market for a new aluminum bass boat today I wouldn't make a purchase with out checking out the Vexus boats.

I bought a RT198 three years ago with an Evinrude. My buddy bought a similar model in the tracker. Pretty close to the same boat. Ranger has a slightly better fit and finish. Money wise they boats are similar.

Both the Ranger and Tracker are now owned by White River Marine Group so Ranger is now just paying for a name. The old Ranger guys now build Vexus which is a really nice aluminum boat but they are damn near as expensive as a glass boat.

Tracker boats have a nationally set price meaning that the price you see online is the price you pay. No matter if it is Bass Pro, Cabelas, or your local dealer and they can all work on them and file warranty so I would buy from where you will get the best service.

The first dealer in the state that took on Vexus also has the largest selection. That is Real Deal in Alexandria, LA.
This is where I bought my Ranger Boat pre Vexus. They also have a lake in back which means you can try it out. I believe they have them with Yamaha, Evinrude, or Mercury which gives you options versus Boat Stuff.

I really liked my Ranger and got to try the same boat with a Mercury and Evinrude. I went with the Evinrude and liked that their selection. I did not have to wait to order a boat.

I agree when I looked Lowe makes a nice boat. Their fit and finish is decent just not as flashy as a Ranger.

The trick if finding a dealer that stocks that size. Then their dealer network changes way too much. One day this guy carries Lowe and the next day they don’t.

When you spend $30k or higher on an aluminum boat you want to test ride in one first. You lack this with Lowe dealer network in this area.

I wouldn’t buy from Real Deal. And Boat Stuf will take you on the water. And Boat Stuf now Carries more than Yamaha now. They also have Suzuki and Mercs