Bass Boats - Ranger Boats

Ranger 188VS DC
Base Price: $31,112
Price As Tested: $31,112
Top Speed:
54.8 mph
0-to-30 mph:
8.0 seconds
Construction:
Fiberglass/composite
Console Type:
Dual
Length: 18’ 8”
Beam: 7’ 9”
Hull Weight:.
1575 lbs.
Rigged Weight: .
2280 lbs.
Trailered Weight:
3075 lbs.
Fuel Capacity:
38 gals.
Livewell Capacity:
24 gals.
Maximum Horsepower: 175
Standard Equipment: Teleflex hydraulic steering;
24-volt Minn Kota trolling motor; on-board Pro-
Charger 15x2; Lowrance X-135; ProStow tackle organizer;
rod storage system; power pedestal seats;
tandem-axle Ranger Trail trailer with swingaway
tongue; recirculated/aerated livewell system; stainless
steel hardware
Optional Equipment as Tested: None
Engine Tested: Evinrude E-Tec 150
Type: EFI 2-stroke V-6
Displacement:
2.6L (158 cid)
Weight (per mfg.):
418 lbs.
Recommended WOT RPM: 4500-5500
Gear Ratio: 1.86:1
Propeller:
22” Raker stainless 3-blade
Jackplate:
None
Setback:
None
■ The recessed footwell for the Minn Kota 24-
volt trolling motor adds to angler comfort on the
bow. The 188VS is a very stable fishing platform.
Ranger said our test boat was set up properly
and that there wasn’t anything left on the
table. Still, Evinrude lists the 150 E-Tec operating
range as 4500-5500 rpm, with peak horsepower
coming at 5250. That puts our engine’s
rpm on the low end of the power curve. We
also noted a slight “miss” in the engine during
the WOT runs that couldn’t be cured. So, don’t
be surprised if a similarly rigged 188VS ends up
being quicker than the one we tested.
■ Evinrude’s 150 E-Tec is ideal on the new
Ranger if you are trying to keep weight down
and fuel economy up.
The 188VS’ fishing stability is second to
none. We spent a couple of hours annoying
Bull Shoals bass off windy points and in protected
coves. No matter where my Ranger pro
partner, Jim “Big Daddy” Nolan, or I moved on
the deck, the little Ranger stayed rock steady.
It also seemed to hold straight against crosswinds,
which made fishing those windy points
a lot easier behind the power of the 24-volt
Minn Kota.
Weather Conditions:
Air Temperature:
60F
Water Temperature: 75.4F
Wind:
3 mph crosswind
Water Conditions:
Rippled
TEST RESULTS
Engine Speed Fuel Range 1
(rpm) (mph) (gph) (mpg) (miles)
1000 4.7 2.2 2.1 73
1500 6.4 3.1 2.1 71
2000 8.2 5.1 1.6 55
2500 9.7 6.7 1.4 50
3000 2 29.9 7.5 4.0 136
3500 34.9 9.7 3.6 123
4000 42.1 12.0 3.5 120
4500 47.2 13.4 3.5 120
5000 53.4 15.8 3.4 116
5200 54.8 16.3 3.4 115
1
Based on 90% fuel capacity
2
Optimum cruise speed
Ranger Boats
Dept BWB
P.O. Box 179
Flippin, AR 72634
800/373-2628
rangerboats.com
DOWN TO FUNCTION
From a basic layout standpoint, the new
Ranger is no different from any other midsize
bass boat. What is different is that the 188VS
feels more like a 20-footer as far as fishing
room and interior spaciousness. Legroom is
more than abundant under the consoles, even
for those well north of 6 feet.
There’s also abundant room in the dual rod
lockers: the port accommodating 7-inch, 6-
foot rods in the built-in rod storage system;
the starboard handling 7-foot rods or a lot of
mixed gear and tackle. The box lids are big,
and gas struts assist you when opening them
and keeping them open.
Your backseater can keep his rods handy by
strapping them down on the angled rod holder
alongside his seat. More gear, tackle and
snacks/drinks can be stored in four other compartments
located fore and aft of the cockpit.
40 April 2006 BassAndWalleyeBoats.com
■ The rear deck is typical of an 18-foot bass boat. Every inch available under the deck is put to good
use. Livewell lids are insulated to keep water temps cooler during the heat of summer.
When you are lucky — or good — enough to
bring a fish to deck, which Big Daddy Nolan is on
both counts, the 188VS has a pro-level, divided
livewell to keep them feisty and happy until
weigh-in.
No doubt the newest addition to the Ranger
VS line is going to catch the favor of a lot of
pros looking for a smaller package that delivers
the same level of overall performance of
a bigger platform.
Smaller boats cost less to use both on the
water and to trailer; they’re easier to keep
garaged (Ranger Trail trailers have swingaway
tongues), and they’re a little easier on the
bank account. Still, at $31K, the new Ranger
isn’t cheap. The upside is Rangers hold their
resale value very well, so when it comes time
to sell, you are still smiling.
That’s the beauty of the Ranger 188VS —
you smile a lot. BWB