Love it! With a little work, maybe run about 70 mph? Plenty fast enough as you showed. Great alternative to glass boats. Still haven't seen one in the wild, but hope to soon. Thanks for posting the videos, and good luck to you Sir!
I love everything about the 208 except the "ride" screen system. If this rig had regurlar analog gauges, i would love it even more. Having a screen there is just asking for issues for me personally. I'd break it somehow. Plus, i wonder how that screen can handle the sun beating on it all the time?? If the aluminum holds up structural wise, this is a perfect rig. Some of the tin rigs with big HP engines are slowly tearing apart from the stress. If ranger has this perfected, then tjis is a dream boat for me.
@jameslovelace8958 that's true. Running vessel view on the lowrance solves that issue for sure. I can't help myself I don't trust those screen thr newer boats are coming with. I'm the type of guy that if I buy a new boat I plan to keep it 20 years. That's the only reason I think about that type of stuff. My 98 champion 203 is going strong but if something major ever happens to it the boat your showcasing would be my choice
Mate, that moon symbol in the top left corner of your ranger ride system should be a light dimmer for the screen if you tap on it you should see that your screen gets a little darker.
Oh wow…your right 🤣 my bad, hadn’t needed to dim it even in the early mornings because it isn’t as bright as a an electronic unit. Thanks for the comment!
All that plastic on the console reminds me of a Bass Tracker. For the money that boat cost should have Fiberglass console with no plastic that won't get brittle . The plastic gives it a cheap look also
My RT198 (Mercury XS Pro150 )has just as good of a hole shot. My RT198 with a tournament load, full tank of gas, and 2 people will run 50 mph without putting a strain on the engine. Based on your video, that boat probably runs and rides better between 55-60mph. The boat really doesn't do anything for me that I would considering buying. My Rt198 is now 4 plus years old and has never had an one issue with it. Just about all the new boats manufactured in the last 2-3 years are just built cheaper and with less Quality Control. I also fish tournaments and her other boat owner's complain about their new boats and wished they kept their old boats. When the time comes, I will buy a used boat that was well maintained, before I purchase a new boat. Best of luck with it!
I have a 198P also, but the layout of the 208 looks to have a much wider deck. I have enough deck length with the 198, but it feels cramped and narrow at times. I agree the 198 is plenty fast enough for where I fish.
@@stevedennison4438 I agree the deck is a little wider but not by much, for me to spend 70K plus (rigged out) to just go to a little wider deck and a little faster boat, especially with gas prices today. Ranger boats are just trying to compete with Xpress boats. I have owed several fiberglass boats in the past and I don't plan on getting rid of my RT198P. Still runs great, looks good, and has enough speed for me.😁
I’ve owned the Ranger Rt188 and Rt198, loved them both - great boats! The Ranger Alpha 208 needs to be experienced to fully grasp how great a boat it is. Glad you love your Ranger boat!
@@notsogood6249the bigger boat and engine gives you a bigger fishing platform , more speed , more storage and hopefully a smoother ride. If the 198p fits your needs . Then this boat isn’t for you . But you are not everyone.
Crazy last name 😅
Awesome!! Looks like a perfect setup. Thanks for the great videos!
Thank you sir!
Magnificent review! I have been eagerly awaiting this. 60 plenty fast for me
Thanks, glad you liked it! 👍
Love it! With a little work, maybe run about 70 mph? Plenty fast enough as you showed. Great alternative to glass boats. Still haven't seen one in the wild, but hope to soon. Thanks for posting the videos, and good luck to you Sir!
Thanks, appreciate the feedback and kind words!
Very cool. Thanks for sharing your experience with this boat.
Thank you!
James getting me into fishing thank you God Bless
James what?!
I love everything about the 208 except the "ride" screen system. If this rig had regurlar analog gauges, i would love it even more. Having a screen there is just asking for issues for me personally. I'd break it somehow. Plus, i wonder how that screen can handle the sun beating on it all the time?? If the aluminum holds up structural wise, this is a perfect rig. Some of the tin rigs with big HP engines are slowly tearing apart from the stress. If ranger has this perfected, then tjis is a dream boat for me.
With the Lowrance on the console and vessel view on the engine you can have those gauges on the depth finder. I have that on mine and I love it.
@jameslovelace8958 that's true. Running vessel view on the lowrance solves that issue for sure. I can't help myself I don't trust those screen thr newer boats are coming with. I'm the type of guy that if I buy a new boat I plan to keep it 20 years. That's the only reason I think about that type of stuff. My 98 champion 203 is going strong but if something major ever happens to it the boat your showcasing would be my choice
This is my third Ranger Ride system and I really like them. What few issues I’ve had for an easy remedy or update.
I just cant get over the price. Its a cool boat, and I would love to have one. But for the same money you can get a Hell of a nice fiberglass boat
Thanks
Thank you
Mate, that moon symbol in the top left corner of your ranger ride system should be a light dimmer for the screen if you tap on it you should see that your screen gets a little darker.
Oh wow…your right 🤣 my bad, hadn’t needed to dim it even in the early mornings because it isn’t as bright as a an electronic unit. Thanks for the comment!
@@jamesniggemeyerfishing3432 I better be right when I comment about Ranger Boats I sell and work on them for a living 🤣
All that plastic on the console reminds me of a Bass Tracker. For the money that boat cost should have Fiberglass console with no plastic that won't get brittle . The plastic gives it a cheap look also
what is your veiw on the livewell?
That’s a nice rig and it will scat too!
Yessir she is and will…appreciate your comment!
Thank you, yes she is and she will boogie! 😊
Needs a nicer cover for the digital gage to sit in. Looks plastic
Never heard anything about how dry the boat rides. Compared to glass.
What RPM?
5730-5740 RPMS
I didn’t actually say that but it was towards the second half of the video in text
My RT198 (Mercury XS Pro150 )has just as good of a hole shot. My RT198 with a tournament load, full tank of gas, and 2 people will run 50 mph without putting a strain on the engine. Based on your video, that boat probably runs and rides better between 55-60mph. The boat really doesn't do anything for me that I would considering buying. My Rt198 is now 4 plus years old and has never had an one issue with it. Just about all the new boats manufactured in the last 2-3 years are just built cheaper and with less Quality Control. I also fish tournaments and her other boat owner's complain about their new boats and wished they kept their old boats. When the time comes, I will buy a used boat that was well maintained, before I purchase a new boat. Best of luck with it!
That boat isn’t even in the same zip code as this boat. Two completely different things
I have a 198P also, but the layout of the 208 looks to have a much wider deck. I have enough deck length with the 198, but it feels cramped and narrow at times. I agree the 198 is plenty fast enough for where I fish.
@@stevedennison4438 I agree the deck is a little wider but not by much, for me to spend 70K plus (rigged out) to just go to a little wider deck and a little faster boat, especially with gas prices today. Ranger boats are just trying to compete with Xpress boats. I have owed several fiberglass boats in the past and I don't plan on getting rid of my RT198P. Still runs great, looks good, and has enough speed for me.😁
I’ve owned the Ranger Rt188 and Rt198, loved them both - great boats! The Ranger Alpha 208 needs to be experienced to fully grasp how great a boat it is.
Glad you love your Ranger boat!
@@notsogood6249the bigger boat and engine gives you a bigger fishing platform , more speed , more storage and hopefully a smoother ride.
If the 198p fits your needs . Then this boat isn’t for you . But you are not everyone.
I got 74 out of the protype one
With a 250 pro xs. Don’t know what prop they had on it
The power pole brackets soap, the whole back end of your boat on turns I don't like that
First