Thanks for sharing, James. I still have my 2014 Z521C. If I ever sell it, the 208 Alpha would be a boat I would consider. I appreciate your video showing the boat.
@@davidgerdes181570lb trolling motor is more than enough for that boat. Nobody uses the shit chartplotters that come with boats, we all replace them. But also. He has a 12” on front; not a 7”.
@stonehorn4641 agree to a point but don't waist my money on something I will not use just offer me an upgrade and subtract the cheaper units price from it.
Glad they listened and went to rocker switches, eliminating that touch screen mess. Can't wait until end of the year assessment, especially concerning the transom and all that weight back there.
I’d be interested to see what the insides of the compartments look like as well as the back battery compartment and livewells. Looks like an awesome rig!
On the surface it looks nice but my question is how are the stringers made? What material is used? What gauge aluminum is used? This just is very basic info. The layout is nice. Seats and consoles look nice. The access hatch in the looks small though. If the side boxes are not going all the way back why didn't they make the rear deck lid longer for easier access? Also curious if a passenger console is an option. Plus my only problem with all Johnny Morris owned brands is you are stuck with only a mercury. Good engine but I'm really a Suzuki fan. Plus is it an option to get Garmin electronics if wanted?
I would have to work another full time job to afford either one. Then another to buy the fuel, at that point there wouldn't be time for me to even sleep so forget about fishing.
Thanks for the video. I have the 198 and its been a great boat. I have been looking at this one online and I'm impressed. How many rods does it hold? Good luck and catch some biggens so I can see you on tv.
That’s an outstanding aluminum Ranger,which I have not seen in person but my brother has the Ranger Z520R fiberglass and your 208 Alpha matches and it’s hard to tell the difference 😮🤷🏻♂️👍😎👍🍀🎣🍀 Best Of Success in the Opens James, and I have met Forrest Woods at a couple of The Forrest Wood Cup and I am glad to see Ranger is still creating a Great Aluminum Model and I hope they continue the tradition of quality we all enjoy and expect from Ranger💯👏👏👏
How much does the aluminum boat weigh compared to a 20 ft Ranger fiberglass boat? How much does the trailer weigh compared to a Ranger steel trailer? One last question. How much did you save on fuel cost while fishing and while towing?
I believe that. Gator trax have the toughest boats. But damn 90,000 for aluminum strike series. But at same time rolls royce cars aren't worth 300,000 but ppl buy them. So get your money gator trax it's life
When he's down with the customizing this reasonably priced aluminum boat is going to cost upwards of $80,000. That buys you a hand built to your specs Gator Trax
So far the only aluminum bassboat I'd buy is a gatortrax. That's why I asked about the stringers and thickness of aluminum. So far no major company in my opinion has strong long lasting quality except gatertrax and a few other smaller custom companies. No offense but Lund doesn't make the cut in the big boy department. Good if you're buying a 16 footer.
@@adamportner8102 This new ranger aluminum boat is basically built by bass pro shops in the same factory. Talked to someone who works at the ranger factory. I’m still going to stick with Lund’s IPS hull. I’ve never heard of a transom damaged because of a 250hp motor on a Lund.
First look is that it has the same issue that my Vexus has. If you have a partner that needs to sit so they fish in the back; The center box between the driver and passenger seats is to high. If you are not 6'8' it is very hard to get off the back deck into the floor of the boat.
I would still buy an Xpress first if I wanted an aluminum boat. I had Ranger Fiberglass boats for decades, but switched to Skeeter when BPS bought them. BPS has the worst customer service Ive ever experienced.
Great review! It was awesome getting to meet you in person!
Thanks for sharing, James. I still have my 2014 Z521C. If I ever sell it, the 208 Alpha would be a boat I would consider. I appreciate your video showing the boat.
Oh I LOVE the “C” Ranger models 💪🏼 yup the boat has to be experienced! So nice!
My goodness I'd Love to have that baby!!! Excited to see further videos!
It’s a GREAT boat, will try and get that out soon
I like how straightforward it is. It is a pure fishing machine and the features reflect it.
70 lb trolling motor and 7” fish finder are a joke!
@@davidgerdes181570lb trolling motor is more than enough for that boat. Nobody uses the shit chartplotters that come with boats, we all replace them.
But also. He has a 12” on front; not a 7”.
For sure, wonderful fishing platform
@stonehorn4641 agree to a point but don't waist my money on something I will not use just offer me an upgrade and subtract the cheaper units price from it.
Thanks for the walkthrough, the boat is attractive for sure. Got me rethinking my next boat
👍 glad you liked the video, I will have another one soon, where I go into storage and battery compartment area
Great review! Thank you.
Thanks, glad you liked it. It art 2 soon…hopefully 😃
Congrats. I'm in the northwest, I love aluminium boats
Me too, Certainly good for any geographical location!
Glad they listened and went to rocker switches, eliminating that touch screen mess. Can't wait until end of the year assessment, especially concerning the transom and all that weight back there.
The Ride system has a touch screen just like the Ranger 520 and have loved having them
Been fortunate enough to fish outta this boat…. It is slick!!!
Thanks bro!
Great looking boat. Hope the welds don't split like they've been known to.
I’d be interested to see what the insides of the compartments look like as well as the back battery compartment and livewells. Looks like an awesome rig!
Appreciate the feedback! Yes stay tuned it’s coming as soon as I can knock that out
Here is the video where I show inside and compartment layout:
czcams.com/video/V9kTXyOINkk/video.htmlsi=m-GYoqXWRhiWrbfo
Looking forward to see this one in person and riding around in it....soon!
It has a very nice ride!
Love that aluminum Ranger. That's a boat I could buy. Aluminum=MegaDurable
It’s a wonderful boat and really shines in the water
I love the upgrades
Thank you!
That Ranger looks awesome
Thanks bro! It’s got looks and performance
On the surface it looks nice but my question is how are the stringers made? What material is used? What gauge aluminum is used? This just is very basic info. The layout is nice. Seats and consoles look nice. The access hatch in the looks small though. If the side boxes are not going all the way back why didn't they make the rear deck lid longer for easier access? Also curious if a passenger console is an option. Plus my only problem with all Johnny Morris owned brands is you are stuck with only a mercury. Good engine but I'm really a Suzuki fan. Plus is it an option to get Garmin electronics if wanted?
Finally a Ranger!!!
Nice boat James great review 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Now hurry and get the on the water experience video uploaded! 😅
Nice boat!
Thanks…Yes, it’s next on the list!
My gosh, aluminum boats are same price as glass boats were 5 years ago.
I would have to work another full time job to afford either one. Then another to buy the fuel, at that point there wouldn't be time for me to even sleep so forget about fishing.
Boats have definitely improved over the years
Thanks for the video. I have the 198 and its been a great boat. I have been looking at this one online and I'm impressed. How many rods does it hold? Good luck and catch some biggens so I can see you on tv.
Be interesting to see how these hold up where the wind blows alot like mead and texas lakes. What Oz carpet does it come with?
That’s an outstanding aluminum Ranger,which I have not seen in person but my brother has the Ranger Z520R fiberglass and your 208 Alpha matches and it’s hard to tell the difference 😮🤷🏻♂️👍😎👍🍀🎣🍀 Best Of Success in the Opens James, and I have met Forrest Woods at a couple of The Forrest Wood Cup and I am glad to see Ranger is still creating a Great Aluminum Model and I hope they continue the tradition of quality we all enjoy and expect from Ranger💯👏👏👏
For sure, Thanks for kind words and leaving a comment
That thing looks legit
Thanks, She is a sweet rig for sure
How much does the aluminum boat weigh compared to a 20 ft Ranger fiberglass boat?
How much does the trailer weigh compared to a Ranger steel trailer?
One last question. How much did you save on fuel cost while fishing and while towing?
I would go with the Gator Trax Strike Series !!
3/16 thick hull, Gator Trax for life.
Gator Trax is way more expensive e but definitely worth every penny. I have a Ranger now but would give it up, immediately, for a Gator Trax!
I would too if I had the $$$.
I guarantee you easier to get financing for a Ranger.
This is why. czcams.com/video/EhTQTvry0hE/video.htmlsi=DxCTuOLvojF5ibGF
I believe that. Gator trax have the toughest boats. But damn 90,000 for aluminum strike series. But at same time rolls royce cars aren't worth 300,000 but ppl buy them. So get your money gator trax it's life
I wonder if Ranger Boat is going to have the same problem of cracking the hull as vexus has?
Oh hell na What a last name 😂😂😂😂
I always like storage layout and how one stores his gear
That’s for sure coming in the next video., appreciate the feedback
Nice RIg... Man can you imagine if I had your last name? 🤣🤣🤣😆😆😆 I would be straight Famous..
Thanks, it’s a super nice rig!
Do these come with padded front decks?
When he's down with the customizing this reasonably priced aluminum boat is going to cost upwards of $80,000. That buys you a hand built to your specs Gator Trax
Great video. What’s the top speed?
I’ve had it to 67 mph on GPS
How fast is it? That’s the #1 question everyone waiting on
Looks really nice but I’ll stick to my Lund Pro V Bass 2075. Can’t go wrong. Proven fishing machine.
Don’t pass up the chance to take a ride in to 208 Alpha if the opportunity presents itself
So far the only aluminum bassboat I'd buy is a gatortrax. That's why I asked about the stringers and thickness of aluminum. So far no major company in my opinion has strong long lasting quality except gatertrax and a few other smaller custom companies. No offense but Lund doesn't make the cut in the big boy department. Good if you're buying a 16 footer.
@@adamportner8102 This new ranger aluminum boat is basically built by bass pro shops in the same factory. Talked to someone who works at the ranger factory. I’m still going to stick with Lund’s IPS hull. I’ve never heard of a transom damaged because of a 250hp motor on a Lund.
@@mikeyID watch the old video about extruded metal stringers by gatertrax it will open your eyes
@@mikeyID czcams.com/video/EhTQTvry0hE/video.htmlsi=DxCTuOLvojF5ibGF
any way to go 36v for the trolling motor set up? i see they advertise only 24v 🙁
I upgraded my trolling motor to a Power pole Move (36 volt)
It's stupid if you can't upgrade to a 36v right from ranger.
First look is that it has the same issue that my Vexus has. If you have a partner that needs to sit so they fish in the back; The center box between the driver and passenger seats is to high. If you are not 6'8' it is very hard to get off the back deck into the floor of the boat.
Maybe if they are 80 years old. Otherwise they should have no trouble at all.
@@stonehorn4641 or you could be 40 and have a disability that limits your mobility.
Where did you buy the boat
From Ranger direct
Xpress X21 still the king.
Why would Ranger take 2’ out of the deck for a step? Put the step in the cockpit! Lol
Top speed?
68-69 mph on GPS tournament load
I knew you was about 3" taller than me ya wascal. LOL.
I would still buy an Xpress first if I wanted an aluminum boat. I had Ranger Fiberglass boats for decades, but switched to Skeeter when BPS bought them. BPS has the worst customer service Ive ever experienced.
Engine
Mercury 250HP
You can't do a walk-through and not open any compartments..
That’s coming in the next video
@@jamesniggemeyerfishing3432 Ahh, gotcha
Gator Trax Strike Series is twice the boat this ranger is...125 vs 190...
$190K?
@@user-sh2mk8ew4c 190 gauge aluminum
@@user-sh2mk8ew4c 190 gauge aluminum
.115” vs .190” thick aluminum I think they are referring to.
@@user-sh2mk8ew4c yes .190 gauge
You know when ur sponsored and get boat free rather then have to pay urself. U dont know if wheels are upgraded
How does it ride compared to the 520R in rough water? I have a 520R.
I had the 520 R last year, loved it, flagship boat of Ranger fiberglass. The 208 Aplha, Flagship of aluminum boats has raised the bar.