5 Things WE HATE about our BASS BOAT

[@WestinSmith]

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[@sandman5807]

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[@chunkybuttz844]

I used to have the issue with the trolling motor mount smacking the winch roller. You’re backing the trailer too far into the water. The transom is floating too much at that exact moment. Try leaving the trailer out of the water by six inches that solved my problem entirely

[@christopherlombardi4958]

#5 is my #1. A friend of mine worked for the company that made catch cables and ties for aircraft carriers, showed me the "stopping" power of nylon straps. Instantly purchased a pair of 30 ft 10000 lb. straps for 45 dollars. Best money ever spent

[@justinmeyers8668]

I agree with everything you listed good sir and in fact the one that hits me the most was your trolling motor mounted a little off and have it hit and almost brake it every time I launch my boat ! I have a 2017 Triton Trx 20 and it came stock with a Minn Kota Terrova which was kool but everyone wants to upgrade there boat so I upgraded to a Ultrex and I have the exact problem you talked about but mine is a little bit worse because I have actually broken my prop 3 times launching my boat so this week I’m taking it to a different boat shop that didn’t install it and see what they think because I can’t fix it or only want professionals to touch it. So I’m going to see what they say and I’ll let you know after I talk to them !

[@troyallison2860]

I didn't know about the latches but you just informed the thieves too

[@WestinSmith]

True! Hopefully Ranger tightens up the ship from here on out 🤣🤣

[@sothrnhunter746]

Thanks you just showed all the Homies how to break into my boat !! Hahah jk you can tighten up the large plastic nut inside the latch assembly and it won’t spin that’s what I did anyway

[@Mjones8383]

This is true, I work on them every week

[@WestinSmith]

Thanks y’all!! I’m gonna CRANK that thing down cause we’ve tightened them many times and they come loose weeks or months later

[@Mjones8383]

@@WestinSmith try adding a dab of lock tight, if you have tightened it before it may just be junk. I've personally never done a aluminum ranger, mainly glass boats.

[@fishndav]

M Jones lock tite not good for plastic. Read the label.

[@Bulldog_Fishing]

I own a 2021 RT188P. Just so you are aware, I live two hours from the closest dealer that works on Rangers. Frist: Paint scratched noticed after deliver (boat has not been on water at this point). Second: Foam on Compartment lids kept falling when lids were closed. Third: Ground post in fuse box broken and did not know this until the cranking battery died. Fourth: Compartment behind driver’s seat drain hole/line will not drain water to the bilge area of the boat. Fifth: 12V plug is inoperable. I got lucky on the paint as White River authorized me to take it to a local paint shop to get repaired. I have traveled multiple times back and forth to the dealer attempting to get these issues fix. Although all these repairs (thus far) have been warrantied, that does not make up for the Gas spent driving back and forth to the dealer each time I found another issue with the boat. I am so unhappy with my boat that I even considered taking a large bite out of my finances (down payment) to trade this boat in for a different one five months after the purchase. Listening to the video reminded me of another issue, number six: Boat was painted before delivery and who ever painted it, burned the paint on the back of the boat behind the driver’s side... It’s not just your boat bud... Surprised you did not say a word about the foam falling from your compartments.

[@WestinSmith]

Dang that’s insane 😳

[@deetownstars]

Get yourself a Loc-R-Bar and you will never have to worry about the front deck compartments, you can also install them on the rear deck as well . I have one and love it , pricy a little bit but cheaper than replacing even one rod and reel . Gold series rods and Abu SX reels

[@mxwelch]

The transom saver is a far better option than the motor toters because it actually uses the trailer that takes the stress off the trim hydraulics and more importantly the transom itself. I suspect that you're either using far too much trim down on it or your motor is crooked when you trim down. You only need to trim it down until it contacts. As for the storage locks you might want to check out a lock-r-bar for security.

[@davidsharp1533]

Your correct. His complaint can be fixed with the plastic clips on the steering cable to keep motor from turning. I also like the transom savor better. I’ve always used them

[@hunterbull7804]

Buy a wedge for the trolling motor. That way it’s oriented perfectly straight in the water and you wouldn’t have an issue with hitting. And get a lock-r-bar that goes across the whole deck to prevent your boat getting broken into

[@nathant6215]

Great vid. So humble in your break down as a first time buyer. Really helpful to the others out there.

[@FaithForgedGames]

Thanks as always y’all! I’m in the market for a similar sized boat. And these are items to address I have not considered.

[@yoporch]

Amen to the locking storage, drives me crazy. It's not a one off, my RT 178 has same issues with locks. Now TH Marine lock bar. Another frustration, even though it's supposed to be dry storage, I still get moisture. The step box is by no means weatherproof, so it's almost useless.

[@chino0119]

I have some input to solve some of the issues you have that I would like to share. 1. Trolling motor you can move it back a few inches so it clears when you launch. 2. Transom. I use a DD26 transom saver and steering locks so my mercury doesn’t ever move. My stock one I tossed it. 3. I love the quick release that garmin makes but the down fall is it self releases like what is happening to you. I have dual HumminBird solix 12 with a BBT mount. It’s solid and graphs stay in place at 74.3mph. 4. I never had a issue with my strap breaking. I just don’t crank it so tight and just enough so my boat doesn’t move back. 5. I have metal locks and not plastic and I use a rod locker bar with a alarm on the lock that spans across all my hatches so even they break the lock they can’t open it. I also put a alarm on my boat and have camera from 3 different angles. Remote on my alarm goes off when alarm goes off so it will let you know someone is messing with your boat. I have a 2021 Nitro Z21 Pro with a Mercury250proXS motor.

[@Fishin-mission1]

This is more realistic! Love the great info!

[@Fishboy68]

Tighten the latch up withva rubber strap wrench,keep electronics off till you get to ramp,definatly buy the transom saver you showed in video,the ramp and clamp or drotto system on wench is great

[@bamadondon0495]

Steering stops would have prevented that from breaking and your motor would not turn while hauling from home to lake vice versa and they're super cheap they're just two pieces of plastic that clip over the steering bars on each side of your motor, plus I would recommend an aftermarket motor tote one that specifically goes over the trim bars and your motor just trims down over the top of the motor tote, not saying that they can't or won't break either but the ones that are out there and available especially on tackle Warehouse, i don't see how even if you didn't have the steering stops they would break! But this is a great vide, this is a lot of things people can learn from and not have to deal with in their future endeavors, I have a Stratos 200 pro XL and when you get up on pad it leans to the left until it straightens out and all of them do that! that's one thing I hate about my boat but other than that I love mine. but I've never figured out why they do that an every person I've talked to who owns a Stratos says theirs does the same thing. They say they have two different pads.. which is hard for me to configure in my head but it almost makes sense but then again at the same time because I can't figure out what they mean by it has two pads, maybe two pad levels?🤔.. when your motors trimmed all the way down and you hit the gas and it jumps up on pad, Stratos's lean to the left really hard until your motor is trimmed up for running.. it's really weird at first until you get used to it and it doesn't do it all the time but it does it about 75% of the time!

[@upminer6162]

Nice video too many people feel the need to be such fanboys of their expensive purchase they won't say anything negative. A few ideas--- even if the plastic won't turn it's still plastic and probably can be popped easy. Look at a LockRBar from T&H. Yeah it could be cut but the chances of someone on your boat in a hotel parking lot with a saw all and not getting noticed are pretty slim. For the trolling motor hitting the winch- mine did that and I just adjusted the winch down a few inches. I never broke a strap but always carry a couple cheap generic ratchet straps in case I lose a tie down or winch strap. One thing also on these the consoles are just lag bolted vibration may cause issues in the future it's not much work to go through and put good hardware nuts washers and bolts. Also maybe contact Garmin for another mount. They might send you one under warranty that holds the unit better! Great videos!

[@lifteddreams9714]

So I have a 1648 grizzly tracker paid up with a minnkota Terrova, mine has about 6” of over hang off the front and it has broke the mounts when putting in the water. I put a quick release plate on so I can just take it off when loading and unloading

[@donaldshoup3072]

You can slide the trolling motor back. Should be extra mounting holes for different mounting positions. Harmon units are known to pop out of their bases. I run humminbirds so idk what a solution would be on that. I run motor mate for the outboard. I would double check with ranger and make sure that style motor toter doesn’t void your transom warranty (some boat manufacturers are picky about motor toters). Winch strap is a new one for me, never had one break. Fulton makes an awesome winch, worth looking into. As far as your compartment latches go, look into Southco all metal latches. The bases mount differently and don’t come loose or spin. Can also look into a locker bar.

[@bamadondon0495]

I take my units off every single time I take my boat out of the water and I put them in the compartment behind the driver side seat and lock it.. I also run humminbirds so I don't know if that makes a difference but they have a really great quick release system because all you have to do is where your cables All connect into one connection point there's two clamps on each side of it and when it clips into the back of the unit those clamps clip into place and they're there to stay until you squeeze each side to pull it off, but like you said everyone has different types of units to each is own so I guess it really just depends on that!! But I don't think taking them on and off is going to affect how long they last.. everything in life has a wear and tear lifespan no matter what it is from a tennis shoe all the way to a light bulb in your bedroom.. just depends on how long the lifespan of your connection point or quick connects or whatever it is your unit uses decides to give way! But as long as you're delicate with them when you taking them off and putting them back on you should have no issues with that part at all.. but keep in mind this is my personal opinion I also run different graphs so I have different quick connects than you do, but I kind of like how Garmin did theirs because you literally pop it into place and it's just connected, with my grass you actually have to untwist the tension nuts on each side to take the graph off the mount itself and then where your cables come together in the quick connect you squeeze each end for those to come off, my quick connect point is not made into my Mount like yours! But it just depends on what brand unit you want to run and what you like and what is affordable for you!!

[@andrewfish2381]

Most locks are like that on a boat. I have had three bass boats and most can be opened when locked. The locks keep honest people honest.

[@sethcrowell4165]

It's best to unmount the units off the console in transport anyway. I know humminbird specifically states to do so to avoid damaging the units.

[@khop1050]

I have an RT198P and I installed a lock r bar. My trolling motor is installed the same way but I don't seem to have the same issue when I unload. But the problem I see with moving it back is the head would be outside the gunwale.

[@bobsmith1841]

The strap breaking is common and a 5 minute fix. Cut off the old on the hook. Cut off 5 inches or more of existing strap, usually it is sun damaged. Then re-tie it back onto the hook.

[@EricRomines]

I’ve got the Triton 18TX, and the thing I hate about it is I can’t put dual power poles on it. And I don’t have a built in cooler.. other than that, the boat is great!

[@TrinityRiverTxExcursion-he6sx]

Westin, your not kidding. We just found out what the seller had install for us newbies. Just got the plugs in now.

[@seanfrancis4658]

I'm a new owner too, now I have to check mine. Thanks for sharing

[@dansingletary7891]

Great topic. B.O.A.T - Break Out Another Thousand You own a boat, things are gonna break, lot's of things. Although I have owned 6 boats over 40 years and never had a strap break. Lot's of trailer problems, lights, bearings, tires, running boards, fenders, etc, etc.

[@mikeprice8995]

My locks are different on my RT188p, my complaint right now is the cooler. It is just grey plastic not insulated like advertised and the tool holder actually sits on top and the tools sit down in the cooler so warm air gets in right through the tool slots.

[@briangullickson9013]

Damn 😳

[@rogerglasco5941]

I bought a new Ranger RT178. It fishes great but I have 2 complaints. The factory did a poor job painting the hull bottom. It is coming off. Another one is in the design of the cockpit. I am 5ft. 10 inches. I have to reach way out to grad the steering wheel. My wife is shorter and she really has to reach out. If you are 6ft. 3 inches you are fine. The factory failed to seal the back of the boat to the hull. My dealer did a water test and found the defect. They fixed it. We kept taking on water but couldn't figure out where the water was coming from. Now that we got the bugs worked out, it is a fine fishing boat. I owned 2 bass tracker boats before this Ranger and this Ranger is heavier and makes the trackers look sick. Sure its cost more but the quality is there.

[@billyhill2488]

If your strap breaks just tie it to the hook and keep going. I've had to do this more than once. No need in driving for a new one when a quick fix at the ramp will keep you going safely for as long as needed. Some people just pull enough strap off to get down to the part that isn't sun baked and retie until their strap gets too short.

[@Stevenseagull666]

RT series has been my dream boat and saving my money for RT198p but more I research about this boat the more I began to not like em. Whatever forum I go they have lots of negative things to say about Ranger RT series. It’s not how boat rides,lay out, or perform. It’s the quality control:( I never want to imagine myself going through all that spending lots of money to spend more time getting my boat diagnosed/serviced than spending time on the water….

[@rawwar7189]

Always dope content bro!

[@ronhinchliffe8160]

Dude, I have pulled my boat out probably 500-750 times and still on the same strap. I have heard of the odd one break, but never on one as new as your boat! I'm shocked that Ranger didn't cover that. Also, that transom saver support looks a little light, if that came from Ranger, shame on them. I have bent one of those, but that was my bad for buying a cheaper one to save some money, never again. Another good video. 👍👍

[@02jeepwj]

I mean the strap can simply be put down to user error if they start to get small frays they get severely weakened so just make sure it’s not rubbing on anything when winching the boat up

[@CichlaBass920]

Finally more about the rt188p…

[@MAB1907]

To me is getting in the shop to get something repaired, it always gonna be 4 to 6 weeks before they can even look at it... so frustrating !!!!!

[@Mjones8383]

Straps break on boats all the time, just not brand new ones. That was crazy

[@danlarson5760]

I have a 20 foot bass boat with a minn kota ultrex and the trolling motor needs to hang over the bow just like yours ... If you want to solve the problem of the trolling motor hitting the trailer dont back the trailer in the water so far. You need to find that sweet spot . it will solve the problem

[@texoma_outdoors]

You need a Lok-R-Bar, much more secure that the compartment latches

[@theironfisherman9814]

Westin is great prove me wrong

[@WestinSmith]

🤘🏼🔥 appreciate ya

[@Fishing2day]

Naaa he AWESOME!!!!!

[@thegreatoutdoorswithparker1968]

Always power your boat onto the trailer with the motor all the way up to the rubber stopper. It saves a lot on your winch and strap. Also saves on your bow hook, and quicker.

[@mikeovercash3991]

Liquid nail makes stuff called fuse it That will hold those locks in place💯

[@texasfishing254]

One annoying thing to me is snapping the bracket on the transom transducer..😒 every time if fishing shallow I have to be on point and be careful.

[@larryknoob9798]

Thanks you I am looking to buy a rt188p this will help me

[@swoodhaus]

Great info Westin!!!!

[@carsonisfishing5757]

U can tighten the bottom of the latches on the compartments and replace the nut with a non plastic nut

[@bassinwestv8319]

My buddy has that same boat and I feel like now there’s way too many people that have that information and could use it to steal his equipment 😬

[@WestinSmith]

Not if it’s built to where his locks ACTUALLY lock. If everyone’s just twist to open after a short time that’s a problem IMO and should be addressed

[@silcar5224]

Love the video! Great info!

[@Lee-gq7ss]

The poor Garmin mount at the console really isn't an issue with the "bass boat". It was an after-purchase item. It really looks like a couple of your valid issue are rigging issues not the bass boat.

[@opinionatedviewer7730]

Everybody I know takes the graphs off the boat during travel. Also the size of the boat don't matter when it comes to hitting the trolling motor i decked out a 14ft aluminum and I've never hit the roller I think it has something to do with user error.

[@WestinSmith]

You’re the pro Steve, I just make videos.

[@ericevans4594]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS WESTIN 🤙🤙

[@louisianag]

I love my 1999 Lowe 17ft perfect condition. 70 Johnson 40mph all day 13.25x17 aluminum prop, might repower...idk what to do tho

[@ReelinwithRyan]

Good video! Look into a DD26 motor saver and some steering locks. They do a better job of keeping the motor tight when trailering. The 93SV is notorious for the screen coming off. I had it happen quite a few times. Someone makes a clip to hold them in place. I went to home depot and bought some gear ties. My 2109 Ranger rod lockers did the same thing. I took it back and the new ones they put in were better.

[@WestinSmith]

Thanks for that feedback man!! Appreciate it

[@alexkoutdoor]

Well guess I won't buy a Garmin.

[@jeremynewhouse6530]

All you have to do is unbolt the the part that touches the motor and cut it off just past where it is broke, then drill a hole and bolt it back on. You can do that 3-4 times before you upgrade if you want to make it last longer.

[@WestinSmith]

Thanks Jeremy 👊🏼

[@FishingOD_OFFICIAL]

Great video Westin! Just bought my first aluminum bass boat and I’m glad I don’t have most of these issues! The locks don’t rotate, the support for the motor is the one you showed as the better option, the only thing I’m worried about now is my two garmin 95sv units flying off 😂😂😂

[@WestinSmith]

Hahahaha just keep a vigilant eye 🧐

[@bassdojo]

My issue is the aftermarket trolling motors, (ultrex) doesn't fit the stock boat cover!

[@WestinSmith]

Oh dang! I did not know that

[@jackk4362]

Ok so I had the Same problem with taking all my stuff out of my boat I got a th marine loc-r-bar and the thing is awesome and now I don’t have to take all my stuff inside

[@lukeskicks3105]

Great quality bro

[@tobypaul9339]

What about some small rivets to keep that plastic from turning?

[@tegteg798]

They will send you a second Mount for free. Mine did same thing and they hooked me up with a new one for free and haven't had a problem

[@JimGrady67]

If you look at the installation instructions for the Force it looks like yours is sticking out a couple inches too far. I have an RT188 with the Ulrex and mine misses the roller so you should be able to move it back.

[@WestinSmith]

Thank you!

[@marcuslucarelli2329]

Ever since Bass pro bought Ranger the quality control has took a slight dip. Still beautiful boats though.

[@Landofbaits]

For locking they make a locking bat that locks on each side of the boat across all the lids they work great a lot of pros us them

[@sportmod11p63]

Very minor and common on most bass boats….tighten the nuts on the back side with a pair of channel lock plyers, over time they do loosen on their own….or buy after market cam locks.

[@WestinSmith]

Great feedback Preston, thanks 🤘🏼

[@WestinSmith]

I will look into those locks! We have tightened these up many times and they come loose weeks or months later. It’s very frequent

[@sportmod11p63]

@@WestinSmith you can also take the nut off and add some thread tape or a small dab of lock-tite to the threads and reinstall the nut, either of these will help prevent the nuts from loosening back off.

[@jakerebis6479]

Would you recommend this for a first bass boat?

[@WestinSmith]

I recommend the boat for sure. We love more than we hate haha 😂🤘🏼🔥

[@benbrown7228]

Thanks for the info ..

[@williamjenkins3720]

Sliding trolling motor Mount will solve the motor slamming the bow roller!

[@tysonleeblanchard]

BOAT = Break Out Another Thousand! Although I'd trade any of those 👎 just to actually have a Bass Boat. Hoping my first is the Bass Tracker anniversary series. If it's good enough for Roland Martin, Bill Dance and Jimmy Houston, it's good enough for me LOL.

[@waldo7807]

U can get a th marine lock bar there pretty good

[@cgmc7807]

Put bungee cords around your graph and cover.. I do and it’s work so far

[@chuckthompson8469]

Broke the #1 rule relying on your dealer for anything. Trolling motor needs spun a bit to the left, the nuts need tightened…. It’s called channellocks. Garmin mounts easily fixed by buying hummingbirds.look it’s been a year things loosen up , dealers suck . I’d go to bet all your electronics run off 1 14 gauge wired to the start battery. All dealers do that 2 new boats in my life and I’ve learned one thing. Get ready to get dirty to redo stuff your dealer overcharged for and did the worst and cheapest they could

[@wej200]

The chunks out of your rubber thing from the trolling motor could be why your strap broke

[@chrisezzyk1632]

Don't crank the boat up the trailer. Drive that thing on until the d ring hits the roller

[@WestinSmith]

That’s always how we’ve had it for safety reasons, but last time out, had some friends crank it and I didn’t double check when I was strapping down the back 😑

[@DSKSeattle]

The Echomap Ultra has a different mount. The mount isn’t plastic and it locks in hard.

[@kickinitwithkota6866]

Just a thought but couldn’t you plastic weld the underside of the lock to keep it in place? We have a Lowe stinger ans so far no issues with the locks but something to keep an eye out for

[@godfreyjasonj]

Remember a lock is for an honest man. Thiefs will find a way!

[@isaacgentges1077]

That boat is what got me watching your channel

[@smokeytheangler8387]

I don't mean to hate on Merc. But after working for tracker, and dealing with military wet boats and civilian boats. They put sensors that will shut your whole engine down. When in reality. All that's causing the issue. Is the sensor that is working... Also the parts Merc has decided to use on Non civilian boats. DO not add any ability or stability of the platform.

[@WestinSmith]

Thanks for the feedback. What brand do you prefer and why?

[@steveringeisen9231]

Have to make sure those Garmins are double clicked into the base not single clicked.

[@rickwilliams6922]

when my boat strap broke loading my boat I just tied the strap around the boat hook and wrenched it up. problem solved tell I got home.lol problem 2 don't buy a cheap $25 motor support, problem 3 your trolling motor hitting the roller because your putting your trailer in to deep. problem 4, I have 3 Garmin graphs, I paid $2700 a piece for them. don't put your graph in the cradle until your using it, not driving down the road 70 mph. sounds to me like your biggest problem is inexperience.

[@dloutdoors634]

I have a 2009 nitro and I don’t like how I’m the rod locker it only has space for 4 rods

[@morganschielder3254]

We have the same boat as you and our locks on the rod lockers does the same thing on ours

[@WestinSmith]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@chipogglesby6055]

Don;t squash your transom save so hard , i have had the same one for 15 years, cut one inch off the mangled end and drill another hole, next problem.

[@taoutdoorstorieswithterrya5411]

Thanks

[@larrybarras8418]

There’s only one thing you listed that is actually a boat issue. I have the same boat and the latches suck. But they make all stainless latches I replaced mine with. Problem solved. Surprised you haven’t broken a winch post yet. It’s coming. 😂

[@WestinSmith]

Broke it haha! happened after this video was filmed. It has since been welded back with extra support 🤣

[@2222fishing]

i lost my garmin 93sv it blew of the boat on the way to the ramp .it was brand new .man i was pissed .

[@WestinSmith]

Woah! 😳 appreciate the feedback

[@nickrose2119]

Get a dd26 transom Mount love mine

[@Natdog123nv]

You can just add some super glue to the locks and they won’t turn 😅

[@bomoaccavallo7924]

your trolling motor is not positioned far enough to the rt and then it won't catch on the rubber snubber

[@garyallison4246]

Mines a g3 1910 I have same latches. Super cheap and don't work.

[@joeroll-jd3gi]

locks keep the honest people out!

[@bamadondon0495]

I just keep making comment after comment after comment while watching this video I guess I should have waited till the end and just made one long comment 🤣🤣🤣🤣 but no all boats that have those exact same locks on their compartments do the same thing even mine do the same thing and I hate it absolutely hate it! I've actually been looking into one of the lock bars that go all the way across your deck so that in case somebody wanted to get five finger friendly with my stuff they wouldn't be able to get past the bar to even twist the locks around.. so that's a good option to look into and I think they're called deck bars!

[@Montyfreshvr]

I have a 2018 RT188 ever since Ranger moved out of Flippin the quality went down a bit. Winch straps will break over time yours shouldn't have. I had one break on my old boat but it was 15 years old. I power my boat on the trailer all the way up to the rubber. I then just use the strap to hold tension while towing. Those transom savers suck, grab one from russell marine it says 175-250 but they work on the 115 (not the 150). My ultrex is mounted exactly the same as yours I dont think there is anything you can do about that. Last the locks look like they just weren't tightened or maybe the vibration of driving rattled them loose just grab a pair of water pump pliers take them out make sure there is silicone between the bottom of the hatch and the washer then tighten them real good you should be fine. No need to pay a shop to do that

[@WestinSmith]

Awesome stuff. Thanks Tony 🔥

[@Montyfreshvr]

@@WestinSmith No problem man. You having an RT is how I found the channel

[@WestinSmith]

That’s awesome!!!!

[@thegreatoutdoorswithparker1968]

Hey man a lot of those are real east fix problems

[@maustank8864]

Probably just need a new spring in the latch and some wax to help that garmin mount lock better

[@charliemartyn3431]

Not gonna lie I just sometimes sleep in my boat with a open carry

[@robfratu]

That damn garmin bracket sucks! Mine has done it 5 times

[@Jrthejourneyman]

Well I think I will stay with a kayak 😂

[@collinstuart3622]

Crisp video quality…the blurred background noice