Brief Summary
The 188VS and 178VS take full advantage by applying Ranger’s legendary performance and customer input to continually add value and competitive functionality to each model. The RITE-TRACK KEEL® keeps more of the hull in the water while fishing, resulting with minimizing lateral drift, promoting easier trolling and solid tracking.
Key Features
Sea Star hydraulic steering
On-board charger
24 V Minn Kota trolling motor
Heavy duty 6 gauge trolling motor wiring with 50 amp breaker
Lowrance X-135
12 volt receptacle for portable gear
Runnin' rod rack
Insulated cooler
Molded-in driver and passenger footrests
RangerTrail trailer
Specifications
Length Overall |
18' 8'' |
Beam |
7' 8.5'' |
Dry Weight |
1,550 lbs. |
Tested Weight |
N/A
|
Draft |
N/A |
- Draft Up |
N/A |
- Draft Down |
N/A |
- Air Draft |
N/A |
Deadrise/Transom |
N/A |
Max Headroom |
open |
Bridge Clearance |
N/A |
Weight Capacity |
N/A |
Person Capacity |
N/A |
Fuel Capacity |
38 gal. |
Water Capacity |
none |
Length on Trailer |
N/A |
Height on Trailer |
N/A |
Trailer Weight |
N/A |
Total Weight (Trailer, Boat, & Engine) |
N/A |
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.
RPM
|
MPH |
Knots |
GPH |
MPG |
NMPG |
Stat. Mile |
NM |
dBa |
600 |
2.5 |
2.2 |
1.2 |
2.1 |
1.8 |
71 |
62 |
62 |
1000 |
4.6 |
4.0 |
2.1 |
2.2 |
1.9 |
75 |
65 |
67 |
1500 |
6.1 |
5.3 |
3.1 |
2.0 |
1.7 |
67 |
59 |
74 |
2000 |
7.5 |
6.5 |
5.5 |
1.4 |
1.2 |
47 |
41 |
79 |
2500 |
18.5 |
16.0 |
5.9 |
3.2 |
2.7 |
108 |
94 |
82 |
3000 |
28.2 |
24.5 |
7.7 |
3.7 |
3.2 |
125 |
109 |
85 |
3500 |
36.7 |
31.9 |
9.1 |
4.0 |
3.5 |
138 |
120 |
88 |
4000 |
40.8 |
35.4 |
10.8 |
3.8 |
3.3 |
130 |
113 |
89 |
4500 |
46.4 |
40.3 |
12.9 |
3.6 |
3.1 |
123 |
107 |
93 |
5000 |
51.6 |
44.9 |
16.6 |
3.1 |
2.7 |
106 |
92 |
94 |
5500 |
55.9 |
48.6 |
20.3 |
2.8 |
2.4 |
94 |
82 |
95 |
RPM | NM | KM | KPH | LPH | KPL | dBA | 600 |
62 |
114 |
4.00 |
4.54 |
0.88 |
62 |
1000 |
65 |
121 |
7.40 |
7.95 |
0.93 |
67 |
1500 |
59 |
108 |
9.80 |
11.73 |
0.84 |
74 |
2000 |
41 |
76 |
12.10 |
20.82 |
0.58 |
79 |
2500 |
94 |
174 |
29.80 |
22.33 |
1.34 |
82 |
3000 |
109 |
201 |
45.40 |
29.15 |
1.56 |
85 |
3500 |
120 |
222 |
59.10 |
34.45 |
1.71 |
88 |
4000 |
113 |
209 |
65.70 |
40.88 |
1.61 |
89 |
4500 |
107 |
198 |
74.70 |
48.83 |
1.53 |
93 |
5000 |
92 |
171 |
83.00 |
62.84 |
1.32 |
94 |
5500 |
82 |
151 |
90.00 |
76.84 |
1.17 |
95 |
All fuel consumption numbers are the total for all engines in the boat. Speeds are measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun or GPS. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter or by on-board factory-installed diagnostic instruments. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation. Time to plane is measured from start of acceleration to formation of rooster tail behind boat.
Performance Chart
Acceleration Times & Test Conditions
Time To Plane |
2.4 sec. |
0 to 30 |
5.8 sec. |
Ratio |
2.00 : 1.00 |
Props |
23'' |
Load |
2 persons, Fuel: full, Water: none, Gear: minimal |
Climate |
Temp: 68 deg., Humid: 90%, Wind: 1-2 mph, Seas: calm |
Ranger Boats 188VS (2006-) Line Drawing

Performance & Fishability
We tested the 188VS with a Yamaha 150-hp VMAX outboard with 23M prop and concluded she cruised best at 3500 rpm and 36.7 mph for a full tank range of 138 miles.

At the Helm
Brushed aluminum accents added to the look on the helm which is equipped with standard gauges for fuel, trim, tach, and speed and also features a standard Lowrance X-135 depth finder.

Rod Storage
Running rod racks, ramps and straps are on the port side, supplementing the two rod straps on the bow.

Wide Beam
The 188VS is tournament-ready with plenty of room to work thanks to the 92 ½’’ beam.
Captain's Report
An Aggressive Angler By Capt. Bob SmithBull Shoals Lake and Boat Dock turned out to be a great place to test Ranger’s bass boats! Although we had rain the first day and some pretty strong winds the next two, we enjoyed the visit and hospitality of the crew from Ranger and BSL Docks. The weather may have been less than ideal, but we definitely got a great feel of how these boats handle.Starting at the BowThe 188VS is tournament-ready with plenty of room to work thanks to the 92 ½’’ beam. Up front is a seat post position for a casting chair or seat and remote switched for the navigation lights and motor trim. The 12V Minn Kota trolling motor is pre-wired with 6 gauge wiring harnesses and our boat came with the optional trolling motor foot well. There is a 7’ rod locker on the starboard side and a 7’ 6” locker to port. Aft of the bow is a large storage locker fitted with assist rods for easy opening and this locker is also gasketed to keep the gear dry and this, like all of the gear lockers are lockable. Also up here is an insulated cooler with gel-coat liner and drain.Console and SeatingRanger’s SRS-Soft Ride Seats that ensure a comfortable ride in all conditions. These seats make you feel as though you are sitting in an over-stuffed lounger! The center seat has a flip-down backrest that converts into a wide step leading to the aft deck. In addition to the single console version, the 188VS is available in a companion console layout. For me, one of the outstanding features was the immense leg room on the companion and the helm stations. Running rod racks, ramps and straps are on the port side, supplementing the two rod straps on the bow. Hand holds abound and retractable grab handles are just under the lip of the seats. Brushed aluminum accents added to the look on the helm which is equipped with standard gauges for fuel, trim, tach, and speed and also features a standard Lowrance X-135 depth finder and Teleflex Sea Star Pro hydraulic steering for smoother handling.More Fishing FeaturesLocated between to two aft storage compartments is the 21 gallon livewell. This livewell features recirculating aeration, filter screens, and automatic timer functions. Aft of the livewell is the oil reservoir and battery charger and the third stainless steel seat base. Designing the engine setback properly prevents water from overrunning the stern and getting the deck awash.SpecificationsThe 188VS measures 18’8” length overall with a wide beam of 7’ 8.5’’. The 188VS carries a total of 38 gallons of fuel in a single tank. The 188VS is rated for 150- to 175-hp outboard engines for power. She weighs 1,550 lbs without engine in the single console version and approximately 1,575 lbs with the dual console option. PerformanceThe 188VS was a joy to drive. She delivered a smooth dry ride and responded well at all speeds. We tested the 188VS with a Yamaha 150-hp VMAX outboard with 23M prop and concluded she cruised best at 3500 rpm and 36.7mph for a full tank range of 138 miles. She topped out at 5500 rpm at 55.9mph which will deliver a 94 mile range on a full tank of fuel. She was out of the hole in 2.4 seconds and up to 30 mph in 5.8 seconds.The 188VS proved its worth as a tournament-ready bass boat that will deliver a solid ride. As recorded this high performance boat will get you to the fishing ground fast, the SRS seating will provide the comfort, so all you’ll need to do is catch the fish.
Test Result Highlights
- Top speed for the Ranger Boats 188VS (2006-) is 55.9 mph (90 kph), burning 20.3 gallons per hour (gph) or 76.84 liters per hour (lph).
- Best cruise for the Ranger Boats 188VS (2006-) is 36.7 mph (59.1 kph), and the boat gets 4.03 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.71 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 138 miles (222.09 kilometers).
- Tested power is 1 x 150-hp Yamaha V Max.
- Time to plane for the Ranger Boats 188VS (2006-) is 2.4 sec. seconds.
- Time from 0 to 30 of the Ranger Boats 188VS (2006-) is 5.8 sec. seconds.
Standard and Optional Features
Systems
Battery Charger/Converter |
Standard |
Power Steering |
Standard |
Shore Power |
Standard |
Exterior Features
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc |
Standard |