Ranger 2021 VX1888

[miker1891]

I took delivery of a Ranger VX 1888, in July 2021, total cost about $58,000 from Local Retailer. One of the biggest problems was the lack of a basic owners manual. Ranger publishes a generic manual, that does not define livewell system operations, or the switches which control the bilge, livewell(s), or other switches and system intefaces. In fact, the generic 'owners manual' doesn't even MENTION a VX 1888, or even that class of boat!
It is as if, the manual was written by a 10 year old, that got a bunch of drawings, legal warnings and put it together, calling that an 'owners manual'.
One of the related problems, was that neither of the livewells work, and I couldn't tell, until today, after several trips back to the dealer, that it wasn't because I was missing steps in system operations, or if there were system problems. In my boat, the front livewell would fill from lake water, but would not recirculate/aerrate the water. Whereas in the rear, the system would not fill from lake water, but would recirculate (after filling from a hose).
The mechanics believe that the factory pumps (both of them) have 'air locks' in them and need pump replacement, after zero hours of operations???
There is of course, no communications directly with Ranger.
Have others had like issues with Ranger, or the livewell pumps?

Thanks-

Mike (Virginia)

 

[miker1891]

Also, this is a look at a smooth moves suspension seat implementation in the Ranger VX 1888. Purchasing through a local retailer online, I was able to call smooth moves directly and get the flat plate post replacement, instead of the 4 1/2 inch riser, which is the lowest available on their website. Because the suspension is replacing a 12 inch total height seat post, the flat base was needed.
There's great videos on the installation and the screw pattern fit exactly into the stock seat post. Also, hats off to smooth mooves for customer service. There was a shipping problem on one of the pieces, they fedex overnight(ed) the original order without cost; and fedexed the replacement part.
Ranger should take some lessons in customer service and communications. I got the boat out on the water- and wow, does this work! I have real back problems (including a fused neck) and the smooth moves suspension is VERY helpful!

 

[jbcurt00]

The manual you got is unfortunately typical, not all that helpful if you've ever been on a boat before

 

[briangcc]

As mentioned above, the "manual" you're referring to is very typical. Basically a quick primer on what to do, what not to do with the boat. The meat & potatoes if you will comes from the owners manual and service manual for the engine - often the wiring diagrams too boot.

When I bought my Chap new, I had to go online and download the manuals for the fish finder, radio, and other items. These are not cars where you will find mountains of books stuffed in the glove box covering every system under the sun. Very few manufacturers do that - my Four Winns in my signature had that level of documentation when new.

In regards to your livewells....from what you're describing is totally normal based off my experience. You do have to prime the pumps to pull water from the lake. I have to back my boat up while toggling the pump on off to prime it. Once primed, its fine and will pull fresh water as needed.

To me, it sounds like you needed to do a sea trial before taking delivery to go over all the systems.

 

[miker1891]

As mentioned above, the "manual" you're referring to is very typical. Basically a quick primer on what to do, what not to do with the boat. The meat & potatoes if you will comes from the owners manual and service manual for the engine - often the wiring diagrams too boot.

When I bought my Chap new, I had to go online and download the manuals for the fish finder, radio, and other items. These are not cars where you will find mountains of books stuffed in the glove box covering every system under the sun. Very few manufacturers do that - my Four Winns in my signature had that level of documentation when new.

In regards to your livewells....from what you're describing is totally normal based off my experience. You do have to prime the pumps to pull water from the lake. I have to back my boat up while toggling the pump on off to prime it. Once primed, its fine and will pull fresh water as needed.

To me, it sounds like you needed to do a sea trial before taking delivery to go over all the systems.

Thanks for the response....agree with the sea trial concept. I have the owners manuals for most of the systems. However, the 'automatic' feature of the bilge is still a mystery; the operation of the livewells is still questionable. If the 'backing thing' is needed, which I appreciate that piece of advice, it should have been in the owners manual. I've read all of the manuals, cover-cover on the engine, humminbird, a hand-held marine VHF, steering system, a cool stereo system. I tried troubleshooting the switches, by trial and error, and got most of those answers.

I like the backing idea, but I don't understand why the aerrator would not work on one and the fill function not work on the other??? Again, the mechanic suggeted that the pumps needed replacement.

I also appreciate your insight on 'what is normal' on a new boat delivery. In the past, I've bought larger (30' and 26') and used- so this is my first 'new boat'...my first bass boar...my first intended to trailer boat.

Thanks for the response...much appreciated!

 

[JimS123]

My Boston Whaler and my SeaRay both came with comprehensive manuals, including plumbing system and electrical diagrams. They were written specific for my model.

In addition to that, both dealers INSISTED on a sea trial before they would release the boat. Part of the trial was to go over every single switch and system.

My son bought a Crownline and he had the same experience.

I always thought Ranger was a top notch company that made good boats. I guess their customer service is a bit lacking. I suspect that the company delegates dealer prep to the dealers, and in this case it was the dealer that dropped the ball.

 

[miker1891]

My Boston Whaler and my SeaRay both came with comprehensive manuals, including plumbing system and electrical diagrams. They were written specific for my model.

In addition to that, both dealers INSISTED on a sea trial before they would release the boat. Part of the trial was to go over every single switch and system.

My son bought a Crownline and he had the same experience.

I always thought Ranger was a top notch company that made good boats. I guess their customer service is a bit lacking. I suspect that the company delegates dealer prep to the dealers, and in this case it was the dealer that dropped the ball.

Thanks- I would have liked to have taken a shake down/acceptance ride. Boston Whaler has a great reputation - and I'm sure this is why. The good news is that Ranger appears to have made a very strudy frame, just their attention to detail is not there and custromer service non-existent. Another nausiating issue, is Ranger Boats changed the bow interior on the VX 1888, which included an enclosed pocket to house the trolling motor foot pedal when not in use. They marketed this and the boat I saw in the show room had that feature. However, without explanation, they removed the feature and shipped the boat with an open, depressed area, which made the foot pedal hard to use; and created a trip hazard when putting on the boar cover. I almost went head over heals off the bow and into my driveway because of it.

It's pretty unthinkable that they'd do something like that without notice. But, again, little or no communications with Ranger and the end customer.

Lots to learn about the ground truth on receiving a new boat- and why reputation and customer service is a big deal. I would have thought that for $58 k, could have included an owners manual, follow through on the design.