Just was looking on Ranger's website and they have a boat called the 1850 RS. They still have the 1850 Reata up as well 1860 Angler so it isn't one of those. Pic looks the same as the 1850 REata. Anyone know what this boat is??

Only difference that I see in the photo is the gas cap on the RS is about 12" further back than the VS.

Limited specs but they appear the same.

Here is the news, still cannot tell the exact difference.

New for 2009: RANGER 1850 RS

Aluminum boats can't compete with this midsized do-it-all

FLIPPIN, AR (July 23, 2008) With features such as unsurpassed stability, better looks, more amenities and lower start-up costs, fiberglass boats have quickly become the choice over aluminum for anglers across the country. The new Ranger 1850 RS is poised to convert even more former aluminum owners, giving them the industry's best midsized fish 'n fun boat.

With ergonomic advancements throughout the ****pit, new consoles, striping and color schemes, the 1850 RS raises the bar in the 18-foot fish `n' play market. Measuring 18 feet, 5 inches with a 98-inch beam, the 1850 is rated for 175 horsepower, more than enough muscle to fulfill the task at hand, whether the day is for fishing, water sports or both. A 38-gallon fuel capacity gives the 1850 RS the ability to make long runs for fish, tow skiers and tubers or take the family for an evening cruise with power to spare.

"We consider the 1850 RS the ideal choice in the mid-sized fish `n' play roster because it's so tough to find an 18-foot boat rated for a 175-horsepower engine that has more features and capabilities than this one does," said Ranger Boats President, Randy Hopper. "One of the best things about this boat is how well it fits the family lifestyle. It's more stable on the water, has a long list of standard equipment, fits into most garages – both in height and length on the trailer – plus it's more economical to maintain. Consider that with the soaring costs of aluminum materials, and it's ultimately a much better value."

Fishing features of the 1850 RS are unmistakable: rod storage under the front deck, a choice of Lowrance or Humminbird electronics at the console, baitwell on the front deck, aerated livewell/baitwell at the stern and a bow-mounted Minn Kota 70 Power Drive are all standard. The walk-through windshield, redesigned seats, on-board insulated cooler, drink holders, ski storage and boarding ladder all blend together forming an incredibly versatile family fishing boat.

The 1850 RS comes paired with its own custom-built and RangerTrail® trailer. Designed to perfectly match the boat ensuring years of smooth and easy towing, the 1850's trailer is equipped with Road Armor finish, L.E.D. lights and Ranger's COOL Hub® lubrication system as standard equipment. Designed and built in the same factory and to the same exacting specifications as all Ranger boats, RangerTrail® trailers are custom aligned with individually balanced wheels, feature swing-away tongues, swing jacks that retract flush to the frame as well as torsion axle suspension and locking.

Capacities and Specifications
Overall Hull Length: 18 feet, 5 inches
Beam: 98 inches
Maximum HP: 175
Transom Height: 26 inches
Inside Depth: 24 1/2 inches
Fuel Capacity: 38 gallons
Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 1,700 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight: 1,780 lbs.

Trailer Capacities/Specifications
Trailer GVWR: CF4500
Length on Trailer with Motor Down: 23 feet
Width on Trailer: 101 inches
Length on Trailer with Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open: 21 feet

Did they make the livewell any bigger?

I still don't get it. It appears to be exactly the same as the 1850 Reata?

According to the specs, the RS is 1 and 1/2 inches wider than my VS at 96 1/2".

Bob

I think that measurement is including the rub rail, which adds 1.5 inches. My guess is the beam is unchanged.

After looking at the Floorplan on their website, does it look like the rear jumpseats are possibly gone?

Does anyone know what VS and RS stand for?

You might be right Buzz. I just don't get the point in coming out with this model boat unless they plan to do something with the 1850 Reata or 1860 Angler. The 1860 Angler is essentially the Reata without jump seats. This RS looks nearly identical to the 1860 Angler. Just doesn't make a lot of sense to have 3 boats the same length and set up basically the same with same/similar specs. You'd think something's gotta go.

After looking at the Floorplan on their website, does it look like the rear jumpseats are possibly gone?

I think that's just the floorplan from the 1850 Reata... it say's 1850 Reata right in the middle of it.

I say the paint sceme looks different, more colors and more of a Fisherman style. Not completely sure however.

You might be right Buzz. I just don't get the point in coming out with this model boat unless they plan to do something with the 1850 Reata or 1860 Angler. The 1860 Angler is essentially the Reata without jump seats. This RS looks nearly identical to the 1860 Angler. Just doesn't make a lot of sense to have 3 boats the same length and set up basically the same with same/similar specs. You'd think something's gotta go.

Actually, the 1860 and 1850 have the same hull but the layout is very different. Bigger front deck on the 1860, rod locker, baitwell and livewells are all different.

Overall though they are very similar. Yes, one is geared more towards family/fun and the other towards fishing. No doubt there. My main point though is I just don't see where this RS fits into the equation. You'd think something has gotta give or change when there's 3 models so similar to each other.

I could be wrong though. It's all speculation.

The 1850RS has new consoles in it has the side com stripes as a z-boat also has opion on new bucket seats also has new colrs for 2009 stop by you Ranger dealer he just got back from the show he should have all the new info for you

I'd like to have understood what you just said there if anything was spelled correctly.

Boy, bang up job by Ranger's marketing and website team on releasing this boat. 1 picture, everything else is simply stolen from the 1850 Reata page (layout, colors, specs).

Was just at the dealer and got the skinny on this boat. The consoles have changed, for the worse i think? The picture of the glove box rotates it and makes it smaller with two things on the side that are useless. Basically getting rid of the handy shelf to the side of the current glove box. The drivers console changes putting an in dash depth finder right in front of you, but according to the dealer, it feels as if the steering wheel isn't centered anymore?? The rear jump seats are made out of a different material also. New colors of course for next year. He felt that if this was replacing the existing Reata, he was not too happy about it and glad he ordered two 09' PD boats. I was also glad I just ordered an 08' 1850, if this is going to be the replacement. I don't know what Ranger is thinking by messing up with one of their most popular boats ever? The existing boat has sold well and you can tell by everyone else copying it, ie. Lund, Triton, etc., that they are playing catch up!!

Probably cost reduction measures from Ranger...I'm sure they are getting hammered with price increases on all raw materials just like everyone else is. They proabably have to do something if they can't recover it in price.

I will reserve judgement until I see pics I guess....

I was at the ranger dealer meeting and seen the 1850rs. Here is what I noticed as the major differences.
They redesigned both counsels, and they offer a barrel type seat for the driver and the passenger other than that I dont think they changed anything else.

Same boat, just redesigned

Was just at the dealer and got the skinny on this boat. The consoles have changed, for the worse i think? The picture of the glove box rotates it and makes it smaller with two things on the side that are useless. Basically getting rid of the handy shelf to the side of the current glove box. The drivers console changes putting an in dash depth finder right in front of you, but according to the dealer, it feels as if the steering wheel isn't centered anymore?? The rear jump seats are made out of a different material also. New colors of course for next year. He felt that if this was replacing the existing Reata, he was not too happy about it and glad he ordered two 09' PD boats. I was also glad I just ordered an 08' 1850, if this is going to be the replacement. I don't know what Ranger is thinking by messing up with one of their most popular boats ever? The existing boat has sold well and you can tell by everyone else copying it, ie. Lund, Triton, etc., that they are playing catch up!!

I went back to dealer today to see if I wanted to order another 1850 to replace my 2005, or go to 1860. Its difficult decision to make, going to angler I will lose alot of space for storage under bow deck. With 1850 no area to put things like compass on dash or lures, etc. Also no shelves in 1850, kept them in 1860. I troll alot but think I can live with the 1860, would enjoy going to different colors they offer. I got good price from dealer 4 hrs away, now have to see if my local dealer will get close to that deal. If I dont make the deadline for this week will probably keep my boat for one or two years and see if Ranger changes some things. I also worry about good service, the last two dealers I bought from, lost the right to sell Ranger and Skeeter the next year.