2025 Ranger Alpha 208

Ranger’s all-new Alpha 208 is a breakthrough. The pad V-hull and rounded, sculpted transom resemble fiberglass, not the old boxy look of ­aluminum hulls. It’s a solid ride to boot.

The Alpha 208 proved itself a runner, with a Mercury 250 Pro XS and a top speed just shy of 72 mph at 5,800 rpm. The boat’s most economical cruising speed is just over 35 mph and 3,500 rpm, where 7 gph is consumed and 5 mpg achieved. That’s 180 miles of range from the ­40-gallon fuel tank with 10 percent in reserve. On the water, it cut tight turns confidently. To get a feel for it in heavy chop, we circled some doubled-up wakes and slid over them in comfort and confidence.

An optional foot throttle on an adjustable slide plate makes high-speed control safer, as does tilt hydraulic steering. The standard 6-inch manual jack plate accommodates optional 8-foot Power-Poles. With the 250 hp option, we’d add either the Bob’s ($1,445) or Atlas ($1,145) jack plate for optimal performance with your load. Bob’s gives longer travel and responds quicker. The Atlas has less travel, but it is still more than adequate for the job if ­minimum draft isn’t your concern.

In the bow, the Cup Package features a Minn Kota or Lowrance trolling motor paired with Lowrance or Humminbird 9-inch graphs built into the bow and at the console. A color-matched recessed pedal pocket is standard. A padded casting deck is also standard for better comfort during long fishing days. 

Twin rod boxes feature rod shelves versus tubes for easier access and more rod capacity. Center tackle and rod ­storage features room for 10 more rods or 24 tackle-­storage boxes.

The step down to the cockpit has a roto-molded insulated cooler underneath. Custom EVA flooring with the Ranger logo makes for easy cleanup. Standard Ranger cockpit seating means wide, plush and deep buckets with a “buddy seat” in the center and storage beneath them. The sculpted console features up to a 12-inch screen. A 25-gallon divided livewell sits up on the aft casting deck, with storage boxes and access to bilge plumbing, ­batteries, wiring and pumps.

High Points

• Quick-remove optional passenger console makes changing the Alpha 208 from a single- to dual-console rig easy.
• Curved, integrated setback transom is a smooth, strong, seamless design. 
• Recessed trolling-motor pedal pocket.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 250 Pro XS FourStroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Fury 14″ x 23″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 24 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs