i would highly recommend looking into the stratos line for your friend. i was really impressed with the standard features on these boats and the all fiberglass construction. i steered away from them eventually as i wanted a merc optimax. i think ranger makes an excellent product (i see the ads for the new 188 all the time) but i think the 19ft stratos is more of a boat for less money. the stratos line gives a lot of boat for the money i felt when i was looking. i ended up buying a used triton and got a great deal (private sale). check out bass boat central - there a lot of used boats there and one can get a general idea on prices for used boats if that is how he wants to go. if he is near a dealer, i would encourage an opportunity for them to EARN his business due to the servicing factor. i spent many hours researching and reviewing, hope this is helpful.