New bass boat Recommendations

[Sam Martin]

I'm in the market for a new bass boat looking to spend no more than 55K give or take. I have some friends with rangers or skeeters but they both seem super biased and think their boat is gods gift to the world. Any help here I'm open to all brands, Nitro looks good to me just from a money stand point but not sure how the ride. Any help would be great!!

[Redlinerobert]

Sam,

It's quite simple.  Take a good look at all three and see build quality.  Also, and most importantly, which dealer has service that is easier for you to access. 

I'm on the Ranger boat side.  I've owned three new ones, including my new Z522.  I considered a Gambler, but lack of local service (hell how about no Gambler dealer in CA) pushed me back to Ranger. 

Good luck with your acquisition!

[WRB]

You should add Skeeter,  Phoenix and Bass Cat to your wish list. Ranger is now owned by BPS along with Nitro.

Tom

[weso]

•  https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/boa/5783005255.html
• Just saw this other day looks nice. I saw one of these at Pyrmid other weeknd beautiful looking boats 

[Catt]

Y'all missing out!

Until you've drove one you can not say you've compared the best!

Legend

[fishnkamp]

Last April I drove a brand new Phoenix, give them a ride they are really nice. I did get rides in a Nitro, Skeeter and Triton at a Bass Masters Elite Series event as well. Of those, the Skeeter seemed to ride best of those.  Overall the Phoenix rode best to me, but I liked the SHO engine best

[RyneB]

consider distance to dealer for service. I own a Skeeter I bought brand new last year. Love the boat, but my local dealer is closing and the closest one now is over an hour and a half away. I don't have any other bass boat dealers near me, but a couple Certified Mercury dealers that can service the outboard. Yamaha, not so much. I'm considering selling the Skeeter and getting a Pheonix. They are awesome boats. Most of the cookie cutter boats are good boats nowadays. Consider storage and boat layout as well. I was considering a Ranger, Basscat, Triton and skeeter. It came down to price, and Skeeter won.

[Jm526]

Ever looked into storm bass boats? Custom builds and in your price range. There 21 foot and go 60mph with a 150hp. I have a 1994 with 2000 yami 225 hits 75mph all day. Only boat I would get would be a new storm. Also rides rough water like a champ. 

[Junk Fisherman]

For that price I'd consider a Legend 191 and a Basscat Pantera IV or Caracal (not sure on their price).  I'd look at a Phoenix too

[webertime]

Phoenix 919 or 721 in your range.

[Jig Man]

I just went through the boat thing.  I looked at several including the new Charger Elite which is a remake of a Champion 210.  I wanted a bunch of add ons and was in the mid 70s for most of the boats.  I took a look at the Nitro Z20 which has a different hull than earlier Nitros.  I wound up buying one with a Verado on it.  It rides about as good as my Champion 206 did.  It has a good layout and holds a bunch of stuff.  I've put over 400 miles on it since the middle of July.  If I had to do it over again I'd buy it again.

[WRB]

Take a look at BASS Times, Nov 2016 for Phoenix 2017 721 Pro XP.

Tom

[JLeon77]

I went through the same process this past spring and I narrowed my search down to Ranger, Phoenix, and BassCat.  I ended up getting a  BassCat Caracal and could not be happier.  I think one of the things that made me lean towards Bass Cat is their customer service. They are great with all their owners and are available and active on their own forum.  If you have an issue or question, more than likely BassCat will answer you personally and if you don't hear from them online, just give them a call and they will help you out.  For example, my Caracal was one of the first couple built and they have since changed a few things like the net storage holder.  I gave them a call and they sent me the new part and everything needed for install at no charge.  Their hulls have a lifetime guarantee and they still hand make every boat and trailer.  

Everyone has a bias, you should do research, but I recommend you check out the BassCat owners forum on their website and you will learn alot!  

Good Luck and I hope you get an amazing boat...

[Hot Rod Johnson]

On Wednesday, November 02, 2016 at 9:10 PM, WRB said:

Take a look at BASS Times, Nov 2016 for Phoenix 2017 721 Pro XP.

Tom

Tom scored a very big winner. Nitro Z21 w/Mercury 225 L OptiMax Pro XS & Custom Trailer.

 

Please check your message box.

[crypt]

go with your gut……….never hurts when you make the right choice.

[rangerjockey]

Not sure if you could keep it under 55k but my first choice would be the Charger Elite .Followed by Phoenix.