ranger r93 or skeeter zx225

[twelvebass]

I am looking at a couple of boats and would appreciate all opinions.

1)2000 ranger r93 dual console, new motor guide trolling motor, carpet is in good shape, gelcoat great shape, all lids work well, cheap garmin at console, no fishfinder up front, 1998 merc 200 efi. single axle trailer.

2)2001 skeeter zx 225 yamaha 225 (01), single console, new motorguide trolling motor, pretty much showroom condition.

Which is the most bang for buck with the ranger at $14,900 and skeeter at $18,900?

Any thoughts on what may havehappened on ranger's original motor, as to why it now has '98? Is this '98 a reliable unit?

Any thought onwhat I can get them down to, ranger is at dealer that will take mine as trade, skeeter is at dealer but is consignment, so I would ned to sell mine first as I can't handle two boats.

Thanks, and sorry this was  so long.

[5bass]

If it was my money, I'd buy the Skeeter if I could talk them down some. It's a bigger boat, bigger motor (and that 01 Yamaha OX66 is a great motor by the way), tandem trailer, showroom condition and I'm guessing it has better electronics on it than the Ranger. (the Ranger electronics didn't look too promising).

Another thing to consider is that the economy is circling the drain and it's not a very good time to be selling a boat. Or a mtorcycle, or a house or .....well, you know. Unless your current boat is priced to sell quick, it may take a while for you to sell it. A trade in will probably not get you the full amount you want out of your boat but thats the quickest way to get rid of it and into something else.

It all comes down to which you will be most happy with. I would recommend doing the compression checks on both motors and test drive both before making your decision.

Good luck and be sure to post up some pics whenever you get the new one.

[cart7t]

As for the motor/boat model year difference on the Ranger.

1. The guy blew the motor that originally came on the boat and replaced it with the one that's on it now.

2. The guy bought the boat and transfered the 98 motor from a previous boat he had onto the Ranger.

3. The boat was bought very early in the '00 model year and the dealer had a '98 motor sitting around that he made a deal on.

I'd ask. The current seller may not know if he/she is not the original owner.

BTW, I'd go with the Skeeter.

[iClass]

I am biased...I had a 2001 ZX and I have to tell you THIS boat will give you all kinds of bang for the buck.  Since both of these boats are at a dealers, get compression checks and then take them out on the lake!  You will really like the ride the Skeeter gives.  As stated earlier, the economy is really a buyers market so you could probably negotiate the ZX down some.  Something else to consider...you could ask the dealer to contact the owner and see if he is interested in a partial trade.

The age issue on the motor could have been an upgrade in HP as some R93's came with a 150.  May want to test the rod locker on the R93 as the dual console willl have a tendancy to make it shorter and will be cramped when you try to put in your longer rods.

Which ever way you go, Good luck and tight lines!!!