Year Old boats

[fishfordollars]

I am now shopping for a year old boat. Would like to hear from as many different owners on the following.

Ranger

Skeeter

Phoenix

Pro Gator

Stratos

Triton

It will be at least a 20' model with at least a 200 on it. Please be honest without the brand loyalty hype. Would like the pros and cons and especially, If you have had it a while would you buy the same boat again.

Interested in possibly going the 4 stroke route. Never been in a boat with one, but have heard different opinions as to performance, upkeep, maintenance, and durability.

If anyone happens to have one for sale that is top of the line, low hours, please let me know. Distance is no problem. Sorry, at this time I am not interested in a prior team boat or one that has been on one of the national circuits.

Must be a dual console, prefer loaded with all electronics (SI a +) and a plus would be equiped with a power pole or two.

Cash in hand.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Jack

[Wayne P.]

They are all good boats, (don't know about a Pro Gator).

Just pick the one that has the features you like.

I would avoid the year old boats that professional tournament angler and guides have for sale now.

A boat rigged like you want that is a demo or owned by a pro "wannabe" would be my choice.

 

[fishfordollars]

Thanks Wayne. Checked out a couple over there but they had been rode hard and put up wet. Most of those guys put tons of hours on them and I am just a little leary of those.

[Ranger 251]

Jack,

I had a '88 Skeeter Starfire 175 and now the '05 Ranger 521 that you saw for the TB tournament.  I looked at getting back into a Skeeter but comparing the Skeeter to Ranger in '05, to me the Ranger had better quality.  Ranger was a bit pricier but it was better equipped.

Pros and Cons

Ranger fiberglass storage compartments/Skeeter plastic

Ranger has a better ice chest--holds ice much longer than a Skeeter

Ride on the Ranger is better than a Skeeter IMO but then again they all reach a limit on how much rough water they can take

Ranger support is much better--you can actually talk to someone and they are most helpful

Ranger heavier and slower than a Skeeter--you reach a point in life when you want comfort over speed. 

Overall I have been happy with the Ranger and would definitely buy another.

In the past, the four strokes were heavy and had poor performance.  Since Yamaha came out with the SHO, I have heard all good comments.  Granted it is still new and time will tell but they are lighter than a comparable two stroke, great hole shot and top end.  I talked to a buddy today that has a 20i with a 250 HPDI that ran against a 20FX with a SHO.  He told me the 20FX was 6 to 8 MPH faster.  Hmmm.

I dont' know much about the Phoenix or Pro Gator but the remaining boats are all good boats. 

Good luck with your search.

[Ranger 251]

Jack,

Sent you an IM

[Catt]

ProGator: Family own & operated for 42 years, 10 year Stump Warranty

Avoid the Skeeter FX: over priced

Phoenix: Has not been on the market long enough to properly evaluate

Words of wisdom

The "Gorilla Hull" is exceptionally durable, it carries a lifetime warranty against impact with stumps. Warranty is automatically transferred to any new owner (it follows hull I.D. number).

[fishfordollars]

Thanks guys, this is exactly the information I am looking for.

Ranger251, sent you a PM requesting the phone number in Alexandria about the Ranger.

Keep the info comming.

[R520dvx]

Jack

I purchased a "tour boat" ... however mine was an oddity. It was only in the water one week for Scott Martin to fish the FLW Championship out of.

It had only 18 hours on it and only 12 minutes of that was WOT. It has been a great boat for me.

It is my 3rd Ranger. I have enjoyed them all and would by another Ranger the next time. Ranger has been great as far as support, quality, ride, features, and last but not least, resale value. It is not fast ..... but is an extremely stable fishing platform.

That being said, there are lots of great boats out there and you have to decide what's important to you.

Last time I heard, my local Ranger dealer has a demo up there with a Yammy SHO on it. I'll check if you want .... I'll be up there today.

Greg

[Ranger 251]

Jack,

Responded to your PM with phone number and name.

Good luck.

[fishfordollars]

Well i just came in from Bowden Marine here in Houston. My head is spinning. So many options, boats, and I was not even aware that there was allready an updated design on the Yamaha 4 stroke.

They had everything from brand new to a blemished boat from 2007 that the factory replaced. Says a lot for the way they handle their customers.

I'm torn between the Pro XS and the 4 stroke.

I can feel the ulcers starting to form.

[Catt]

Pro XS 

[TBendBassin]

Pro XS

agreed!

[scbassin]

I have owned Rangers since 1974 so I can't comment on the rest. I am now in a 2008 Z-21 with a Yamaha 250 hanging on the back. See show your ride pg.12.  Ranger's customer service has always been top notch. Enough said.

[Dwight Hottle]

Don't be afraid of the pro xs. My previous boat had a 150 yammi 4 stroke. Very reliable & quite. My new boat came with a 250 pro xs & I got to tell you I like it. Very good fuel economy similar to a four stroke. The proxs is the only two stroke to meet Cali emission standards so that tells you how efficient it is. I bought a pro boat with 100 hours on it and full warranty from boat, motor & electronics manufacture. Saved $13k. Check walleye central classified ads for another source on used boats.

[Bass_Fanatic]

I guess your Skeeter w/SHO never worked out huh?  That sucks. 

I personally have owned a Triton and have riden in most of the rest.  I like the Triton, BUT there are some pros and cons:

Pros:

one of the fastest hulls

my favorite looking boat

can be bought with a Yammy or Merc

Cons:

walks like nobody's business

rod boxes are deep and skinny, meaning rods are on top of each other instead of side by side

metal T-post handles for compartments, they hurt to step on

All in all, Triton is a good boat, but I wouldn't buy again.  I would probably buy a Skeeter because they ride super smooth, have a ton of storage, and a HUGE front deck.

[fishfordollars]

well i found a 09 Bass Cat Pantera IV today with 18 hours on it. Has 200 Opti, two 898 birds, hydralic jack plate and a power pole. Blue and silver metal flake. I know i said i want to stick with a 20 footer or up, but this boat (19' 1") intriques me. May set a time to run it. Personally They got some work to do on the pricing, but I have just begun my search.

Still have not been in the seat of the Skeeter with the SHO. It's been so long since i looked seriously at the later model boats I'm going to force myself to take my time. Absolutely will not buy until i have run the 4 stroke Yamaha.

I was told today the first edition SHO motors had a vibration to them that you could absolutely feel through the seat. Have no idea if this is so, but going to find out. Anyone experienced this or can verify ?

[Catt]

Tom Redington has a 2010 Ranger Z521 Demo Boat listed on the site

[Sfritr]

Just wondering but  why a new boat now?

Just growing tired of the older one?

Or tired of older boats?

[fishfordollars]

Just wondering but why a new boat now?

Just growing tired of the older one?

Or tired of older boats?

PM sent.