New Boat Suggestions

[tociar]

I just sold my Z20 Ranger Comanche and looking to purchase another boat. I've been test driving some and doing some research, but wondered if anyone had any personal opinions or experiences on a Phoenix 20PHX, a Skeeter ZX250 or a Ranger 520.

I really want to have a Yamaha or Mercury 4 stroke in a 2019 boat. Any suggestions, feedback or your experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time,
Tony

 

[31airborne]

I have driven and fished out of a PHX 721, Z520, and a Skeeter FX21 (w/ the SHO). All are superb platforms with smart storage layouts and consoles. The Skeeter w/ the SHO was quick out of the hole but lagged a little in top end speed. Not an issue for short runs because the hole shot put you way ahead of everyone else. The PHX 721 was a little slower out of the hole but had good top end speed (72+ GPS). It handled magnificently, esp in ruff water. The 520 was heavy - slower out of the hole and at top end but very smooth, esp in choppy water.

I just bought a new sled this past May. I went thru every option out there, considering every detail and option. It got to a point where there was so much data I couldn't keep track of it. In the end, I picked the make and model that gave me the best collection of top end speed, hole shot, storage layout, and ride in ruff conditions (in that order). You can get to this point only by driving all of the options out there. Takes time but it'll help you make a [better] decision.

I stayed w/ the 2-stroke Pro XS. Yeah, at some point it'll no longer be in production but I'm not one to buy into something in its first model year. Merc has some nice ads out there but my gut (and experience) say go w/ what you know is ~bulletproof. If I were to buy a 4-stroke it would be the SHO. It's solid. Not the most fuel efficient but we're talking fractions of miles per gallon here.

 

[jb366]

I came out of an 18' Ranger looking for a better ride. First stop was a 520 and I wasn't impressed with it. The slap the shorter boat had was only slightly better with the bigger model.

Looked at Skeeters but just didn't like their layout and setup so I never drove one. They are a really nice package though.

Drove a Phoenix 920, 21phx, and 721 and ended up with a 721/sho. It's the best riding boat I've been in(besides the 21phx) and run 74-75 consistently with a 2 man tourney load with stock T-2 prop. Have bumped 78 with the same load in cooler weather. The sho is a beast and proven. If you can get one that's what I'd get until the merc has been on the market for a few years.

The Ranger fishes a little more stable than the phoenix will but the bird is a more nimble on in tight quarters.

At the end of the day you need to go take each for a spin and decide which one suits what you want out of a boat. Each will be better in different areas than the other.

 

[mayberryrick]

You definitely need to check out a new Allison XB21 Bassport Pro. You'll never look back.... Superior build, rough water handling, fishability, storage, styling, speed.... They are the total package. My friend has a 2017 listed on craigslist. It is loaded out... He has since sold the engine that was on it and is ready for you to put a new 4 Stroke Mercury on it.

 

[tociar]

Thanks guys for responses and Great Information for me to consider.

I really like the SHO and I have test drove a Skeeter and a Phoenix but, I have fished out of Ranger for the last 12 yrs and have always enjoyed the way it rides and performs in rough water.

The good thing is I'm not in any hurry and still have time to test my options and continue to research. Thanks again for all the input.
Tony