Tell me about the 819, likes, dislikes, performance. Trailer quality ect.
Tell me about the 819, likes, dislikes, performance. Trailer quality ect.
Rides nice, fishes bigger than a 19ftr. Do a little research, the trailer is a weak point in the product. I've had brake issues and wiring issues already and I've read worse. No doubt a better price point than a BCB, but then again I don't think Phoenix is quite at the BCB level. Saying that acknowledging that BCB is up there with Ranger on quality.
The major thing I'm not in love with is the layout which is something most guys love. I'm not into the huge center compartment up front. I kind of liked my old Ranger's deck shape. The Phoenix deck extends all the way back to the console and straight across. I liked the center step up front of my Ranger. It gave you a spot to sit down and retie. IN the Phoenix that means you're sitting on that center compartment. I wish the driver side lockers were broken up into tow lockers one being a day box for tackle. This may be picky, it's a pretty slick 19ft rig.
2017 Phoenix 819
2016 200ProXS, s/n 2B359849, Mod 1200P73BD
Fishes and rides good for a 19’er. Plenty of room for two people. I love the boat and dont regret getting a Phoenix one bit.
my biggest complaint is that the front deck is so short. If you were to put the reel against the rod tiedown the tip of a 7’ rod would almost be in the coanglers lap when running. I ordered mine with a second set of straps which moves the rods more forward but it still sucks.
I also kind of wish I would have just sucked it up and went with a 919. I don't drive super fast but it would be nice to have the extra horses if i needed it.
I havent had major trailer issues but have had lights and the backup lock out mess up here lately a few times. Thought it was my old truck but got a new to me truck and it still has done it. I wiggle the plug and they start working again.
2018 Phoenix 819 / 2018 Mercury 200 Pro XS
What are the differences between 819 and 919?
2018 Phoenix 819 / 2018 Mercury 200 Pro XS
2012 Phoenix 721 pro xp / 250hp SHO
2003 Skeeter TZX-190 / 150hp OX66
Likes:
Ton of boat for the price
Rides and feels like a 20 ft boat (Many co-anglers ask "How long is this boat, 20 feet?)
Great speed for a 19' / 200 HP (71 MPH GPS solo, 69-70 w/ passenger)
Clean front deck layout (I actually like the straight across layout)
Wide front deck
Dislikes:
Wish the front deck was a touch longer
Rust appearing at swing away trailer tongue when boat is only 1 year old (I actually have to use mine)
Wish the center storage compartment had deeper sides that would accomidate 3700 boxes, not just a "shelf."
That's it for me. Overall it fits my needs well, I'd buy the same thing again
I'm adding the second bungee up front to hold the reels all the way forward. Also, another clever idea I saw was taking the second console apart. You can remove the side piece from the console and install it back on the side. It leaves the part of the console that extends the deck, the piece with the neoprene pad on it. That supports the rod tips.
2017 Phoenix 819
2016 200ProXS, s/n 2B359849, Mod 1200P73BD
2018 Phoenix 819 / 2018 Mercury 200 Pro XS
Can the second rod strap be ordered. After doing some research in leaning more towards the 919.
yes its an “option” from the factory. Its not on the option list but if you order it they will add for like $100-$200. Worth every penny. Just for redundancy if nothing else.
some dealers may not know alwhat your asking about since its not, or wasnt in 2018, on the option list.
if you want to add it to a used boat its just as sinple as ordering a Rod Buckle and installing it. Thats all the factory uses.
2018 Phoenix 819 / 2018 Mercury 200 Pro XS
Drewcraft Specializes in Lithium Batteries and Chargers, We carry all Brands of Trolling Motors and Graphs, Minnkota, Lowrance, Garmin, Motorguide
910-722-0001 call or text
info@drewcraft.com
I was gonna use a cord and think that might hold the reels a little better. And I can mount the cord a little further forward.
2017 Phoenix 819
2016 200ProXS, s/n 2B359849, Mod 1200P73BD
Im going to build a 919 at the dealer tomorrow, how does the 80lb ultrex do with this boat? I had a 112 fortex on my cat .
Thanks for all the help
I have the 80 Ultrex and its usable but if i had to do it again i would go 112. Especially with a 919 since you will have the extra hp. i find that i can only maintain in strong current. Several places i fish has strong current and i don't feel like i can fish it effectively at times.
2018 Phoenix 819 / 2018 Mercury 200 Pro XS
I have the 80 fortrex on my 819 and it does OK but I'd go with 112 if I had it to do over again. I had the dealer swap out a fortrex 80 for the ultrex and I imagine going with 112 would have been a lot more, given new charger and battery and rigging.
Regarding the original question, the only thing I would prefer is the previously mentioned longer front deck. I did some comparisons at the boat show today and some other makes in that size do have more front deck and less back deck. Ride is great. Fit and finish is good. There are complaints on this board about trailer quality but I haven't experienced any issues yet in the one year since I got the boat new.
If you plan to run Lowrance consider a Ghost, 24v very powerful and can always add another battery for 36. but if you are getting Birds you may want to stick with the Ultrex
Drewcraft Specializes in Lithium Batteries and Chargers, We carry all Brands of Trolling Motors and Graphs, Minnkota, Lowrance, Garmin, Motorguide
910-722-0001 call or text
info@drewcraft.com
I see that some of the 19 phx have rod tubes in the center box, is that a factory option?
If you are questioning the need, I would recommend going to the 36V motor. This Hull is slower to start and slower to stop than my Eyra was. The battery compartment will be cramped if you are wanting to add poles plus 4 batteries. I sold my 819 this summer and I’m back in a Pantera 2 now. Unreal how much more responsive this Hull is to the trolling motor. That said, I had group 31 batteries and never really lacked staying power. The boat just didn’t move as easily as I’d like, but I got used to it.
2015 Phoenix 819
Drewcraft Specializes in Lithium Batteries and Chargers, We carry all Brands of Trolling Motors and Graphs, Minnkota, Lowrance, Garmin, Motorguide
910-722-0001 call or text
info@drewcraft.com