Thread: 721 vs 920/921?

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  1. #1
    Skeeterzx190
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    721 vs 920/921?

    What’s peoples experiences with 721 and 920/921? Anyone own one but also ridden another? I’m went to a dealer today and the 721 was parked next to a 920 abs the deck just seemed so much smaller. However I’m leaving a skeeter zx190 so the 721 is wider by 1.5” and lot longer. Not sure what route to go. I’m looking for used ones also. Also what people think of the merc pro xs 2 stroke that seems to be on a lot used ones.

  2. Member
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    #2
    When I was in the market to buy, the deck was something I really looked at. The 920/921 is a lot wider than the 721. The 721 can be bought for less but I just couldn’t give up the thought of a wider deck- so I bought the 921. Extremely pleased with my decision. Rods are out on both sides of the deck when I’m fishing and I don’t step on any.as far as the motor goes I haven’t had any issues other than one hot day idleing up the river it vapor locked on me- only time . I’m not worried about speed though so maybe other engines are better- it’s been very reliable and starts every time no matter how cold it is

  3. Member
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    #3
    Quote Originally Posted by Billbobclark View Post
    When I was in the market to buy, the deck was something I really looked at. The 920/921 is a lot wider than the 721. The 721 can be bought for less but I just couldn’t give up the thought of a wider deck- so I bought the 921. Extremely pleased with my decision. Rods are out on both sides of the deck when I’m fishing and I don’t step on any.as far as the motor goes I haven’t had any issues other than one hot day idleing up the river it vapor locked on me- only time . I’m not worried about speed though so maybe other engines are better- it’s been very reliable and starts every time no matter how cold it is
    U buy the PHX, Elite, or Pro XP?

  4. Smallmouth Junkie!
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    #4
    I did the same thing you are doing, went from a 18 1/2 foot Skeeter to a phoenix 721 pro XP. It was a huge upgrade in size to me. Now if I were to buy a new one I would probably try and go to a 921 or 21 PHX. But if I found the right deal I wouldn’t hesitate to get another 721. I love my boat and it rides unbelievably well in comparison to the old Skeeter I was in. It will blow your mind the first time you hit a big boat wake and the hull slices the wave like butter. The landings make you feel like the whole boat is on shocks or some thing. Either way, they are all awesome boat and you will be very happy.
    Last edited by MichPhoenix77; 02-21-2021 at 08:41 PM.
    2012 Phoenix 721 pro xp / 250hp SHO
    2003 Skeeter TZX-190 / 150hp OX66

  5. Member
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    #5
    I went with the 21 PHX- the width is almost identical to the 20 but obviously more length

  6. Member
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    #6
    I had a 721 and just bought a 920 Elite. 721 is an awesome boat rides great fishes great has tons of storage and is fast. Only reasons I switched was I wanted a little shorter boat and the wider deck.
    A.J. Kelty Versailles KY
    2021 Phoenix 920 Elite

  7. Member
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    #7
    I like the pro xs 2s a lot. Never had issues to speak of.....Personal preference, but I like the 9 series. The wider deck is important to me. and I agree with MichSkeeter...When I came out of my zx, there wasn't any comparison on the ride. The bird was hands down a different animal on a different planet. SOOOO much smoother.
    Matthew 6:33
    2020 921elite

  8. Skeeterzx190
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    #8
    Aj...how’s the ride of 721 compare to 920? And shorter boat because easier around docks and trailering?

  9. Member
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    #9
    Riding in both the 721 and 920 I will have to say the 721 rides better, cuts little better and is softer. 920 will def have more room up front width wise but is shorter than the 920 and you will see it when two are up front fishin in the bow long ways not side by side. 721 Little faster too. Both fish awesome!

  10. Member
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    #10
    The deck width between 920 and 721 isn't that much unless you're looking at model years before they raised the deck. I believe it's 3" total.

    When I bought my 721 I had the dealer pull them both side by side and I spent an hour walking between the 2 with rods laying on the deck and there wasn't enough difference to justify the cost difference.

    I did drive all 3 before I made my purchase. I couldn't really tell a difference between the 721&920 ride wise. But the 921 is the smoothest of the 3 for obvious reasons. The deck is huge compared to the 20' models. The big thing I didn't like was how much the wind pushed pushed the bigger boat. 12" & 7" I wouldn't think would make that much difference but it really did.
    I drove all 3 on the same day, in pretty windy conditions, and I had trouble getting the 921 up to the dock to drop the dealership guy off. 920 & 721 I had no issue.

  11. Skeeterzx190
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    #11
    Actually little more than 3"....Looking at the 2020 brochure, the 721 width is 61.25 at pedestal, 920 xp pro 65.5", 921 xp pro 66", 920 elite 67.25, 921 elite 67". So 4.25-6" depending on the 9 series model. Cant speak for past years. But interesting take regarding wind...I can see that. Appreciate the feedback...nice to see different perspectives on the boats from people reading in both.

  12. Member
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    #12
    Had a 2011 721 with Merc 2XS and now have a 2019 921 with Merc 4XS. Before the 721 I had a ZX200 and prior to that a Ranger 520. IMHO, the 721 is the best boat for the money on the market. It is a great rough water boat, fast, handles well and fishes good. I went with the 921 in 2019 because the front deck is massive and I'm not getting any younger or more agile. The 921 is better in rough water than the 721, but not by much. However, it does fish better in rough water than the 721, not night and day, but better because of the front deck space. I would very highly recommend the Merc 4XS over the 2XS, I can't think of a single thing the 2XS is better at.

    I would expect to see a lot more used 721s on the market than 921s or 920s (and thus probably better pricing?). Buying used, I would focus on the overall condition of the boat, hours on the outboard (and remaining warranty), electronics, and trolling motor over the 721/920/921 model, especially since you are coming out of a smaller zx190.

  13. Smallmouth Junkie!
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    #13
    Quote Originally Posted by Skeeterzx19 View Post
    Aj...how’s the ride of 721 compare to 920? And shorter boat because easier around docks and trailering?
    I can honestly say my 721 is way more maneuverable around docks with the big motor and on the trolling motor than my old Skeeter was. That blew my mind when I first got the boat.
    2012 Phoenix 721 pro xp / 250hp SHO
    2003 Skeeter TZX-190 / 150hp OX66

  14. Member Meleagris1's Avatar
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    #14
    Quote Originally Posted by MichSkeeter77 View Post
    I can honestly say my 721 is way more maneuverable around docks with the big motor and on the trolling motor than my old Skeeter was. That blew my mind when I first got the boat.
    Aside from ride this was also what impressed me most about the Phoenix - I have no problem in tight spaces with the PHX 21. Boat also tracks very well and doesn't get blown around much in open water.
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  15. Member
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    #15
    Quote Originally Posted by Skeeterzx19 View Post
    Aj...how’s the ride of 721 compare to 920? And shorter boat because easier around docks and trailering?
    One reason was with the added length on the 4s I was going to be getting real tight on my garage with the 721. The other reason I just like fishing out of a little shorter boat. I even debated going with a 919. But besides the length the deck width around the seat post and trolling motor pedal is what tipped the scales for me in the end. As far as the ride I’ll let you know when I get it on the water . From what Wiedas is telling me there is minimal if any difference in ride and speed between the 721 and the 920.
    A.J. Kelty Versailles KY
    2021 Phoenix 920 Elite

  16. Member ampdreamer1's Avatar
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    #16
    I just bought a 2019 921 pro xp with a Suzuki 250ss. Sight unseen online. I pick it up next week. I'm coming out of a 1998 stratos 201xl with a 1999 200hp evenrude ficht. My previous boat was an alumacraft 16ft with a 70hp Suzuki

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    #17
    Welcome to the Suzuki family. I repowered with a 250ss, and love it. It's a tad slower, but it's been reliable and super easy to maintain.

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    #18
    bought a 15 721 due to price and loved it... great boat but after riding in 921 pro and fishing from it.... I sold the 721 and bought a 921 pro xp…. you are not going to go wrong with any of them 721,920,921 great boats.... just ride in both before you buy or you might buy two of them lol