X21 on big water

[mldejarn]

I am starting to look around at potentially getting a new boat in next year or so and the x21 really has my eye. I mainly fish shallow water and smaller reservoirs <5000 acres here in Ohio. However I do get up and fish Erie a couple times a year which is where my concerns come in. Does anyone have any experience fishing big water in one of these rigs? Granted I don't go out on days that there is 4 foot rollers but still want the ability to safely navigate when conditions do get a little bumpy. I know that it will not compare to a big fiberglass boat. Currently in a 05 skeeter zx225.

[21XDC]

The keel welds have been known to crack/break open in the rough stuff. I caved in the bow of my 1998 18ft Xpress on Lake Erie. Xpress warrantied the hull and I went to an X19. I liked that boat a lot. But several of my friends had the keel weld fail and cause trouble.

They ride better than you would expect, But I'd think twice before I'd consider one for "Rough water"

[footballfetch]

I've been in mine in 2+ ft rollers and had no issues - H20b so same hull. 4ft would be a pucker factor for sure.

[ssmithboats]

if you try an run true 4 ft waves on any boat doing it regularly no bass boat will stay together you have to use common sense which is rare in the bass boat world.

[BOATS]

Not the X21 , but I have fished open Lake on Okeechobee in December. I fish the ST Johns all of the time and have been in some really bad stuff and mine is an H18 so I believe the X21 would be fine.

[Jessxpress]

Last week in a tight 2-3 foot chop I had to quarter the waves and only made 35 mph for about 12 miles and it was a wet ride but not too uncomfortable. I don’t like pounding! In a 21’ you could run set 4’ rollers 45 mph in the barrel but head on or straight down wind all bets are off.

[CJ1]

I have been in 3.5 to a few 4' and I'll tell ya 10-15 was about it In a bass boat for me. Cj

[BassinTN]

People will tell you Xpress is as good as glass in rough water. That has not been my experience. And don't believe the "seat time" BS. You will either go slow and get wet or risk breaking welds and make your chiropractor rich. I love my X19 and I really love the X21 I've been in, but they don't compare to glass in rough water. I fish for fun, and if the wind is howling and the water is rough, that's a day I cut grass.

[GRANDPAOF7]

[MIKER2702]

I have been in 3.5 to a few 4' and I'll tell ya 10-15 was about it In a bass boat for me. Cj

What he said