Need your thoughts/opinions please… zx200 vs zx225
Ok guys I need your thoughts and opinions. Has anyone been in both the 200 and the 225(both 18 year models or newer). Is there a big ride difference between the 2 models? I am not interested in the speed difference. I am more interested in the rough water ride and fishability. I dont know if the extra 5 inches of length is enough to even help with the rough water ride, handling, or fishability. Give me y’all’s thoughts between the 2 models. Thanks In advance
2012 Ranger Z518 w/ 200 Pro xs
I was in the same delima as you when choosing between the ZXR20 and ZXR21. Except the length difference is much more substantial in what I had to choose between. I ultimately choose the zxr20 as I’ve always liked a 19’ boat but wanted to go a little bigger this time for the better ride. I would make my between the zx200 and zx225 based on which layout I liked more. The 5 inches doesn’t seam like enough to get caught up in between the two in my opinion. I almost went with the ZX200 this go around but went with the zxr20 due to the width and how good everyone said the ride is compared to the old iclass models and fox models.
I guess it really depends what your expectations are. I ran a stratos 294 for years which is 19’4 then bought a zx225 new which are 19’11. The difference is night and day in my opinion. Handles the waves much better and is dryer
I just went from a ZX200 to a ZX225 and it’s a pretty big difference. Loved my ZX200 but the ride is better with my ZX225. I can’t say there is a big difference in fish ability but I feel there is more storage with the front deck layout. Only issue is the 89 octane gas and how much more I use now.
2021 Skeeter ZX225
2021 Yamaha SHO 225 VF225LA
ZX225 all day.
Owned couple ZX200s when they had 50 gallon tank...
unless you have huge waters save some $$ for add ons...
can always add 300hp ECU if a speed freak...
fished Fork, Toledo Bend with it a few times but mostly much smaller waters.
BTW, I ordered a 2016 ZX225 back when...which has had issues BUT SHO was rock solid...
got 6 year warranty which will end Feb 2022.
I would say if $$$ or space to park are big deals go ZX200...big waters go ZX225
My next boat (if another after 8 Skeeters over 40 years) will be the ZX200...
2018 Z19/200 Optimax 2 stroker 24x3 Fury Ultrex 112
Lowrance HDS 12/9 Lives with 3 in 1 ducers
I'm kicking around the same decision....I'm currently in a 2020 ZX200, I put my name on a 2022 ZXR20 that’s 12 weeks out, I have since been informed about a loaded 2021 ZX225 for a fairly decent price. Just not sold on that the ZX225 @ 19'11" will ride substantially alot better than my ZX200 @ 19'6". I have a local tournament next week, one of the guys has a ZX225, I'm gonna take a ride for myself and make my decision on which direction I'll go afterwards.
I cannot comment on the newer boats, but I have owned my ZX200 dual console since 2008, bought it new. I wish i had bought a 225 or 250 for one reason, but not enough to rush into a new rig. Rod deck storage. Longer rods tend to hit the consoles and I really have to watch when I stow the trolling motor to insure I don't smash one. This wouldn't be an issue with another 5" of front deck. I really can't comment on the difference in ride 200 vs 225/250, but mine handles rough water pretty good. I've been in some rough water on Toledo Bend, Fork and Amistad, and was never concerned. Another good thing is that the ZX200 will fish just fine with an 80 lb 24V Ultrex, but you do have enough room to add the 4th battery and use a 36V if you desire.
Last edited by Texas Larry; 07-30-2021 at 09:12 AM.
I have owned a 2019 ZX200 and now have a ZXR20. The ride on the ZXR20 is excellent. I have ridden in quite a few 20 something bass boats and the new hull on the ZXR seems to land the softest out of all of the boats I have ridden in. The front deck is also much larger on the new ZXR boats compared to a ZX200 or ZX225. I would go with the ZXR for the front deck space alone if the price of the boat isn't a problem. I don't like having to worry about my rods under my feet when I am fishing so the extra deck space is a priority for me.
I have owned both. a 2014 zx200 and a 2017zx225, and I currently own a 2020 zx250. Honestly the ride between the 2 will not be much difference. Both the 200 and the 225 handle like sports cars and I have had both in 8ft+ waves on lake Ontario. The zx200 is no slouch when it comes to rough water handling, or fishability imo.
That being said, they are not apples to apples anymore. The 200 has a smaller fuel tank, livewell, bilge pump, trolling motor, battery charger, standard graphs, etc.
Both hulls are great in rough water though.
Yeah, the more I think about it the more I want to keep my 2020 ZX200, I've pretty loaded it out....2 8ft Raptors, Ultrex I-pilot Link w/MDI, Helix 7 Mega SI G3N at the console, Helix 7 Mega DI G3N at the bow..all networked...it will run 67-69mph with just me.....I've had it in some big rollers in 30mph winds and it performed well...I sure like those 2022 ZXR20s thoughOriginally Posted by CJC
Keep this in mind no matter what anyone tells you. Tattoo it on your eyelids. Write it on tablets of stone.
THERE AIN'T NO SUCH THING AS A GOOD RIDING BASS BOAT !! SOME OF THEM JUST RIDE WORSE THAN OTHERS !!
That said, I've had both boats. Not really that much difference in ride. Just takes a lot of time and a lot of pain to figure out how to handle either one in rough water.
My last two have been ZX200's. I like the 19'5 boat, but the front deck is noticeably smaller than the ZX225, especially the older 20'2 models.
Fine boats, both. I'm running a 2020 now, but Skeeter's quality has noticeably declined. My first one was a 2002 and it was a much better built boat than the 2020. Of course the old ZX line was the premium line. Now it's the price point line.
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