Questions for the X18, X19 Experts...

[King_Fish]

Hello,

I'm looking to upgrade here in the near future and am considering the R198P (too pricy though!), the 195TXW Tourney Edition (ehhh...) and either an X18 or X19 with an 150hp.

(1) Any major differences between the X18 and X9, other than the obvious length?
(2) Do you folks like the Extreme coat over carpet and how hot does it get? Slippery when wet?
(3) With one of the Yammies and the proper setup (JP, SS prop, etc...) will I see 60 - 60+ mph, 2 people, fair load?
(4) How do they plane out w/ a tourney load & full livewell?
(5) Is it possible to stay at or slightly below the $30K mark, without going crazy w/ options?
(6) Will either hull accommodate a 24V TM?
(7) How do they handle wakes and waves from our favorite Rec Boaters?
(8) Is a swing away tongue available on the trailers?

Thank you

[wishiwasfishin2]

I will answer the questions that I can by your corresponding numbers.

1) None that I am aware of. I would not do a 150 on the X19 though.
2) I have carpet because I don't like the ruff texture of the Extreme coat. Cant imagine kneeling to lip a fish on that stuff. Plus carpet hides all the ruff spots.
3) Yes, if you go bigger than the 150. I am getting a little over 60 with the 175.
4) Jumps on plane quick.
5) That will be the hard part. If you go no options then maybe. I upgraded a lot, including dual axle trailer and was over 40k.
6) Yes, but that is another option. I have a 80lb Fortrex on mine.
7) Handle them well. About as good as a glass boat.
8) Have a swing tongue on my trailer. Hinge is almost directly under the nose of the boat.

If space is not a issue then go with the x19. Bigger is always better.

[bama jim]

I will try to answer your questions based on my experience. I bought
the X18 pro. I knew my budget would allow for the 150 SHO with the
options I wanted like tandem axle trailer and 36 volt trolling motor. Two
things I don't like, rod box needs to be longer, 7 ft rods max in the 18.
the liner is hot, damn hot. It will literally burn your feet if barefoot, I am
putting in carpet this fall when deer season opens. The X18 planes faster
than any boat I have ever owned or ridden in. Speed wise I have the
atlas HYD jack plate, and yes it will get 60 and a little more. The ride in
in 1-2 foot is exceptional I stay home if it's worse that, or I stay out of
the bays. Except for the 2 things I mentioned I love the boat. Express
looks like a sports car compared to other brands. I get people wanting
to look at and talk about my boat. You can not go wrong with either
the 18 or 19. But in my opinion there is Xpress and then everybody
else. Don't know about swing away. Hope this helps. Oh
yes one more thing. You can get one for around 30, mins was
31,500 out the door with my options

[omrobro]

The X series boats have better then average cock pit areas,the rear storage is roomy instead of the little plastic inserts.I've been in the RT198,nice boat but not the same ride or performance.The trailers are all Aluminum with 100k hubs,you can get the swing tongue,brakes or LED's.The X18/19 Pro series package comes in under 30k.There is a family owned dealer in Bellevue,Iowa that maybe be worth a phone call,they also can and will match the boat with a Evinrude,Merc.I believe the Rude still has 8yr warranty.I got a prices from all over and it amazed me how much more other dealers wanted.Drove 8 hours for the savings.Good luck in your search.

[King_Fish]

I will try to answer your questions based on my experience. I bought
the X18 pro. I knew my budget would allow for the 150 SHO with the
options I wanted like tandem axle trailer and 36 volt trolling motor. Two
things I don't like, rod box needs to be longer, 7 ft rods max in the 18.
the liner is hot, damn hot. It will literally burn your feet if barefoot, I am
putting in carpet this fall when deer season opens. The X18 planes faster
than any boat I have ever owned or ridden in. Speed wise I have the
atlas HYD jack plate, and yes it will get 60 and a little more. The ride in
in 1-2 foot is exceptional I stay home if it's worse that, or I stay out of
the bays. Except for the 2 things I mentioned I love the boat. Express
looks like a sports car compared to other brands. I get people wanting
to look at and talk about my boat. You can not go wrong with either
the 18 or 19. But in my opinion there is Xpress and then everybody
else. Don't know about swing away. Hope this helps. Oh
yes one more thing. You can get one for around 30, mins was
31,500 out the door with my options

Good feedback from everyone, I appreciate it..

(1) bama jim - with your 7+' rods strapped to the deck, is there plenty of room for them and do they hang over the deck?

(2) Is there a way to turn off this Freak'n auto spell check, it bogs down my typing?

[PAbobs25]

I agree with what everyone said, x18 with 150Hp will run about 60. I heard that the extreme coat does get hot, I prefer carpet. You will need to put the 175Hp SHO to reach 60 on the X19. I have a 2017 X19Pro/175 VMax SHO with Fortex 80 and some assorted extras and mine ran about $36,000. If you find a dealer that gets them in without motors you should be able to get it a little cheaper. (look on the express web site to find the dealer that suits your needs) I took the rod organizer out of my rod locker and can get 8, rods in it and there is plenty of deck room for 7 1/2 and 8' rods.

[bama jim]

I don't use anything over 7 foot so I went and measured it to make
sure before I told you. There is a place on the passenger side with
a slot, and a strap on the rear deck. Looks like on the back there you can go 7.10
inches. If you add a strap to the front the deck is a little over 8 feet
and u could strap them there

[GeauxTide]

Have fished in my Uncle's X-19 since 2007. It has a 150VMax and still hits 55. The X series are tanks (.125), run like race cars, and take rough water as well as a glass boat.

[Jstutts7]

PM sent King Fish