If you had 70k for a boat...

[Sprogk]

Hi guys


I'm in Michigan & looking for a bass boat that'll handle big water best.
BUT i would like to still use it on smaller lakes in skinny water. (For largemouth)
These are the 3 considered....which one will you pick?
-Ranger Z522D
-Skeeter FX21
-Charger 210 Elite (Champion 210 Hull I believe)

Your opinions will be appreciated.

[21XDC]

You might want to ask this in the "Michigan" forum...

[MikeKz]

Having spent time on LSC and Erie in a few 19 "traditional" depth bass boats - as well as KY Lake with a blow from the NW direction - I would consider the Ranger model strongly. What about YarCraft as well?

[jarhead175]

Charger 210 elite or 797 wouldn't even look any further. But I am biased.

[high 2]

Don't know about the Skeeter. My problem with Champion hulls is their side to side stability. Not enough beam width. I know some about the 22' Ranger. It will be about as good as you can get in big water, but you can get better hulls for flipping docks and tight quarters. I have a 521 and I can do everything I want to do with it. I've never been in a better fishing platform than a Ranger, but I've not been in all of them either. Larry

[Lape0019]

Having never been in any of them and solely going on what I’ve read and personal thoughts, I’d probably look at the Charger myself. It would just narrowly beat out the 522D because I imagine the Rabger would draft a whole lot more and may stop you getting into skinnier water.

If you were looking to just fish big water, I’d go with the Ranger.

Now, if I had the choice to actually see how much that 522 drafts, I’d probably take a closer look at it but those Champion/Charger hulls have a great reputation for their rough water ride.

[06 SB]

Add Basscat Jaguar or any of the Yarcraft.

[Transom]

The 20 foot Lund pro v bass.

[Jim Dunn]

Charger 210 elite or 797 wouldn't even look any further. But I am biased.

Me too, but just about the 210.

[GBhoss]

Phoenix 921

[barbarian]

Don't know about the Skeeter. My problem with Champion hulls is their side to side stability. Not enough beam width. I know some about the 22' Ranger. It will be about as good as you can get in big water, but you can get better hulls for flipping docks and tight quarters. I have a 521 and I can do everything I want to do with it. I've never been in a better fishing platform than a Ranger, but I've not been in all of them either. Larry

The champion comment is stuck from the 1990's. Completely irrelevant and inaccurate when taking about the 210.

[UglyBug]

Phoenix 921PHX

[TownesZ21]

Depends on your priorities and time split. If mostly Smallmouth the 522 for sure, if closer to a 50/50 split I would seriously look at the BC Jaguar. It might be the best boat in that class and this is coming from a 25 year Ranger guy.

[Sprogk]

Thanks for the comments so far guys..keep em coming.
It'll be mostly Lake st Clair as of now. I would guess 80% of the time.
So it seems 522D recommended by most considering the 80/20 split

i have not looked at any BC boats yet.

[PII Magnum]

bass cat Jaguar would be my choice.

[Midnight Rider]

BassCat Jaguar is THE ultimate big water boat. It's huge. There are smaller BassCats that would serve you well. The new Lynx, The Caracal, Eyra, Cougar. Even the Pantera boats can handle pretty big water if you know how to run it. BassCat has one of the driest rides you will find...period.

[Whopperstopper]

I'd look at all 3. Choose the one that suits me and go with it, regardless of brand. Owned Ranger for over 20 years and now in FX21 Sheeter. Love both. Can't talk about Charger as I have no experience. Get the boat that you like best. It's your money.

Ranger and Skeeter both have good [for a boat] re-sell value. Might be something to ponder.

[bassfish 24-7]

The key is who is the best dealer / mechanic in your area? I’d go with their recommendation.

[T. Hill]

That Jaguaer even with its size floats in very thin water.

[Meleagris1]

I’m on the Great Lakes here in NY and just went through this same decision myself. Ride was my number 1 concern and although I was very happy with my last boat , a Skeeter I Class, I was not brand loyal. The FX isn’t the same stellar rough water hull as the I Class but it is really nice and a little more nimble. It’s less than 21’ though. The Ranger is a good boat I just not a huge fan of the ride. It’s been a long time since I was in a champ 210 - good hull imo. From what you listed if it were me I would buy the Skeeter.