Almost Completely Objective Review
My Legend boat is on order and our team is short a couple boats, so Rick Smith at Marine Outlet in Temple, TX let us use a 21xrd to use and demo for folks interested in buying a new boat.
Boat: 2008 21XRD
Motor: 250XS w/1.75 torqumaster
Motor height: approx 1-1.5 inches below pad
Prop: 27 throwphy
REVIEW
Looks: well that's the subjective part, and sitting on the trailer it's a hot looking boat, in the water, it reminds me of an '67 vette with an old man driving it. No padding in the seats, toggle switches, molded in consoles, a bit of a throwback boat. Not bad though, It did not bother me at all. It did have a recessed foot control, and some cool looking air deflectors. I will say though the seats are pretty bad.
Handling: This is where this boat shines, for a supposed go fast boat. This thing handles waves and yacht chop much better, if not exponentially better than expected. No bow pop, no jumping. Keep the nose down and it handles comparably to my Legend or a Champ (I can't believe I just said that http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif). It corners well also with minimal slip and with what slip there is it doesn't throw you from chine to chine while slipping. It took some getting used to, but just nose it down and whip that barge around.
Speed: I think with proper set up it is a low 80's boat with tourney load, we hit 80 for a while but 78-79 was about right with the wells full and BPS on board. With the trophy the holeshot was insane, bow response was insane, and really used very little trim to get max speed. Another note also is how easy this boat is to drive. It requires very little input to drive at 80, and really feels more stable and safe than other brands at WOT. One other cool thing was with the raised deck, I really see no need for a second console unless you fish in extreme conditions often (great lakes). You gain tons of room without the second console, and the wind is really minimal even at 80 for the passenger with the single console.
Fishability: This also impresses me, it was bed time here in CenTex and I can't believe this boat. It is a sight fisherman's dream. You sit high off the water, low gunnels so pitching is really easy. Not any more tipsy than a 203 Champ. Storage was impressive also. Tons of it. Holds eight rods in the port locker, and another 5 or 6 in the center locker. Plus you still have room for rubber maid containers of plastics under your rods in the center locker. Livewells need work, the center divider got knocked out by an extremely angry 14.25" greenie http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif. Other than that they were fine. Rear storage is good, with plenty of room for a reasonably equipped pro.
Overall I give this a boat two thumbs up, as far as me owning one. I liked the visit, but don't know if it is somewhere I want to live, as I am so trained to my deck layout and fishability of the Legend. Though if you gave me one for a month, I would honestly see no difference in the Bullet, and Legend. Except for speed of course.
Bullet makes a great boat, and their owners should be very proud of the fine product in their garages. Folks looking to get a new boat, I hope I quashed many of the myths of the Bullet name, that 21XRD is a bassboat that can suit the needs of many more than will ever be given credit for. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/glasses.gif
Re: Almost Completely Objective Review (btsmbass)
Thank you!!! They don't have to be heavy to ride good...just be LOOOONG. Wish you had put this on the main boating forum!!!!!
Re: Almost Completely Objective Review (Longrodder)
Re: Almost Completely Objective Review (btsmbass)
