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Hey guys,
I am looking for a little insight on what boat to get. This will probably be my last boat for a long while and I can't afford to miss on this one. Preferably 2014 or newer models..
Skeeter ZX200
Nitro Z19
Triton 19 TRX
Stratos 294 Evolution
Phoenix 819
They all have pros and cons to me, but I figured I would open it up to the floor to try and get some different perspective or personal experience
Thanks
I would add Charger and Basscat to that list if you plan on keeping the boat 10 plus years. Blazer also had a new boat that was a 19 footer with a nice deck layout.
Love the 294s
what specifically about 294's? the ride? layout? handling?
what specifically about 294's? the ride? layout? handling?Quote:
Originally Posted by Les Young
The Ranger Z518c (18'9") and the Z519c (19'6") shouldn't be overlooked. I definitely prefer my Z518 to the ZX200 I had before.
Get a Nitro, we're faster than those Bullet boats! :laugh:Quote:
Originally Posted by RevoElite7
Honestly there's great boats to check out by every make. I'll speak about Nitro as i own a Z18. Love my boat, fit the budget when i purchased and has been great to me in every way. Fishes bigger than an 18', tons of storage, build quality is solid, gets up on plane very nicely with the 175 merc, just overall everything i wanted. Pulls very easily as well. If i could do it again i would of went with the Z19, mainly for the 200 merc. If you can afford it, go with the bigger boat.
Whatever boat you end up with, congrats and post pics.
I was looking at Z518's but the livewell size killed it for me...24 gallons total. Hard to see 10 fish fitting in there.
Charger 186 w/175
Fishes and handles rough water like a bigger boat, mid 60's speed, more storage then you need, and small enough to fit in most gurages.
Love my ZX200. Rides great, looks good and has plenty of deck and storage space. Only draw back which is minor is Skeeter doesn't offer as many factory options as the other brands but for the price you get a lot of boat.
they're all good boats:thumb up2:Quote:
Originally Posted by RevoElite7
I would look into a Bass Cat Pantera 2, Bass Cat Pantera Classic or even a Bass Cat Caracal. I just bought my first Bass Cat. I have owned a Nitro, Triton and Skeeter. I am blown away with Bass Cats customer service and quality. The personalized hand written thank you letter from Rick Pierce and owners Jacket are a nice touch as well.
Pantera IV was made until 2016 also. Fishes and rides much bigger than its length and still touches 70 mph with a 200. Some searches on the Bass Cat boards will fill you in on that hull's reputation.Quote:
Originally Posted by TritonBrad
Charger also has the new 198 Elite (Champion 198 hull/Charger cap) coming out soon....maybe. With a new Merc 225 V8 it should be outstanding performance.
phoenix 719 has been great to me
Depends on your budget. A ZX200/Z19/619/819/Pantera II/Charger 296 are all 200hp rated 19' boats. ZX225/719/919/Caracal/Z519C/198 Elite/396 are all 225hp rated. They will be faster for sure. I'm partial to the Phoenix. Also, if your budget allows you to look at new boats, consider the Falcon 195 in there as well.
If I were going with a Charger in the 19’ range I’d go with the 195 or 296 since you can get them with a single console where the 186 is only available in dualQuote:
Originally Posted by jarhead175
I went with a nitro z7 4 years ago, still like it. I'll probably go with a basscat pantera when I replace this one.
BassCat Caracal.
Lots of good boats in the 19 foot range. Honestly, the only way you'll find that perfect one is to crawl around in each one. They will all have pluses and minuses. I've got a Phoenix 819 and I like it a lot. I'm a skeeter fan also. Basscat also makes an excellent boat. I like Nitro too but I've never rode in one.
Lots of different opinions and suggestions in here. I appreciate it.
I have a 186 with a 150. Absolutely love this boat, handles great, good layout, amazing platform. Can only imagine how much more perfect it would be with a 175 :-)Quote:
Originally Posted by jarhead175
Personally if I were going with a boat in the 19’+ category, I’d go with the BassCat Caracal
Seriously there are so many good 19' boats out there. Check them out and buy the one that turns you on. Dealer support should be the #1 consideration IMO.
If I ever go back to a glass bass boat it’ll be hard not to buy another Cat. There are plenty great 19’ foot bass boats out there. But, my experience after owning lots of brands has been the crew at BassCat is heads above the rest. Their owners tournament is a week long family event. If you attend one in Mt Home you may find the entire town welcomes you. The people at the factory will treat you like family. I bought from Sherm, he became a friend. Other owners became friends. It’s simply like no other ownership experience I’ve been part of before or since. The boats being great hulls were a plus.
I’m currently running my third Ranger. I’ve worked PT at one of the largest marine and fiberglass repair shops in the south. I’ve been in most brands multiple times. Like I said, lots of solid boats out there. Buy what YOU prefer and and outboard you can get serviced locally. Me, in a 19, I’d be looking Caracal or PII. Best “budget” boat I’ve seen of late is Skeeters deal on the ZX190 in the low 30’s. That’s not comparing apples to apples with a 150. It is a relatively decent buy.
thasts one nice boat,70 mph,great storage,and nice driver,but with stratos being shut down i would leave them along because of the long term parts problem and just buy a ranger (one of the best boats ever made)Quote:
Originally Posted by Les Young
Speed, handling & fishing when on the trolling motor & they're laid out pretty good too. Another great 19 footer is a 98 model 196 Hydra Sport. Pretty good speed & handling & in my opinion they ride & fish great too. Bigger would be a 201 or 200 pro XL for me.Quote:
Originally Posted by RevoElite7
I thought I would be in an 18 ft boat this year, I hope to be in one next year. I don't need my 21 fter any more. More garage space, sell the Parkit 360. Love to find a well taken care of Charger 186 with a 175 or a Honda 150.