Convince me to buy a Skeeter

[natalex85]

So I am doing a great deal of soul searching regarding a boat purchase.

I am still considering a glass boat even though an aluminum Ranger RT 188 makes the most practical sense. I am generally very practical and I had my mind made up for the tin. Cost isn't a factor not because I'm rich but I have the green light to do what I want. The RT 188 is a nice boat that will suit my needs for now, but part of me really wants a glass rig.

There isn't a lot I can find comparing the upper echelon glass boats to one another. So I will post this same thread on the Ranger, Phoenix and Legend forums. As much detail as you want to and comparing directly to the other manufacturers is ok with me but lets not start any internet spats that get the threads locked or deleted.

I love the reputation of the Skeeter quality and service etc. However I haven't ridden in one in over a decade so I don't really know anything. LOL.

[skeeter_tzx]

Take a demo ride.

[natalex85]

I'll certainly do that but I was hoping to hear some personal preferences/ reasons for choosing skeeter etc. They are all great boats, but there were reasons each person chose the boat they chose. If ride is it I'd like to know what it was about the ride that you liked.

[Scope3334]

All the boats you mentioned are great and were at the top of my list. For me though I went with skeeter over the others because of:

1: engineering
A: No splashwell
B: Torque transfer system
C: Sponson design (makes for almost no bow lift and quick hole shot)
D: aluminum deck (I see this as a huge plus because the deck will never rot and if you ever need to do major work it would not involve removing a glass deck)
E: Hull design

2: Deck layout

3: Yamaha sho
A: No 2 stroke oil (saves a lot of money over a few years)
B: Quiet operation

4: Console design (for me other then Rangers design it's the best looking console)

5: Price (compared to others it's on par or slightly better)

6: Ride
A: Very responsive
B: Dry
C: Fast
D: Comfortable

There is a ton more that I could list but you owe it to yourself to check one out. Honestly whatever boat you go with will only matter to you. For me I found the most value in a skeeter, hence my purchase. Of course other boats had things l liked and things I did not like. For me I had to sit down and list the pros and cons of each to help me decide. IMHO most boats on the market today are close to each other in terms of quality and all have there own pros and cons depending on personal preference.

Also check out this page: http://www.bbcboards.net/skeeter-boa...-resource.html

Doug has some great videos on there. They helped me out when I was in you position.

Good luck.

[Landers52x]

All the boats you mentioned are great and were at the top of my list. For me though I went with skeeter over the others because of:

1: engineering
A: No splashwell
B: Torque transfer system
C: Sponson design (makes for almost no bow lift and quick hole shot)
D: aluminum deck (I see this as a huge plus because the deck will never rot and if you ever need to do major work it would not involve removing a glass deck)
E: Hull design

2: Deck layout

3: Yamaha sho
A: No 2 stroke oil (saves a lot of money over a few years)
B: Quiet operation

4: Console design (for me other then Rangers design it's the best looking console)

5: Price (compared to others it's on par or slightly better)

6: Ride
A: Very responsive
B: Dry
C: Fast
D: Comfortable

There is a ton more that I could list but you owe it to yourself to check one out. Honestly whatever boat you go with will only matter to you. For me I found the most value in a skeeter, hence my purchase. Of course other boats had things l liked and things I did not like. For me I had to sit down and list the pros and cons of each to help me decide. IMHO most boats on the market today are close to each other in terms of quality and all have there own pros and cons depending on personal preference.

Also check out this page: http://www.bbcboards.net/skeeter-boa...-resource.html

Doug has some great videos on there. They helped me out when I was in you position.

Good luck.

^this.

[BigSexyPhoenix]

I bought a new Skeeter in 2001 and it has been a great boat. It's not even one of the high end models but it has always been flawless. I think the new ZX225 is one of the best packages out there for the money right now.

[fat1]

I love my skeeter, its not the best boat on the market at any ONE thing but it is the best boat on the market at ALL things, if that makes sense.

Here's the real deal, all these boat brands (Ranger, Skeeter, Triton, Nitro, Basscat) Are well established and bring something to the table (Resale, Unique, performance, cheap entry, customer service). They all have problems, they are all loved by their owners and have features that most people would enjoy. IMO it comes down to the dealer. If my dealer dropped skeeter and moved to any other brand (even Nitro) I would go with them, that's how important the dealer is. After the shine wears off, the dealer is what determines the satisfaction of your purchase. I love my skeeter but I still run my hands over every other new boat I see and think "I like that"

[TLSkeeter]

natalex85 - all the points posted thus far are spot on. In the end, its all about you so figure out what you want, like, need, etc.
That said, I will offer this, as I personally found this next point very important; Yamaha owns Skeeter. What does this mean? Skeeter gets backed by a parent company in "the business". A good example: the hull (I think of the FX, which also serves as the basis for the new ZXs) was designed specifically to work with and supplement the SHO motor. How many companies can say that. This is the type of power/advantage/edge/etc. that Skeeter also has over others. I may not have every exact detail, but you get the idea. Good luck in your choice!

[doogie01801]

So I am doing a great deal of soul searching regarding a boat purchase.

I am still considering a glass boat even though an aluminum Ranger RT 188 makes the most practical sense. I am generally very practical and I had my mind made up for the tin. Cost isn't a factor not because I'm rich but I have the green light to do what I want. The RT 188 is a nice boat that will suit my needs for now, but part of me really wants a glass rig.

There isn't a lot I can find comparing the upper echelon glass boats to one another. So I will post this same thread on the Ranger, Phoenix and Legend forums. As much detail as you want to and comparing directly to the other manufacturers is ok with me but lets not start any internet spats that get the threads locked or deleted.

I love the reputation of the Skeeter quality and service etc. However I haven't ridden in one in over a decade so I don't really know anything. LOL.

It is really tough to compare a glass boat to an aluminum. The ride will be the biggest difference between them (you will be dry in a Skeeter). I have had 2 Skeeters and 1 Stratos and although my 201ProXL was a much smoother ride at the top end, it was not as dry nor did it handle as well. I love my SHO, it is quiet and no oil tank to fill. If price really is no issue, you will be doing yourself a great favor to take a ZX200 our for a ride.

[natalex85]

Thank you guys! Great information.

[Yatesville Junkie]

The new zx series is the best bang for the buck IMO. I just purchased a new zx250 and its the best boat I have ever been in.

[Seniorjumper82]

All the boats you mentioned are great and were at the top of my list. For me though I went with skeeter over the others because of:

1: engineering
A: No splashwell
B: Torque transfer system
C: Sponson design (makes for almost no bow lift and quick hole shot)
D: aluminum deck (I see this as a huge plus because the deck will never rot and if you ever need to do major work it would not involve removing a glass deck)
E: Hull design

2: Deck layout

3: Yamaha sho
A: No 2 stroke oil (saves a lot of money over a few years)
B: Quiet operation

4: Console design (for me other then Rangers design it's the best looking console)

5: Price (compared to others it's on par or slightly better)

6: Ride
A: Very responsive
B: Dry
C: Fast
D: Comfortable

There is a ton more that I could list but you owe it to yourself to check one out. Honestly whatever boat you go with will only matter to you. For me I found the most value in a skeeter, hence my purchase. Of course other boats had things l liked and things I did not like. For me I had to sit down and list the pros and cons of each to help me decide. IMHO most boats on the market today are close to each other in terms of quality and all have there own pros and cons depending on personal preference.

Also check out this page: http://www.bbcboards.net/skeeter-boa...-resource.html

Doug has some great videos on there. They helped me out when I was in you position.

Good luck.

Yeah! What he said! Good, detailed and truthful write up Scope3334!

[Jesse213]

I just personally like skeeter the best of all the glass boats. I think they look the best. I always thought they ride the best and hear it confirmed on this forum all the time. But there are many good brands out there.

one thing I can tell you between the glass and tin boats, I have had plenty of both, the tin boat acts like a kite in heavy winds. This characteristic drove me back to glass boats. And I am not looking back.

[jeffj6987]

Well said Scope3334. I came from a Ranger and now Love the ride and comfort my ZX225 gives. So nice spacious, comfortable, and dry ride. Sure glad I made the choice to go with Skeeter. What really sold me was the demo ride I got. Never looked back since. Take a ride and see for your self. I have given many people rides so they can see for themselves.

[Randy T]

Why would you not buy a Skeeter? Ask the same for the other brands too. IMO Skeeter is the best all around boat. They are also one of the few brands when doing 70+ I feel safe in due to their stability and ease of driving.

[rickmb]

I have had great service form my ZX190. I have a good dealer and that was a big help to get me going but I haven't needed them much since then. The boat and trailer have been trouble free.
Even the smaller Skeeters have a good ride that is always dry. The longer boats really have a great ride.
One thing about Skeeters is that they have great deck space that utilizes more of the boat length than others. Some brands leave a lot of length extending behind the rear deck. Their 20ft boat may only fish as long as my 18' 5" Skeeter. The newer ZX225 and 250 have even more deck up front since they moved the trolling motor pedal forward just a bit. The space really makes a difference if you have a co angler and you are both swinging 7'+ rods.
i really like the fit and finish on the new ZX225 and 250. Very nice details and a good standard equipment suite. I just wished they offered a Humminbird option.
When I get ready to upgrade it will be hard to get me away from Skeeter.

[dantheman]

Dealer, Dealer,Dealer enough Said

[Scott lacy]

Google how skeeter boats are made plant tour video in the first of the video look at the ZX 225 being suspended in the air by the motor mount bolts. I haven't seen any other manufactures doing that. Enough said

[Dawnpatrol]

Google how skeeter boats are made plant tour video in the first of the video look at the ZX 225 being suspended in the air by the motor mount bolts. I haven't seen any other manufactures doing that. Enough said

I don't think you could go wrong with any boat that you had mention. I would deal with a dealer that is good and close by. Basscat is known for suspending their boats by the transom too. ^^

[Cbumpilori]

Sir, PM sent!