Purchasing a New Boat

[JL]

I am new to the forum, but have known of BBC for a while. What's the opinion on a ZX 225 2004? I'm going to look at one this weekend, it's actually listed on BBC. I just sold my ZX 185 1997, great boat but need something bigger for Lake Erie and St. Clair. Lot of guys run Tritons and Champions on the big water up here. Any thoughts on the bigger Skeeters?????

[jfdawson]

I had a 2000 ZX 185 and upgraded to a 2005 ZX225. The comparison is night and day different. Ride is much better, steering is MUCH better, Fishing platform is a lot more room. Storage is about the same, but you'll now have the tackle/day box, which is pretty handy with scales, tools, ropes and commonly used baits. Floor cooler vs. the seat cooler is nice. All in all, rough water ride is way better with the longer 20.2 ft boat which I think you'll be very happy. I'd put mine up against any 20 ft boat out there. There's plenty of guys on BBC who have a ZX225, and I'm sure most will agree that it's a fine fishing boat and a pleasure to drive and fish from.

If you have specific questions, just ask....

More pictures at:

http://s29.photobucket.com/alb...shing/

- JD

[Charger]

You'll love it. I have a 202c which is basicallt the same as the 225, lots of room and a great ride, very stable boat. Which one are you considering?

[Charger]

Is it the one Crazybass has? Wow, very clean ride, looks like it has been taken good care of, I think you will love it. Let us know what you think of it when you look at it.

[Rodney Bledsoe]

Welcome to BBC JL,

What took you so long to sign in????

I love my skeeter stepped up from a 18ft. stratos. I've never been around Champions but have been told they are made for rougher water. They'll be slower in speed because they are heavier boats.
The skeeter works great for the waters around Missouri and Kansas.
Bottom line find what fits your budget, style and your surroundings and enjoy.

[MichAngler]

JL,

I ran a ZX202 for years on Erie – St. Clair spent many many hours out around Pelee Island. I now run a ZX250 and I can say you will love the ride and the fact that you can point the nose up in the bigger waves you will find out there.

Add to this when the water does lay down you have one fast ride to get you across the lake in a hurry. Just watch out for them freighter wakes!

[CaymasRodney]

You might consider new due to the new Skeeter pay out system, 3000.00 for every tournament over 30 boats that are sanctioned. It wouldnt take many tournaments to get a pretty good chunck of change to make a good down payment on a new one. The guys who have been in our store lately have really liked this new pay out system, severl talking about upgrading to a new one, several Ranger guys also. Rodney

[JL]

Hey guys, thanks for all the input....Yes the boat I looked at was the boat from Crazybass. The boat was in good shape with a few scratches, seemd to run well, all in all it seemed to be a descent boat. He fished some BFL, NBAA tournaments as well as his local club so it had some normal wear. It's the first boat I have looked at so far, so I would like to look at few more.

Another question: Does skeeter screw and glue the top(cap) to the hull or one or the other? I think I my ZX 185 was glued only. Not sure what is better, but at two tournaments the last couple of years I saw a Stratos and Nitro come back with there top caps seperated from there hulls. They were only screwed.

[CaymasRodney]

They are glued and then screwed together every six inches. Rodney

[DDBETHKE]

JL,

I would really suggest a Triton TRT21... I run a TR21/225 Opti (2002 BMC) and it has been great on St. Clair...ok let the manufacture bashing begin HB2

[skeetzx225]

I look at the fact that they have unchanged the ZX225 hardly at all over the past 10 years other than renaming it from the ZX202 as a testament to it's greatness. It really is the ultimate fishing machine (not too small and not too big, it's just right)

I'm biased of course....

[MichAngler]

Hmm

TRT's been here a whole 4 days and he's already

You found a nice ride from the looks of it enjoy!

My only other suggestion is to call Freeway Sports Center or Boat Boys and see what they have for used boats before you make a commitment.

[sheeterhdip225]

I've got a ZX225 DC 2004 and love it.. The ride is first class. Any question just ask.