ZX225 or 21I

[RedRiver]

Which one would you choose? A 2011 ZX225 with a 225 SHO or an 09 21I that is new with a 250 series 2. What are the plus and minuses for buying one over the other? Will resale hurt me on the 09 in the long run? Does anyone have numbers on ZX225 with a 225 SHO? Only one I know of would only run 68 GPS.

[buttermilkbiscuit]

21 I with a Mercury ProXS 250 would be the ultimate rig. Speed plus miserly gas consumption.

[bpskeeter]

I have a 2010 ZX225 (purchased Oct.2010) with a SHO225. After break in period, by GPS it ran 72.6 with two people (215, 145 lbs), 30 gal. of gas, light in fishing equipment, light chop, 76 degrees. So far the ZX225/SHO225 is more then I expected.

[RedRiver]

I am leaning more toward the ZX225 but the guy trying to sell me the 21I also told me he would upgrade the electronics and trolling motor to move the boat. The difference in price is about $2000 bucks.

[Jim VR]

I would get the ZX225 with the SHO. The ZX is not quite as nice as the 21I. But the engine is cutting edge and will put you right on the curve of the latest technology. Besides that it will save you on fuel and a whole lot of oil in the future.

[itsakeeper14]

I would be interested to understand pricing. Brand new those two boats are a few thousand apart in cost. Now that one is two years old they are $2000 difference. Is the new zx more expensive?

Personally I would go with the 20ft boat with the SHO. The difference in fuel consumption between these two rigs is going to be significant. The only reason to go with the iClass would be if you fished really big water all of the time. The iClass does excel in the nasty stuff. That being said the zx will get you there as well.

[dr. seuss]

i like my 20' sx200..and it was probably 20 gran less than both of them new..and we got 70.1 gps with me @ 155lbs and the wife less than that.half full of fuel , all our tackle and empty live wells..runs 67-68 almost always but faster in chop..

[TMATTE]

Depends on what's important to you. I've had both boats, and the I-Class is a much more solid boat in every aspect. Better ride, better stability while fishing, and overall better components.

If you're about speed, then the ZX is the way to go. I had a 21i w/ a 300 HPDI, and ran somewhere around 73 fully loaded. Plus, the I-Class was much slower out of the hole.

If it were me, I'd go with the I-Class. I think your resale would be much better down the road, not only because it's a better boat, but also because there are fewer I-Class boats available.

Hope that helped.

[earl]

Had 2 of both - the 21 I , for all things, is better to me

[RedRiver]

I appreciate the information and help. The dealer really wants to move the 21I since hes had it to pasture for two years now which is the reason the two boats are so closely priced. I like the idea of them upgrading the trolling motor and electronics but would probably be happier with the 2011 boat with the SHO. I currently have a ZX200 thats an 07 model that is in perfect condition with 50 hours on the motor. Big water wise, I fish Toledo Bend occasionally but mosty fish the red river and local cypress tree lakes. Therefore a 21 foot boat might be an issue.

[Muddbugg]

I've had both boats. The 225 is a awesome rigg, however if ride is what you seek, the 21 I wins hands down. I wouldn't worry about the bigger boat in the trees, I thought the same thing and 21 was not a problem. In fact, the 21 will float shallower than the 225 because the larger footprint displaces more water. Feel free to give me a shout for any input, I've had three 225's and two 21 I's. Either way, you will end up with a nice boat.

[Mark Perry]

I always am skeptical when a guy mentions the ride he has as being the best one he has owned but after buying my first iClass a few months ago I am one of those guys. I love the ZX225 platform but the iClass blows it away in all regards.

[SkeeterBob]

I love my ZX225 but when I upgrade it will be an i class or FX