Need Opinions, yeah right.

[Mike Daleo]

Well you guys know how these threads usually go, all of the owners of a boat brand stand behind it, etc.

I am in the market for a new boat. I have talked with Winner's and a couple of others and I really need to know a few things.

It is basically down to two boats, the Phoenix 721 and the Skeeter i-Class.

Both are going to be excellent deals and both dealers are going to get me what I need out of my triton.

Rough Water Ride: I have a touchy back and I fish KY Lake alot. I am not a guy who is going to run 70+ in rough water, to smart for that. But I would like to be comforable getting to my spot at a reasonable rate. I need opinions on both boats compared to what you guys have owned in the past.

Fit and finish: I have been looking at Skeeter for a long time because they pay attention to detail in every little corner of the boat. I have seen the pics of the Phoenix and it looks to be the same. How do these boats compare to your previous boats?

Livewells: My Triton livewells could keep a baby whale alive. They are huge and pump strong. Will I be happy with the livewell systems in these boats?

Thanks for the help guys! I will have more questions soon

[Bug Bunny]

The phoenix is a good looking boat but with a skeeter you get a boat that has been around a long time. As most people know, all boat companies make a bad one occasionally. That said, I just went through buying a new boat and went with a skeeter. I'll admit I was going with a ZX225 but happened on a GREAT deal on an '08 I Class (Thanks again Jason Hale). I CANNOT imagine a better ride than the I Class. The rough water ride is unbelievable. And the livewell system with the oxymax does a GREAT job of keeping those lil green fishes kicking strong!!!!!! I'm sure you can arrange a ride in each to help make your decision but I can assure you you'll not be disappointed with the I Class!!!! Also, if you tournament fish, the real money program is GREAT!!!!!!

[Doug Vahrenberg]

I would ride and decide.

But you also need to look Skeeter is a household name and is The Oldest Bass Boat company (61 Years in 2009) and a solid, stable company. That means when you get ready to upgrade in the future there is established re-sell value. And if you start comparing Skeeter has one of the highest, if not the highest resell value according to the price guides. And especially when you look at percentage of price paid.

Again Ride and Decide make sure you walk around the deck when on the water, check the turning ability at all ranges and take some waves. All boats ride some running a straight line on smooth water. It's the "normal days" (Windy, Rainy Days I get to fish) conditions that seperate the different boats and how they perform in those conditions.

[Ron S]

Whats up Mike you just got that toon all blinged out and you are changing boats? I would say it would depend on the color of the boats your looking at because you want to make sure those LED lights stand out nice.

I don't have the I class but I can tell you I was sure surprised with how nice my ZX210 rides. With the relatively shallow V I figured it would pound me in the rough stuff, but it really rides nice. You wont know what to do with your free hand when driving. You wont have chine walk to deal with anymore. Driving a skeeter is like driving a Cadillac. It is smooth and responsive, jumps on pad faster than any thing I have been in and it gets right on down the lake pretty good. Low to mid 70's.

[Neilslure]

I will probably be in the same perdicament when the time comes for a new boat.

I like the Phoenix for all of its innovative features. I do know that the Skeeters ride very good. I think my ZX250 is the best riding boat on the water yet all these I-class guys say theirs ride better. Anyone in NC or southern VA want to take me for a ride and back up your statements?

Good Luck.

[Z518 Comanche]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Doug Vahrenberg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would ride and decide. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I am tatally pleased with my Skeeter in rough water