Hello everyone, I'm new to BBC. I fish in Michigan/Ohio, mostly inland lakes, Lake St. Clare, Detroit River and the Bass Islands. I'm looking at buying a new rig this winter and am looking for comments/opinions from owners or members who have fished out of the ZX200 or the Z518. Likes-dislikes, how do they handle rough water, etc. Also I'm considering getting the 200hp VMAX SHO. Any comments on the motor would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Buy used and save some money.
Skeeter. Brother has a 2011 ZX200. Handles rough water well, lots of room and the SHO is the bomb. Both boats will be around the same price since one is a Ranger, might as well get the bigger boat and motor for that kind of money.
2024 Skeeter ZXR20
2024 Yamaha SHO 250
While we're talking bigger boats, you can get a well accessoried Z119 for the same price as a Z518 and have more boat for rough water and more storage.
John Clark — Findlay, Ohio
skeeter ZX200. still fishin out of mine and its a 96. never been in a boat i liked better yet, including Rangers.
I would go Ranger due to Skeeters poor trailers, Ranger gives you a way better trailer, way better boat cover, and better resale trade value, and they don't have that slanted stern that looks awful. Other than that the Skeeter is ok,, at least it ain't a NItro
built with Union Labor that ate Chic Fil A chicken biscuits for breakfast.
Can't help with any info from those, haven't been in either model or used a VMAX SHO.
Just wanted to Welcome you to BBC.
Luke 22:36
take a look at the new new Skeeters, trailers are much improved. resale value is the same. Where youll see a difference in the Skeeter Zx200 is the ride quality. Especially on the waters you intend to use it.Originally Posted by spinningreel
I would go Ranger due to Skeeters poor trailers, Ranger gives you a way better trailer, way better boat cover, and better resale trade value, and they don't have that slanted stern that looks awful. Other than that the Skeeter is ok,
I would go with the biggest boat you can afford on those lakes.
Agree with Rich, Skeeter has gone to a channel trailer with armor. It may be an option but they are much improved trailers. I've been in a ZX190 and a ZX250 and both were great riding boats. I cannot comment on the Ranger. Personally, I could not justify buying a boat over $25K.
I also agree with ALF1....save thousands and buy a yr or two old boat. I bought a new Skeeter SX190 back in 2007 and will never do that again.
Congrats on buying a new boat. You have 2 good choices and since I have ridden in neither, I can't offer you any opinions as to which one is better. Alot of advice here about not buying new. My 2008 I bought new in 2009 at a discount. This is my first new boat and I love it. I know exactly what maintenance has been done to it, how its been used, and how its been taken care of. That's worth alot to me. Plus I still have 18 months or so of Yamaha factory warranty left. Don't let the guys scare you....buying new is damn nice if you can swing it. Congrats and enjoy your shopping
I purchased a z518 used 24 months old. Had 60 hours, 3 yrs of warranty and HDS 7 and 8 with SS. I saved over 12K not counting the graphs. Boat is in near perfect condition. Skeeter is a great boat. My tx partner has a 20 i that rides like a dream. Had a friend that had a 200 zx and said it was rough and went to a 225zx and loves it? I never rode in it.
2010 Ranger Z518
2010 200 Optimax Pro XS
BBC MS Bass Club
Oh the z518 is a solid ride for an 18-8 boat. Our water is not real rough so it's smooth here. I feel I would want something longer in big water. The guy I bought it from fished big water and said he had no issues. The 518 drives like a dream. 200 ponies is fun on an 18 footer
2010 Ranger Z518
2010 200 Optimax Pro XS
BBC MS Bass Club
Hey Bare2, what does the ranger z518 run witha optimax 200? I think this will be my next rig.
I am at 67 to 68.6 now with full load, alone. My 25 tempest has some dings in it and about to buy a second prop and have it repaired. I also need to come up about 1/4 ( 5500 rpm and 20 psi) on jack plate. Original owner said he got 70 to 71 out of it new. I feel 70 can be achieved with the stated above. The hole shot and acceleration is amazing. Wide open the boat has no pull, Chine, etc. Mid range acceleration is amazing. Very smooth ride for an 18 footer! My only gripe would be more organized storage and they took care of that with the new deck layout. I was a year early
2010 Ranger Z518
2010 200 Optimax Pro XS
BBC MS Bass Club
I really like the lay out of the 2012 z518. I have been looking at a few at Dixie Marine and they run about $40,000 with 2 hds 5's. With that said I would want the longer boat for the big water you fish. I don't think you can go wrong with either boat.
TUG SERIES CUSTOM RODS
I fished out of a zx200 at a bfl on guntersville in feb. Ive been in alot of boats. Z9s, ranger 520s, bumble bees, and the zx200 road like a dream. I was very impressed. I kept bracing myself when we would get in rough water but it was smooth as silk.
2010 NITRO Z8 w/ 225 OPTI
I have spent countless hours ina ZX200 fishing. It rides pretty good. It's a good boat, no doubt, but I would rather have the Ranger. A Ranger will be my next boat....
skeeter all the way with sho due to ranger poor warrenty skeeter all the way better ride then ranger
Ranger poor warranty? wtf?
Ranger Forever
For some reason that cracked me up... Not sure where he got his info but Ranger has a great warranty.
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