Phoenix 721 vs Ranger Z series

[mikejones_518]

Hey guys I have a Ranger Z20 but am about to sale it and thinking about getting a 721, can you tell me how these two boats compare in ride, fishability, and comfort? Thanks in advance.

[benconkin]

IM sent

[Jhilton]

Man I am just down the road in Clarksville I work at a phoenix dealer here in Clarksville come down and ride drive fish out of mine and we have a 721 in stock and a 921 on the way

[bassinbama]

Coming from a Ranger to buy a Phoenix was a simple decision for me...this is how I did it since I was the one spending my wife's hard earned money...

test drive both models you are considering with the same motor you want

while you have it for that test run open and close every lid, looking inside in places you normally never see and that will show you some of the different things they both do.

They both are fine boats and I'd be happy with either. the selling point for me was the handling of the phoenix....hands down beat the ranger

Price??? Z519 vs 719 w/225 SHO was about 12k different and with that my friend was a no brainer...

[1blubyu]

I think SilverFox and bassinbama pretty much nailed it! Drive before you buy! But, I think I know what you'll wind up in!

[falcooon]

Get hold of and/ or search lknbassman...he has owned several rangers and now has a 721. He is well spoken and has done exceptional commentaries on the Phoenix. I bought mine based on a lot of what he said as I felt he is very reasonable in his reviews.

Good Luck!

[Chuck D]

Thanks for the kind words Les. Just for the record though guys, I owned 1 Triton (21X HP) and 1 Ranger (z20) and have been in and out of A LOT of boats from each manufacturer as well as BCB, Champion, etc, etc....

My $.02 still sits in the same place over a year later, the Phoenix 721 is to me the single best fishing platform I've ever stood on or fished from. Love the boat and am excited to run a 921 down the road as I'm all for having the largest casting deck a guy can have at 6'4" 250 I can always use that extra casting deck space

The z20 is a great boat but can't compare to the 721, it's an apples to oranges discussion. The z520 however can compare. The z20 is the roughest riding Ranger of them all in my opinion due to how it sits in the water but the upside is that it fishes flat which is great. It's also got the rails (or mine did) which I don't like and the southco latches Phoenix uses are now the gold standard in the premium bass boats being built today and for good reason. Speed is another area where you can't compare, as the 721 is 6-9 MPH faster easily than the z20 can ever hope to be. Comfort wise, the padded deck is available on both so that's a wash. The seats in the Phoenix are better in my opinion and being a big guy I like sitting down a bit vs sitting up so high like I did in my z20.

The advice above is what you need to take however; go ride in that 721, drive it, crawl all over it, and then make a list of what you like and don't like from each boat and let the chips fall where they may. They are both fine boats in all regards and you are a blessed man to be able to have such a choice in front of you. I wish you well in your quest to find the right boat for you sir.