SKEETER FAQs

[-BjBnet-]

We started an FAQs forum on the old BBC. It will be there to help people out with common questions and such.

I went through all the pages here in the Skeeter forum and did the best I could.

I'd like to see more FAQ's though.
If you guys could post some suggestions in this thread that would be great.
For instance, one question I'd like to see answered is:
What's the difference between SX, ZX and iClass boats?
...stuff like that.
I'd like to stay away from setup questions because there are too many possibilities unless we could all agree on a base setup.
Check out the link. Also, if there's anything to be changed there, let me know here so everyone can come to an agreement. (I don't know if any of this makes sense )

http://p216.ezboard.com/bbbcboard

[-BjBnet-]

There's one question there you'll really like

[jasonb01]

BJ, that site looks like a very good idea. As far as suggestions on topics. I would say "what is the warranty?" comes up alot on here. As far as warranty for seats and other interior parts and then warranty for hull and if it can be transferred and such.

Good work!!!

[-BjBnet-]

Good one!
I thought of that but I'm not sure what the warranty is and if it applies to every model.
Ok so that's a good one to start with.
Lifetime warranty on the hull which is not transferable and 2 years on carpet and upholstery....I think
Can anyone shed some more light on this?

[jasonb01]

Actually, I don't think that is correct for the newer boats. Here is a topic that discusses warranty.

http://www.bbcboards.net...09919

[Bass Junkie]

Going back to the set-up topic. I think you just state that "if" you run one of the ZX or C class boats with a 12" factory plate a good starting point is 3" below the pad. Then fine tune by going up in 1/2" or 1/4" increaments until you lose water pressure or you see an RPM increase without a speed increase. You could also note that different props or prop work can greatly affect your set-up.

I don't think you would find many if any here that would say any of them need to be deeper than 3" below or optimum performance.

[Bass Junkie]

Another good FAQ would be: Do Skeeter boats contain wood?

[-BjBnet-]

correct me if I'm wrong, did Skeeter stop using wood (for the main construction) in 1996? I think that's when they started using composites

[Bass Junkie]

I think you are correct BJ. I believe the early 96's did not have the "C" designation but the latter ones did.

BTW the FAQ section is coming along nicely we just need a few more ideas. This one could be though but guys always want to know how fast boats are. Maybe we could put togther a general speeds list for each set-up like this:

ZX 190 with 175 HPDI = 64-68 mph

Of course we would need a disclaimer saying that these are just to give you a general idea and many factors could affect this such as load, water conditions, prop, jackplate setting, altitude etc.

We have just about every model Skeeter represented on this board so each person could just chime in with their set-up and speeds to help compile it. What do ya think?

Also since Skeeters all come with Yamahas now this is a good Q and A.
Q: My prop says 25M or 25T. Who makes this prop and what model is it?
A: Both of these props are made by Yamaha. The "M" prop is the Yamaha Pro Series and the number preceding it is the pitch. It is a very common prop for motors 200 hp and less and it is 14 1/2" in diameter. The "T" props are the V-Max series props. They are 15 1/8" ( I think that is correct) and are common on motors above 200 hp. You will also find "T1" props and "M2" props these are just later variations of the aforementioned props and have slightly thicker blades.

Here's another.
Q: Will other brand props fit my Yammie.
A: Yes, there are many manufacturer of props and most all of these can be hubbed to fit a particular motor. Mercury props will fit Yamaha motors (although in some cases you have to change thrust washers) and any prop with a flo-torq hub kit can be made to fit a Yamaha with the right hub kit. NOTE: BRP aka Evinrude/Johnson props will not fit Yamahas due to a longer barrell length.

I'm on a roll......got my thinking cap on

[joeschmoe]

If it is a FAQ board here are some that I can think of seeing I don't own a Skeeter:

1. Can I buy a Skeeter with a different motor on it? I owuld LOVE my E-Tec on the back fo a Skeeter!!!
2. How long is a Skeeter warranty on hull? on interior?
3. Does Skeeter offer a promotion package
4. Why does Skeeter have those funny looking sponsons on the rear of the boat (transom)?
5. Why does Skeeter say Engineered like no other?
6. Whats the purpose of the jack stand under the deck?

These are just some of the questions I can think of...I might be looking to buy a Skeeter and thought of these questions as I checked out Skeeters website.

While I'm here what is the differenc in ride between a ZX225 (20 footer) and the i20 (20 footer)? If I decide to buy it would be the 20 foot version just not sure which one to go with what are the benefits of one over the other? Hey there's another good question.....

[basspro]

Joe,

Well I just bought the 21 I and here is what I know.

The sponsons create greater lift to get you up on plane faster as well as not experiencing any back wash. As far as ride between the ZX series and the I Class -no comparison-ZX is faster, but rough water advantage is greater with the I Class.

The jacks under the deck- support I guess-don't know for sure.

They also handle quite differently. The I class is heavier and offers more features for the buck.

Depends on what you are looking for. Your Stratos 200 is a fine boat but the deck is a little small compared to the I class.

Good Luck
Russ

[Marc Marcantonio]

Joe,

Engineered Like No Other: The transom and stringers are the strongest in the industry because they are engineered to accomplish the same principal that allows a high-thrust jet engine to be mounted on lightweight airplane wings without tearing off the wings. The thrust of the outboard motor is transferred directly to rigid aircraft aluminum knee braces that are bolted to aluminum stringers that run the length of the boat, thereby transferring all the engine torgue to a rigid metal frame that run lengthwise. Transferring the engine torque to metal running lengthwise down the entire boat transfers the energy to the strongest aspect of the boat, relieving the torque from the transom. You can lift a Skeeter by just the two transom eyes entirely off the ground, and even walk all over the deck, with no flexing of the hull!

Another engineering feat is the use of a rigid aircraft aluminum deck, that is one piece and easily removeable from the boat. Using metal allows precise fit of the deck to the hull, and keeps hatch openings from changing shape which causes problems as a boat ages. It also allows stronger hinges for the hatch lids, and allows stronger attachment of hatch gas assist lift struts, and stronger hatch locks. Should you ever need to repair the inside of the hull from a wreck, the entire deck unbolts and lifts off as a unit. No need to cut fiberglass like other boats.

The "jacks" you noticed are the support frame for that rigid deck. They provide exceptional strength to the deck allowing a wider deck without flexing. They are even adjustable so that as the fiberglass hull changes shape with age (all fiberglass eventually changes shape with age), you can adjust the jacks to maintain a flat, rigid deck without flexing.

As basspro stated, the sponsons provide extra flotation at the spot on all bassboats that need the most, the transom. Today's big engines add a lot of weight to the extreme end of a bassboat, and others haven't compensated for this. Sponsons keep Skeeters sitting flat in the water at rest, or when fighting waves with the electric motor while trying to face into the wind and win a tournament. They allow for quicker planing and holeshots, ane allow you to take a Skeeter into shallower water, and get back out on plane. And they prevent backwash as basspro stated when you shut down in a hurry to make that quick cast.

The engineering differences continue into many other aspects of the boat as well, such as the Digital Management System (DMS) used by some models. This is a robust, dependable wiring system that keeps you and your electronics in the game years after other systems have failed. The electronic locks used on the iClass are viewed as "gimmicks" by those who don't own a Skeeter iClass, but ask any iClass owner who uses their boat often and you will find they all love the electric locks. I get tired quickly of having to use a key to unlock seven compartments each fishing morning in the dark (and often rain) on a tournament morning, and then have to lock all seven again at night with a tiny key that always seems to be backwards the first time I try it. When I previously owned a Stratos, I had a digital camera and fishing gear stolen once at a Denny's because I was too lazy to lock all of my boat compartments. Now I lock them all quickly no matter how long the boat is out of my view. Electric locks on a boat are just as convenient as electric locks on a car, and the DMS electrical system and aluminum hatches and deck allow them to operate just as flawlessly as a car.

Two gas tanks instead of one allow for the weight to be carried further in the back of a Skeeter, increasing speed and handling. You also get extra flexibility in balancing the weight you carry by having two tanks. It is also easier to see when your tank is full when you fill at the gas station because you can see through the gas tank while you fill.

Hope this helps answer some of your questions...go check a Skeeter out and crawl into the hidden places and you will see the engineering that went into a Skeeter.

[Marc Marcantonio]

Joe,

Here are some answers to your first three questions:

"1. Can I buy a Skeeter with a different motor on it? I owuld LOVE my E-Tec on the back fo a Skeeter!!!"
Yes, your dealer can order without the Yamaha, but in the end the boat will be a lot more expensive and not worth the added expense. I swiched from the 225HO to the HPDI 250 that you can run on the Skeeter 20 iClass, and found I like the Yamaha HPDI even better! They have this motor figured out to a T, and it has been the most dependable of any motor I have ever run.

2. How long is a Skeeter warranty on hull? on interior?
See answer earlier in this thread.

3. Does Skeeter offer a promotion package.
I'm not sure I understand your quetion...do you mean various incentives, winter promotions, etc? The answer is yes. Do you mean do they sponsor prostaff? The answer is again yes. This is earned by working with your Skeeter dealer and convincing the dealer you can help him sell Skeeter boats.

[joeschmoe]

Thanks to all who offered the informative answers/information. With the way Stratos/Genmar are moving I am seriously considering a Skeeter as my next boat. It will probably be a few more years but by then, IMO I think Stratos will have tanked or merged with Ranger and Ranger will be Genmar' flag ship bass boat.

One reason I wanted to keep my E-Tec was I was running with a ZX-225 with a HPDI 250 on it and I was able to pull away from him. I don't know if he got out of the throttle after a bit of running or if my E-Tec just kept on going but I know I pulled away from him quite comfortably (Not slamming Yamaha or anything just my experince)

And in saying that; if i have to compare between Ranger and Skeeter I'm going with Skeeter.

As far as the incentives package, I was wondering if they offered liek a 7 yer warranty on the motor, good discounts towards "boat show" prices, "free" stuff when buying the boat, etc......

Again, Thanks for the information and I will continue to learn the benefits of a Skeeter....

[russatbuck's]

Your Stratos 200 Pro XL is simply a faster hull ( at the expense of stability) than the Skeeter you were running against.

The motor probably had nothing to do with it.

[GM482V]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by joeschmoe &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

One reason I wanted to keep my E-Tec was I was running with a ZX-225 with a HPDI 250 on it .</TD></TR></TABLE> Are you sure about that?

[Rluman]

in mid 96 skeeter went to the composit construction. I have the older model 300zx.

[Larry]

Marc, are you sponsored by Skeeter. Or are you on their Pro Staff.