Fellas,
Looking to switch from brand “ R “ to a Bird. I’ve been eyeing up a 721 since it’s a great bang for your buck rig, but not too sure about fishing from a slightly narrower front deck. Also eyeing up a 920. Pros and cons, price, speed, fishability, and rough water handling input on both of these rigs would be greatly appreciated!
Looked at a 721 and 920. I personally decided that I wanted the extra length over the width, and the 1.5" on either side of the trolling motor wasn't a huge deal. The deck is big. After having it for 2 years, the only thing I'd consider is moving up to a 921 for the length and width together, but I would not get a 920 over the 721. The boat rides great, and has an extremely soft landing that people always brace themselves for from being in other boats. I love it, and would highly recommend it over the 920. Again, just my opinion - I'm sure there are plenty of guys who went the other direction for other reasons. Good luck!
2022 21PHX
Previous boats:
2017 Phoenix 721 ProXP
2000 Triton TR186
Pretty much exactly what I think too.Originally Posted by tmoney
I was in the same boat as far as deciding between the 721 and 920, you honestly wont even realize the deck is that much narrower with the raised deck of the newer 721's. I usually have 10-12+ rods on the deck and have plenty of room at the pedal. The 721 tracks nice with the trolling motor down, stable, great storage layout. Smooth rough water ride, its a fast boat that needs to be driven, but once you get it dialed in you won't even think about the chine walk anymore. The brand "R's" ride doesn't even come close to the comfort of a 721 ride and i've spent a lot of time in a 521 that has beat me to a pulp in rough conditions. I love everything about my 721 and I have turned a few brand "R" owners into wannabe Bird owners!
2017 Phoenix 721 ProXp w/250 YamahaSHO
721 only has 3.5” longer deck from console forward and 5” total length advantage over the 920. 9 series have some things that the 721 doesn’t. You can’t make a decision between the two based on other people’s opinions. If there is any way you can ride and fish out of both, do it. I don’t know that there are any consistent cons with either rig. Depending on which Ranger you’re coming out of, the front deck might seem smaller unless you’re eyeing a 921 or 21 PHX- which is what I will be getting next. I was questioning a few weeks ago if a 721 would fit the bill for me on the next one since they raised the deck a bit but have spent some time in one since and have decided against that. Guess what I’m saying is, 721/920 fishability, speed, ride, big water handling are about a wash in my opinion depending on set up and driver. 9 series has some upgrades that come into play buying new (more $$), but not necessarily used. Both great rigs.
2014 920/SHO
721 price is pretty regularly advertised, but I never see the price of a 920 advertised. Any insight?
I bought used so I'm not the expert there for sure. New, there is a few thousand dollars difference depending on options and that is where a lot of the "wasn't that much difference" 721 owners come from. I got a smokin deal on a two year old 920/SHO combo with less than a hundred hours on it.
2014 920/SHO
I also recently came from an "R". I too, was looking really hard at a 721 as well. I knew I wanted something with a slightly longer front deck. I was ready to drive to Minnesota to look at one, and then I found a local dealer that had a 21 PHX who had a really good deal on it. I ended up getting the PHX for just a little more than if I ordered a brand new 721 and I didnt have to wait. I figured hopefully this is my last boat until I am retired and cannot handle the 21 footer anymore.
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