Used Boat Decision

[jdbassman]

Having a hard time deciding between two boats I’m looking at.

1. 2011 Skeeter ZX250: 250 Yamaha SHO new power head with 140 hours done under recall with total hours 440. Brand new Ultrex 112, new 8’ power poles, two new 10” Garmin and new lvs34 transducer, new tires and in amazing shape

2. 2013 Ranger Z520: 250 Pro XS 2 stroke with 400 hours, Ultrex 112, 2 Garmin units with live scope, 8’ poles and hydraulic backplate.

Both boats are in amazing shape, love the look of the Ranger overall, but 7k more and still within budget. I have owned both motors in the past and they have been reliable. Just trying to get some feedback about the pros and cons of owning either or.

[bgibson]

I would go Skeeter with the 4 stroke Yamaha!

[MengRanger]

Probably both good rigs. You have to go with what makes you smile. I tried to force one and it ended quickly.

[Mcjenson]

Skeeter, mainly for the SHO. But if you absolutely love the ranger and don't really dig the skeeter, its understandable to go with the ranger.

[yandeltx]

Skeeter would be my choice.

[Fishshooter]

Test drive both if you can. Pick the one YOU like best.

[MCIPinkie]

I'd take the prettiest one.

Couldn't go wrong if your descriptions are accurate.

Actually, I'd take the Skeeter, but I've been in Skeeters since 2002 so some prejudice.

New power heads always make me nervous. I replaced one under warranty on my 2002 HPDI and it never ran right.

[99R93S]

Well it sounds like you have had boats before if you have had both those engines. You can probably decide what you like better than us lol. I’d probably take the 7k savings and you get a 4 stroke. I have a Skeeter and Dad has a ranger. I really like both brands.

[1ranger487vs]

Ranger but I’m bias

[PaRiverRat]

I would choose the Skeeter due to having a SHO

[jdbassman]

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[mactlman]

so what one did you get!!

[ECobb91]

I’d choose the Ranger. A bit newer, 2 strokes don’t scare me any.

The Skeeter makes me a little uneasy.. Blown powerheads are suspicious to me. Sure a small minority do pop with regular maintenance, but that number is small. Most blow due to either neglect or other outside influences. And why would the owner install over $10,000 worth of brand new add ons just to sell? From my experiences if there’s a lot of brand new features on a boat it’s usually to draw the buyers attention away from something.

Edit: looks like you made the choice already haha

[Dave A]

Ranger.

[jdbassman]

Powerhead was not blown. It was replaced due to a recall on that particular year.

[jdbassman]

so what one did you get!!

Have not decided as of yet

[legend14]

Easy decision, go with the 4 stroke. If all things were equal I would prefer the ranger but not with a 400 hr 2 stroke.

[Boat4Life]

Very Nice! Good looking Ranger!

[nix03]

Easy decision, go with the 4 stroke. If all things were equal I would prefer the ranger but not with a 400 hr 2 stroke.

How many hours are the new 4 strokes getting before having to be worked on?

[Gsmith223]

Those 2 strokes are getting harder and harder to sell. I would go with the Skeeter myself. Do not be to scared of the powerhead swap\recall. Most all of the older SHO's had this done and lots are still running.
You should get a1000 hours out of the SHO or better.