I’ve always wanted an Xpress, and finally got a 2017 for a great deal. X19, F150 Yammie 4 stroke. Not the 200SHO I wanted, but mid to high 50s is fine for me. Plus with the 4cyl vs the weight of the V6, the bow doesn’t sit as high. It has a 2017 fortrex that has been well used. I’m over 50 and debating between ultrex or ulterra. The Xpress does blow around in the +15mph winds more than I thought it would. So spot lock is the main priority. I fish by myself more so than with a partner and that’s why I’m leaning Ulterra, for the simplistic launching. No way I’m going to put a 60” shaft on there though. Do you guys think the 45 inch ulterra with the ability to trim the shaft all the way down, would be long enough without blowout. Guntersville (rarely), Watts bar (mainly), and Center Hill would be the largest lakes I fish.
I’ve got to say the hype on the “ride” is not overstated. Up on pad, it rides as good as my old fiberglass boat. Not on pad idling along in chop, the spray does get you more so than the old fiberglass. Simple fix, don’t idle in chop.
I’ve got a helix 10 mega DI on the bow, so I’m wanting to stay with Minn Kota.