Need Honest Opinions, yeah right

[Mike Daleo]

Well you guys know how these threads usually go, all of the owners of a boat brand stand behind it, etc.

I am in the market for a new boat. I have talked with Winner's and a couple of others and I really need to know a few things.

It is basically down to two boats, the Phoenix 721 and the Skeeter i-Class.

Both are going to be excellent deals and both dealers are going to get me what I need out of my triton.

Rough Water Ride: I have a touchy back and I fish KY Lake alot. I am not a guy who is going to run 70+ in rough water, to smart for that. But I would like to be comforable getting to my spot at a reasonable rate. I need opinions on both boats compared to what you guys have owned in the past.

Fit and finish: I have been looking at Skeeter for a long time because they pay attention to detail in every little corner of the boat. I have seen the pics of the Phoenix and it looks to be the same. How do these boats compare to your previous boats?

Livewells: My Triton livewells could keep a baby whale alive. They are huge and pump strong. Will I be happy with the livewell systems in these boats?

Thanks for the help guys! I will have more questions soon.

[smalljaw1]

Mike,
I own a Iclass now and have driven the 721. The Phoenix out shines all other brands.
If you are like me and just like to plane off and cruise you'll love the 721 it stays on plane and level at 19 mph. My 20I has to be going 35 and leans to the right until it gets to 45.
The phoenix fit and finish by far exeeds the skeeter I have found stipped screws all my boat and when I replaced the tranducer in the bilge I pulled out over 20 screws that were dropped and never picked up.
The 20i runs and rides good but the 721 will be faster and ride better. I would not make a decision on a boat until you had the chance to drive the 721.
If you will call the factory and speak with Hank Baker you can set up a demo ride or call Junior at Gillums marine.A simple test drive will answer all your questions.

[1rudebee]

I don't own either, but have been in both. They both fish great and have plenty of deck space. The Phoenix has a few neat things, such as the tackle organizer and net storage system, as well as the recessed measuring board. The Phoenix is a bigger boat, therefore has a better ride in my opinion, not that the 20I rides poorly. The Skeeter does well. The Phoneix will run slightly faster, given the same engine. If you fish a lot of big tournaments the Real Money program is very good and is an advantage over Phoenix. However, if it was my choice, I'd run the Phoenix.

[flippindrew]

Mike, I think what I notice about the Phoenix more than anything else is that everything that is put into the boat, is put there for longevity. I have a buddy who has a brand new 20I and it is a great boat, but he's had quite a few small problems that resulted from things not being installed at the factory correctly, and just not as high quality components.

Skeeter is a great boat but I think the Phoenix just offers a lot more quality and mainly performance.

[alabamaphoenix]

Mike, I bought a Phoenix 721 with a mercury 250 pro xs in february. My buddy bought a Skeeter 21i with a yamaha 250 hpdi two days later. His was a demo with about 40 hours on it. I have no regrets on my purchase nor does my buddy. Here are my observations of the two boats, and i have spent about equal time in both boats:

Rough water ride: The Phoenix 721 wins, even more so when running cross wind or turning in rough water. The Phoenix rides dryer and cuts through the waves. The Skeeter rides close, but seems to pound more when it comes down on a wave.

Fit and finish: Very close but i have found a few flaws in assembly and quality on the Skeeter.

Livewells: The Phoenix livewells are large, they are well aerated, have recirculating pumps, and they have pumpouts. They are two separate livewells with all the controls for each. They do not have remote drains. The Skeeter also has large livewells, aerated, recirculating pumps and pumpouts. They have remote drains.

Front deck: Both boats have large front decks for fishing. The skeeter is slightly wider. Both have recessed trolling motor pedal trays. The Phenix one is deeper. Your feet are more level and your balance is easier to maintain, resulting in more comfortable use, especially on the back. The front deck storage is awesome on the phoenix. Your tackle is so organized with the turntable in the front compartment, and the rest of your tackle stored in the rear compartment of the front deck. Rod storage in plentiful, and you can get the rod organizers in both side compartments if needed. The stepup is a good height and provides a cooler, and two storage compartments for small items.
The Skeeter has large rod storage compartments and two large center storage compartments but no organizers for tackle. The step up is a little high from the cooler it houses.
I like the Phoenix front deck better.

The Phoenix has a storage area under the seats for a landing net.

Rear deck: Both boats have a good size rear deck. The Phoenix has large rear storage compartments, the Skeeter has smaller ones. I use a carry bag for my 3700 plano boxes. It holds 5. The bag will fit in the Phenix with room to spare. I have to take my plano boxes out and put them in the Skeeter box because the bag will not fit in the compartment. The Phoenix has an aluminum gas tank. the skeeter has two plastic tanks. The Phoenix has a deck fill for the oil tank, the Skeeter does not.

Console: Both boats have roomy consoles with plenty of leg room. The Phoenix has a 8.4in screen lcr/gps built in (standard). the skeeter has a 7in lcr/gps built in. All guages as well as the full screen of the gps is visable on the Phoenix with no obstuction from the steering wheel. The Skeeter is very close. Some of the guages are partially blocked. Both have a tilt wheel and column mounted trim. The Phoenix has the dual console option with the removeable passenger console. Very easy to remove and install.

Fishing comfort: Both boats are very stable. Both are equally stable when you move to the side or your partner moves to the side. Both have comfortable seats.

Performance:
Top end speed: Phoenix runs 76.63 (gps) with full load of gas, tackle, and two people. I have low hours on my boat and have not changed the setup from the factory setting. I have not checked top speed for one person yet.
The Skeeter has 40 hours on it. (IT was a demo boat). Loaded with two people it runs 70.5 (gps). With one person 71.5. General lower speed drive and handling, the Phoenix wins. better holeshot, the Phoenix will stay on plane under 20 mph. The Phoenix turns better at low speed and high speed.

The Skeeter was a more expensive boat by approximately $8,000.00 but my buddy bought his at slightly less than my Phoenix cost because his was a demo with 40 hours. Both are premium boats, very close overall. I think the ride in both boats before you buy will make your decision easy. I highly recommend the Phoenix over the Skeeter. What made my decision was the overall performance and driveability of the Phoenix. You don't have to go fast to enjoy the great ride and the turning ability of the Phoenix. If you would like to talk with me about either of the boats feel free to do so. I am not affiliated with either boat company nor any dealers. Jerry Reynolds 256-268-9680

[nightbasser]

Excellent Comparison Jerry I have been to both factorys and seen the guts of both boats up close and personal as far as that goes there is only one choice for me

[Winner]

Jerry: Thank you for the wonderful "Phoenix" testimonial. Wow! You really have done your homework and know your stuff. Can I print this out and frame it in my office for folks to read? I have invited Mike to come up and go out with in our 721 "Bird" so he can see for himself. I hope he does.

[Mike Daleo]

Jerry thanks for such a detailed comparison. I have been invited to visit the factory this week and if I have time to get away from the Elite Series on Guntersville I am going to do it.

I am leaving Tuesday afternoon and on the way down I am planning on stopping by and seeing Ed Davis and checking out his boat. Thanks for the invite Ed

I plan on returning from guntersville Friday night so perhaps over the weekend I can go down the Winners and check out the place

[EdDavisKY]

I can not add anything to what Jerry has stated about the Phoenix.
Drew knows how much I carry in my rig, & with a full tank of gas, two people and full gear (without live wells full) I have seen 76.4 MPH @ 5600 RPM's on mine with less than 8 hrs on it.

I will say one thing the Bird does not take its time on the hole shot, it jumps

Still playing with my Hyd JP to find the best setting. On my digital gauge it runs from 0-21 (with each number representing 1/8" ) Mine will jump out of the hole with the JP set on 10 & motor level. Running a stock 27 Tempest.
Rig will not slide on a hard turn @ 50 MPH, and turns like it is on rails.
Roughest water I have had mine is so far was on Dale Hollow with winds strong enough to create a white cap chop......boat handled these like a dream and when running cross wind it did not wobble when cutting across the chop like a Triton will (this I know from experience...previous rig TR19XDC )

[Mike Daleo]

Ed, I think the only way to settle this is to get a ride in your boat. I obviously can't buy a boat until I ride in one, right? I think I will take you up on your offer for a ride at the rally.

[EdDavisKY]

Good Deal Mike, only thing is you are going to have to talk John N out of his spot He liked fishing out of my Triton and just loves fishing out of the Bird now.
But it will be arranged for you to ride/run my Phoenix no if and buts we will get it done

[john n]

Sorry Mike - I am not giving up that left seat !!! Even bought a one man tent - sleeping on the front deck as not to loose my place.

John N

[EdDavisKY]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by john n &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Sorry Mike - I am not giving up that left seat !!! Even bought a one man tent - sleeping on the front deck as not to loose my place.

John N</TD></TR></TABLE>



Dam guess that means I will not be sharing the room & don't have to worry about the theft with John sleeping on the front deck

[Mike Daleo]

If the boat runs well with John asleep on the front deck then that may sell me on it

[alabamaphoenix]

Hey guys, did I miss something? When and where is the rally? I will be there. Thanks for the compliments on the write up. I just stated what I have observed and learned from the two boats that I have spent the most time in recently. Mike, I will be at Guntersville Wednesday - Friday. I will look you up if possible.

[EdDavisKY]

For the information about the Rally, the 2009 KY Lake Rally will be held May 13th-17th.

go to this link
http://www.bbcboards.net/zeroforum?id=233

[Mike Daleo]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by alabamabee2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hey guys, did I miss something? When and where is the rally? I will be there. Thanks for the compliments on the write up. I just stated what I have observed and learned from the two boats that I have spent the most time in recently. Mike, I will be at Guntersville Wednesday - Friday. I will look you up if possible.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sounds good. I will probably leave Friday night to head back up here.

[97 Champ]

Not to hijack this thread, but I can't wait to see what Mike does with the lighting on his new boat!

[bassen9]

which dealers you looking at?

[Mike Daleo]

Winners in KY.