Anyone know the features for the 2008 & 2009 ZX & I class boats?

[skeetzx225]

Any info on the new standard/optional options for the 2008 models? Any leaks on 2009 info?

[DNBigDog]

I have no idea but I have a 2008 21i on order, its been 11 weeks now, but I believe it will be in this week (im expecting a call back in a few min). I would like to know also...

[Doug Vahrenberg]

2009 won't be out until August time frame next year, but the 2008 are on the way to the dealers and many already have them. Some of the big changes I remember from the dealer meeting:

- All boats will have a NMMA approved boarding ladder
- Humminbird 997c and 797c2 (Side Imaging) are now factory installed options

These were the biggest changes for the ZX and I Class series. The ZX did add one new boat the ZX180.

[skeetzx225]

hmm, seems like more of the same stuff except you pay the new year premium for it, I like to see new ideas make it to production like the "Day box" "Recessed Foot pedal" of the past...

[Doug Vahrenberg]

Forgot:
- Series 2 Yamaha HPDI motors (3 Year Standard Warranty)
- Tournament Bag Fill Hose from Livewell Pump-outs
- I need to review my notes or maybe another attendee remembers more. They keep upgrading them a little at a time - hard to remember all the changes.

There was no major changes to these two lines since the ZX was updated in 2007 and the I Class in 2006. Hard to make major changes as good as they are now. The biggest changes came to the WX and SL Series for 2008. Kind of goes around in a circle if you start watching which models get new improvements. I would say Oil was the biggest factor in price increases for 2008. Resins, Gels, Plastics, Carpet are all oil products plus continued freight increase due to oil prices continue the upward increases. Also look at cooper prices and the wiring costs. Todays inflation is controlled more by the raw materials than in the past, I know.

Maybe we could start a Topic and Pin it here with ideas and I'll pass it on for the factory to take a look here and see what suggestion we have.

[Rangertake2]

I have a 2008 20i. you will all be pleased to know that the I class trailer is a C channel, and offers a "tuff coat" option that is similar to Ranger's road armour but thicker and more resilient. The trailers now really are top notch.

There is an option to get rid of the center seat and replace it with a cooler lid, and the seats seem to be slightly better. FYI... you REALLY don't want skeeter to do SRS Ranger seats.... They are awesome on the showroom, but horrendous in the real world. they do not absord shock at all: They AMPLIFY IT. I ran a Z21 for 7 months(please forgive me.LOL ) and everyone who ever rode with me agrees that they don't work in rough water! i had a 400lb guy almost leave the boat because the srs seats bounced him! The skeeter bottomless seat design absorbs shock without sending you on a trampoline ride. IMHO it is a far superior design....

My 08(came august 14) will be available in November with 25 hours on it, every option including 997c humminbird, and will qualify for the maximum awards for the REAL MONEY program next year. if anyone is interested.... (I won't post price here.) shoot me an email.

[skeetzx225]

Can someone explain to me what a C channel trailer is? and what the benefits are?

Is it just the tubing shape?

[K.D.]

A c-channel isn't boxed like a tube trailer is. Imagine one side (the inside) of the box rail missing. The channel is literally in the shape of a squared off "C". Tube trailers can sometimes hold water inside the rails. This isn't possible with a c-channel trailer.

[skeetzx225]

That's what I figured, wouldn't the tube design be much stronger though? Not that you're going to see many C channel trailer frame buckles...

[K.D.]

Yep...everything has a pro and a con. Strength is one the pro side of the ledger for the tube trailer although it can be overcome on the c-channel by thickness of metal and size of channel. The negative to that is weight.

See....always a pro and con...back and forth.