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Ranger / Skeeter #11295320 12/21/15 04:15 PM
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2
B
Bassin_07 Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
B
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2
Not to stir the pot, just looking for some honest feedback here. I'm looking at a new rig for 2016 and am between Ranger and Skeeter (Z519C or FX20). The general thought is Ranger's fit and finish will not be beat. But, with the recent resignations, who knows which direction they will go. The Skeeter's have gotten much better, but still not to the level of Ranger. However, the Skeeter ride seems to be better. It seems as though I can get a Skeeter FX 20 for a similar price as a Ranger Z519C. I like the idea of more boat and more engine.

I'm torn.

Your thoughts?

Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Bassin_07] #11295384 12/21/15 04:37 PM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 349
Capt Jerry Offline
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 349
I have owned several Rangers (6), one Skeeter, and now a Bass Cat. I am sure you would be happy with any of those three.... and probably others I am not familiar with. I would suggest riding in any you are considering. As for build quality, I have been very pleased with the Bass Cat. Check the quality of the carpet, seats, storage boxes/lids, and take a look under the console at the wiring workmanship for each as you decide.

Good luck, and enjoy the shopping experience!


________________________________________

I fish because the voices in my head tell me to.
Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Bassin_07] #11295405 12/21/15 04:46 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 38,822
K
KingwoodCat Offline
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Posts: 38,822
I've owned 2 Skeeters, 2 Rangers, and now I'm in a BassCat Pantera IV. I would never say anything negative about either the Skeeter or Ranger, but there is a reason I am in a Cat now and will more than likely be in one as long as I own a Bass boat.


"Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the government take care of him had better take a look at the American Indian".

Henry Ford
Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Bassin_07] #11297397 12/22/15 03:31 PM
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,867
J
JMac-D Offline
Extreme Angler
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J
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,867
Ive had a Ranger 520vx and a Skeeter zx225, ill take the ranger anyday, plus you can get a Mercury..

Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Bassin_07] #11298148 12/22/15 09:53 PM
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 85
Z
Z119 Offline
Outdoorsman
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Z
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 85
You just cant go wrong with a Ranger. Fit, finish, quality of construction, positive floatation, resale value, stable platform, quality of the trailer, quality of the carpet and upholstery. And you get to choose what you power it with. My boat is 5 years old and I have not experienced one problem. My boat does not have one hairline crack in the finish, Not the cheapest but I feel like you get what you pay for.

Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Z119] #11298237 12/22/15 10:42 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 16,181
Chris B Offline
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Posts: 16,181
I've been in both boats and those are as good as they get. It would come down to the dealers to me. I personally think the FX is the finest boat out there and the SHO is an awesome engine. You won't miss the two stroke.


[Linked Image]
I hate photobucket.
Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Chris B] #11299463 12/23/15 03:08 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,870
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COHLMEYER Offline
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Originally Posted By: Chris B
I've been in both boats and those are as good as they get. It would come down to the dealers to me. I personally think the FX is the finest boat out there and the SHO is an awesome engine. You won't miss the two stroke.


A+

Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Bassin_07] #11303522 12/25/15 11:07 PM
Joined: Dec 2015
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B
Bassin_07 Offline OP
Green Horn
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2
First, Merry Christmas everyone!

After looking at everything, I can get either the FX20 LE or the Z519C for basically the same price (to start). Due to some other factors, the Z519C would come in about $3k less than the Skeeter. So the Ranger is a bit less, but with the Skeeter, I am getting more boat and more motor. Personally, as with many out there, I believe the Ranger is the finest in terms of fit and finish. The Skeeter, it isn't far behind. There are some things with the Skeeter that I do not like; such as gaps at the corners where the rod lockers and front deck met. I can put my finger in the gap at the corner (I do have small hands). That said, I really like the way the Skeeters look. I love the lines and I feel as though the Skeeter dealer is more personable. There is a stigma with the Ranger dealer. Can't go wrong either way. If it was only price, the Ranger would win. Barely. If it was more boat, the Skeeter would win.

On a side note, I do believe we are starting to see folks transition out of Rangers to other brands. No one specific reason for it, but it is happening. Any other insight would be appreciated.

Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Bassin_07] #11305879 12/27/15 04:56 PM
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 85
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West Texas FX Offline
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 85
I have been looking at the same two boats the difference I see is Ranger max HP is 225, Skeeter is 250.
Skeeter is 20' 2" Ranger is 19' 6" don't know how that effects fishing or ride?
As for Dealers never talked to a Skeeter dealer that wasn't personable and informative.
As for Ranger dealers I am sure there are some really good ones, just haven't met them yet?

Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Bassin_07] #11306425 12/27/15 09:21 PM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,279
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Dubee Offline
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If those are your 2 choices, i would get with fun-n-sun and get a skeeter.

Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Bassin_07] #11308983 12/29/15 01:28 AM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 796
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catch-n-release Offline
Pro Angler
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 796
I am a ranger guy but of the two boats listed go with the skeeter. bigger boat and the fx fished a lot like a ranger. Bite the bullet and get a z520 ranger and don't ever look back.


As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Bassin_07] #11317212 01/02/16 02:31 AM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 150
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WmSmith Offline
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 150
Boy you did stir the pot lol.

At least you are looking at top of the line boats. I have a ZX20 skeeter and don't plan on changing it for many years to come. Great hull great ride great layout. I've been in many Rangers and honestly I hate how they ride. Great layouts and very sharp boats but they will wear you out driving them.

I have heard great things about Bass Cat. Never rode in one so I can't help you.

Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Bassin_07] #11317266 01/02/16 02:55 AM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 265
S
skeeterbugzx300 Offline
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I would get the skeeter, more boat.

Re: Ranger / Skeeter [Re: Bassin_07] #11317565 01/02/16 05:40 AM
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 47
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LOSTTEXAN Offline
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Go with your gut.


Grew up on Tawakoni and Texoma before hybrids and stripers existed on either.
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