Looking at a new boat, which package would you choose and why?
Skeeter zx190 with 175hp yamaha SHO or
Phoenix 618 with 175hp Evinrude
I'm finding it hard to separate the 2 as they both seem to have pros and cons

Same price with local dealers?

Both boats are pretty much the same price and sold by the same dealer

I traded my Skeeter 180 for the 618 Phoenix. Good trade. Not putting down Skeeter at all...I've owned a couple of them and they are excellent boats. See if the dealer will let you drive them. I just like the handle and ride of the Phoenix better and the storage was laid out better for me. Here's mine.

I actually live in Australia so the dealer only imports the boats as required so i'm not able to take them for a spin, thats a real nice boat mate, how do you find the SHO?

The SHO is the first 4 stroke I've ever owned. I was a little skeptical of it at first but I have really come to like it. Very responsive and very quiet. Not quite the hole shot as a 2 stroke but not bad at all. Good luck with your new boat. I don't think you can go wrong with either boat.

I don't know between the two, both are very nice boats. But, I am very skeptical of evinrude. My grandpa has a 90hp evinrude on its 4th lower unit. It's a 90, an engine that is supposed to be bullet proof! And currently I run a 250 sho on my Majek extreme, and have had no issues. My vote has to go to the skeeter, simply because of the sho, I think it'll be better for you in the short and long run.

I own a Skeeter and fished out of a Phoenix. Both are good boats. An 18' boat will not ride like a 20 footer but you can drive it to be smooth with seat time in either. Both will be maneuverable and easy to fish around docks and tight cover.
The new ZX190 is redesigned and shares many features with the bigger boats.
Make a list of what is really important to you and compare features.
I did when I bought mine. Compared Ranger, Skeeter, Triton, and Nitro.

I chose the Skeeter for the storage, horsepower rating, and dealership.
I agonized over my decision for two months. It was worth it and I have not regretted it.
My ZX190 has been a reliable boat and I have had very few issues.
See if you can get a ride in them.