Hey guys, looking down the road to January and looking to upgrade to a bigger, better tourney rig.

I am looking into the Skeeter I class, Ranger 520, and the Nitro Z-9.

I am going to buy a 2007 or 08 model the first of January...

Any thoughts on the Z9? Where does it compare to the others..I really like the CDC option with a 250 optimax.

Also, I usually don't finance, but don't want to spring cash for this one. How long do you guys usually finance your boats? What is a good interest rate for a good credit rating?

Thanks for the input!

Zip

Well, after a bit more reading, I see that the Nitro is a bit behind the other 2.

What makes that boat (especially the z9) that far behing skeeter and ranger?

What I think is, it boils down to durability. shortcuts in the manufacturing process, like, screwing hardware into the gelcoat instead of thru-bolting, not sealing fasteners in wood floors, decks, stringers, against water intrusion (makes 'em quicker to rot), using a lesser quality of construction materials (hardware just isn't as beefy). that sort of thing.

I have no direct knowlege of this, just stuff I've learned from going around the block a few times.

Hmmm...good info.

Thanks

I live right here in Nitro land. The only way I would run one is if it were free.

I'd go with the skeeter. I think a little faster than ranger, but their still both good boats, but just don't go with nitro It doesn't have as good of a resale value as skeeter and ranger

between the 3 you mention i would go with the skeeter. however IMO you are making doing yourself an injustice by not considering other brands. obviously im partial to bass cat, but for the $$$ your going to spend on a skeeter you should consider some of the other good names out there. bass cat, champion, charger, and legend should be on your list.



would have to agree with you. rule of thumb i was tought was, the lesser # of boats a company manufactures per year, the more qaulity goes into to the boat.

fishinfoo makes another good point-resale value. however, take a look on the forum and see how many skeeters there are for sale. thats not saying they are bad boats, but that shows you how many there are out there. higher production number boats are going to have less of a resale value. on the good side, you might be able to catch a steal on a skeeter. have seen some good deals here on the forum.

Check out and ride in a Champion before you chose.

I was told once that a Nitro is an entry level boat. I know they have improved in recent years, but for me they don't hold a candle against a Ranger or Skeeter, which are both great boats.

Great information...I am really leaning towards the skeeter I class. How many of you guys run a hyd. jack plate? It there a real advantage other than running fast in shallow water and better control at idol speeds around docks?

The Skeeter I class is a touch above the Ranger 520. Unless you are refering to the Z520. The Z Series and the I class are in the same league. Fit and finish are top notch on each. The over all lay out and storage would be the main factor to consider.

The Skeeter will get you into a tad shallower water but it also limits your motor choice. (unless you have deep pockets)

The Hyd jack plate will give you more control in rough water in addition to the shallow running, and about 2mph more top speed on both.

The Nitro Z9 I have no dealings with.

I would look at all of them before I put my money just on one boat take test drive and then pick. I bought a Bass Cat and have never been in a better boat. I have owned Ranger,Skeeter,Champion but when it comes down to it you will be the one thast does the picking just make the right pick by test driveing and not what we think is the best. Pick what fit's you and how you fish.

actually the new z520 with 250 merc, will run with or outrun a 20i class skeeter, with 250 yamaha. that's stock to stock.
if you tune the prop on the i class, it may outrun the z520, but not by much.
then again the z520 with 250 merc, can also be improved by prop tuning.

boat to boat, i'd lean more towards the z520.

jmho.

TAKE A RIDE IN A CHAMPION

im telling you man, for the money your going to spend on a ranger or skeeter you could get a NICE basscat or champion. just be sure to test drive a few different brands, try to include bass cat in there.