I own a 2000 skeeter zx190 and have been looking to upgrade too a biger and more powerful boat. Mainly because the boat I have isnt well suited for rough water. What is the best boat for running rough water fast with less banging around? Im looking at any boat from ranger, skeeter, champion, bass cat, triton, and legend that is over 20ft long.

They are all gonna be rough until the driver learns to drive 'em. Most modern bass boats 19' and over can handle 99% of Texas freshwater lakes just fine.

Tracker Hands down.

I dont think you will get much arguement about Champion...

Of course everyone is going to recommend the brand they are running whether or not it gives them back/liver pains running it.

CHAMPION or BASSCAT..... JUST MY OPINION sure skeeter owners will say skeeter,ranger owners will say ranger.......so on and so fourth. GOOD LUCK

30 foot Party Hut pontoon.

Well this skeeter is 18.5ft and yes the driver is a big part of how a boat preforms but rayburn is not a small lake and running 20miles in 20+ winds is no fun

Honestly I believe all Bassboats are not ideal for what you can see on big Texas lakes (Amistad, Falcon, etc.). If it's big waves (6 foot and higher) I think a well made center console is the way to go.

Like mark said, time in the seat. All makes are made to run, But I'll keep my 22ft Champ. 225EFI She loves big water.

I have owned a 20+ ft Skeeter and now own a 206 Champion. I bought the Champion because it was a good deal and wider at the bow. There is a significantly better rough water ride in the Champion. I have no "boat ego". This is just fact.

I don't get too caught up in the whole which brand is better deal but I can as far as Skeeters go my iClass is the best riding Skeeter I have owned to date. Just a completely different feel from the ZX series to me.

I agree with Mark. I'd say that regardless of the manufacturer, about 80% of any 20ft plus boats rough water capability exists between the ears and in the heart of the one driving it.

(insert name of owned boat here) I have owned boats from 2 different boat companies Skeeter and Legend. My Legend rides alot better then my skeeters did. The only way to tell is to drive one.

I am in Cypress and i am always at Rayburn and i would be glad to take you for a ride and let you get behind the wheel of a Legend. I have a Alpha 211. My cell is 281-761-5035

I've been tempted to buy one a time or two, but never have. I'd bet a 21ft Charger would do pretty good.

Been very happy with Triton's TR-196, on most days. I would prefer a 20+ boat for all round fishing and ride, but I can't complain about what I have gotten out of this boat in performance, the smooth ride and even on most windy days handles great for a boat right under 20 foot. Of course, a cross wind can be tough if I have to stay in the freaking boat lane.

I have had three different brands (wont say which) Champion is by far the best riding boat I have owned.

I love my Champ!

Most of the newer boats (2000 and newer) tend to be built more for speed. They took many of the old battle ship hulls that were better in the rough water and flattened out the hulls for speed. I have a '95 202 Champion and I can go faster in rough water than most of the newer boats. BUT in the smoother water I am not as fast. The older BassCats and the OLDER Rangers had deeper hulls and were pretty good rough water rides. I had the opportunity to drive one of the new Phoenix boats and they have the best rough water ride and still have a fast hull. So I guess I would have to recommend you to try a Phoenix if you are looking for a new boat. If you don't have the "wife funds" I would look at the older BassCats, or Champions.
ALSO, the most important thing is to learn to drive a boat in the rough water AND GET A HOTFOOT. Even the battle ships will ride rough if you don't know how to "run the waves".

This one maybe???

Champion is a great riding boat because of the design of the hull.. You don't have to be a great driver for this boat to perform well in rough water. I had a 19footer and could pass most boats in rough water because a lot of them were getting beat to death and had to go slower.

Personally, I've had 2 Rangers, 2 Skeeters, and a Cat, and the Cat is by far the superior rough water boat. That said, the best rough water boat I've ever been in was a friend of mine's 22 foot Champion. I've never been in a Legend. Excluding it, were I to rate them, I would say 1) Champion 2) Bass Cat 3) Ranger 4) Skeeter......From What I've heard, Legend would be right up there with the Ranger.

ChampioN

Come ride in the new style Tritons and you decide. I have had a new Team Boat every year since the 07 X2 and every year they have been better and faster.

I've yet to ride in a Triton in rough water that didn't get you wet and give you a sore back, and I've ridden in several.