I've had 2 Basscat Classics, 19 ft. long exactly and I've always felt extremely safe in both boats and that's with being in some really big water. I don't think there's a better boat in that size range out there that has the same speed and handling capabilities.

My Legend 2006 Le 186 with a merc 200 opti on it handles the rough water better than any 18 foot boat i have been in and ive been in some big water!!! THis boat is for sale and for in info feel free to pm me!!!!

I run a Ranger 198vx with a 200 Optimax, (same boat as the old 518/519, they just changed the name) and it does fairly well in rough water. It won't beat you to death if you can drive it right, but it ain't like riding a larger 20-21 foot boat either. It really helps to know your limitations as an operator and the limitations of the boat. I have been in some pretty bad stuff and I feel safe in the boat and in my ability to operate it.

Now as far as fish-ability, stability, and performance, these boats are hard to beat in the 19 foot class. Don't expect to run 70+, but high 60's and right at 70 are achievable if set up properly. I can run 67-68 all day long and not have to really "drive" the boat to do so. The boat trailers really well and is really easy to load. And the Ranger Boat Cover has got to be the easiest to use.

Couple of things I am not really fond of is that the dash isn't fully molded like on a Legend or Basscat. Aesthetically this okay, but plan on changing out the screws that mount the panels with bolts. I opted for a dual console for resale value, but you will have a harder time getting longer rods in the rod locker, and longer rods on the deck will end up riding down on to the console.

As far as everything else, I have been really pleased with the boat. Fit and finish are top notch, exactly what you would expect from Ranger. I have fished out this boat with two other people comfortably all day long, without a lot of noticeable rocking. And with the 200 opti, this thing literally sips the fuel.

I don't think you could go wrong with a 518 Ranger, a Pantera, or a 200zx. They are all different, so it really goes down to your personal preference. Can't say much about other brands because I haven't fished out them.

I was in the same position a few years back. I bought a 519 Ranger w 200 Yamaha and that is enough boat at 19'. I bought that size because with a swing away tongue I could fit it into the garage sideways.

20+ would be nice and might resell better, but I would fish any weather in my boat that I would in a 20+. If you travel and fished the bigger weekend tournaments like I used to then I would try to work out a way to get the bigger boat. The average weekend angler is fine in a 19'.

I would also say that right now on Fork smaller is better. We are once again forced to go between the trees since all the stumps are up out of the water.

Sold my 1990 champ 184 with 175hp a few years back. Still to this day have not found a better riding or dry boat.

A few months ago I bought a used 06 Triton TR21. It cost more but not significantly more than the new 18 foot Nitro I bought in 2004. (about 10%) The difference in the ride in rough water is so great it is not comparable. As noted by the posts above, there are many good chocies in a smaller boat, but my experience so far is that bigger really is better (and by a bunch) when it comes to rough water. I recently advised a friend who had a fixed budget to look for a year or two older model than what he intended so he could get something bigger. Based on what I've expereienced so far, I would not go back to a smaller boat.

294 Stratos, Handles big water really well. Fishes great, plenty of storage and best of all these boats are super quick. I run in the low 70's loaded with 2 people.

I still think it is more about driving capabilites than the boat.

Blah,Blah, Blah TEXguy02; how did you feel when your Stratos was going topsy turvy on Rayburn first of the year. Good thing you can drive huh. lol

Like i said it more driver than boat. There is not a boat on the market made to handles 5-7fters.