Has anyone owned BOTH of these boats? If so can you give me any pro's con's on both of them? The models I am looking at are 2003 models for the Rangers and for the ZX225's they range from 2003 up to 2006. Thanks

I know there is a foot difference in them but these are what I am looking at right now.

I find there is a lot more ZX225's for sale out there over the VX521.

If you don't have hands on knowledge of both of these boats then no need to pop in here and say your Ranger/Skeeter is better then the other.

I doubt you will find anyone who has owned both of these boats. I have owned both but not thoes particular models. For a boat 8 years old I think the first thing you need to look for is how the boat and motor was taken care of and what shape it is in now. It doesn't matter how good the boat was new, if it wasn't taken care of properly then you need to stay away from it. Both Ranger and Skeeter are good boats. Ranger is heavier and built to last longer in my opinion and normally has a better resale value.

-skeeter will be faster

-more storage on the ranger and bigger fishing platform

-20ft vs 21ft

not gonna bring up the rough water deal, rough water is just that I been wet in both! Both handle 20-30mph winds on lake falcon just fine and I was comfortable while in both!


If u go with the skeeter you will be able to get a newer boat probably for the same price of a older ranger..Im love both boats and have fished outta both

I thought because it is longer alone it would have a better resale value but both of the Rangers I looked at priced lower then 80% of the Skeeters I looked at.

Thanks for the info

I have a 521 so if you have any questions about the Ranger I would he happy to answer.

Most adds show the boat as a VX or VS 521 but NADA shows them as this:

521DVS
521DVX
521SVS
521SVX

Would you happen to know the difference for them? Just curious to know if it's small detail or something I might want to consider. Thanks

Prolly dual console to single

I have owned a Ranger previously but not the 21'. I really like my current ZX225. I think now days the resale of boats are pretty equal on the top brands. A big difference between the two you mentioned,,,,length, h.p. etc. I personally prefer the Skeeters fishing platform and storage over the Rangers. A huge wide front deck on the Bug is an extremely stable platform. It has hauled me a few days of rough water on Amistad in fine form.


Personally, I would ride in both and then make a decision on what I liked best.

I think the first D or S is for single or dual console.
The second 2 letters is standard package (VS) Commanche package (VX)
with Commanche being digital guages / upgraded interior.

I could be wrong on all of it though..

The two boats you are looking at are top of the line boats, I would do like the previous post and ride in both of them and make your choice.

Look at the little things that manufacturers don't put out there. Everyone is obsessed with speed and rough water ride. I'd also consider how easy is it getting a rod out of the box, can i get a heavy battery in and out of the back compartment easily, how high are the gunnels, how protected are you behind the console on cold mornings? My ranger gets hung up on stumps like none other,things like this you can't get out of a dealer but can get places like here.

ipicked up '06 521VX TE off this site and I am very pleased with the boat. I have owned a 18' skeeter, a 18' ranger and now this 21' ranger. Mine has the DC and the TE is for tour edition commanche. Front deck is huge! It has the ice chest in front of the passenger console instead of the back. This allows for the seats to be mounted farther rearward and more front deck. Handled everything Falcon threw at it with great ride! I parked next to a 2010 Z522 at beacon and my front deck was bigger than the 22'. he had ice chest in rear and more rear deck. 3 different GPS readings showed 63.5 mph with full fuel load and two people with enough gear for 4 people. ranger holds resale better, solid transom and great ride. u cant go wrong with either boat...drive each or hire a guides running each and see how they fish. Good luck