Not sure if this is the right forum but here it goes. I am going to try to buy a boat in the fall of this year. I'm sure that people have their preference, but when you get into the upper end boats like Ranger, Triton, Bass Cat, Phoenix, and so forth. is there really any difference in the way they ride and performance. When you start talking about 20-50K, you really don't want to make a mistake and wind up with something your are not exactly happy with. The last boat I bought new was in 92 (a charger). I have not been any of the boats I listed above to form an opinion. Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks

YES! There are definitely differences in ride between the major brands.

Do not take anyone's word on here about what brand is best. Most people think what they have is the best. Be patient and ride in as many different brands of boats as you can. If you have to pay someone to take you out, it will be worth it because in the end it will help you make a wiser decision.

ride in as many boats as possible if you can before you buy one

Should have just asked Ford or Chevy

Just get a BassCat and don't worry about it.

thanks guys!

Hey Glock you left out Dodge...

Sit back and enjoy the ride you started with this question! :-)

This. I am bias with being a Nitro fan. I think they will give you the most boat for your money. Yes take your time, buy what you want. Cats, Rangers and others are excellent boats and it really comes down to what makes you happy. I have to say that some of the money you pay is what I written on the side of the boat. Cats and Rangers are a little more for the name, but they deserve it because they have worked hard to build up a reputation as the best boat and customer support. Just IMO.

i agree with KO bass attack. I have owned 3 skeeter 20 boats, 1 bass cat cougar, 1 triton 21 and the best built boat i ever had was the bass cat. I should have taken my friends advice and replaced the evenrude ficht motor (that was the prob) and i'd still be driving the boat. I bought a new tr-21 and have had it for 12 years now...still miss the kitty kat

Hmmm funny must be a reason.

Not only ride in as many boats, but more importantly DRIVE as many boats as you can. IMHO many of the boats handle only as good as the driver is. You can take whatever boat you think is the best, smoothest, driest, handling ride and put a poor driver behind the wheel and hate the ride.

Listen to this guy. Great advice.

Go drive all the boats you can stand, then go FLY a Gambler. I prefer non-cookie cutters. Not saying anything bad about Rangers, Skeeters, BB, or any other boat. Just don't want to look like everyone else. My G is a 93 with a 2001 motor. It flat out gets up and goes. Takes a while to learn how to fly and its a special experience every time. Check out BBCentral. Lots of deals to be had out there. Good luck.

I have owned skeeter, bass cat and phoenix boat's, and I personally think the phoenix has the best ride and fish ability out of any boat out there!! Drive as many as can, and make the decision based off of what u like!

Can't beat the nitro fx522. Sweet boat. Motor rude pro X's sho. Awesome combo.

I've rode in them all (that are relevant) and driven most. Skeeter is the best boat I have been in behind the wheel and on the other side.

The better question should be..what boat not to buy

Just curious...did u like your Charger u had in 92

That 797 is sweet looking

I was thinking the same thing. Out of the brands the OP listed I would have to say his previous brand , Charger would be the best riding hull.

Lots of good advice here about riding and driving in as many as you can, but don't forget you need to FISH out of all of them too if you can. I'm guessing you'll spend more time fishing than boating, so that needs to be checked out.

Some boats fish better than others. Get 2 or 3 people on the front deck, see how stable it is.

Are you one that may kick a rod off the deck? Need to think about a boat with a high gunnel.

Do you care about the guy in the back? Some boats have more than others as far as back deck space goes.

Like to fish in the wind predominantly? Some boats have more keel in the water and hold better, (some will spin like a leaf in the water the second you get off the trolling motor)

Like to fish shallow stumps a lot? Some boats draft less water and are more manueverable (some boats will get stuck on stumps more than others).

I've had 3 different boats, and all 3 had their plusses and minuses. When you find the one that rides good, drives the way you like, and fishes good the way you like, AND is in your price range, then you have found it! Don't get too hung up in brands, everyone has their preferences and the whole idea is to have a good time in your boat catching fish, right? Got to have a boat that fits you!

I think length and horsepower + budget should be answered before the brand, JMO!

There are several really good boats out there, all of them are over priced, find one you like and go for it, I run a Triton, that is what I recommend, my buddy runs a Champion, that is what he recommends, my cousin runs a����������., good luck finding you a boat.

All newer boats are great but there are definitely differentes in which ones have smoother rides, keeps you more dry and so on. I rode in a Legend for the first time over the weekend and it was a lot better than I thought they would be. Defintiely changed my thinking. We had no problem at all going over three footers at 55-60. Then the next day they got even bigger. We didn;t plain out but it sure kept us dry.

only get advice from Coanglers! They have ridden in all boats in all conditions.

Also remember there can be differences in years of same make and model. There are Rangers that aren't too old that are pretty wet and bad riding boats, but all the late model ones and some older ones are great.

Here is my recent experience...

Ranger - One of the best rough water boats, a dry boat, handles 1-2 foot chop the best because it likes to run flat and just slices through. never a problem getting on pad even with 2 and full live wells. reputation for being slow, but to me 520 with Merc 250 running 74 mph is fast enough. IMHO one of the best looking and overall best features and trim.

Other boats have things here and there that are better than a Ranger, but overall Ranger gets more things right and hardly anything wrong.

Phoenix - I think this is one of the best designed boats and they have one of the best price points too.

Bass Cat - was in a brand new one all day at Beaver Lake. some cool features, but we couldn't get on pad 2 people and full live wells! I had to get on front of boat EVERY time.

Triton - was in an older one recently and idling passenger and driver got wet, just the way it sat idling any little waves splashed right in face of driver and passengers.

When you test drive boats be sure to check full live well 2 people how it gets on pad. test how well it can do typical 1-2 ft. chop at 65 mph. also quarter and perpendicular to waves at idle and make sure the splash goes behind you or under.

Bass Cat owner obviously had wrong prop for the conditions.

maybe, I've just had 1 prop on Ranger for all conditions.

Maybe had the wrong prop set up from the beginning?
I've never changed the prop on my Ranger or dads Champion. I've had them worked from Steve's Props, but that's about it.

Sounds like your like me you buy a new boat to keep and expect it to hold up.My boat I ordered in 92 also and it strill is a solid boat even with enormous hour on the water and road and yea it's Ranger . Skeeter,Ranger, and B Cat have survived over all these years while others come and go for good reason for dam good reason ( great products).

Maybe it depends on your budget, but I was shopping for a boat last year, and I wasn't as concerned with the brand as long as it was one of the big boys I guess, I was looking for the best deal. I found a good deal on a Triton and I really like it, but I don't have anything to compare it to really. I've road around in a skeeter, it seems to get up on plane a little quicker than mine, but is not quite as smooth as a ride, but that's a very small gauge coming from me. I was more concerned with getting one that was clean, in good shape, had good electronics, power pole, etc..

All of that being said, if I won the lottery, I would go buy a Bass Cat. I have never even rode in one much less driven one, but I must say those are the sweetest looking boats I have ever seen, and no one has anything bad to say about them. Maybe when I upgrade one of these days, but that would be my boat of choice if money was no object.

If I was still in the market, I would be all over this one. It's in my price range, just add a power pole or two and it would be good to go. Maybe too small for some of you guys, but I love these boats.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/9863959/1

I run a 203 Champion with a 225 Yammy, I have had a Champion for 12 years now, my only complaint is that the front deck is too small. That being said, it runs great!

If I had to choose a new new boat, it would be a Ranger Z520 or a Basscat in the same size with a 250hp

Spend as much time as possible in everything you can get behind the wheel of. No boat is gonna hit every point 100% and only you can decide what compromises you are willing to live with. I've owned several brands over the past 40 years and currently run a BassCat. Truthfully, I'd rather drive a Skeeter than anything on the water but the Cat is just superior to the Skeeter in rough water or at least it is with me driving. Trolling motor down a Skeeter or Ranger can't be beat. Since Champion is now R.I.P. I won't discuss it's rough water and handling ability. Charger should equal the Champion in rough water ride but I don't think it'll handle as well in other situations. Phoenix looks like a sweet boat but it hasn't stood the test of time like Ranger, Skeeter and Bass Cat have. The same could be said for Legend. A previous poster had complained about the Bass Cat hole shot, all I can say is that either it was set up wrong or he had engine issues.

if you ever rode in progator you would see smooth ride in big waves I had all owners in my boat they always comment that my boat surprised them on the ride. progator 200v with merc 225 72mph fast enough

Larger diameter/higher pitch props will produce more top-end speed, assuming the motor has enough horses to turn it. For instance, I run a 25" Yammy T1 in the summer. I can change to a 27T1 in the winter and run faster (assuming moderate chop), but my hole shot is not as good. I suspect the guy in the Bass Cat was propped for maximum speed which is why he couldn't get out of the hole.

You DO NOT have to change props. Just a better mousetrap sometime.

Thanks for all the information guys. It is appreciated. I liked my charger, it was good in rough water conditions for an 18' boat, but I was wanting to move up to a 20 or 21' footer to have more room and storage space.

Thanks again

Just ask mark perry, he has owned every brand of boat there is in the last 10 years.

Have had about very boat made,and I agree with Gatorkid,try a Pro Gator,you cannot get a better boat for the $$$

if you liked the charger then look at champions. they have a common history.

my bass cat doesn't jump out of the hole tourney loaded with two guys 275 running a fury 26 , but it beats everyone else running down the boat lane at blast off after i plane out and get the trim right.....i have heard rangers are faster now but i have not seen one that can do 74 mph. mine is the fastest in our club, no one has a gambler, allison or blazer. my boat empty did 85.3 i wanted the speed, but i love it because i feel the fit and finish is second to none. plus i feel the basscat vacuum process on the glass is better than the rest with LIFETIME TRANSFERABLE HULL WARRANTY, no bs like the triton i had with a difference of 10 years warranty after the initial sale......

my 2011 520 Merc 250 GPS's 74 mph half tanks not empty and I weigh 225. however, it starts walking at 70, so I keep it 68-70.

Legend

Take a ride with one, if your in DFW PM me and I'll take you anytime

TEAM RANGER!!!!

Please, DRIVE THEM ALL!! It won't cost you a thing to go to Fun N Sun Boats and get a test ride/drive in a Skeeter. When you spend that kind of money for a boat, its kinda' nice to know the people you purchased from makes you feel like you are part of a family. Just don't start and stop with test riding the boat, test the Dealer out and see what they have done for the fishermen! I know what Monte and Jeff at Fun N Sun does for Bass Club Fishermen and their customers. Try them out and see for yourself. Good luck with your purchase! Duck

Something else to consider is that eventually you'll sell the boat. When I was in the market for a used boat in 2012 I did a lot of research and found that Ranger had one of the best resale values. Also some of the features/upgrades that were standard on the boat were not in other brands. The only complaint I personally have is that it's not a fast boat but who catches fish running at 75+ MPH anyway.

i've ridden in only one ranger, it was keith combs on the sabine river tournament it went 67.7. brandon palaniuk on the second day was going 77.6 is his fx 21. i dont have a whole lot of other experience than that. the resale on a basscat is right there with a ranger. like everyone else has said, ride in them all,
and fish in them all

For those who don't think a Ranger will not run.....
Maybe it's the Etec H.O.

http://www.rangerboats.com/staticpages/includes/reviews/BWB0308_Z520.pdf

Bass Cat or Ranger

good morning,

charger has a sale going on.......call Jessie at j and j marine in alba, texas...903 473 3497


still owned by the same family and great boats........here's my 181 special edition with a merc 150, 4 st at the factory..........


ready for final rigging.........stays around 60 on the gps.........great ride............!!!!!!!!!!!!!

about 32000 list...............its loaded!!!!!!!!! lowrance electrics(elite 5 & 7), pro live well, hamby, 6"plate,bow steps, dual console, rod storage, fortrex 80...etc............

good luck,
PURA VIDA,
bluebonnet2

What he said.

Don't get worked up about the lifetime warranties. They're not worth the paper they're written on. After a decade, any of them can find an excuse about why your hull has issues.

LEGEND!! Make sure you go check out the best looking and best rough riding boat out there before you buy. Was recently at Texoma in 2-3 footers for a tourney when others stayed near launch site. Some say I was crazy and foolish (all drove rangers, BC, etc), I just say comfortable and confident. Legends are getting better and better. It wont be long that we are top sellers...word is getting out.

Did I mention best looking....

Go check out
FISH and SKI Marine near Denton ask for Chris

LOL, I love this Ford vs. Chevy stuff. one-upping etc.

APT Solo we had honest 3-4 footers I ran from Highport to the south dam banks with a north wind (13 miles) and back.

Sure they will.

1) Ranger Percent market share 30%
2) Nitro, Percent market share < 25%
3) Skeeter Percent market share 17%
4) Triton Percent market share 8%
5) Phoenix Percent market share 6%
6) BassCat Percent market share 4%
7) Stratos Percent market share <4%
9) Legend Percent market share 2%
10) Blazer Percent market share <1%

I have had Skeeters, Rangers, Cajun's, Kingfishers and now run and prefer a Basscat. Its all about preference. Like everyone said, ride, drive and fish from several brands and models. Take your time and do your homework to find YOUR preference.
Good Luck!

Not to change the subject but does that include tin boats ? I thought Triton was only behind Ranger in glass boats, sure did not no that Phoenix sold that many rigs.

Ive owned a few new and used had some good ones and bad. I bought a new bullet XRS if you have not looked at them you should. Its a new model for Bullet and they are reasonably priced for the quality fit and finish you get. Have owned it for 9 months all I can say is wow! great rough water ride very comfortable roomy and loaded with all the fancy latches and other neat features. Oh yea you will save a ton on fuel I have a 300 merc on mine and it gets 3 times the mileage of my carb 225 and one more thing. Its FAST !

Hope this helps

Bob

Just don't buy a new one..let the other guy take the hit

Skeeter. You dont have to worry about learning how to drive through a chine walk. All of their boats are powermatched to the horsepower . That means anyone can turn the key and safely run at speed. Best warranty in the boat market. The books will show you Skeeter has been the leader in bass boats since the beginning.