I have a Triton 21HP, 250HP, rides extremely smooth even in rough water. Lots of storage, and plenty of front deck space. If at all possible you really want to ride a couple because the hull type really makes a difference in the ride, and handeling. Just a suggestion.

Phoenix with no doubt, all the storage you could ever ask for, huge rod lockers, best riding and handling boat I have ever been in, I've owned Skeeter and Basscat, and hands down the phoenix is the best boat IMHO! I've got a 921ProXP and had it up to 75.3 GPS pretty loaded down, not sure how much faster you want to go, but my partner seems to think that's plenty fast enough! I love the looks of Phoenix boats, but looks are entirely up to the buyer, Phoenix you can get whatever motor you prefer, and I believe electronics as well, mine came with hds10's on it, but I'm pretty sure I've seen birds on them also. Go drive and test them all, everyone has there own preferences, I know my buddies use to be die hard ranger guys till they got in my phoenix, now they looking at them pretty hard!

12' lone star with a 10 hp 2 stroke,then you can get into some of the low water lakes.

Is there one person that has posted on this thread that says the best boat is something other than what they run? Basically, you need to find out what boats most people have on the TFF and then you have your general consensus....I say a RangerZ520 is best. No, hold it.....Skeeter is best. Let me tell you about mine. Hahahehe!

Yep. This one. Own a Stratos and was recommending a Pro's 'turn in' with only 4 hours on it and decked to the 9's! Ranger. I believe it to be some $20k less than one off the show room floor.
Love to have it but, too rich for me.

I agree they're all good these days but value I'd say blazer(speed), pro gator(durability) and Nitro(fishability) Will agree on the Legend, fit and finish on those boats is beyond the competition.

I have had a Nitro, Champion, and a Skeeter. How Nitro is still making boats and still in business is beyond me. They are horrible. The champion was a great boat! Handled water great! The skeeter I have now is a dream boat! Rides awesome, fishes awesome, overall no complaints. I have ridden in a few Rangers and they are sweet but I would have a hard time shelling out the cash for one when you can get a skeeter for less and it's the perfect boat in my eyes!

So I don't understand what is so bad about Nitro? Why do they have the negative stigma? According to BPS they are designed by the same guy that came up with the Skeeter hull design. Even the pro's push the brand pretty heavily (I understand they are paid to), but if they were complete garbage I would think no one would want to endorse them. From my understanding they were junk in the past but what makes them bad now? They seem to me to be a really good bang for the buck. Just curious specifically what makes them "horrible" as stated above. I have seen plenty of people talk negatively but with no real evidence or discussion as to why.

Sorry, just asking because I hope to be in the market soon as well and would like to avoid a brand if it is truly bad.

What? There is nothing wrong with a Nitro. If your thinking of buying one, go to a dealer. Look it over from stem to stern AND tell them before buying you want to drive one just like it. The only reason I was suggesting Ranger is they ARE without doubt the premier boat maker. The one I was referring you to was in every way a 'new boat'. Driven by a 'Pro' only 4 hours on the motor (and that motor is the new and powerful E-TEC G2).
It was literally thousands of $ cheaper than one off the show room floor AND it already had all the up to day accessories.
Ranger, Nitro, Skeeter, Basscat... you won't go wrong with any of those. Even a new Stratos but, I would beware of Stratos as that line is very likely to disappear. The were a premier boat line once but, now owned and sold as an 'also ran'. This from a Stratos owner.
Good luck, make up your own decision but remember, a 'Demo' boat will save you lots of dollars.
God Bless

No Stratos bought out Champion about three years ago, just find a local dealer and they'll hook you up, and no I'm not associated with them or anything but I'm in my fourth one now.

Hey Lee, that Ranger you are pimping does not have the new G2 motor. Nice boat though..

Fun and Sun, Skeeter. Good customer service and Skeeter has everything you are looking for in a boat, good deal for the cost, jmho.

'Pimping'.... I wish, just a great value for the bucks for an almost new rig that is one of the industry leaders! Wish I had one but, I don't.
It sure is a great value for the $$$ Wish I had a $$ interest in it. Don't know the seller and have zero interest in it. You sure don't know me, do you?
Still a GREAT motor!! Rather have that than a dad gum Mercury, any day.

God Bless

A ranger