I bet you did.

I am curious why the went with the stratos-like deck layout, other than that I really like their boat, hopefully in future models they will develop a more unique to phoenix deck styling.

I have owned my 721 Pro XP 3 years this summer. Have not had one single issue with it. It is easy for me to drive and is the best riding boat I have ever owned. I have fished out of a new 2016 921 and seen it run down the lake with 2 people and full load at 72 on gps. My 721 will do 71 with a bit more left but that was plenty fast for me. I absolutely love the boat and would recommend a Phoenix to anybody. If I was buying a new one today would go ahead and get a 921. With the set up I have on my 721 I suspect the new 921 would cost 65 to 70.

Fun and Sun is a good dealership I hear, but when I purchased mine there were only 3 dealers in Texas. Talked to them all and went to Shipp's in Gladewater. They have been a pleasure to do business with.

Hope this answered some of your questions.

Am I understanding that the 9 series platform is a good and the 7 is somewhat lacking?

I'm out of breath after reading that.

I've had my 721 for just at a year now and I honestly have zero issues. I have no problem fishing the front deck with a partner. Stock 25p prop and standard jackplate I hit 76-78mph consistent with partner loaded out. Fish toledo and rayburn often and have no problem running the lake when most other boats idle because of waves. Removable console is a great option, plenty of storage and other fisherman friendly features. The customer service is beyond excellent and I've heard of zero manufacturer issue with cracks or top cap separation. I'd say to the op get in one and drive it on a rough day. You won't be disappointed. And to be fair if there was anything I didn't like that much on the older models was the white black and red phoenix logo.

I love it when someone says something is " HANDS DOWN " better than any other brand. like they have owned all other brands, I am sure Phoenix is a good boat, along with about 10 other brands out there, I will not try an expensive product like a bass boat until they have proven themselves, at least 5 years, maybe 10.

You know, there are other great boats out there but the gentleman that started this post asked about Phoenix Boats. He didn't ask about any other brand. I'm not sponsored by anyone and payed for my boat. I praise Phoenix because I'm just a local guy and they still want to take care of me like I a somebody. That also goes for Fun-N-Sun. Phoenix Boats have been around longer than most think not mention the experience they have in the boat building business.

jbassman, take the boat out for a ride and form your own opinion. Being a Phoenix owner I think you'll really like it but it's your money and you'll have to be happy with it. Shipp's marine took me out on a test drive and I'm sure most any dealer will. Good luck with you boat search and I hope you find what you're looking for.

In my opinion, buy a Basstracker and be done with it.

Lol

Nothing like a Stratos have you been in one.

They have been around almost 10 years now. They started in the big economy fall out and strived to what they are today. Exactly like stated before most have no idea who Phoenix is or how long they have been around. I have been in every major player in the boat world boats and would pick Phoenix any day.

well they give them back at the end of the year so I guess they do not give boats away they just lend them out

how do you know they give them back??? I know most around east TX have to sale their boats at the end of the year