id stick with a ranger

Anyone who has ridden in a newer FX21 can tell you that is completely false. I've got a 17' FX21LE, it's as smooth of a ride and handles rough water as well as anything out there. The middle padded seat/step is actually comfortable as well when you do bring that third person along.

This!!!!

hard to go wrong with a skeeter or ranger they are both well built boats an at some point later when you are ready to sell it they have good resale value. not to mention that both brands will be around a long time to get support on parts.

Here is my 2 cents, hope I am able to help you or anyone else in anyway possible. I bought my first bass bought this year, but I waited for 4 years before making my decision. One due to finances, the other because I am typically not one to buy something like this and keep it for a fews years then trade it in, with my vehicles either. I wanted to be sure I was making the best overall decision for me.

I fished the previous 4 years as a co-angler. I have been in every single boat brand there is, and just about every single model of each boat brand. It is no secret that just about every boat owner will say they prefer the boat brand they currently own, I mean that is common sense, I do it myself. However, there have been guys I have fished with that have been very reasonable and honest and admit that while they like/prefer the brand they have, you can't go wrong with certain others as well.

I have fished in lakes that were slick with no waves, and in 30 mph winds. In 18' boats, and in 21' boats. Granted, while the driver/operator does make a difference, there are just some boats that operate better than others no matter how bad the driver is.

When you are talking about the top of the line boats, you really can't go wrong with the majority of them, Skeeter, Ranger, Phoenix, Legend, etc. But I can tell you from first hand experience, for overall all best performance and fishing, can't go wrong with a Skeeter.

I may have my numbers wrong but I believe they have the 2nd biggest front deck fishing space, behind legend I think, but not by much. Skeeter takes on rough water just as good if not better than any boat. It is one of the fastest on the market, it has all the bells and whistles (at least the FX 21 LE) version such as I have with HDS Carbon graphs standard, and all switches/controls at your fingertips at the console. Just as much storage space as any other boat, and more than others depending on the model. They are very well made, heavy enough to take on any water but light enough to provide performance. Offer a variety of colors and other options and while none of the top end boats are cheap, Skeeter is less expensive than most. I had my choices narrowed down to Skeeter, Ranger, or Phoenix and for what I wanted with the same accessories, Skeeter was the best deal.

You have to go with what you want, but hopefully I was able to help. It made a huge difference for me being able to ride in every boat out there and I couldn't be happier with my choice.

Buy the one you are most drawn to. If someone has a real issue with a 20-21' boat riding too rough chances are its a driver issue. They all fish well and run well for the most part. Buy the one you like best. I am partial to Skeeter and Ranger but that's just me. You are the one paying for it so you need to buy the one you like best.

Skeeter and Ranger are both great boats. You can�t go wrong with either. You should check out Diamond Sports Marine out at Fork. Has both boats and you can check them out side by side.

I would be hesitant to buy one of the new Mercury 4 stroke's. My buddy has one and he says it absolutely drinks gas, and he doesn't drive WOT at all. Not saying they're bad motors, just telling you what I know. I'm on my second Skeeter/SHO and have zero complaints. The FX is one of the most impressive hulls I've ever been in/around. I absolutely love my FX 21! The SHO has great top end speed and great fuel economy. I don't foresee me steering away from either brand any time soon.

Take a ride in both and decide for yourself.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...us_Boats#UNREAD

That VEXUS sure does seem to rock back and forth a lot. I've owned Skeeter and Ranger. I prefer the Skeeter. My last boat was an FX21. It's the best boat I've ever owned.

I just bought my second Skeeter, an, FX20LE. I thought the shorter boat would handle better than the FX21, well it parks better in the garage and loads on the trailer better but outside of that, no difference. I got the Oxblood color with everything on it. Love the boat and love the ride, Finally got it up to 4200rpm, and it just rips across the lake on top of the waves. I have 1.5 hrs on mine so I'm taking it easy. I know Skeeter has its detractors but Im not one of them. Good dealers at Diamond Sports in Yantis and Fun-n-Sun in Hurst.
Good luck spending your money

While this may be a nice boat in no way is it a better option than an FX21 or similar Ranger other than price.

I wasn't saying buy the aluminum, but rather wait and see what this new company releases in the future, since he was a fan of ranger before the changes with that company.

They have the best customer service hands down compared to Lowrance. Ask just about anyone that has had both.

I haven't rode in a new Skeeter but a buddy of mine that was lifelong Ranger guy bought one last year and traded back into a Ranger this year. Didn't like the ride in rough water, Didnt like the way it fished mostly though.
One thing a Ranger does that I haven't found a boat that does as good or close is the way they track on the trolling motor even in the wind. They just don't kite around.

I was looking at Skeeter, Ranger and Phoenix. Rode with a buddy who has a Skeeter on Rayburn in rough water and was soaking wet every time we stopped. Another friend has a Phoenix and is complaining about the quality of the boat. After on year everything is rattling loose. After riding in the Ranger it was an easy choice. Bought the 520i and love it!!