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Skeeters
#13032246
01/17/19 03:30 AM
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,818
Douglas J
OP
TFF Guru
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OP
TFF Guru
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,818 |
I have been looking at Skeeters. I just have a few questions for those who are Skeeter owners.
1) Is there huge difference in the ride between the FX 21 and ZX 250? I mean when the wind is over 15 MPH?
2) Do you get wet or a spray in either of those boats, I mean as a general rule not an exception?
3) I currently own a Cat and they hold up well to a lot of use, IMO. So is the fit and finish of those 2 boats going to survive someone who fishes 200+ days a year? What I mainly am asking is like in the interior, compartment doors, latches and so on. It's the little things that seem to irritate one the most.
I am hesitant to get out of a Cat, but I like the FX LE and the Apex lines. And would consider a ZX if the ride is as good as the FX.
I have been on a few FX's, but not one newer than probably a '16.
Thanks!
![[Linked Image]](https://texasfishingforum.com/forums/pics/userpics/2024/11/full-72311-248284-f6b1190b_bbab_49d4_a1b2_6e9a1ce426f7.jpeg) #MFGA
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: Douglas J]
#13032266
01/17/19 03:58 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 908
SWH
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 908 |
Ill try to say it before the next 20 repeat the same thing, the hull of the ZX and FX is identical. The fit and finish of the top cap is the difference. When this topic was posted earlier this week a few guys reported they wished they opted for the FX because by the time they fully equipped their ZX to catch up to baseline FX they were at the same price.
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: Douglas J]
#13032285
01/17/19 04:19 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 20,176
Donald Harper
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 20,176 |
I guess I need some schooling; the FX hull is their top of the line. The ZX hull is one of the bottom lines. There is no comparison for the ride in rough water. I have owned them all and driven them to hell and back. You want a smooth ride in any of them buy what you can afford, in as long of a boat as you can afford. The 21 ft. boat in any of the tears is as good of a ride as you can get.
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: Douglas J]
#13032297
01/17/19 04:29 AM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 55,503
SkeeterRonnie
Super Freak
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Super Freak
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 55,503 |
Stepdad has a brand new fx21 . I could probably borrow it one day and we could meet at hubbard
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: Douglas J]
#13032330
01/17/19 05:13 AM
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 423
dlwfish
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 423 |
Get the FX series... Youll thank me later Just went from a FX21 back to an FX20 and I wont go ZX. If youre going to do it go big and have no regrets! All the guys that brag about how much they saved by getting the ZX are actually in denial...  Once you dress up a ZX youre getting up there in price and all you have is a dressed up ZX that hasnt increased in resale value. If someone wants to pay for a dressed up ZX theyll just buy the FX. Youll never get that money back so just get the FX and retain the higher value. 1. No 2. Not if you know how to drive and Im sure you do 3. Yes and if you have an issue Skeeter will handle it. They replaced one of my FX21LEs when it developed fiberglass issues and unfortunately now my current FX20 is going back for glass work too. But, theyre awesome boats and Im cool with it when they stand behind their product.
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: Douglas J]
#13032337
01/17/19 05:28 AM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 646
ETxRT
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 646 |
I dont have a dog in the fight, but I asked the question of what the difference in the 2 hulls were at the Houston boat show. The answer I got was that the FX has a 26 degree V Hull and the ZX has a 28 degree v Hull. That being said, I was told the FX will cut through the waves better, otherwise they were identical. Again, this is just going off of what the salesman said.
2011 Legend Alpha 211 DCX 250 Mercury Pro XS- 25p Tempest B&B’d by Josh at Steve’s Custom props 36v Motorguide Xi5 connected to Lowrance HDS 9 Gen 2 Humminbird Solix 10 CHIRP MSI G2, Onix 10
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: Douglas J]
#13032402
01/17/19 12:42 PM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,580
KevinT.
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,580 |
I own an fx21 and have ridden in a zx many times, there is certainly a difference in the ride. Fx is much softer in big water. Zx is a tad faster. Fx has all the bells and whistles. Could be a amount of foam increasing the weight issue making the fix ride better, just a guess though. Both are great boats.
KT
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: Donald Harper]
#13032415
01/17/19 01:00 PM
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 335
LakeTylerMan
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 335 |
I guess I need some schooling; the FX hull is their top of the line. The ZX hull is one of the bottom lines. There is no comparison for the ride in rough water. I have owned them all and driven them to hell and back. You want a smooth ride in any of them buy what you can afford, in as long of a boat as you can afford. The 21 ft. boat in any of the tears is as good of a ride as you can get. I've posted this before but here it goes: Before I purchased my ZX 250 in 2016, I went to the Skeeter plant and toured the assembly area. We started on the north end with the molds and though I am not 100% sure of the tour guide's precise answer three years later, I asked what the difference is between the two hulls and he said NOTHING. We walked ahead to where the boats had been popped out of the mold. Blue tape identified flaws that the guide said would be corrected before the end. You'd be impressed with their quality control on ALL boats. We walked farther ahead to the area is where the cap is placed and this is where the difference in boat was notable, and we talked about it. The compartments were configured differently and the compartment lining was different. In 2016, I think the ZX had a single large gas tank but the FX may have had dual tanks (I don't remember anymore). And being honest, the appearance of the FX was better than the ZX. Anyway look at the specs on the website. The FX21 is 20' 11'' long and 101" wide. The ZX 250 is 20' 11" long and 101" wide. I'm not sure about 26 degrees versus 28 degrees. You'd think since the boats are built in Kilgore someone from Skeeter would respond on this board though perhaps they're sworn to secrecy. Guys I'm retired, do you want me to take another tour of the plant, ask the question and report back to the forum? It's only about 30 minutes away. My ZX handles waves pretty well and is pretty dry but I don't run at high speed in high chop. The ZX is not the top of the line. It has analog gauges, not digital readouts and the compartment lighting is not as good. The depth finders and Power Poles are not as nice. At he time both boats had Minn Kota Fortrex trolling motors. The trailer is workman like and not fancy in any way. The upholstery is notably better on the FX. I could afford both models but after touring the plant, I chose to save a little money.
2024 Skeeter FXR-L, Yamy 250 SHO
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: Douglas J]
#13032427
01/17/19 01:19 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,433
Clark3
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,433 |
I own A 18 zx250, love the boat, I put Around 180 hours a year on boats, and never had an issue. Handles rough water fine but Ill be going to an FX this year the fit and finish is way better in my opinion after foshing out of a buddies fix 21.
The hull is identical, ive been to the plant, so the ride doesnt change.
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: Douglas J]
#13032478
01/17/19 02:25 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,166
Shallow Waters
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,166 |
I have a ZX, and I dont believe I have ever been in a FX, but I know I have never felt like anything was missing when I get on the water. The ride is as dry as you make it. In heavy wind your boat is going to make a splash when it hits the water, if that wind is blowing towards you the water in the air is going to get blown by the wind and it is going to hit you. This is a part of life when utilizing a type of boat that sits low to the water surface. That said, I have never had rolling waves come over the side or bow of my boat, which would be a huge concern if it ever happened.
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: dlwfish]
#13032485
01/17/19 02:30 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,701
Cmack
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,701 |
Get the FX series... Youll thank me later Just went from a FX21 back to an FX20 and I wont go ZX. If youre going to do it go big and have no regrets! All the guys that brag about how much they saved by getting the ZX are actually in denial...  Once you dress up a ZX youre getting up there in price and all you have is a dressed up ZX that hasnt increased in resale value. If someone wants to pay for a dressed up ZX theyll just buy the FX. Youll never get that money back so just get the FX and retain the higher value. 1. No 2. Not if you know how to drive and Im sure you do 3. Yes and if you have an issue Skeeter will handle it. They replaced one of my FX21LEs when it developed fiberglass issues and unfortunately now my current FX20 is going back for glass work too. But, theyre awesome boats and Im cool with it when they stand behind their product. Not trying to be a smart [censored] but if you've had one of them replaced due to fiberglass issues and your current boat is going back for the same type issues, how in the world can you describe them as "awesome" boats? If I were the original poster, your reply would make me run for the hills and keep my BasssCat.
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: Douglas J]
#13032508
01/17/19 02:52 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 381
SkeeterB
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 381 |
Ive had the ZX, I-class and now the FX 21. I-class and FX ride very similar and are unbelievable in rough water. ZX will be faster but does not have a smooth ride compared to the FX. I was amazed how good the ride was with the FX. Not sure why people say its the same hull. If you want to feel safe in rough conditions, buy the FX.
Last edited by SkeeterB; 01/17/19 02:53 PM.
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: Douglas J]
#13032517
01/17/19 02:59 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 7,110
horseplaydvm
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 7,110 |
i class was the best hull Skeeter ever made. I used to own a 21i. I was told the Fx was built from the Zx hull. I wouldnt trade either of them for my Ranger.
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Re: Skeeters
[Re: Douglas J]
#13032520
01/17/19 02:59 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,219
Sinkey
Tidy Scoop
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Tidy Scoop
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,219 |
The FX is a way better riding boat. But here's what I'd tell you. Cause the ZX250 is a great riding boat as well....Look at what you want on the boat, and what you want to spend. Cost wise, it may be better to get the ZX. But like said before, if you start adding stuff to the boat, it may be better to get the FX. The FX le's come as loaded down as you can get now.
For you questions, I never get wet in my boats. The only time is when you have a cross wind and I'm idling out of somewhere. But I've gotten that in every boat I've owned. And that's only a little spray where the waves hit the side of the boat.
Dealers and Skeeter both have always stood by their boats and product. I've never had an issue. Honestly, they've been great boats. Never in the shop for anything.
Not sure where you're located, but give Fred a call at Diamond Sports Marine on Lake Fork. He will take care of you for sure!
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