Figured this would be the best place to ask.

I�m currently running a 2016 FX21LE but have been debating on selling it and buying a center console. I�m curious on where you guys look for CC boats in the DFW area dealerships ? I�d like to stay with Skeeter but what are your thoughts on other brands? Would like to stay at or above a 200HP Yamaha
I�ll still chase Bass here and there but my main focus will be Crappie,striper, sand bass and Hybrids.

I found mine from an individual, but I have a 2007 Nauticstar 2200 bay with 200hp Yamaha and have really loved it. It will get up and go and top speed with 2 people and a load is about 50 mph. They handle rough water well and I like the 102" wide beam. I do 75% sandies and all others mixed in. I put an Ulterra TM on it and that's been the best investment so far. I looked at the Skeeter but never found one I could afford.

Skeeter dealers in the DFW area...... no comment

I've been pretty happy with my Skeeter CC. Zx24bay. Go as long as you can. You'll be glad you did on windy days.

Fun N Sun, both locations, usually has a couple Skeeter bay boats in stock. North Texas Marine sells Blue Wave and typically has most models in stock to look at. Those would be my top two if I were in the market. I actually would prefer the Blue Wave over Skeeter. I like their layouts and storage a little better.

I suggest talking to some of the striper, hybrid guides. Their learning curve is advanced to ours due to usage. Combine your specific needs and wants ,shop and drive and try to purchase prior to spring. Skeeter and Ranger CC are expensive, they will last. Let us know what you purchased .

I've really enjoyed my Sportsman Masters 227. I was worried the 150 Yamaha may not be enough for the 22' boat, but it's fine and man it sips gas. Top speed loaded with way more than I need is 42 gps. Bilge access is phenomenal, plenty of storage, fit and finish is nice. Really no issues I've found with it. It's a 2013 that I found barely used (3 hours) 2 years ago at Jerry Whittle in Lewisville. If you can find one used for sale, I think they are well worth the look.

Dallas Boat Expo is the first and second weekend in February. They don't usually have a lot on center consoles there but there will still be several. Usually they have Skeeters, Nautic Star, Blue Wave, Sea Hunt. Its a good place to go walk around and see what those manufacturers have to offer.

Plano Marine sells and services Skeeter boats.

Something to consider is a live bait tank� If you fish live bait and will be using an external tank most regular center consuls will not work for you.

Built in bait wells / tanks do not work for shad, FYI

If buying used you may have to travel to get what you want. My Ranger blew up in May so I was looking at peak season. I have always believed in running max HP and that was one thing that disappointed me in what I was looking for. In 2-3 months I only saw one 22' CC with a 250 on it. I ended up settling for the Champ I have because it was my #1 choice in a hull. I would really like to have a 250 Optimax on it but wonder what I would gain. The Champ has a built in baitwell whether or not it works for shad depend on how you fish. Up until about mid June I have no problems as long as I do not overload it. I normally quit fishing by noon at the latest and normally just 2-3 people. Once we get in to late June - August I have to cut back on how many shad I put in the tank.

Littlejohn makes an excellent point! If you are a live bait fisherman, which I believe everybody who fishes for hybrids/stripers should be at least at different times of the year, then you need to consider where a good bait tank could sit such as the 30 gallon Blue Water Bait tank I use. Takes up a fair amount of floor space probably about 24 inches by 28 inches or so.... Good point!

We looked at 80 brand new center consoles at the boat show and NOT ONE had room for a bait tank!!!

All deck...no floor space on the new concept boats!

Look at the Blazer Bay I got one and very happy with it

If you like skeeters...give them a look. I have a friend with a brand new 23' and another with a 21'. They have had good luck with the exception of the 23' had to be sent back the skeeter to be separated so they could fix a fueling issue. The 21' does the same thing except not as bad, you can very slowly fill the tank, anything faster would trip the pump.

I have a 2410 Ranger and LOVE it. It's a solid HEAVY boat and I mean heavy, around 4800lbs full of everything. It runs right at 50 with 3 people loaded and 54 with just me.

My ranger has a 20 gallon baitwell built into the helm seat and it works great for me. In the hot summer, I throw a frozen half gallon jug in at full up and may swap it out early afternoon. I have had zero issues with shad dying except from sunscreen on co-fishers hands....

I looked at Skeeter, Ranger, Pathfinder, Blue Wave, Nautic Star, Blackjack, and Blazer Bay. They all have their positives and would be happy to own any of them.

I can fit a 24 gallon in front of the console on my boat, but wish I could go larger. It seems like it would be easy for them to offer a "No Livewell Option" on the front of the Console, that would be perfect for a 50 gallon tank. The only ones I have seen do that are the small builders that make flats boats and such like Mowdy and Transcat.