The nitro rigged out with new gen 3 electronics is the better value, especially if you can get them at cost. Also the new v8 plus extended warranty still puts you cheaper than the skeeter. In a few years you'll have a very desirable boat that'll still have good value

.............................................NOT

Skeeter.

I like Skeeters better than Nitro. But I too believe the Nitro would be best money spent .

That is a tough one . Guess it comes down to how long you plan on keeping the rig. Someone already mentioned when you reach 160 hours on the Nitro the Skeeter will be at 320 hours. I have heard some guys get nervous with engines approaching 400 hours are more. I personally think modern outboards should last well over 1000 hours.

2 stroke or 4 stroke Merc?

My current boat is a Ranger...and I miss my skeeter. The boat I had before the skeeter was a nitro, I don’t miss that damn thing a bit. 😜

Lol

For warranty concerns right?

Nitro probably won't hold up as well. It'll have a wider front deck. I agree with make sure you have service that is reasonably close.

What he said !!!

I will never buy anything else,,

160 hours is nothing on an outboard if it was run right from day one.

Buy them both...………..

Between the two brands I would go with a Skeeter any day over a Nitro.

Check Nitro hull warranty. I bought a used Skeeter and transferred the hull warranty. I have more stress cracks than I can count. Skeeter told me to pound sand when I asked for it to be repaired even though I was the first registered owner. I still have it because it’s paid for, but I have to say for my first $40k boat purchase I’m disappointed. Estimate for repair was $3500.