In the market for a new boat and having the hardest time deciding on a specific boat and brand. I was really liking the Skeeter ZX150 until I saw the terrible storage and small quality issues that bothered me. I’m also looking into Ranger, in a Z175 or Z185. I’m trying to stay around 40k. Does anyone have experience with these boats and brands? The Rangers look like they put a little more effort into the quality of the build, at least with the smaller boats. Any input would be appreciated.

Any thought on buying used with your budget? Would get a lot more boat and something that would hold it’s resale better than a smaller boat would.

BassCat Margay would be under 40k. Wide up front, excellent quality and a rocket with a 150.

My first question is why do you want a short boat. Unless you have storage issues a large 20 plus footer on the used market would serve you much better in almost all cases

For sure, that Margray is tiny

Don't spend that type of money on a short boat. I would go 19 foot tin with that budget before I'd go short fiberglass. You'll be trading that thing in 2 seasons.

Go ahead and look Phoenix and Nitro also. All those boats should be in your price range... The dealer after the sale would be my deciding factor... Dan

charger 198, great quality and the hull is a champion hull they made molds from.

40k should get ya a 2-3 yr. old

I agree, I was about to say go buy a big Crestliner or the like before you buy a small glass boat

I owned a 2007 Ranger 175vs. It was a solid boat and never had any issues. It does get small when fishing with a partner and even more so in rough water. I now own a 2019 Skeeter zx225. The Skeeter is larger and it is much better in rough water and more comfortable with two fishing. I will repeat what others are saying, get at least a 19 foot skeeter or ranger. You will never regret going bigger. BTW, BassCat and Phoenix are good boats also.

Here's one to look at if it is still for sale.

https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2016-legend-boats-alpha-191-sc-7749373/

If you are not opposed to aluminum the Avid 20XB can fit in that range,

Like others have said. Get a used longer boat unless you have storage issues. I would would look into a Charger 210 or 198 if going this route. If short and new is the only option I say get a Ranger or Phoenix. Not much experience with Ranger but have always heard they are very nice. I do have quite a few hours in a good buddy's Phoenix. The quality of the Phoenix is very nice.

Ive been a skeeter head all my life.... had a few other boats along the way... If I were buying new, it would most likely be Phoenix. Especially with the tournament incentive program they offer. Basscat would be another option I would strongly consider. Both come with Mercury, which has always been a great motor!

I have a 2018 Ranger 185z.
The boat has held up well, I'm happy with the quality and the customer service on warranty items has been great. The boat has about 400 hrs on it.
If i had it to do again, I would've went with the 19' and a 200 engine. Or a maybe a triton 19' with a 225. The guys i have talked to that have had both the 185 and the 19' rangers said the difference between the 185 with a 150 and the 19' with a 200 is like night and day, completely different boats in the speed and way they handle.
Pros:
less expensive
beam is nearly 8' just like the big boats
easy to store and haul because its shorter and less tires/bearings to have to replace/maintain(single axle).
great fuel mileage on the water compared to the bigger boats
goes in shallow water pretty good
Cons:
not as many storage compartments as the bigger boats
have to plan trips according to how rough the main lake water will be
its slow
if you're fishing a tournament, you better draw a low number because you're not going to beat anyone to the spot.
did I mention it is slow? LOL