Hey TFFers,

I've been a die hard Skeeter guy and it wont be terribly long before I look at selling my current FX and getting into another boat. Naturally the FXR comes to mind but before choosing I'm doing some homework (not as comprehensive as Ken Smith's great bass boat search - Great work Ken!) For those of you who own an FXR I'm curious what you have to say (both good and bad about the boats) I've crawled all over them and watched countless videos but would like some feedback from those who've ran them (specifically tournament fished out of them) Looking at two major things....ride quality/performance and fit/finish. I have a friend that has one and has had some major gel coat issues which has me concerned.

I also have the Phoenix 921 Elite in mind but will have to do much more homework there....

Looking forward to all the responses. Thanks to all!

Watching closely, similar questions! Going to be buying a new boat in the next year or so.

I fished from an FXR for a day, it was a great boat, not as stable fishing as Ranger IMO. Rode nice but the water was very smooth that day.

I have a ZXR21 which is basically the same except minus some bells and whistles and a different deck layout. So far I love it, don’t have too many hours in it but fished some pretty rough water points and it is the most stable boat I have ever been in. Fit and finish is ok, I would put it in the middle of all the major brands, I am happy with it though.

Been in some whitecaps on texoma, it took it pretty well no boat is smooth in those conditions. Choppy water rides like a caddy, speed wise up to 70 without a lot of input (easy to drive). After that you have to drive it.

Rode in one in 17mph wind last Friday and it rode pretty good. I noticed it porpoises when the live wells were full, and it was annoying. I talked to the owner about it and he said it does it every time the wells are full. Also noticed hole shot was ok but not great. He's had 2 bearings leaking that had to be fixed on the trailer, boat is 6 months old. Storage was good, fishability was good. Speed was lacking, but it's a big boat. Two people about 65 he told me. I don't have a dog in the fight and don't feel one way or another about Skeeter boats, just my observation and what the owner told me.

He's going to lower the motor to see if that will help the porpoise issue but he's already lowered it once and it didn't help. Hopefully lowering more will help that issue. And yes, motor was trimmed all the way down.

I have a ZXR20. Ride in rough water is better than it was but it’s not going to handle rough water like a Phoenix. Mine is plenty quick on the whole shot, much better than a Phoenix IMO.

I came out of a ZX 225 and the ZXR is a much better riding boat. As for porpoising, I have not seen or noticed that so it would lead me to believe that a jack plate needs to be lowered. This boat chines more so than my ZX at high speeds but not too bad. I’ve touched 73 fully loaded by myself so they’re not fast boats. I’d say you’ll be happy with the FXR, but if you’re going to spend 80k, It might be worth looking at a few brands. I’m not brand loyal really, more so Fun n Sun loyal and wanted to buy another boat from those guys.

I’ve got the FXR21. I like it better than the 22’ Ranger I owned. Love the lay out and fishability. As for rough water, this boat rides as good and as bad as the rest. Rough water is just that. A rough ride. As for porpoising, it does happen when you come off plane and run at lower speeds. Just trim down. You’ll learn and it becomes easy. Fit and finish is great. No issues there. The trailer is built solid. Overall, I think it’s a bad [censored] boat. And I’m as picky as you will find.

The new Skeeter FXR supposedly has a different hull than previous year model FXR. In addition the ZXR supposedly has the previous year FXR hull. The new FXR is a tad slower than previous year from a lot of reports.
I have a 2021 ZXR20 that I have had since September. Zero issues with porpoising. I have dual 8' Blades and Atlas hydraulic plate which I usually keep between 10-12. I have touched 75 fairly loaded and solo. Hole shot is insanely good. Ride has been really, really good. Probably better than my 20i which was my opinion of best Skeeter ride I have owned. I have had several ZX225 and ZX250 boats but the ZXR20 is becoming my sentimental favorite. Also pretty happy with the Skeeter built trailer. My previous 2019 ZX250 had a Skeeter built trailer as wel and it was well built.l and

Just curious Mark, why a 20 vs 21? Specs call out the same beam of 97 for both, do you like the shorter boat for extra speed or tighter spaces or price point? Not that everyone needs a 21 footer, mine currently is 18'6" and I catch them just fine. I am trying to find a boat I can pay cash for and keep for 20 years so just trying to be careful about my choice.

I choose 20' in most cases as I love fishing timber and docks and just feel the 20' is easier to maneuver. I loved the 2019 ZX250 a lot but when I saw the ZXR21 was 21' 4" I just went with the ZXR20. I also like the little extra speed and quickness etc of he 20' when running on pad.

I went back to the ZX/ ZXR platform because I prefer metal trailer fenders, no TouchPad in boat and quite frankly I felt when tbey started tricking up the ZX/ZXR packages a few years back that they are such a great value over the FX/FXR platform that it just made sense to me personally.

Thanks and that makes sense. So were you able to add the power poles, jack plate, etc. that come standard on the FXR to the ZXR as dealer add ons or did you add that stuff post purchase?? And one more question and I will shut up...how do you like the deck lay out on the ZXR? The center twin rod boxes seem a little goofy.

My ZXR21 I added a 2nd pole, atlas JP, upgraded to a 12” helix on the bow and the same deck lights as the apex. You can remove or add to whatever you like. At least my dealer did this.

Mine were dealer added. Got credit for Power Pole that came on it then added dual.Blades. Still way less 5han the FXR price wise. Not knocking the FXR at all by saying that as it has plenty of other upgrades over the ZXR.

I was iffy initially on the team deck layout but thus is second boat with it. I have become a fan. I like it a lot. It fits the way I like to organize my boat

Took delivery of my ZXR21 in December. Upgraded to Atlas, dual poles, 52" Ultrex,15" Helix at console, 12' Helix with 360 at bow and a 10" Gramin with Livescope at bow. After all the options added I was pretty close to the FX price.

Pros for me....... all steel trailer, rocker style switches, center seat design and dual day boxes.

Cons........one livewell/recirc pump and the center box I've learned to live with but single compartment be better.

I love the setup on this boat and have been part of the Skeeter family for years. With that said the fit and finish and quality issues are not what I expect for the amount of money I paid. Not saying I'm leaving the brand but next boat I will look hard at other manufactures.

I've been running an FXR since November, and I'm very happy with it. I believe it's the best riding boat I've ever owned. Fit and finish is very good on mine. Love the rod box. Love the padded front deck - big and wide. Mine runs 69 mph at 5750 RPM, loaded, two guys, and half a tank of fuel. If I changed props, I think I could get a little more out of it, but I don't need it. Honestly, I don't think I could be happier.

Time for you to change your signature...Ranger doesn't make the FXR