Hi TFF
Looking for some input. Without price being a factor, which boat would you prefer and why? Looking for info that will help me decide between the two. Leaning towards Phoenix at the moment but with their affiliation with MLF I'm concerned they may become the next victim of the White River Marine group. If you've rode in or fished from both, please let me know pros/cons. Thanks to all

Honestly...how do you pick one over the other with those boats???

The only thing I would look at is the nearest service / dealer for each boat and motor combination.

Then I would look at the standard electronics vs. the need to upgrade. One may be better rigged / outfitted w/ electronics from the factory than the other.

First world problems. I would suggest driving them and fishing from them both in non perfect weather and decide. I believe Fun-N-Sun sells both and would be my first contact due to what I've read on here.

I’ve been giving these 2 options to people when they ask the same question

Skeeter is a great boat that has built in packages with only x amount of color options also with no chance of changing how they come rigged

Phoenix boats u can totally customize the boat start to finish to achieve the best boat possible without paying a lot of upgrade pricing.

Both from the dealer are within 3 grand of each other with Phoenix getting the better pricing route for 2022. Pick which one u think is the best in for, finish and ride

I bet Johnny will never buy out Skeeter.

Thank you Sir. I know the FNS staff well. Just looking for input that is not bias in any way (sales pitch). First world problems?

"First world problems" meant no offense- just saying it's a good problem to have trying to choose between those two rigs. You're generally going to get bias even from someone who has owned both, as it's likely they are in one or the other currently. That's why I suggested F&S- those guys would be more likely to just give you the benefits of both rides and hopefully the opportunity to drive each one. I would ask what boat the people that work there run if you want even more input.

First off I currently own a 2020 21FXR. I had a 2012 FX 21 prior and if you haven't been in an FXR the ride in the new boats is considerably better. FNS does demo rides in both boats and I would recommend doing that.

As far as which one is better I believe sits with the buyer. Prior to the FXR coming out I was really leaning towards a 921, after seeing the FXR and riding in it my decision was made. I have been in both in rough water and both are great, if I had to give an edge I would give the 921 a slight edge over the FXR in rough conditions. Go stand on both out on the water, I liked the feel of the FXR standing at the trolling motor over the 921. Felt as thought the platform was a bit more stable. Go look at Ken Smiths boat reviews of the boats, he does a great job on those. Also Wiedas marine posts videos to their Youtube page and does good walk throughs of both boats. Keep in mind Skeeters only come with Yamaha SHO's, Phoenix gives a few more options. Either direction you go they are top of the line boats.

The primary reason I'm leaning towards Phoenix at the moment are some of the quality issues I've seen with Skeeter. In almost everyone I've seen (including my current FX20) they use the bottom of the boat (hull) as a trash can. That's unacceptable if you ask me and poses a danger should you need you bilge and it becomes clogged with debris. Also, I've seen/heard of quite a few gel coat issues on the Skeeter. Outside of that, I'd love to stay in a Skeeter as I have so much Skeeter gear....I keep boats for a while so build quality matters. Has anyone else heard of issues with either brand?

Skeeter get those top caps sealed to the hull yet?

I have been looking at "new" brands for myself and I think out of those two, Phoenix is definitely a little better quality of a build. Seems Skeeter is so mass produced now they have gotten a little sloppy in their QC the past couple of years.

They are both extremely nice boats and that's just my opinion from the research I have done lately and from people I know who have purchased Skeeters recently.

[quote=Douglas J]I have been looking at "new" brands for myself and I think out of those two, Phoenix is definitely a little better quality of a build. Seems Skeeter is so mass produced now they have gotten a little sloppy in their QC the past couple of years.

They are both extremely nice boats and that's just my opinion from the research I have done lately and from people I know who have purchased Skeeters recently. [/quote




Totally agree with this!

I would put Phoenix just over the skeeter. Skeeter seems to have more issues with gel coat and small things

“Quality issues I’ve seen with Skeeter”, “unacceptable”…… Respectfully: sounds like you have answered your own question? Good luck with your decision!

I'd also suggest going to Fun N Sun and asking for Fain. Fain runs a Phoenix, but he can give you the pros and cons of both. I own a Skeeter and have had no issues, 2018 with 350 hours. Personally, I would have David at Shut Up N Fish install all electronics! Tell Fain Blake said to take you in both boats! I fished out of Justin Margraves Phoenix twice, once in bad weather. I loved the way the Phoenix handled and the details of the boat. The Phoenix is faster, but I think the Skeeter handles rough water better, but gets the passenger a little damp. If I were buying right now, I would lean more toward the Phoenix only because I'm close to wanting something different, I love the way the boat looks, and the ride is still excellent.