I’ve never ridden in an FXR, but my FX20 was a rough ride. I recently rode in a 721 of my buddy’s and after that ride in rough water, my next boat will prolly be a Phoenix.

I can assure you, Phoenix has its quality issues as well. I had one that stayed in the shop til I sold it, but it was a PHX. But both these boats are in my opinion the top 2 boats on the market today. Im now on my 8th Skeeter going all the way back to 2006, and have had ZERO issues with top caps, gel, stress cracks or anything in the ballpark. Ive had some screws vibrate loose, but thats about the extent of it. Actually just ordered my 9th which is a 2022 FXR 21 Select. And yes, you can custom color a Skeeter. Its not just the set colors.
Ive fished out of the Elite twice and will say it's a way better ride than the original PHX. Prolly why Phoenix put a different hull under the PHX top cap and called it the Elite. If you compare both these boats in a 21' model, they will both eat up rough water like its not even there, and ride "soft" in it. Speed, Ill give to the Phoenix but not by much. Maybe 2 to 3 mph. Fit and finish will go Skeeter no doubt.
You really need to drive both. But you cant go wrong with either one.

Might look at Caymas. If you fish tournaments, contingency money is better. They have a great riding boat also. Texas Boat World in Harker Heights.

Wrong, Skeeter can be changed to what you want

Only when buying a Select model though but with that being said u can rig out a complete Phoenix boat for in the mean time cheaper. I’ve priced both lately.

Then I would change it to a Bass Cat.

We own a 2020 Skeeter FXR21LE...... Rod Lockers are big and can hold plenty of rods/reels, we also love the wide seats, hotfoot, and live wells.... this is everything we like now for things we dislike....... fiberglass fenders are a big issue, we have been lucky and our fenders have not cracked but we will most likely be out into a Phoenix before they do, the buttons on the dash panel are ok, the deck creaking and what sounds like cracking we hate along with our carpet being loose and peeling up...... loading is good but it has to be a great ramp for a great load....... We also hate the craftsmanship of the skeeter, the fiberglass is wavy and partly unfinished and the gel coat is bubbling up, we will never make this mistake again in buying a skeeter..... if I were you I would go Phoenix 921Elite all day long, much more quality boat and you WILL be happy.....

Boy this has become a Skeeter bashing thread. I have had two now and other than minor things they have been great. I have a buddy who has Phoenix and even though top speed is greater it chine walks pretty bad. With that said both are great boats but maybe look into Basscat. Those guys love their boats and quality care seem to be wonderful. I had to take my 19 Skeeter FX back to the plant and they fixed absolutely everything. Even the hole in front deck that the dealer screwed up when putting a troll tamer on it. Wasn’t Skeeter’s fault but they covered it even with me being second owner. Boats are extremely overpriced and you should get exactly what you want. I love my Skeeter other than top end speed but I might try another brand in the future. Not due to not liking my Skeeter but more to try something else.

You are more than welcome to come look at our 2020 FXR21 LE before you make a $80,000 decision!

+1 If you don't think so, do some research before you make a post about the Skeeter.

Really appreciate all the responses.... as of now, Phoenix is in the lead. My only real concern is if they will get sold to White River Marine Group. Anyone have any thoughts or insight on that?

Not the first person I've heard with almost exactly same issues.