Both of these are new boats & I'm on the verge of making a decision. Same size motor (1 Yamaha, the other Mercury), both will be the same price to me. The Skeeter is a model year newer and has tandem-axle trailer, but is 18'6. The Legend is 19'5", but has single-axle trailer.

Which would you pick? Why?

P.S. This is my first new boat, I'm upgrading from a 15' Bass Tracker w/35HP Evinrude.

First off, both are GREAT boats, and you won't go wrong whichever you chose. What HP? 150, or 175? The Legend may be a bit slower than the Skeeter with the 150. As far as Yam vs Merc is concerned, both are solid motors. Storage is a thing to consider as well. Garage kept, or covered? The tandem axle on the Skeeter will make hand manuevering a bear, and the Legend has an extra foot to consider. I can honestly say that I wish I was in your position, good luck.

Thanks for your comments. The motor will be 150HP. I am a little concerned that the 19'5" will be a little under-powered, but I'm a non-tourney guy, recreation only. Also, the Legend surprisingly (to me) has a dry weight 200lbs. less than the Skeeter, while also being 11" longer? Could/will the Legend actually run better w/150 than the Skeeter because of the weight difference? The boat will be garage-kept, so your point on tandem vs. single axle is duly-noted.

like rt said both are great boats. If you can ride in both or better yet fish out of both if you can. also dealer location can help you also.

even though the "dry weight" may be 200 pounds less, that don't mean much. the legend will still be slightly heavier when finished out.

to me the legend would be the tougher boat, and better in fit and finish.

if you ever decide to re-sell the boat, the skeeter may sell quicker than the legend.

tough call on which one to go with. I sure would like to see a 200 or 225 on that legend. not to mention a tandem trailer on a boat that long will certainly tow easier.

the mercury is the better choice for me. but a 150 yamaha is not having many problems either.

you just gotta say...mmm. "which one is prettier". cause they are both pretty good boats, and both will fish very good. the legend does win in rough water handling.

good luck to ya sir.

Keep the comments coming. I'm hoping to make a final decision in the next day or so. This is the best "tough decision" I remember having to make.

I heard a Geico commercial on the radio this morning that kind of reminds me of this decision. The gecko says "It's like when the Queen calls you to ask if you'd like to dine with her in the palace or the castle. Either way, you're gonna be eating filet mignon."

Steve that legend is only 4 inches shorter than mine but is rated for a 200. Heard its like driven a camaro when it has a 200 on and gets low 70's. Guess mine is the vette of em then. LE199 with 225 pro xs and great prop work from steve. Getting 78 or more. Depends on the temp. Also running them in this metanium you wont get all out of em either. Hot weather sucks for running for speed

Just curious on what dealership you are talking to and where they are? I am looking at the Skeeter zx 190 also. What kind of price are you looking at? This would help me gauge where my dealership is at,plus give someone else to bid against them. Also would be interested in speaking to the legend dealership.

Thanks,

John

thanks for clearing up the rating thing for me. i couldn't remember if it were rated for the 200 or 225.

course if i were to buy a boat, i'd buy the bullet..lol. but, i'm a speed freak. gotta run over 90 when the conditions allow for it. 45k for a 21xrd and a 300xs will get you to almost 100mph for a brand new bullet, ready to fish.

the legend will ride way better, but the 150 seems to be a little under powered but if youre not fishing tournaments it really doesent matter.

if the legend had a 200 or 175 that would be my choice but thats a tuff decsion both are really good boats .

the zx 190 doesent need a tandem axle trailer.what dealer are you talking too. he doesent know how to order boats very well

The legend seems to have more deck, at least in the rear. I have been told by several that the legend should have the better ride.

Another factor to consider is that the Legend is dual console, the skeeter would be single. I know a lot of guys prefer the single, but I'm usually fishing w/my buddy or my daughter. They both prefer to be "consoled". Especially after all of the baths that we've taken in the 'ole Tracker! I remember a windy day last fall that the woman at the marina asked if I had fallen in. Uh.....unfortunately running the 15' tracker into 40MPH wind has a similar effect.

Just curious, Steve. If the Legend is 200# lighter and the equipment added is roughly equal, why would it weigh more?

Artie

the dual console, more carpet, more wiring. longer the boat the more wiring needed, etc.

Course i'm only speculating. I don't build boats. However it's basics. dry weight doesn't mean rigged weight.

there was an article in the bassmaster magazine about a pro that re-rigs his boats when he gets them. he said he removes about 30 pounds of wiring, etc. it was interesting. Just some guy named Zell Rowland..lol. i definately took that article to heart.

Thanks for the comments/opinions etc. I have made a decision and bought the Legend. For the same money, it was just a much better deal. BTW, the Legend 195 is typically on the order of $10k more than a comparably equipped ZX190. This boat was a tourney-won purchase from an individual, thus his willingness to lower the price. So, it was pretty apples & oranges all along.

congrats on your purchase!! good choice.