I run a 203 Champion with a 225 Yammy, I have had a Champion for 12 years now, my only complaint is that the front deck is too small. That being said, it runs great!

If I had to choose a new new boat, it would be a Ranger Z520 or a Basscat in the same size with a 250hp

Spend as much time as possible in everything you can get behind the wheel of. No boat is gonna hit every point 100% and only you can decide what compromises you are willing to live with. I've owned several brands over the past 40 years and currently run a BassCat. Truthfully, I'd rather drive a Skeeter than anything on the water but the Cat is just superior to the Skeeter in rough water or at least it is with me driving. Trolling motor down a Skeeter or Ranger can't be beat. Since Champion is now R.I.P. I won't discuss it's rough water and handling ability. Charger should equal the Champion in rough water ride but I don't think it'll handle as well in other situations. Phoenix looks like a sweet boat but it hasn't stood the test of time like Ranger, Skeeter and Bass Cat have. The same could be said for Legend. A previous poster had complained about the Bass Cat hole shot, all I can say is that either it was set up wrong or he had engine issues.

if you ever rode in progator you would see smooth ride in big waves I had all owners in my boat they always comment that my boat surprised them on the ride. progator 200v with merc 225 72mph fast enough

Larger diameter/higher pitch props will produce more top-end speed, assuming the motor has enough horses to turn it. For instance, I run a 25" Yammy T1 in the summer. I can change to a 27T1 in the winter and run faster (assuming moderate chop), but my hole shot is not as good. I suspect the guy in the Bass Cat was propped for maximum speed which is why he couldn't get out of the hole.

You DO NOT have to change props. Just a better mousetrap sometime.

Thanks for all the information guys. It is appreciated. I liked my charger, it was good in rough water conditions for an 18' boat, but I was wanting to move up to a 20 or 21' footer to have more room and storage space.

Thanks again

Just ask mark perry, he has owned every brand of boat there is in the last 10 years.

Have had about very boat made,and I agree with Gatorkid,try a Pro Gator,you cannot get a better boat for the $$$

if you liked the charger then look at champions. they have a common history.

my bass cat doesn't jump out of the hole tourney loaded with two guys 275 running a fury 26 , but it beats everyone else running down the boat lane at blast off after i plane out and get the trim right.....i have heard rangers are faster now but i have not seen one that can do 74 mph. mine is the fastest in our club, no one has a gambler, allison or blazer. my boat empty did 85.3 i wanted the speed, but i love it because i feel the fit and finish is second to none. plus i feel the basscat vacuum process on the glass is better than the rest with LIFETIME TRANSFERABLE HULL WARRANTY, no bs like the triton i had with a difference of 10 years warranty after the initial sale......

my 2011 520 Merc 250 GPS's 74 mph half tanks not empty and I weigh 225. however, it starts walking at 70, so I keep it 68-70.

Legend

Take a ride with one, if your in DFW PM me and I'll take you anytime

TEAM RANGER!!!!

Please, DRIVE THEM ALL!! It won't cost you a thing to go to Fun N Sun Boats and get a test ride/drive in a Skeeter. When you spend that kind of money for a boat, its kinda' nice to know the people you purchased from makes you feel like you are part of a family. Just don't start and stop with test riding the boat, test the Dealer out and see what they have done for the fishermen! I know what Monte and Jeff at Fun N Sun does for Bass Club Fishermen and their customers. Try them out and see for yourself. Good luck with your purchase! Duck

Something else to consider is that eventually you'll sell the boat. When I was in the market for a used boat in 2012 I did a lot of research and found that Ranger had one of the best resale values. Also some of the features/upgrades that were standard on the boat were not in other brands. The only complaint I personally have is that it's not a fast boat but who catches fish running at 75+ MPH anyway.

i've ridden in only one ranger, it was keith combs on the sabine river tournament it went 67.7. brandon palaniuk on the second day was going 77.6 is his fx 21. i dont have a whole lot of other experience than that. the resale on a basscat is right there with a ranger. like everyone else has said, ride in them all,
and fish in them all