Boat Question

[gt1984]

Looking to get a newer 2-3 year old 21 ft rig. If you had your choice between a Ranger Z21, Skeeter 21 I Class, or a Champion 210 Elite, which would you choose and why? I am looking for user feedback, not a sales pitch. They all have uniqueness to them. Just doing my homework on what I know is a subjective topic.

Thanks

[swordfish]

Champion all the way for the ride and front deck space with lots of rods on deck. I Like the skeeters too, Ranger builds a fine boat as well but the Champions shine in so many ways...

[kopper_bass]

GT,
You'll get 100 votes for each of those 3 models. All 3 are great boats and you couldn't go wrong with buying any one of them. Those are my Top 3 picks for anyone buying a boat (that's just my personal preference).

what you need to do is really look at all 3 and focus on the features and the details. Then decide what features are best for you and what is more valuable.

As examples:
Price - you always need to look at price and decide if you want to really spend that much money vs. another boat at less money. The ranger is likely the most expensive of the 3 boats, but maybe its worth it to you - only you can decide that.

Speed - do you care if you have the fastest boat out there? i wont say which is likely the fastest, but it wont be the most expensive boat all 3 are going to get you there and plenty fast, but some guys just have to have the FASTEST and wont settle for anything less.

Engine - personally, this is one of the biggest things for me. The skeeter is going to be a yamaha engine, but the champion and ranger could have any one of the 4 major engine brands. So, do you care, is it important? I think it is. Be sure the boat you buy has the engine you want, feel good about, can trust. The engine is more value to you than the boat itself.

Layout - each of these boats is going to have slightly different locker layouts. Try all 3 out and see how you would best use the boat. The rangers have HUGE back deck lockers, whereas the skeeter does not. Important? Leg room - can you fit confortably behind the wheel on all 3 boats? Each of these have different levels of size in front of the steering wheel. try them all and you decide what feels good for you.

Extras - for the price, does each come with all the same add-on equipment? Is it got an 100 MG or 101 MK for a trolling motor? Do you care? What about the graphs? Are they all equipped with side imaging graphs, or are they low end? Replacing them adds K's of dollars.

Color and Appearance - i know this may be a bit pretentious, but color and appearance does matter to me. I love most boats, but there are a few that i just cannot stand and wouldnt have it even if it were free. Be sure you get a boat that you would feel good driving around in.

Take the time to look at all 3 you are considering, study the details, and get some hands on feel for each boat.

If you do that, i am sure that the best boat for you will start to shine and you will make the best choice for you.

Good Luck,

Kopper

ps- i ride Skeeter and choose that 1st, but i would not turn down an opportunity for a champion or a ranger either.

[gt1984]

Kopper,

Thanks for the detailed info. This is not my first boat, just upgrading to newer and the models have changed so much. I like the skeeter I class but tend to like the Merc Pro XS. How does the HPDI do for you? Economy? Power? Service? The old champs used to throw alot of water and you get wet. The new ones seem to be different. I had a 90's Ranger 20ft and the best thing was it was a stable big deck that you could be standing on with waves coming and you would not rock. The hulls are a little slower, but the new ones seem to have all the speed you need. How does the Skeeter rate with those considerations? The Skeeter tends to have more room behind the wheel. The Champ is the one I know the least about. Once I know which hull and motor I want, then I will look for one with the right TM, electronics, and color package. Lots of used rigs out there that are 2-3 years old and people are willing to negotiate to get out from underneath them

[gt1984]

AQny more thoughts out there WB land?

[Rick G]

Find out who your local dealers for each product are and have them give you a demo. Unless you are looking used you cannot any longer buy a "new ordered" anything with a HPDI engine on it as it no longer qualifies for California EPA restrictions. In the Yamaha line up all you can now get is the new SHO 4/stroke models. The Mercury Pro XS models all meet the CARB restrictions and are good for sale here. Rick G.

[gt1984]

The Ranger Z21 is out. Sat in one today. The console sits to low for my 6'3 long leg body. When hitting the hotfoot, the bottom of the console rest against my shin inderneath the kneecap. Not good.

Sat in a Skeeter 22I and it is great. So its betweena Skeeter and a Champion 210 elite unless someone else has something I should consider.

Even though you can't buy a new skeeter in Ca with the HPDI, can you strill buy a used HPDI powered motor without limitations?

Thanks

[Flippinjigs]

I have a Ranger 2005 Z20 Classic (older boat) with dule consoles. I ordered it with out looking at any thing else. I'm 6'5" and I don't have any issues with the console hitting either of my legs. I can strech them straight out under the console. However I don't have a hot foot. I guess with a hot foot your leg is bent more because the pedtal is closer to you. So your going to have clearance problems. Even when I let my son run the boat I still have plenty of leg room from the passenger seat. I am a Ranger guy. Owned one for 24 years and have never had a issue. So you know what I would vote for.

Good Fishin

[kopper_bass]

GT,
This is my 3rd Yamaha engine and i have never had a single issue with any of them (knock on wood... ehh my head ). I really do like the HDPI engine; it has never failed me. its a gas eater if you're on the throttle, but at cruising speeds is sips just fine.

i dont baby it, but i only run hard on tourney days. ii just get all the maintenance done, use yamaha oil, and put ring free in it always. i also let it warm up well. Guess it all helps.

Kopper

[fishercurtis]

I run a skeeter and love the boat. The only problem is now in the Bay area there ISN'T a dealer so if you have any issues and need a dealer you're SOL. The yammi runs great and no problems. Its now 5 years old and the boat has held up well.

[Gary Ryon]

Gotta go with the Champ.......just because of the trailer. so easy to get in and out .

[Steve Perkins]

Get a ride / drive in the boats your looking at, its the best way to see how they fit your driving and fishing style.

I have the Ranger Z21 and I love it, its great for the big waves we get here at Clear Lake and it is a great fishing platform

If you are up in the clear lake area and want a ride let me know,


Steve

.

[gt1984]

Thanks, i may take you up on that.

Anymore thought out there WB land?