What Brand Boat do you own and Why?

DeltaBound · Post by **DeltaBound** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 1:56 pm

What boat do you own and are you satisfied?

Thanks...

Bill Cook · Post by **Bill Cook** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 2:19 pm

And I am mostly satisfied. I have fished out of Rangers, Skeeters and Tritons in the last month. All nice boats, all worth looking at.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 2:54 pm

Ranger has always been the industry leader and in my opinion, the best boat made. The quality is unmatched and the resale is the best. I've owned a Skeeter(long time ago) and I actually liked that boat alot. The platform was stable and it ran rough water pretty good. The quality was just average though. Bass Cat boats look great but their quality is lacking. I think Champion boats ride rough water the best. Their quality is really good as well as their resale. I just don't like the way they look, especially their trailers, uuugh! I don't know enough about Triton to really say. I do know that they are no Ranger. My last boat was a 520 and the one before a 481. My Z-20 gets built tomorrow and in two weeks I'll have that bad boy. I can't wait!

Allantek · Post by **Allantek** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 3:00 pm

Wonderful boat! Smooth riding and is built to last.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 3:06 pm

I still ride a 191DC Champion
As the slogan says "RIDE AND DECIDE"
I bet a few Champions will be sold in the next few weeks after fishing the next 2 Pro Am's at Lake Mead.....

MN · Post by MN » Thu Mar 09, 2006 3:21 pm

Main reason is Ranger in my opinion has the most stable fishing platform and storage is huge.But all the top manufacture's have there advantage's.If your looking to buy one alot of PRO'S will take you for a ride.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 4:07 pm

Hey Ray, lets talk about this "RIDE and DECIDE" that you mentioned. Crazy Rick took you up on the challenge and ended halfway up a friggin rock wall at Havasu.

NOTE TO FORUM USERS: Don't, I repeat, Don't get in this man's boat. You are putting your life in the hands of Ray Leyerly.

JohNNy Utah · Post by **JohNNy Utah** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 6:00 pm

it may be a small one (171) but it sure is sweet for my needs. It handles big water pretty well but when you get it on the river or little skinny back waters, that's when it really shines. Oh yeah, it also fits in the garage so it's still as pretty as the day I bought it.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 6:04 pm

Bill Cook,

I'm just wondering why your "And I am mostly satisfied" with your Z

Gerryjig · Post by **Gerryjig** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 7:17 pm

my 181....doesn't fish like a Skeeter or Ranger, but the 188's and 198's do!....that's my next boat for sure!....a sweet 198! I've driven and been driven in quite a few boats, but nothing ever handled or drove as well as a Champ. Ranger would be a close second though......

Kelly Ripa · Post by **Kelly Ripa** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 8:18 pm

still smiling in my '96 Champion dual console 187 Elite with a 150 optimax...I really thought the no splashwell was sexy with the new " then !" technology Motor and it seemed like it would be lower in upkeep, easier maitanance with the simple carbon fiber dash and clean glass bezels and anodized gauges...It was perfect for what I do, fits in a garage....and more importantly it has resale appeal....I had a 20 foot Winner single console that was the best to fish out of yet just the worst boat...I swear there was something wrong about the placement of the engine and avaiable water for the 200 black max I had...Thank you Rick Grover for making me an honest deal that I'm still happy with.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 8:27 pm

Basscat for me... but, they may change pretty soon!

My Basscat is a classic and has not advanced features so its hard to critique it. I do know Matt Newman's Puma is awesome!

With that said, I am seriously looking into switching over to Legend.. I have liked the look of the Legend boat since I first saw it being driven by Jim Conlow at last year's frog tournament. I have always liked the way a Champion rides (Ray L has a point) and the Legend is supposed to be very similar but, the Legend boat company is what I like.. these guys are young, innovative and looking to improved on what everyone else is currently doing.

If they ride like I hear they ride then I'll be hard pressed to go any other direction. These boats have the best turning in the business, are very fast and with custom "fade" paint jobs, 20 inch rims on their trailers and all the advanced manufacturing these guys have picked up from other manufacturers I can see Legend getting big real fast! Sure they are a sponsor of Angler's Choice now, so you may think I have to say this... but, that's not the case... I can drive whatever I want.. and I want to Run with a company who is foreward thinking and interested in making a better boat.

I believe one of the partners in Legend won a boat a few weeks back in a Bass Champs Texas event. That says a lot to me... these guys actually fish... and fish seriously and that means something to me. For an analogy I look to food.. its kinda like, a chef... a fat chef is generally more appealing than a skinny one! ha ha ha

Check out these boats -

Notice the three color seats in picture 1... The custom fade on picture 2... High end Consoles... These guys are NOT cutting any corners and the price is right! If it rides anything like a champion (which I hear it does).. Then I very well may be Riding with a Legend soon! and I'd highly recommend at least checking one out before dropping $40K-$70K on a boat. I will report back after taking one for a test spin over the next couple of weeks!

Be sure to check out the Prize boat at the Angler's Choice Lake Mead Pro/Am next week!

CN · Post by CN » Thu Mar 09, 2006 8:47 pm

Very nice boat,sure has a resemblance to a "RANGER"

Bill Cook · Post by **Bill Cook** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 8:48 pm

The Z boat rides and fishes great and looks incredible. I have had to re-attach the carpet in the rod lockers and overall, I think it could have a little better workmanship. My 2004 519 seemed to be put together better. That said, I will always run a Ranger.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 8:58 pm

If you think that looks like a Ranger you are very mistaken. I have ridden in 1 of these boats back in Tenn. when I qualified for Everstart Championship. They look nothing like a ranger but they do ride like a Champion because of the original designer was John Storrie ( forgive the misspell on the last name Rick) These boats come from a mold he designed called the Hawk. I know that they have done some major overhalls on them and improved them 10 fold. There are some great ideas they have come up with. Don't count them out as a player by any means as I am thinking the same way Tom is. There inovations and there style is a nice break from what I have seen lately on the market.Check them out this year at all the southern A/C Pro Am's.
By the way I have been friends with there rep for a long time, many of you may know him Jamie Cyphers.

Colebass · Post by **Colebass** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 9:58 pm

Satisfied! Boat is made very well, funs fast and almost bullet proof!

For craftsmanship I think Basscat is the best or one of the best, for sure. They recently won their second JD POWERS award! You should check them out!

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:23 pm

That Hawk, uh, I mean Champion, uh, I mean Legend looks pretty nice. I wonder how much they cost?

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:45 pm

Legend boats are similarly priced as the new Z boats.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 12:20 am

I am sure it has a lot of resemblence to a Ranger.. and a Champion and probably a little Basscat and Triton too. After spending many hours on the phone with these guys, I have certainly got the feeling the did their homework before getting Legends on the market. I know Conlow loves his! I can't wait to see the new 199 boat not sure if I can give away its actual name yet.. so I will leave that to them to announce.

Colebass · Post by **Colebass** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 1:21 am

Do they have dealers in the west?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 1:25 am

They are picking up dealers daily. I hear they ride great. I will be taking one for a test spin over the next week or two. I will report back on the ride.

However, from everyone I have talked to that has ridden in one, they all say it rides like a champion.... which is a good thing if you ask me!

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:41 am

Do they have a website?

John Barron · Post by **John Barron** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:47 am

Stable and soft ride, great fishing platform and quality throughout.
jb

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:49 am

John Barron · Post by **John Barron** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:07 am

Murph · Post by **Murph** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:54 am

www.legendmarine.com There is a Dealer locater on that page.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 8:14 am

Legend boats are not as much as the Z boat. They are priced less.
I like the light package they have. They also have red lights in the livewell that are standard. Great for night fishing.

Kelly Ripa · Post by **Kelly Ripa** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:17 am

Yeah, but here ya go another company that "did it right" but could not keep up with the big boys advertising bucks and your stuck trying to sell a great boat without the "names" the other companies pr dept. have made sure will always have resale value. Isn't that what happened to the hawk and that center console behemouth....Do they still sell hawks

....I watched one tear up clearlake one day while I had my hands full staying alive ,,,they were just driving right up the middle of the lake do'n 50 mph so they must've had something going for them. I really liked the look of the Hawk when I was looking to buy in 98 but with my experience with my Winner I didn't want to be twice bit. In the long run if your planning on being buried in your boat it won't really matter what you buy but how you take care of it.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:23 am

Part of the reason the Hawk went under is not from the p.r. dept. but other things happened. They were a great boat but had some problems in the building dept.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 12:56 pm

Hey Mark,
Its Http://www.legendbassboats.com

Kevin..

I don't think they are priced the same as the Z-Boats.

For kicks I called and got a couple quotes, these are ballpark Numbers:

LEGEND 21X - with 250XS OPTIMAX $46K

Ranger Z21 with 250XS - $55K

$9000 pays for a lot of gas and tournaments!

Also, the first Legend dealer in California is IN-LAND Marine in Antioch. I am guessing they are working on more right now.

Basn Dan · Post by **Basn Dan** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 2:08 pm

Gotta luv my Cajun. For an old boat, it fishes great, runs great and cost me $3500.My dream is a TritonTR-21X with 250 Verado. Someday...

Larry Zepeda · Post by **Larry Zepeda** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 2:47 pm

Yeah, the Legend Boats are really nice (94" beam) and I can't wait to see the
new 199 when it comes out this spring. From what Jaimie said, it's going to be an awsome boat.

Larry Zepeda

http://www.savephace.com

rmcollins3 · Post by **rmcollins3** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:33 pm

2002 Triton TR21 with 225 Optimax for me.

Reason: Found it on Ebay for 25K!

Rides very well up to about 65mph but then will chine walk if you aren't careful or ready for it.

Very smooth and stable fishing platform. More storage than I ever use.

JohNNy Utah · Post by **JohNNy Utah** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:33 pm

I haven't had a chance to ride in one yet, but I have checked out the last few that Jamie Cyphers has had for various customers. I can say this about them, They don't miss a trick. lots and lots of very cool features. There's even a light in the handle! Ray L. is right though, similar to a Hawk which is similar to a Champion. If you're in the market for a new boat but can't quite make up your mind, you really need to take a look at them.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 7:11 pm

I guess I am a gambler... I like what the company has to say about themselves and I believe they have some pretty financially stable owners which will certainly help them out. They appear to be catching on fairly fast for a new company. The fact they have brought all the knowledge of mistakes past by other boat companies that should help them avoid the pitfalls they will encounter along the way. Far as I am concerned, there is no better way to learn than from someone elses mistakes!

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 7:22 pm

They are definately killer looking. If they had a good dealer here in So Cal, I could see Legend catching on.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 2:22 am

I don't know how the whole boat dealer thing works.. but, it would be cool to see a few legends at Angler's Marine or AIM Marine or Stanton Marine!

I am not a business consultant by any means and I don't play one on TV either..... but, I am thinking having as many options open to the possible boat buyer can't be a bad thing!

Ken C. · Post by **Ken C.** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 11:36 am

TZX190/175 HPDI and I'm very satisfied with the quality, stability, storage, fishability, handling, dry ride, hole shot and downright good looks

!

Ron C · Post by **Ron C** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 11:48 am

...It just doesn't GET any better than this!

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 11:50 am

WORD!

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 6:47 pm

I think Gary Yamamoto fishes out of a Legend.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 6:49 pm

Gary sure does fish out of a Legend.. and from what I hear.. loves it!
Tom

Murph · Post by **Murph** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 8:09 pm

All this press they are receiving, I have a POS certificate that I need to move by March 31. $1500.00 off the price of a new one. Make an offer.

Ray Coleman · Post by **Ray Coleman** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 9:59 am

I love my Ranger 518 200 Opti and for my money it's the best! My team partner has a Triton 225 Opti and although I must say the ride is good, my 200 will run right with his 225. There has also been some warranty issues that are alarming on the Triton.

As far as Legend i believe they bought molds from Cobra when they went under. I used a 20 ft Cobra will fishing for a dealer and it was both fast and smooth so if that is the same hull design it's a good one!

DeltaBound · Post by **DeltaBound** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 5:38 pm

What's the difference between the 500 series and the Z series rangers?

Team_Rod · Post by **Team_Rod** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 8:32 am

I own a stratos vxl. its a nice boat rides smooth lot of storage sapce etc. Granted there are better boats out there ie. Triton, Ranger, Skeeter etc but the sticker price on the stratos was more in my range.

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