I can add a few comments for those that who are looking for a smaller boat.

One more thing to add about the Z-9, though. I agree with Terry's comments, and it definitely is a much improved boat for Nitro, but I didn't like the fact that the front deck flexed when you walked on it. It looks like they need more support up there.

I crawled around two of Stratos' smaller boats. The 176XT is a 17 footer that is rated for 75 horses. You can buy it brand new for 13K with a 50-horse 4-stroke Yamaha. I'm convinced that there isn't a better bass boat in that price range. They are cheaper than a Tracker aluminum, and they are not even comparable in features and hull. The 176 has a ton of storage space, more than most 18 or 19 footers from the 90s. It also has a very nice trailer. The only place I really noticed corner cutting is in the graphics. The main Stratos graphics are just a sticker on the hull. They looked nice brand new, but they might wear out and look ratty over time.

The 285XL is Stratos' 18-footer, and that is a sweet boat! It has all the features of a larger bass boat with great storage space. With a 150 Yamaha VMax, they were asking 23K for it. If I had the money, I would take that boat in a heartbeat.

My impressions of the Rangers match what others have already said. I liked the looks and functionality of the Comanches/V-series over the Z-Series boats. I think the Zs have weird decks with those running aluminum or fiberglass lines that house the locks.

Thanks everyone that brought the boats out. It was a nice way to spend Saturday morning. Although now I just want a bigger boat really bad and am 1-2 years away from buying. 

Chris

Dang, wish I could have been there.  The weather did not turn as bad as first thought, too.  Thanks for the comments, all.

A nice fairly balanced review of the boats you tried out Pat.  Here's a toast to ya for that.   BTW, I thought you were going to take mine out for a spin.

As a side note Larry's Z-20 does indeed have quite a mid-range punch if he runs his other prop.  That 28" Raker will give him a very high top end, but doesn't respond as well on the hole shot or midrange acceleration as a 27" Tempest does.  He runs that 28" so he can keep up with me.( ). har

Smitty

xsftballer, no I have a white TR21. I suspect you are thinking of Glenn May.
And Glenn, thanks for the correction on the Ranger keypad, makes sense now.

Quote:


Just a correction, as I have this console and system on my Commanche 520 (the green one mentioned above).  You only have to hit the 4 digit code once when you first start it in the morning.  This turns the console on. It stays on for the next 10 hours, or until you enter the code again followed by hitting the "off" button, which turns off the panel.  During those 10 hours, you just hit "on" to turn the motor on, and "off" to shut her down.

I noticed most the boats are now going to this keypad style of operation, so it's no longer a differentiator for Ranger.

You know I have to admit that even being a Skeeter guy, the Triton X-2 was SWEET. Boat turned great and the hole shot, like Varmit said, was amazing.

Varmit - do you have a green Ranger?


Mark - the Z-9 looks great!

I just stopped by to gawk a little as I had my two lovely girls with me.  Ranger, Skeeter, Nitro, Stratos, and Triton were all represented by at least one boat.  My impressions are solely based on fit, finish and looks.  I wish I would have had the freedom to ride around in a few of them.  Oh well, next time. 

I crawled around the Z9 out of curiosity and found it to be laid out very well for storage.  3 boxes in front and two huge rod lockers which should be expected of a 21 foot boat.  Fit and finish was good and is an eye catching boat.  As I heard quoted by I believe Mr. Smith standing there, "This isn't your father's Nitro."  This is a true statement as it is better built that previous years.  Unfortunately, only time will tell as nobody was able to ride in it or see it perform. 

I have to say that I prefer simply by looks the Commanche Series boats over the Z's.  Again the layouts of all the 21 foot boats are good. 

I really like the looks of the Skeeters and the Stratos boats.  I do like that the Skeeters still use two livewells.  It sure is nice when fishing two people.  Again, I don't have a great reason other than preference and maybe I don't want to fill the whole back of my boat to put one fish in if you get my drift.  I also like that the latches are hidden.  Stratos boats on the other hand look mean...

I just peaked at the Triton X2.  I can't help but notice that they adopted a very similar sponson to the Skeeters.   I wonder if it helps chine walk or is just to help for level flotation?  Either way it sounds like an improvement over the old hulls.  They are nicely laid out.  Looks wise, I've never thought too much of Tritons.  Just my opinion though.

It was really cool to see all of the boats together and a format to look around them and take rides.  Hopefully it will happen again and I will be able to benefit fully from it.

Mark,

Were there many people there? Any sales? How were the rides?

I participated in last years and it was a good way to make a decision in purchasing my next ride.

Russ

It was a great event, and very educational.  I loved being able to climb all over the boats to look at different construction, finish, and hardware qualities.  Just wish we could have had the Z-9 able to run to compare it with the other boats.  A big thanks goes out to Dan Conrath, Jeff Priester, Smitty and the rest of the gang who put this together.

Mark

By all means, those who were there, please share your impressions of boats.

I hesitated about responding here because somebody always seems to get offended so remember, these are just my impressions after driving some boats Saturday. Larry took me out in a 2006 21' Ranger Camanchee with 250 Yamaha. Very heavy feeling boat, trim and jack plate hieght had to be just right or steering was stiff. Motor did not impress me. Lots of bow lift to get out of the hole. None of the storage compartments had the slot system for standard lure boxes. To start this boat I was told you have to hit the start button, a four digit code and then another button. Amazingly, you have to go through a similar sequence to shut her down. I'll take a simple ignition switch any day over this. In Rangers defense, this boat had some maintenance issues. The hot foot would not return unless pulled back with the top of your shoe and the speedometer was not working. Larry could see I was not impressed with this boat and insisted we take a ride in his personal 20' Comanchee with a 225 E-Tech . I was amazed, totally different boat. Feather light steering no matter the trim setting. Hole shot is good but still has a lot of bow lift. The storage compartments make more sense and seem more usable than the 21 footer. Front deck is definatley too small for me though. The E-Tech is shockingly quiet but seems to lack any serious midrange punch. Nice boat, thank you Larry for all your time and information.
Jeff Preister brought a TR21X2 with a Merc 250XS that had never been in the water, just 25 minutes of tank time. Even though I never gave the boat full throttle (remember, not broken in) this motor clearly had more power at any rpm than the other two motors. Jeff had guessed at motor height and prop, he guessed very well. The lack of bow lift on hole shot was amazing, especially considering this boat had zero weight up front. The location of the fuel tank midway in the hull makes a world of difference. Overall handling of the new X2 hull is about as flawless as you can ask for. The adjustable seats are super comfortable and hold you in, no need to grab a handrail. The storage compartments make sense, to me anyway. The console and instruments also seem more logical then other boats. And, I gotta say, the quality of the X2 has no equal. Yeah I know, your saying I drive a Triton now, I'm biased. Well, the X2 is light years ahead of my 98 TR21. That's a no brainer. What suprised me was, as I left the boat ramp Saturday, I realized I would rather have my boat than either of the Rangers I drove. It accelerates harder, handles bettter at any speed under 65 mph and has better storage. What about Stratos or Skeeter? They were well represented at the demo but I just don't find either boat's styling appealing. Those are my opinions, anybody alse want to share?  Smitty, thanks for bringing the demo to my attention, I would have been very unhappy had I missed it.

Today is SAT. Crap, I am in Seattle at a State Deca Conference and didnt even have internet to find out about this when smitty posted it. You guys can test drive the Legend anytime.

-Nick

Rob,

Bass Boat Central. Have read many that bashed the new Z-9. I think it is one sweet looking ride.

Russ

I'll tell you what...that Z-9 is a bad looking ride. What sites have been talking about it? I would like to read what the opinions are.

Hey Chris,
 I know what you mean.  I have registered with a few boards to get info on dialing my new 911 in.  And most of the discussion has been about the new Z-9's.  Seems everyone has an opinion already.    Only time will tell, if the the Z-9 lives up to or down to the hype.  All I know, is that it is a good looking boat, it does go fast, and ride real nice.  Unfortunately, I won't be driving her this weekend.     Insurance issues, and breakin issue's with new motor).   It should be a great time to get out and look at all the great boats there this weekend.  Good time to make up one's mind on what one wants.

Mark

BTW Larry, that was hilarious.  Make sure you have the rubber boots that go over the calf, with all the rain headed our way.

Let us know if it goes 80 Mark    They look cool.  They sure do take a bashing on the other boards though.