Thread: Skeeter Bass Boat

Springhill, I'm on my second Skeeter, with a Ranger in between. I had a Skeeter ZX185. Then a Ranger 520. Now a Skeeter ZX200. I've been happy with all 3. My 200 that I have now is, personally, the perfect fishing platform. It's small enough to get into tight spots, yet rides, in my opinion as well, if not slightly better than the 520 in the rougher stuff. It runs 69-71 depending on the load with a 200hp Yamaha (which has been extremely reliable) It drafts very little water, which allows you to get a little shallower. And its laid out extremely angler friendly. I like the fact that the front deck on the Skeeter is nearly flush with the top cap, maybe an 1 1/2 to the top cap. 2 main storage compartments on the front deck, along with the port and starboard boxes. I will give the nod to the Ranger for rear storage, based on size, and the rear cooler. The cooler for my boat is under the passenger seat and it is small and ice doesn't seem to last all day like the Ranger, which is insulated with their shoot in foam. Access under the rear hatch is about equal on both. As far as cosmetics, its hard not to like the look of the Skeeter on the water, or on the trailer, for that matter. Fit and finish, I'll give the nod to Ranger. But I wouldn't say its head and shoulders above the Skeeter. The Ranger with its fiberglass compartments vs Skeeters drop in roto molded boxes just seems more "finished". Carpet seems about the same on both and both have worn equally as well. The gel coat finish is equal as well. My Skeeter handles like a sports car. It's quick, nimble, yet always under control.

Now, what I DON'T like about the Skeeter. The underseat storage on the driver side DOES NOT stay dry in any kind of rain. I have plans to put some sort of seal around the edge of the opening to try and keep water out. And the trailer it sits on leaves a lot to be desired. I think I got spoiled with the Ranger trailer, which I believe to be the finest boat trailer made. The EZ Loader trailer I have now sounds like a bucket of nuts and bolts getting shaken when I drive down the road. It's frickin embarrassing sometimes. The issue is the rivets that they use to secure the aluminum tread plates to the frame come loose or fall out. The only thing acting as a buffer between the plates and the frame of the trailer is a strip of some kind of paper. My plan is to get some composite cork/rubber gasket material and use this between the plate and frame and re-rivet. This should eliminate the noise. But honestly, those are the only two things I don't like about it.

I live in Gardner, so if you ever want to drive it, let me know and I'll meet you down at Hillsdale and you can take it for a spin and see how it fishes. I think you'll be extremely happy with a Skeeter. Not sure what size boat you're looking for but I have a friend that absolutely needs to move his ZX225.

Sorry this is so long, but I hope it answers some questions.

Diego Segui

Originally Posted by ksbugman200

Springhill, I'm on my second Skeeter, with a Ranger in between. I had a Skeeter ZX185. Then a Ranger 520. Now a Skeeter ZX200. I've been happy with all 3. My 200 that I have now is, personally, the perfect fishing platform. It's small enough to get into tight spots, yet rides, in my opinion as well, if not slightly better than the 520 in the rougher stuff. It runs 69-71 depending on the load with a 200hp Yamaha (which has been extremely reliable) It drafts very little water, which allows you to get a little shallower. And its laid out extremely angler friendly. I like the fact that the front deck on the Skeeter is nearly flush with the top cap, maybe an 1 1/2 to the top cap. 2 main storage compartments on the front deck, along with the port and starboard boxes. I will give the nod to the Ranger for rear storage, based on size, and the rear cooler. The cooler for my boat is under the passenger seat and it is small and ice doesn't seem to last all day like the Ranger, which is insulated with their shoot in foam. Access under the rear hatch is about equal on both. As far as cosmetics, its hard not to like the look of the Skeeter on the water, or on the trailer, for that matter. Fit and finish, I'll give the nod to Ranger. But I wouldn't say its head and shoulders above the Skeeter. The Ranger with its fiberglass compartments vs Skeeters drop in roto molded boxes just seems more "finished". Carpet seems about the same on both and both have worn equally as well. The gel coat finish is equal as well. My Skeeter handles like a sports car. It's quick, nimble, yet always under control.

Now, what I DON'T like about the Skeeter. The underseat storage on the driver side DOES NOT stay dry in any kind of rain. I have plans to put some sort of seal around the edge of the opening to try and keep water out. And the trailer it sits on leaves a lot to be desired. I think I got spoiled with the Ranger trailer, which I believe to be the finest boat trailer made. The EZ Loader trailer I have now sounds like a bucket of nuts and bolts getting shaken when I drive down the road. It's frickin embarrassing sometimes. The issue is the rivets that they use to secure the aluminum tread plates to the frame come loose or fall out. The only thing acting as a buffer between the plates and the frame of the trailer is a strip of some kind of paper. My plan is to get some composite cork/rubber gasket material and use this between the plate and frame and re-rivet. This should eliminate the noise. But honestly, those are the only two things I don't like about it.

I live in Gardner, so if you ever want to drive it, let me know and I'll meet you down at Hillsdale and you can take it for a spin and see how it fishes. I think you'll be extremely happy with a Skeeter. Not sure what size boat you're looking for but I have a friend that absolutely needs to move his ZX225.

Sorry this is so long, but I hope it answers some questions.

Diego Segui

I had the same problem with an EZ Loader and drilled out the rivets and put clear silicone on the chrome plate and screwed them back down. Here is a tip if you do this get a rag and wet it with 100% rubbing alcohol and you can wipe any silicone that comes out off. Worked perfectly and never heard any noise from them again.

KsBugman200 ? I do not wish to intrude on your conversation and please excuse me if I seem to be doing that.
I was wondering about this boat your friend is in need of selling, if I might ask where it is and what price you think he might be asking for it.
I would like to say that I thought that your letter sounds vey well written and also well thought out, I appreicate your post.
Thank You and wish you a very nice day to spend fishing!!
Rusty

Bugman PM sent...

i have been bass and crappie fishing since 1982. i have owned many , many boat through the years. i had a skeeter for 7 years . a 200 zx model with a 200 hp yamaha. i can honestly say that it was the worst boat i have ever owned. i had problems with the boat the whole time i had the boat. the finish was crap, the wiring had constant problems, electronic wiring problems , pump wiring problems, outboard wiring problems, trolling motor wiring problems. it was a constant battle to keep the boat fishable. the boat was fairly fast when it would run, and fished ok. it was just a constant head ache for 7 years. i tried and tried to sell it for a loss just to get out of it. i ended up trading it at about a $7500 loss just to get out of it. i may have just had a lemon but i will tell you this. i am not saying that i will never own another one because i have learned never to say never. but i will say that it is more likely that i will win the lottery without buying a ticket than me ever buying another skeeter. ooh year i traded it the boat a year ago. the dealer still has the boat he cant sell it either. not trying to talk you out of buying the one you are looking at. just thought you should know the problems that i had with mine.

Make me wonder why the ("need to absolute move the ZX225"), I guess I will keep an open mind for a bit longer.
Wioshing you all a very nice day to spend fishing.
Rusty

I have been very satisfied with my Skeeter boats over the years. I would buy another Skeeter in a heartbeat especially when saving multiple thousands of dollars compared to Ranger prices.

I recently had a buddy that needed to sell his boat but it wasn't due to his poor boat quality but rather poor ECONOMY quality. I would think that a lot of non-avid anglers may be selling off (or trying to sell) under used boats to help make ends meet in these "trying times".

KS_Bum

Hey Reel,

Springhill knows the reason he "has to move" his boat. Have a wonderful day.