Need Advice on Boat Selection

[SeaBiscuit]

Does anyone have any experience with a 2011 Skeeter ZX20 Bay vs. a 2009 Sea Hunt 186 Triton. Boats are the same price with same power (both would get 150 HP Yammys), but Skeeter is designed more for inshore/bay fishing and the Sea Hunt has higher sidewalls for rougher water. It would be used for skiing, tubing, trout fishing and maybe some runs out to Dog Island. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks - Sea Biscuit

[FUTCHCAIRO]

HAD A OLD SKEETER 18', IT WAS A LITTLE TOO NARROW FOR WHAT I NEEDED, SOLD IT AFTER A COUPLE OF TRIPS ON THE BIG LAKES. SOLID BUILT BOAT BUT JUST WAS NOT WHAT I NEEDED.
PA
SEMPER FI

[bbb]

Welcome to the new zoo.

Same price? Would be hard not to go with Newer and Longer boat then. I see alot of Skeeter Bay boats powered with alot more than a 150hp motor, so that would be my only concern. A 225 would look better sitting on the back of it.

[SeaBiscuit]

Thanks. 150 is max HP for both boats. The Skeeter will push 53 MPH with the 150 HP. Still a tough choice because the Sea Hunt is more family-friendly in that it has higher sidewalls.

[bbb]

Maybe the skeeters I've seen were 22's or 23's.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-for ... -cons.html

Looking at photos of both boats, they look totally different.

The skeeter looks like an inshore fishing machine, while the Sea Hunt looks like a undersized offshore boat.

The skeeter could also double as a freshwater fishing boat with a trolling motor. The Sea Hunt really couldn't.

Looks like you might be trying to push one boat to do too many things.

In a trip to Dog Island, I choose the Sea Hunt.
A trout fishing trip at Lanark, I choose the Skeeter.
Skiing and tubing, I don't see an advantage with either one.

[SeaBiscuit]

Thanks BBB - very good thoughts. I fished on a 22 Skeeter with Cajun Fishing Adventures out of Venice, LA a few weeks ago and it was a great boat. Fast with a 250 Yammy. In fact, all of their guides used Skeeters, which I thought was interesting. Although, they are mainly in the canals - sometimes in the open bay.

[wevans]

I would go with the Skeeter myself. If it was to rough to go over to DI in the skeeter, it would be to rough to go over there period anyhow and that extra 1 1/2 foot will come in handy plus being a more all-round type boat

[SHOWBOAT]

Skeeter. The SeaHunt is a "tweener in my opinion. A good 20' bayboat like a Skeeter will take your family any where they want to go in reasonable conditions.

[wevans]

I REALLY like this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-2010 ... 0580450198

[Reel Cowboy]

Get the Skeeter. Bow'd Up has that boat and she is a dang good flats/inshore boat.
Good hole shot, stable platform and skinny for a 20' bay boat.

[CairoTrout]

I would say the Skeeter. I have a 2009 zx 22' bay and I love it. It is safe, takes rough water well, rides great, and is very fast. Mine has a Yamaha 250 vmax HPDI and will run mid 60's. I have felt safe in it anywhere I fish and it will go shallow for a big boat. It will draft in about 12" and will take off in about 16". Message me if any questions

[bbb]

I would say the Skeeter. I have a 2009 zx 22' bay and I love it. It is safe, takes rough water well, rides great, and is very fast. Mine has a Yamaha 250 vmax HPDI and will run mid 60's. I have felt safe in it anywhere I fish and it will go shallow for a big boat. It will draft in about 12" and will take off in about 16". Message me if any questions

Man that boat looks hardly used. Couple more kids and she'll be for sale.

[captkeyser]

Beautiful boat! I would go with the Skeeter as well. Definitely get more bang for your buck!

[Chill-N-Grill]

I have a 2008 zx20 if you would like to go for a ride, but mine has the Yamaha 115 4 stroke and runs 43 wot. I have also been in 6 to 8ft seas with it, although not fun but will bring you home