triton 215x vs. skeeter zx2050 [Archive]

boneman_66

08-16-2004, 06:17 AM

hi all,

due in part to some good responses to an earlier thread, i've narrowed down my decision to the skeeter and triton. i'm finding some information on the triton hard to find such as:

1) how much does this boat draft? the skeeter is listed at 14" which is good since i live on a river and have to face very low water at times to access the lake. i realize that the less it drafts the less it will probably handle rough water well, but all things being equal which of these boats can run shallower?

2) it appears that the skeeter has two livewells which i like. does the triton also have two (not counting baitwell(s)?

3) can you flush mount the sonar/gps units in the skeeter like it appears you can in the triton? i don't know why but i really like that.

4) the triton looks like it would be a little more comfortable for someone to lay out on the back casting deck - is that the case or do both offer a cushion option that goes on top of the aft casting deck? i know that sound like a silly consideration but if i want to go multi-species vs. a typical fish 'n ski i have to make sure it is somewhat comfortable for the Mrs.!

5) what's the top speed difference in these boats assuming similar/most powerful engine configuration?

thanks much in advance for the info - you guys have already been a tremendous help.

boneman

boneman_66

08-16-2004, 12:21 PM

man - 68 views and no responses - i feel like a posting leper :(

were those irrelevant questions or do people just not have experience with those two boats?

Toolman

08-16-2004, 01:08 PM

boneman66,

If it will make you feel any better I'll take a crack at (a couple of)your questions. I've been in both, but never fished out of either boat-so I'm hardly an expert.

Q # 1-Draft difference of the two boats should be within an inch or so +/-.

Q # 2-I believe the Triton has 1 rear livewell only.

Q # 5-Triton 215 top speed is reported in the low 60 MPH (up to near mid-60's) GPS. The Skeeter 2050 should run in the mid to upper 50's. This would be with a 225. Both are rated for 250 HP. As a fomous fisherman once said: "you can't keep your lures in the water at that speed anyway"! I'll see if I can get you some more knowledgable help.

Tim

The Sandman

08-16-2004, 05:03 PM

I have a 2003, 2050 Skeeter with a 250 HPDI. It has a stock Yamaha 23 pitch 3 bladed prop and has run 58.4 on the gps. This engine has about 60 hours on it. As it gets more hours on it and the weather gets colder it gets faster. I have not run it with nearly empty fuel tanks, and think it is capable of 60 with some tweeking. The boat is VERY responsive and jumps out of the water at take-off. I have not experienced any of the porpoising problems that some owners report. The Triton is much faster according to Gary Grays comments last week. According to him I think his boat ran 68 gps. That should be the fastest Walleye boat by far.

The two live wells are not necessary. It has a rear casting deck but no padding. I took the deck out before I began break-in and have not put it back in.

I have not been able to fill up all the storage yet. Guess I better buy some new stuff. I am very satisfied with the 2050.

I believe the new Triton is much longer and would create a storage problem for me. My Skeeter just barely fits with the swing tongue

boneman_66

08-16-2004, 06:40 PM

thanks for the info - i've been hearing very good things about both boats.

the reason i ask about the two livewells is that i would eventually like to fish in some bass tourneys that might involve a boater and a co-angler. if we fish out of my boat wouldn't we need 2 livewells to be able to keep our respective fish separate?

also - does the skeeter have any kind of boarding ladder? even though i will be primarily fishing out of it, it would be preferable to have an easy way back into the back for when it is being used recreationally.

thanks
boneman

wiredog

08-16-2004, 09:18 PM

Buy the TRITON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!! wiredog

Box

08-16-2004, 10:06 PM

I don't have either, but will add my 2 cents ;) I like them both. Have only really been able to inspect the skeeter, from a guy who had his family out in it on the lake. Very nice and sure seemed family friendly that day. I am pretty sure you could easily add a ladder on back.

Re: Livewells and bass tourney - a walleye sized livewell is much bigger than those the bass guys use, and most have a separating "wall" you can add. Or you can always use the culling clips for one angler's bass and leave them together.

We have two livewells (front one is HUGE) in our boat (alum) and I hate the fact that we have two. Our rear is big enough for anything we would ever need, including bass tourney. The front is just storage now, but it would be much nicer if it was designed as storage.

Anyway, if you get either of these boats you are a fortunate guy. Very nice boats. Personally, I think I might go Triton but the skeeter sure is nice. I was ready to buy one last year, if I had the $$$ ha! :)

-Box

http://www.walleyecentral.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=103808

boneman_66

08-17-2004, 06:53 AM

very helpful guys - thanks much

wiredog - you're right - i do want the triton but g*dd*m that's a lot of money! it's too bad that the 215x hasn't been around longer. if i could find a used one within 500 mis. with a full windshield i'd think very seriously about that.

maybe some of the guys who got into them this year will be trading up to new models and i'll see some more used ones in the coming months . . .

Crusher23

08-17-2004, 08:09 AM

I'll chime in I guess. I am one of the people that looked at this earlier and didn't respond primarily because I don't have any knowledge of the Triton. I own a 2001 ZX2050 and can back up what has already been said about the Skeeter. There is plenty of space to add a boarding ladder on the transom since it is a nice flat surface. The two livewells plus a baitwell in the back are nice and work great. There is a ton of storage space and the boat runs great in all kinds of weather conditions. I was convinced I was goiong to sell mine this year and upgrade but I'm having a real hard time pulling the trigger on placing an ad. It is very family friendly and I have fished several bass tournaments out of it as well. I have a 225 VMAX on mine and I have hit 57.5 MPH with a full load and 4 people in the boat.
I'm sure you would be quite happy with a Skeeter and keep all of the money difference and put it towards a kicker or some quality electronics.

My .02

The Crusher

08-17-2004, 08:59 AM

Yes, you can flush mount a depth finder in the front of the Skeeter. I have a Pinpoint 7520 that looks like factory installed. Several depth finders have flush mount kits.

Al P.

08-17-2004, 10:50 AM

The 215X rear livewell comes with a divider, that can be placed in two locations, one divides the well equally in half, the other location, leaves one side quite a bit larger, and the remainder fits the drop-in bait bucket, personally, I use the smaller side as my "culling" well, and leave the bigger area for the 'brusier' smallies, there is a secure, plexi-glass plate that drops over the larger area opening, stopping fish from jumping out when the main lid is open....all works very well for bass fishing tourneys........the front bait well was used once to hold a couple of 5lb smallies for a photo shoot, lots of room in there.....you could use this for culling if need be, but the divided rear well works just fine.....If I knew how to post picts, I have a nice shot of two 6lb lake Erie smallies in the well, up against the divided plate that might show it a bit better.......
Al

wiredog

08-17-2004, 11:16 AM

I also looked at the skeeter when i was getting ready to buy. I ended up buying a TRITON 205 DCF. Not one regret. The skeeter was ok but the triton is a much better fit for me. Now is about the time the new year models come out. There should be some deals on 04 boats soon. BUY THE TRITON, the rest are WANNABE'S!!! wiredog

The sandman

08-17-2004, 11:22 AM

I forgot to address the flush mount question. There is not room on the dash to flush mount, but as said further down, you could flush mount up front. Unless I'm wrong here, if you flush mount then the graph/gps stays with the boat and is in there in cold weather(overnight) and when traveling. I prefer to remove my electronics under those conditions. With the new electronics like the Lowrance 104 you would need a huge opening to mount it. Where are you located?

boneman_66

08-17-2004, 02:26 PM

thanks guys.

it good to know that the livewell can be divided - very encouraging that someone at the factory has thought of these things!

what is not so encouraging is that i just priced out a new 2050 and it came out within $2000 or so of a similarly rigged 215x that i priced ($46m vs. $48m). granted i put the biggest motor on there that i could and spent way too much on sonar/gps for dash and bow ($2k total) but i was led to believe that the skeeter would come in $10m or so cheaper. maybe the skeeter dealer left some wiggle room and the triton guy was at rock bottom, but i didn't expect the two to be so close . . .

Skindog

08-17-2004, 03:18 PM

Oh comon Wiredog,

Thats like saying if you don't have the same pants I have, It's not worth wearing any!!!

DonnG

08-17-2004, 03:30 PM

I have the 215 X with a 225 Opti and to say the least I am extremely
happy with this ride. Like posted above I had to go out and buy more
gear to fill up the storage. With a 225 Opti and a 4 blade trophy plus
is does 60mph with a tournament load. The rear ladder works very well
for the family or a fat buddy that fell out of the boat. I have a flush
mounted locator in front and there is room for one on the dash. I was
somewhat impressed with the Skeeter when it first came out, but I parked
my 215X next to one at lake erie and it made it look like a rowboat. As
far as getting it in a garage, my buddy has one and it fits in a 23' X 13' garage angled in. If you have any questions you may email me dgolden@greenbaynet.com or call (920)-915-6720
Donn Golden

fishunter70

08-17-2004, 03:59 PM

ok guy's here the skinny on the boats !
the triton is 13'' longer than the skeeter,both have 94'' beam,both are rated for 250hp,triton wiegh's 350lbs more,skeeter has 2 live well's vs triton's 1 well,both boats hold up to 7ppl/ with triton having less weight cap for ppl.skeeter has 8 mora gal fuel cap,

i my eye's the skeeter is a far better boat,i'm running a 2050 now and it is one mean machine . (this is only my opion). i'm not sure what the $ is on thr triton.

my boat, tourny ready with two guy's run's in the mid-high 60's.it handel's very well in all water condition's. i have x-18c ans global map on the dash in front on me, that work's out very well. this boat is a pro-staff boat and will be for sale in oct. if interested contact me .

fishunter70
team skeeter (mich)

boneman_66

08-17-2004, 08:00 PM

still getting the hang of this message board - i meant to post this as part of the main thread heh:

thanks guys.

it good to know that the livewell can be divided - very encouraging that someone at the factory has thought of these things!

what is not so encouraging is that i just priced out a new 2050 and it came out within $2000 or so of a similarly rigged 215x that i priced ($46m vs. $48m). granted i put the biggest motor on there that i could and spent way too much on sonar/gps for dash and bow ($2k total) but i was led to believe that the skeeter would come in $10m or so cheaper. maybe the skeeter dealer left some wiggle room and the triton guy was at rock bottom, but i didn't expect the two to be so close . . .

boneman_66

08-17-2004, 08:08 PM

thanks guys.

i am interested in any and all 215's and 2050's for sale :) - please send me emails - mmalaney@banknorth.com - with details and asking price.

the only must have i guess is a walkthrough windshield. ideally i would also like gps/sonar on both bow and dash.

what is the consensus on motor choice? i thought i was leaning toward 225 or 250 di but a friend is trying to sell me on the fuel efficiency of the 4 strokes. what do most people run on these and why?

boneman_66

08-17-2004, 08:23 PM

5 and 6 lb. smallies al? dam that's sweet . up here in VT a 4 pound smallie is a VERY nice fish and a 5 pounder will usually win you lots of $$ if you're lucky enough to bag one during a tourney.

get that camera working - i wanna see the larger brothers of the fish that i've been catching :)

Al P

08-17-2004, 08:52 PM

Boneman.......yup, lots of picts........ Lake Erie, NY in May, for just monstrous sized small jaws..lots 4+'s, many 5's, some 6's and the very, very, very occasional 7.....well worth the drive down the interstate! Even better than our Lake Simcoe!
The 215 got me out on many a day I would have stayed in a harbour with the TR21.....she's one great, big water rig......
I've heard Champlain is no slouch for good fish also, anxious to get that way to give it a go!
Al alpatton@thefishingnews.com

Toolman

08-18-2004, 06:29 AM

fishunter70,

I agree that both are nice boats. Is that "mid to high 60's" a GPS speed? What are you feeding that big motor?;)

Tim "Toolman" Joseph

fishhunter

08-18-2004, 08:13 AM

whatever it is I want some!!!!!!!!! :o

08-18-2004, 09:56 AM

I believe mid to upper 50's (GPS)and loaded. I have a 2050 with a 250 Yami and it is fast. I have not run with a 215X but I can tell you that there is no Ranger that I've seen that can keep up to my 2050.

I would also like to know what I need to feed this baby to get to mid to upper 60's.

Crusher23

08-18-2004, 12:04 PM

I'll second the Ranger quote from YO. I ran my ZX 2050 at Fort Peck with my brother-in-laws 620. I was able to run faster with the same prop than he was. I will say that I think the biggest difference was the HP and Torque on my 225 V-Max versus his 225 Optimax. I'm sure if there are any Ranger guys reading this thread they will chime in and take offense that ANY boat can run with them!!!!!!

My .02

The Crusher

bobk

08-18-2004, 12:56 PM

>I'll second the Ranger quote from YO. I ran my ZX 2050 at
>Fort Peck with my brother-in-laws 620. I was able to run
>faster with the same prop than he was. I will say that I think
>the biggest difference was the HP and Torque on my 225 V-Max
>versus his 225 Optimax. I'm sure if there are any Ranger guys
>reading this thread they will chime in and take offense that
>ANY boat can run with them!!!!!!
>
>My .02
>
>The Crusher
I have a Ranger, it doesn't bother me at all that your boat is faster. Not sure why people on here like to stir the pot so much.
Bob

boneman_66

08-18-2004, 06:51 PM

well al if you do wanna venture east let me know - we'll go out and try to give 'em ####!

wireguy

08-19-2004, 01:12 PM

have a 2050, the only reason to get a triton is to go fast and nothing else,skeeter is much better boat in rough water, no comparison!

just a thought

08-19-2004, 01:44 PM

now i know that i'm not the brightest bulb in the store, but a boat that is longer ans weigh's more with the same motor as a 2050, can't be faster!!!!............think about it guy's

Toolman

08-19-2004, 01:53 PM

That may be true on typical AL hulls. It must have something to do with hull design.

Tim "Toolman" Joseph

ezmarc

08-19-2004, 08:41 PM

Think again Just a thought. It's all in the hull design. My 215 weighs 1100+ pounds more than my Yarcraft did. It's faster than the Yarcraft was with a smaller prop on the 215 and the Yarcraft was fast and had a great ride as well.

Boneman, You need to take both out for a test drive. Mine is available to try out after the Escanaba PWT. I'm in Northern Ohio at Huron. I'm sure you can find someone with a Skeeter to take you out as well if you are really serious about this.

In answer to Bonemans ??'s
1. I was told 13" but don't know that as fact.

2. The Triton has a divided livewell that doubles as a bait tank or culling tank. The front baitwell can be used as a livewell too.

3. I didn't flush mount my 104 (too big) but I like to turn my sounder so that I can see it from different anmgles in the back of the boat. My front one is flush mounted but I put a ball up there and run a 19c instead of the factory sounder.

4. I don't have the rear casting deck. My girlfriend takes a low profile lawn chair for sunning on the front deck and has plenty of room while trolling. If you are using the front deck while jigging and running the electric there is plenty of room in back.

5. My top speed fully loaded with a 23" 4 blade and a 225 HO is right at 60 GPS. Light load and right conditions it is at 63 GPS. Lake Erie rarely lets me go more than 50 though so I have it under propped for power in waves. 22" full out is 55-57. A 24" will get me in the mid 60's but I don't like the feel in rough water.

Do the Bass pro ams really separate their fish?

boneman_66

08-20-2004, 04:55 PM

thanks ezmarc - i appreciate your offer. i am pretty serious about this so i think a road trip would be worth it. after all if you're going to spend $35m plus on a boat you should do your homework - right? what are the dates of this event?

i appreciate all your responses. i'm not sure if they separate fish in pro-ams - i'm just an addicted amateur who's trying to keep all his options open!

boneman

funny

08-22-2004, 06:49 PM

Bone

I dont own either boat! I look at them in the water and the way they run!I fish all over and can say I have not seen a boat ride BIG water better than the Skeeter!I watch those Tritons run and laugh!The Triton bounces like tin!I know that these guys are trying to get a name for themselfs and sell some boats for the dealers,but just go to a Tournament and look at them on the water!I like the layout on the Triton very much ,but thats where it ends! The consoles are from the 80 lunds!

The Skeeter is a much better ride has all the room and is layed out well PLUS its alot cheaper: Triton= loaded is over 50k and the Skeeter was $42 LAST winters boat show prices! MPLS MN> boat show.

LOADED= Kicker,bow mount, same electroinics!

215

08-23-2004, 07:14 AM

I don't think so.. For storage the 215 hands down has more. Check the rod locker out, doesn't campare. Livewell, Triton even though it has only one. That one is deeper and bigger than both the Skeeters combined. As far as ride goes, forget it. I ran in big water with it and nothing stayed with us. You get what you pay for. The Skeeter is a good boat, nothing against it, the Triton is just better. As far as a boat being bigger and heavier and being fast, it is true. It is in the hull design. Doug

saggys

08-23-2004, 07:49 AM

Come on wire dog,how much is Trton paying you?

fishunter70

08-23-2004, 01:14 PM

just for the record, i was on saginaw bay a couple weeks ago pre-fishing for a tourny, for the most part the weather was bad. i was runnig from hoyle's marina up augres in 3-5' waves. on my way up there i came across a (new) triton215x ans passed him. for the record i was not trying to put on a show, but i did pass him and walked away . i was running mid-50's. when i got to my spot this gentalmen pulled up to me and asked how fast i was runnin.(mid 50's). he said that my skeeter looked like it handel better than his (new)triton did, and that he wished he would have looked a little closer at the skeeter's. now i'm not saying that it's a bad boat but it's just a comment from a triton guy.

BeFishin

08-23-2004, 03:25 PM

Are you saying you were going 55mph(mid-fifties) in 3 to 5 foot waves?

That doesn't add up, either you are overstating your speed or overstating the size of the waves.

Bill C

08-23-2004, 04:30 PM

Gee, Funny.....Seems to me that lookin at one running and ridin in the same boat are two different things.

Also keep in mind that a lot has to do with the operator's capabilities and expereince.

I would never make a judgement on spending $35,000 plus on ANYTHING without riding in at LEAST ONE similar to the one I am buying. Ya don't just go out and buy a truck becuse the commercial makes it look cool drivin down a two track, do ya? I guess that is kind of like watching one run and takin a ride in one.

Just my 2 bits.

BC

Manny

08-23-2004, 06:17 PM

Please, I fished the MWC the same week. Bill St.Peters, Bohn, and myself had the only three 215's I seen all week. Alot of 205's and 189's. I know nobody past me and I'm sure nobody passed the other two guys either let alone one of us pulling up and saying "I wish I looked at Skeeter"! Skeeter builds a great boat I just don't buy the story. Mid 50's in five footers? I know there was a guy in Sag that week with a new TR177X with a 115Opti, are you sure you got the correct boat? Manny

Lumberjack

08-23-2004, 09:13 PM

maybe hes telling the truth about the speed, but if he is hes crazy and that boat if he keeps doing that in 3-5' waves is going to get beat to crap. i dont think many 20-21' boats can handle riding in 3-5' waves for long going 50 without showing some major signs of wear and almost abuse(if you could call it that) sorry if i am making anyone mad but thats just what i believe would happen.

Dutchman

08-24-2004, 06:05 AM

Great discussion so far and keep up the "No Bashing"

Boneman, I've run a ZX2050 with an 250 HPDI/T-8 kicker for 2 years. I fish alot of big water on windy days. I have yet to encounter any water that I did not feel comfortable fishing out of my Skeeter. I would like to add that the Skeeter is much easier to handle in the wind than my last 20' tin boat. The ZX2050 is a top of the line fishing platform. You really need to get in both boats and figure out which one suits your favorite fishing technique. I prefer to pull cranks and for that reason I prefered the increased area in the back of the boat the ZX2050 allows over the other glass boats available in that size range. It has a huge bow for casting also but I rarely fish up there. As far as speed, I get around 58 with a full tourney load. I will add that I looked at the Triton 205 prior to purchasing my ZX2050 and observed them both running in rough water and I felt at that time and still do feel that I got alot more value and boat when I purchased my Skeeter. I did make some setup changes to get the boat to perform more to my liking. I raised the motor all the way up and propped it differently than the factory prop. It was good before, straight from the factory but, it's better now. I haven't even seen a 215 on the water yet, or on a trailer, I'm looking forward to seeing one though.
I would also add that Skeeter boats are now included in the RCL lineup of boats where Triton is not. It didn't make any difference to me when I bought mine , but I thought you should be aware of that also.

Shopping prices???? Yamaha owns Skeeter so as far as a package deals the Skeeter line is tough to beat.

Would I buy another Skeeter??? You bet!!! But at this time I really like the one I have so it'll be awhile before I part with it.

"Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope"

boneman_66

08-24-2004, 09:24 PM

hey - 40 posts and 1200+ views - not bad for the original "leper" thread huh?

good point dutchman - lots of good info and little if any bashing. i definitely appreciate everyone's input.

fortunately or unfortunately i've come to the opinion that i really need to get in and kick the tires of both boats before i can make an informated decision. i've also decided that i should be looking at the ranger 621 as well. since no dealers around here (Vermont) stock walleye boats i'm going to try my best to make the Vermillion get together to see these boats firsthand. anyone that has one of these models that would be willing to give me a test ride pls. drop me a line (mmalaney@banknorth.com). similarly, anyone that will be there that is selling one of these boats give me a shout as well - hopefully by the end of the weekend i'll have a better idea of what direction i'll be going!

thanks again everyone,

boneman

Marbli

09-03-2004, 12:14 PM

Been fishing walleyes for a while in some different boats, mainly Lunds and Skeeters. I have made some observations about the Skeeters. I always wondered why you could buy a shiny glittered fiberglass boat with all the fancy bells and whistles for what I thought was a reasonable price. My expereince with Lund boats is they have poor storage not real attractive but are bascially industructable. The last two bright glittered Skeeters seem to propoise in the water. They also do not seem to take the hard beating that is required in large wind swept resevior Walleye fishing. Seems if you push them hard in the big waves the windshield breaks off the boat. Happened to the last two. No big deal if you are driving, but your shotgun passenger really get wet. Now don't jump all over me, they are great looking boats, but based on these experiences I would have a hard time buying one. Oh, by the way they were treated no harder than the Lunds.

09-03-2004, 12:33 PM

Sounds to me like you had better stay put in a your Lund.

fishhunter

09-03-2004, 03:05 PM

"Seems if you push them hard in the big waves the windshield breaks off the boat"

Can't say I've ever heard that one before, you better stick with your lund that has the SAME EXACT taylor made windshield the skeeter does. Also the Dealer puts on the windshields so may you should ask them to bolt them on instead of screw.

I must be doing something right because I fish on Sakakawea (a big windswept lake) every weekend and mine hasnt just broke off Yet. :)

Sak Man

09-03-2004, 05:02 PM

That poor Lund boy got a little wet. What in the world does he think??? Nobody ever gets wet???? His feelings must have got hurt. Sounds like one of those liberal people.

wiredog

09-03-2004, 05:29 PM

He's worryed about getting wet, and he's got a lund??? Hummmm wiredog

Lumberjack

09-03-2004, 10:15 PM

I cant help but laugh at how angry you guys get when people state a couple bad things about the boat brand you have. its not that big of a deal, people all have their own opinions and their not wrong for thinking what they think. everybody has a valid reason for what they believe in and one persons beliefs are no better than the other. some people on here need to loosen up a little bit its not the end of the world if someone bashes your boat. i drive a lund and love it, i would go ranger next because of the smoother ride. but im not gonna complain and get all upset because someone says that the rangers are slower than the tritons or skeeters and that the lunds have a rough ride compared to the rangers or other fiberglass hulls. seriously people LOOSEN UP. bash on me if you feel like your better than me and that my opinions are wrong, because id love to read what some replies.

Chriske

09-14-2004, 10:21 AM

I have had two skeeters with windshield problems. The first was a 1950, it took about 3 months before the screws were backing out or shearing off. It was also mounted crooked. To make a long story short, after 4 YEARS of trying to have them fix some of the problems, they replaced it with a 2050. (I later found out the 1950 was a previously owned boat that Skeeter refurbished, I had paid for a new one.) The 2050 has porpoising problems and can't seem to take a wave. The windshield needs to be tightened everytime I get in waves over 1 foot. This is 2 months old.

With that said, I still love the boats. I believe it's handling problems can be tuned out of it, but I'm struggling with my dealer. Am I expecting to much to take 2-3 footers at 25 mph without losing a kidney. I blame most of my trama with Skeeters due to the dealerships. I don't know if the dealers don't get paid well for warranty work or I am just dealing with poor dealerships.

Crusher23

09-14-2004, 12:39 PM

I have had my ZX 2050 for 3 years and have been in some pretty nasty wind and waves. I have never had any problems with my windshields. They are as solid now as when I bought it. The porpoising could be caused by the type of prop you are running. What do you have on there? I have been running with a Tempest prop and they sure seem to do a great job all around.

My .02

The Crusher

triton189

09-15-2004, 08:07 AM

check out walleye inc classifieds, there is a 215 with full windshield and 250 hpdi for sale from Rick Parrot. I bought my 189 from him 2 years ago and have been very happy with it.

chriske

09-15-2004, 10:10 AM

The motor came with a saltwater series prop. When they were rigging it, they put three different props on . I assume all yamaha props. I think I have a pro series on right now. It's hard to tell because the only markings are 21M wich is the same for several series. I have moved the motor around a bit too.

Third from top - 56.5@5500
boat rides like a bass boat, on the hull only. Trim does not change the attude of the boat, their is no way to make the boat plow.

Second from the top - 58.5@5700
Ride is better but still porpoises on the mid rpms. Trim still does not change the attitude very much.

Top setting (lowest motor setting) - 57@5600
Slite porpoising at the mid rpms. OK bow lift. Trim allows you to plow a little.

These numbers are with moderate gear, no passenger and a full front tank of gas. If I have someone sitting on one of the livewells, in the rear, or fill the rear tank, things worsen. I understand that it is mostly a prop related problem, but my dealer seems a little clueless. I also noticed that they drilled the mounting holes about .375" crooked. Skeeter claims they cut these holes with a laser. I have been working with fiberglass and making molds for fiberglass for 15 years. I find the excuses these guys give to be humorous. The fiberglass would start on fire if they tried to use a laser.

Skeeter Tech is telling me that this has been a problem on some boats. They suggest that I use a specific foil ( 1/8 inch aluminum with a small hook at the end) and run on the second hole on the motor. They told me this is because of the heavy 250 HPDI and T9.9 on the back. They are also claiming that this is what all of the pros end up running, including the Rangers, Skeeters, and Lunds. I find that hard to believe and will not allow them to drill a hole in my cavitation plate. This is the only solution my dealer wants to do, they even want to charge me for the foil and install. They don't seem to concerned about making the thing run right.

I've heard people mentioning the Tempest props. Who makes them and which ones are you guys running?

Crusher23

09-15-2004, 12:53 PM

I have run quite a few different props from 5 blade to 4 blade to 3 blade and I also got a bunch of good information from Jeff (aka Dutchman). This year I ran with a 23 and a 21 Tempest. These are made by Mercury and use the Flo Torq hub to be compatible with the Yamaha's. I started with a 23 Pro Series by Yamaha. The best prop by far was the 21 Tempest. I rarely run at WOT but do occasionaly just for kicks. With a full load of 4 people, full gas, food and drink for a 14 hour day plus the ton of tackle my wife says that I own, I was able to run at 56.5 MPH at 5600 RPM while we were at Fort Peck in July. I was hoping the 23 Tempest would have done better there at the lower elevation but the RPM's wouldn't go high enough. I live in Colorado. I haven't raised my motor as Jeff suggested though. I will do that this Winter. I also have a Ballistic prop at home that is a 21 pitch that I want to try. I don't know if anyone with a Skeeter has any knowledge of Ballistic's though. Maybe they will chime in.

The Crusher

Chriske

09-15-2004, 01:59 PM

I read some of Dutchman's posts about the tempest 21 and 23. Which model did you end up with, the A45 or A47. How is the prop affecting the trimability of the boat? Would you recommend it?

Dutchman

09-15-2004, 03:02 PM

Chriske,
I had both of my props reworked by Randy @ Grand Prix Racing http://www.gpiracing.com/ The A47 had great improvement after he reworked it. I hit a Rock on the ramp backing off the trailer and dinged the prop and broke my scag off as soon as I bolted on the A45 after getting it back, so no numbers there.
Skeeters hull design makes them want to go faster to get up on the pad, not like a Lund or Warrior or any other boat that doesn't have a pad. If your not up on the pad your pushing it, if the motors trimmed up to far, that's gonna cause porpoising. I was looking for transom lift to get the pad up faster and hold it up at slower cruising speeds. that's what Randy was shooting for also, and he's been working hard at getting more out of the Ranger 621's also. The Triton also runs on a pad. The whale tails and hydro fins and such all increase transom lift, basically getting you up on the pad and holding you there. All of these hulls have to be driven as they are designed to be performance hulls and are more sensative to trim than a straight Deep Vee hull found in other boats.
I heard of one ZX2050 owner that put in a transom wedge. http://www.panthermarineproducts.com/images/pan_products/55-0420L.jpg
The extra negative trim helped his hole shot and helped with faster planing time.
The long and short of it is a boat with a pad runs different than one without it. If a person feels more comfortable plowing water then they will also have to settle for a slower boat with the same horsepower. Getting up on the pad is the key to getting speed out of these heavy boats.
Hope this helps. If you have any other questions feel free to e-mail me or send me a private message.

"Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope"

Marbli

09-17-2004, 11:59 AM

Thanks to you and LumberJack for the vindication. The windshields are indeed the same, but attached to different boats! I really enjoyed the responses also! I am a Lund guy I understand the term "wet boat" extremely well. Some guys would defend what they own no matter what. These were just some honest oberservations I have made. Doesn't mean they can be happy with their boats. Based on yours and mine windsheild experiences I would not buy one. If that upsets someone so be it.