Skeeter WX2060 vs. Ranger Angler 2080

[eyeman_1]

Just kicking around the thought of a new boat... crazy as that may be considering I have a perfectly good Lund 2001 2025... but just for grins have been looking into both the Skeeter 2060 and Ranger Angler 2080.

Both have the function and features I'm looking for in layout and length. I fish the great lakes and inland as well. I want the open cockpit for trolling and the bow decks are all I need for inland fishing. So, pros and cons of each boat? As a side note, I'm considering doing some guiding out of the boat in the next few years.... so the ride and safety are big considerations and I like the depth in each boat.

Has anyone ridden in both boats? I've been in the smaller Ranger Angler and it was a fine boat, as well as the smaller Skeeters.

I'd like to hear thoughts on either boat, or another option in that sized boat. I've fished out of the Fisherman series and just do not like the boxes in the cockpit. The boats are fantastic, just not the layout I'm interested in.

Thanks.

[Hat Trick]

I’ve crawled around in both but only fished out of the Skeeter. The Skeeter has better laid out and more storage. It will be cheaper. Especially if you want a Yamaha. Fit and finish is a bit better on the Ranger but the Skeeter is no slouch in that department either. I believer they both get their trainers made at the same place. I might be mistaken on that.

[Dixiedawg]

Have not been in a skeeter 2060, but my previous boat was a skeeter MX 1825. We loved the skeeter and had no issues with it, other than the need for a longer boat. We have had our 2080 for a year and will share some thoughts. Did go to the skeeter site and looked at the 2060 and was surprised at the standard features, especially the 9.9 kicker. So the 2060 will cost less than the 2080 just based on standard features. As previously mentioned I agree the finish is better on the ranger vs the skeeter and the ranger may have a higher resale value. Also, the 2080 has jump seats which is a nice added feature. Also the rod storage locker on the 2080 is a better design in my opinion. But overall the skeeter is a great boat.

Couple of items that did not come on the 2080 was a live well pump out and a battery switch with a jump start selection. The original trolling motor battery storage for the 2080 was designed for under the center rod locker storage. However, our 2020 2080 came with the batteries under the jump seats, thus losing convenient storage area. The rationale according to the dealership was better performance with the weight in the rear of the boat. With lithium batteries this may not be an issue, other than cost. You have the same cubic feet of storage, so we store items not used on a regular basis in the storage space in the center rod locker.

Also the 2060 comes with a slide plate for the ulterra trolling motor and I assume a quick release power plug, which I have added to the 2080. In the event of problems with the TM, those accessories may save your day.

We have been in some rough water with the 2080 and it handles great and we have stayed dry. With two in the boat and half a tank of gas we have reached 57.8 mph on the gps.

If you additional questions feel free to ask. Cheers, Dixiedawg

[wmd]

My son and I own a Skeeter WX 2060, its a 2016 model. I looked at Skeeter, Ranger 620 and Lund boats of comparable size and equipment. All 3 are good boats, it boiled down to price for me. The Skeeter was $10-12,000 less than the other 2. It has served us well on the Missouri river, if you have specific questions feel free to contact me.
wmd

[Kenai]

Just to add to the comments above…. They are bringing jump seats back to the 2060 in 2022.

Look at the Trion 206 Allure too.... I also came from a MX1825, was going to buy a 2060 but they had the Triton right next to the 2060 at a boat show and it is just a nicer boat. I like the jumpseat design better and the fit and finish is a bit better. The Allure and 2080 are very similar, especially the top cap.

[eyeman_1]

Originally Posted by Kenai

Just to add to the comments above…. They are bringing jump seats back to the 2060 in 2022.

That is something to consider... I like that feature on the Ranger's.

[eyeman_1]

Originally Posted by guest (martyb)

Look at the Trion 206 Allure too.... I also came from a MX1825, was going to buy a 2060 but they had the Triton right next to the 2060 at a boat show and it is just a nicer boat. I like the jumpseat design better and the fit and finish is a bit better. The Allure and 2080 are very similar, especially the top cap.

Will do. The only issue I have here is finding Triton dealers nearby. I will look into these. Thank you.

[mwh624]

Originally Posted by Kenai

Just to add to the comments above…. They are bringing jump seats back to the 2060 in 2022.

If they up it to 300HP to match the 206 Allure, this will be an awesome setup

[Kenai]

Originally Posted by mwh624

If they up it to 300HP to match the 206 Allure, this will be an awesome setup

My thoughts exactly!