NEW SKEETER BOATS SOLUTIONS

bentzboatwhisperer · June 14, 2022, 08:50:33 PM

Hey guys, just wanting to share extensive research and testing on some of the new Skeeter Boats I have had involvement with.
To start, It's no surprise that Yamaha T2 props are not what they used to be and come out of the box much more inconsistent. With that being said, it has provided poor overall performance in the majority of boats, with the exception of some getting a perfect T2 out of the box. This lead to opening the door of finding out what can solve this problem. Here is some of my personal tips and tricks I have gathered. Hopefully this can help out some of the new Skeeter Boat owners who want to get the most out of their machine.

1st is the swap to lithium batteries. The amount of run time and little maintenance creates an extremely convenient experience. Although with Skeeters design and purpose of the boat they need/like their weight as far back as possible, especially with the gas tanks being moved further forward on new FXR/ZXR models. This solely comes down to the owner and if they don't care to sacrifice some performance for longer run time out of the batteries. Although a significant decrease in overall lift, stability and handling is noticeable in these boats when the change to Lithium Batteries is made.

ZX150 w/ 150SHO. With the first model year on the Manual Jack-Plates they came showing 9 dots and off the bat a lack of water pressure came up when any amount of trim was added. All while running a stock 22T2 Prop. Move down to 6 dots and problem solved. Although now it seemed to drop RPM's a little further with a full tournament load. Move up to 7-8 dots, problem solved. Brought this up with Skeeter and now with the most current 2022 models they have been come showing 8 dots. Recently put a ZX150 on the water and left the jackplate on 8 dots. Running a very light load and 1/4-1/2 tank of fuel I installed a Worked 25T1 VMAX Non Vented Prop. Oddly enough the holeshot remained smooth and connected. Mid Range was broadened out and the lift, stability and handling were all spot on and from that came on the GPS 68mph @5950rpms.
Conclusion is that finding the sweet spot on the jackplate, loading your zx150 correctly with your heaviest weight in the rear and going up in pitch with prop work can provide substantial results.

ZXR21: What a journey this was and the results were shocking. What concerns came up from customers was porpoising and excessive speed/rpm loss with a heavy load. Tested a 25P & 26P Fury on lighter loads providing exceptional speed, rpms and holeshot but a decrease in lift. A worked 25T1 would cure that but still would struggle to plant the front end at low speeds. While my thought was directed towards the Bravo 1 FS, I ventured out a little more. If some recall when the Evinrude G2 paired with a 3 Blade Raker came on the Ranger Z521c more so, anglers were struggling to get a snappy holeshot paired with impeccable lift and top end speed tournament loaded. A heavy boat that needed to rise up and run free. Anglers began switching to the Evinrude RX4 Prop, most would assume 4 blade will be slower but this was not the case. The boat was now elevated from holeshot all the way to top end with increases all across the board.
I grabbed myself a TBX hub kit, a 24P RX4 and headed to the water with a loaded ZXR21. Alongside the RX4 was a Bravo 1 LT 25P. With the flared longer tube engineered to force the bow of a boat down it as well gave me hope. Ran the Bravo first and must say it did its job and there was zero bounce in the bow. The Bravo felt like it wanted to pull the wheel from you doing turns and on the top end the boat was lifted but ran more level than nose up providing 73.1mph @6100rpms with the hydraulic jackplate running between 13-15 on the gauge. Next was the RX4 and at the time calling myself crazing for trying an Evinrude Prop on a Yamaha and even that a 4 blade on a Skeeter. Well the results were astonishing. Holeshot was the same as the bravo but the handling in corners was connected, smooth and free feeling. The bow lift was how a Skeeter should be, phenomenal across the board and charged as it was on a mission. 73.9mph @6000rpms. Fast forward a couple months later and another ZXR21 cranks out 75.3mph turning an RX4 and the results have stayed consistent since. Gonna be hard to convince this guy to ever throw a T2 on a ZXR21.

ZXR20: this boat has performed great as it comes and having had tested a 26 Fury, 26FXP, 27FXP and a Worked 25T1. The T1 came out on top. With the fury being the least satisfied with. The FXP is another great option to consider on this boat providing low-mid 70mph. Again this model will want as much weight in the rear as possible. Have not felt the need to test an RX4 on this boat but a 24P would do someone a great deed!

FXR20: Being that the FXR series is completely foam filled and is no longer sent from the factory with the 2" block spacers to add setback like the zxr's do, its created a little more of a fight for a prop. A 26FXP seems to be the ticket over the stock T2 with an increase in top end speed but some porpoising still noticeable. Another great option is if you can get your hands on a T1. The FXR is advertised as the same weight as the ZXR but believe me, its a heavier beast for sure.

FXR21: Another challenge for finding the perfect prop. Porpoising, poor lift and loss of speed/rpm. With the T2 bringing in high 60's results there was a problem. Fury? Nope. T1? Better but Nope. 25 Tempest? Yes! In a tournament loaded FXR21 running a 25 Tempest the boat cranked out 74mph @6200rpms. Now with that being said not everyone had the same results. Advice would be to have some serious cup added and general work done to the 25 tempest to be paired with the FXR21. The RX4 did not react the same to this hull as it did to the ZXR21. The rpms dropped as well with speed. All other 4 blade factors were present except on the top end. This brought the conclusion that a Bravo 1 FS being available in half pitch increments could help dial in the perfect combo for the FXR21.

If you have any specific questions I am happy to help guide you through this just feel free to reach out. Thanks.

Lightening Rod · June 15, 2022, 06:48:12 AM

I believe Phoenix rules the water today. I'm about to retire and waited a long time. Watched many brands rise and fall. The old Skeeeters were great, but I'll be placing my order for a new 921 Pro XP this Friday.

bentzboatwhisperer · June 15, 2022, 09:42:07 AM

Hate to break it old boy but They really dont "rule" the water these days but knock yourself out

Lightening Rod · June 15, 2022, 10:45:46 AM

Quote from: bentzboatwhisperer on June 15, 2022, 09:42:07 AM
Hate to break it old boy but They really dont "rule" the water these days but knock yourself out

Quality's not there. I've read and heard stories of gelcoat issues and assembly issues. Nothing like the boats of yesterday. Check this out.

bentzboatwhisperer · June 15, 2022, 03:21:26 PM

Hey that's great bud but anyone with experience in bass boats know that all boats have their issues and every dealer gets a bad batch. It happens no matter what doesn't matter the brand. Also this post wasn't intended for the type of comments you are delivering so please just take your nonsense small talk to another topic. Thanks.

Capt. BassinLou · June 15, 2022, 03:40:34 PM

Quote from: bentzboatwhisperer on June 15, 2022, 03:21:26 PM
Hey that's great bud but anyone with experience in bass boats know that all boats have their issues and every dealer gets a bad batch. It happens no matter what doesn't matter the brand. Also this post wasn't intended for the type of comments you are delivering so please just take your nonsense small talk to another topic. Thanks.

Don't know where the aggression is coming from, just because a poster made a couple of simple questions and observations. I advise you to get to know our community a little better. We are not your regular run of the mill forum. We treat everyone with respect around here. If you cannot provide constructive feedback or information please move on.

bentzboatwhisperer · June 15, 2022, 05:53:15 PM

I just felt like his comments weren't anywhere applicable to the post in a Skeeter Boats Page and leaned toward the negative side. But you're right this forum is a solid site that is enjoyable and my words did not value that so I apologize.

Oldfart9999 · June 16, 2022, 06:54:01 AM

It's ok to post problems when you see them, just keep it cool. We each have opinions and sometimes they differ just need to stay away from foos fights.
Rodney

NETTLESK · June 15, 2023, 10:35:27 AM

I have a friend that has a 2023 ZXR21 and he just finished breaking in the motor. Very experienced boat owner and once worked at a local boat dealer as a mechanic. He is having a lot of the same issues that were mentioned in the first post getting his boat dialed in. Seat time and experience of driving a boat are not an issue. He would like to speak with or private message bentzboatwhisperer if possible to get more insight and information on the test that were conducted to try and fix his issue. is that possible? Thanks for any information that you can provide.

Nevermind i just found he message button

Fishhardroger · January 16, 2024, 05:30:08 PM

[/quote]

Quote from: bentzboatwhisperer on June 14, 2022, 08:50:33 PMIf you have any specific questions I am happy to help guide you through this just feel free to reach out. Thanks.

Do you sell props! I am in need of a new prop for my FXR21....I tried to message on here but it wouldn't let me

Capt. BassinLou · January 16, 2024, 05:33:21 PM

Quote from: bentzboatwhisperer on June 14, 2022, 08:50:33 PMIf you have any specific questions I am happy to help guide you through this just feel free to reach out. Thanks.

Do you sell props! I am in need of a new prop for my FXR21....I tried to message on here but it wouldn't let me
[/quote]

You will need to reach out to him by calling Nixon Marine. Hope you find what your looking for.