Ballistic .204 - RIVER TEST! (BEST BOAT EVER?)

Ballistic .204 - RIVER TEST! (BEST BOAT EVER?)
Originally we wanted to give y'all a full walkthrough of this .204 Ballistic but that wasn't in the cards. (The Buyer came early to pick it up) But, we did get that chance to go for a ride on this cool, crisp 28 degree morning. Bundle up, get in and hold on for this one!
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[@gregnettles3677]

They all ride good dead slick water lol 😂

[@danlaur7973]

Lets get that boat on Erie & see how she takes those "3 footers"

[@PaulMalovFishing]

💯 “best riding boat I’ve been in” - on a dead slick river. Come on now!!

[@chadnikolich3734]

Been waiting

[@gregnettles3677]

I’ll stick with my 99 bullet 21 xdc

[@sonofafisherman743]

Man it looks great 👍

[@shimanoshane4020]

When is the Lee Livesay text message coming out you know the real story?

[@Claytonfishing]

Love the videos

[@donaldjdickinson]

Thanks for the video. You guys are the best. As a walleye guy, I'd love to see you putting a Warrior 2090 tiller or maybe one of their windshield boats through its paces.

[@TeamMarineService]

We’ve heard great things about Warriors but there aren’t too many that make it into the shop

[@daniellaurent2662]

I have the .223 with a 300r damn good riding and good lookin boat. I get a tun of comments and people asking and messaging about selling my ballistic. I just can’t come to doing it. I love it. What’s really nice is how soft the boat comes down when running in rough water. It doesn’t beat you up. I very good worked max 5 29 prop would work great with this boat. And if the owner is feeling frisky a 29.5 cleaver 😁

[@atomatom7355]

DOes Ballistic still make the 223? I'm searching all over the internet for one!!!

[@colinmcgaheyful]

A bunch of the original 223's around me, super badass boats

[@_jakesfishingpage_]

that was such a good video, makes a fella wanna spend my cash on a boat like that

[@789Derek]

I look forward to hearing ballistic boats side of the Lee Livesay story. I like Lee and I also like ballistic boats and I trust team marine’s opinion on quality and value. That said, there are always 2 sides to every story. I just wanna hear what ballistic has to say about it. Maybe Lee didn’t meet some of the commitments they agreed on. Obviously; he should have has a contract in writing. I do remember Lee saying they build a great boat and he maintained that even after the fall out. So, there is that much. I might be able to afford a used ballistic some day. It is one bad ass ride for sure!

[@gregstaton128]

Lee has a boat sponsor.....which is Phoenix 😊

[@55mlapoint]

​@@gregstaton128 Xpress aluminum..

[@kennywitek771]

Yeah supposedly they were releasing some messages. But hasn’t happened yet.

[@user-tp4tl4jz5w]

I can see crazy Mike Bruugun with that speed machine 🤣🤣🤣

[@theINQBS]

That's the only Bass Boat I've seen that rides like that!… Like an East Cape boat!!!

[@JORDAN_O]

Dope video man…. I just cant get rid of my champion its 23 years old and still running

[@JL-un6eb]

Looks like fun for 120k.

[@jerkem5921]

Wow. It,s a good ride, are u gonna be driving up and down the rivers, lakes or fishing....120k lol😂😂

[@ryanbootle89]

Review some of the Georgia electric tin conversions

[@kennywitek771]

Saying it’s the best riding boat on a literal slick calm day is quite comical. And trying to say those waves are 3 footers is funny as well.

[@55mlapoint]

Look up the old champion videos on KZbin how they proved how the boat cut through water... the exact same way. With the bitter cold weather they had I don't know that they have much of a choice to take it anywhere else take it anywhere else. It's funny how no other boat manufacturers even show how well their boat handles and they make an attempt and everybody is doubting them, believe me the boat handles unbelievably, and I've owned two champions

[@kennywitek771]

@@55mlapoint champions were great back in the day. The ride of SOME boats today is better than a champion. Hate to break hearts of some but it’s true. Also how about saying, can’t give you a good opinion on ride as we faced no adverse conditions. Instead of calling maybe a 1’ wave 3 footers and then say oh it’s such a great ride and the best on the market. To anyone that believes that is crazy. They say anytime they do a review they will always be blunt honest but when they talk to the actual company they say it’s the best built or whatever.

[@55mlapoint]

@kennywitek771 even when they tested the Ikon it wasn't rough and he said it was the best boat at the time, no one really questioned those comments. They did with the best that they could do with what they had. I can attest as a boat owner of this model and owning Champions and Rangers and been in PHX phoenixes, 721 and 921's and other boat manufacturers...this is at the top if not the best, a p h x Phoenix is very close, but can't touch it with speed... Fish ability is also very good on the Ballistic, layout of the is Phoenix is nice though. I set it in another post, I was in my boat in Jim drove me at a lake in December with honest two photos going 84 mph, my glasses were vibrating like crazy because we were on top of the waves and just going straight through it and it was not rough at all, I was completely blown away. Take it as you will, there are so many naysayers on here that don't believe anybody unless it's their favorite Elite pro, then everything is legit legit, it is extremely difficult to film a video in two to three foot waves if you're running a boat and the viewer believe that they're actually two to three Footers. Try 2 Kathryn on video, I have it ..doesn't get relayed in a vido unless there are white capping and enormous Then everybody says take it to Lake erie, no bass boat handles good in Lake Erie... one might handle better than the other, but these are not Boston whalers, let's be realistic. I have been driving boats for 37 years, just please take it with my honest opinion, this is the best boat I have ever written in and it is my boat of a lifetime, I would suggest getting a ride in one but I can never promise you that you will be in the boat with someone that knows how to drive the boat properly. There are a lot of people on here that say they've been in one boat in a terrible riding boat, I have a friend that has a phoenix for example and his co-angler says the boat handles terribly but it's the driver.... the only way for the passenger to know is experience and if you haven't driven a boat yourself for many years then you won't know if they're driving in properly. Not saying you don't just putting this out there

[@KingDogRescue]

I’ve never ridden in one but the 360 move I can do with one finger and my eyes closed in my 202 and 3 footers are a cake walk but it’s a good looking boat

[@bigsmootht]

It looks like one of those old astroglass boats the way it sits and looks in the water.

[@tracekornegay3790]

Wooo put a 300 on a boat and slam through creek waves....... smoooooooth.

[@jgoboat3237]

nitro rides good in those condiitions

[@clark8534]

The real proving ground on any of these newer boats that havent been around long isnt what they can do right now....its if people are still talking about them 45 years later despite them being out of business for 15+ years. Its if people are wondering who has the molds and will reincarnate them. Will they be the bar to measure by for so many years? And, have people restoring them due to what they are and can do, long before the "new technology" came along. If thats the case on any of the newer models...then awesome! So many of these new boats are sexy as hell and the innovation is awesome in them. But until any of the stuff above is true, they got a ways to go. Until then, I will keep running my 202...

[@atomatom7355]

Please bring that boat to Michigan.. Lets hit Lake Erie when we hve 35 mph winds and 3' waves.... See if that boat rides like my 202 Champion...

[@stephenzeppenfeldt221]

How fast did you say you’re going around in those turns

[@steviek242]

Comfort, security and speed???? New moto😂?

[@govtfunded]

Appreciate that owner willing to let America's experts sit in a chair naked eating Cheetos and pick apart his new toy on teh interwebz.

[@TeamMarineService]

🤣🤣🤣

[@BassholeByNatureFishing]

Can we get some insight on what happened with Lee Livesay and The Company… With the way things looked earlier this year most people thought they were shutting down.

[@davidgerdes1815]

In the earlier video I thought Andy said he would tell the whole story including text messages from Lee

[@BassholeByNatureFishing]

@@davidgerdes1815 I’m truly interested in knowing what happened. Not to stir the pot but just to know how things went sour. Im a huge fan of ballistic and Lee… Just tryna know what happened.

[@mattcaplis3045]

lmao@3 footers. Bring that boat to Lake Michigan when there are honest to God 3 footers and test it.

[@cameroncardoza5626]

With that price tag it better be awesome!! Why did it come with the wrong prop?

[@aj06bolt12r]

Holy shit.. I've never seen Andy this smitten with... anything... ever...

[@TeamMarineService]

If ya get the chance to drive or ride in one do it

[@aj06bolt12r]

100% will do @@TeamMarineService

[@jeremyp1752]

Looks like a Bullet copy but slower with oversized consoles that look like an afterthought.

[@b.m.f.6847]

Not even close. The size of the front deck on the 223 & 204 dwarf that of a Bullet. The dynamics of the hall are completely different too. Bullets are great boats but they are not even close to the same.

[@bnasty8653]

What about the iKon? Which one is better?

[@Claytonfishing]

I realize that's the water you have available at the moment, But a real ride test is on Cayuga lake in New York with 20 mile an hour South winds.

[@afrojojo9475]

There is much more brutal tests than that.

[@cjr4497]

The last time I went out in 28 degrees I blew my power head. "cold water lock-up" is what I was told. I would love to see a video on the subject.

[@MidwestOutdoorExperience]

Essentially if you don't let your motor warm up properly you have a cold engine block. When you start running your motor, especially at a high rpm your piston starts to warm up much quicker than the block and expands. It doesn't have anywhere to go but get stuck and something will give. Sometimes a hole in the block, bent piston rods, broken connections etc..Basically the weakest link will give it up. Most important thing on a boat in the winter, especially the 2 strokes is a temperature gauge for the engine. Need to make sure the engine gets up to proper operating temp and the thermostats are working correctly. The last of the 2 stroke mercs were really finicky on getting thermostats stuck open with pebbles or wood.

[@streamin2605]

Pretty much nailed it lol^^^. Good explanation

[@cjr4497]

@@MidwestOutdoorExperience thanks. It was a 175 EFI. I let the boat idle from when I took it off the trailer to when I got back from parking the truck. Then I had to idle through a no wake zone. It had to be the thermostats, and I did run wide open. Lessons learned. It spooked me bad though.

[@scotthake4281]

Brand battle between ballistic and ikon who wins Andy?

[@stevoky]

The owner needs to get Ben Milliken on his team. He needs a boat sponsorship.

[@WannaGoFast27mtr]

XB-21

[@timnewby115]

Bullet copy

[@b.m.f.6847]

It’s not even close. Do some research.

[@55mlapoint]

There are MANY prior Bullet owners that have gone Ballistic and don't look back... it's the best balance of speed, handling, with better fishability (bigger deck), more modern (digital switching), cleanest wiring and access of any boat, and truly built for fisherman

[@tonyortega9846]

But, it’s not a Bullet!

[@kennywitek771]

@@55mlapoint so “many”? How many boats have they built?

[@Hawk-iy2iz]

Takes waves on a no-wind day. Those boats are so light you get them in rough water, and they will not compete with other boats that run their same speed that have a little bit more weight. They do not do well in rough water compared to other manufacturers, but they are nice boats. Yes, I have been in the 22 footer they do fly in good conditions but get way too loose.

[@55mlapoint]

you have no idea what you're talking about, maybe you had a bad situation when someone was running to hot for the conditions...the weight of a boat has nothing to do with how it handles, it's the hull design; the Ballistic boats certainly don't get loose unless you have the jackplate (like any other boat) or trim to high for rough water and you lose bite; if you were with someone when it got lose they didn't adjust for the conditions; I've been in very rough water with my .204 for over 2 years and owned Champions, this boat holds up to rough water AND I've passed Phoenix's (decent handling boat) in rough water like they were sitting still. I've been in easy 2 footers doing 84.6 mph with Jim and I was blown away at how well it handled, it's no hype!

[@kennywitek771]

Dude I’m saying the same, funny how it’s the best riding boat with not a ripple on the water lol.

[@c.c.8103]

I test drove a 223 on a windy day at Lake Michigan, which is basically every day. They are legit!

[@allencasal]

Nice boat now build one we can afford. $120,000 No Go

[@TeamMarineService]

What would be the “we can afford” dollar amount and are you okay with builders using less than Nitro quality materials?

[@Pitchpullin5]

I'd say a bass cat pantera classic

[@brandonwoodcock4374]

I'd say anything south of 70,000 would be a good start. People own house's that didn't cost 120,000. Well not in today's economy, but you get my point..

[@kennywitek771]

@@brandonwoodcock4374 so your comparing a house bought 20 years ago vs a boat today lol. What’s the price of the same house today?

[@brandonwoodcock4374]

@@kennywitek771 no I'm saying bass boats over a 100,000 is absurd. And yes the price of a house is ridiculous too. Understand better now? And who said anything about 20 years ago? How about just 4 or 5 years ago

[@SBowers321]

Seth Feider is selling his 204 for cheap. Any thoughts? I know he stuffed the front end at Champlain but 62k seems like a steal.

[@b.m.f.6847]

Steal!!!!

[@zimks]

It’s beat, Seth doesn’t take great care of his boat

[@devinwillis7787]

@@zimksall of them are beat after a season of going 70 no matter the conditions

[@kylemayer8486]

I wonder if they have a dealer in my area. I'm about to buy a blazer 625, but this gives me pause.

[@scottfrazier131]

If you’re thinking about a Blazer I would go do a factory tour. I was considering one and did. Probably the worst fit and finish of any boat I have ever seen.

[@TeamMarineService]

If you want us to get you in direct contact with Jim shoot us an email at [e-mail]

[@kylemayer8486]

@@scottfrazier131 I've been in 3, and they were immaculate.

[@kennywitek771]

Get a bass cat eyra. You will not be disappointed

[@kylemayer8486]

@kennywitek771 I want a falcon f20 predator, but the nearest dealer to detroit is in South Carolina.

[@ShaneJMcNair]

I know Champion is not around any longer, so are you alluding to the Ballistic 204 being the NEW version of a modern-day Champion 203? What's your BENCHMARK?

[@timkelly633]

Why is the boat being delivered with the wrong prop?

[@kurtpotter6994]

For that price it should be ready to roll

[@55mlapoint]

That prop was a high speed prop Jim was testing from Mercury; he had just gotten to Andy after a 10 hour drive in rain, woke up and hit the water; he had another Bravo he installed after the fact for the owner delivery; Each Ballistic boat gets delivered turn key for every owner depending on what they want and fully functional (i.e. no electronics issues, propping issues, no blemishes, it's perfection), no like most boats you have to bring back to the dealer to get fixed right after you buy it.

[@timkelly633]

@@55mlapoint Thank you. That makes sense. Couldn't understand why they were all saying how it was running the wrong prop, and that the customer had picked it up. Looks like a very nice boat

[@Ace228]

He said change your shorts it's no a Bullet Definitely not a Allison but it's gonna smoke all the other cookie cutters

[@christianbench3632]

3 footers ? 😂. Take it on a Great Lake and see if it could compare to a caymas cx 21, jaguar or ranger 521

[@kennywitek771]

Cx 21 is not good at all. And doesn’t even deserve to be in the same sentence as a jag

[@jaysonsetzer2287]

I would like to ride in a Balistic then a Puma sts on the same day to compare

[@paulferber7090]

28 degrees at 65+ mph = around 0 degrees blowing in your face.

[@bassmeister192]

Ride the Stroker before you make the best boat determination....been there done that @ 96 mph more than once ....

[@55mlapoint]

Ballistic isn't claiming to be the fastest their slogan is Where Speed Ride and Fishability come together, and it's an absolute true statement

[@marksmith4539]

There hasn't been an outstanding hull design breakthrough since the early 2000 Ranger's. Now they just copy other's designs.

[@chrisbruce7594]

Im sorry its a beautiful boat. BUT the whole bassboat market has gone crazy.. why did they go to 100k+.. I'll just keep my 1993 Procraft.

[@acme9538]

How could the BOAT BUILDER of all people do a filmed test run of one of his boats with the wrong prop??? Makes ZERO sense. He HAS to know what prop works best , especially since he only builds 2 hulls !!! C'mon. He should have a complete set of props in 3 and 4 blade configuration , if nothing else, strictly for testing. He HAS to know that a lot of people (potential customers) will be watching this video . . . so there's really no excuse. If I were him, I'd travel with locked Pelican cases holding lab'd, blueprinted, balanced, polished, taxed and tariff'd gleaming props . . . that's where the money meets the road. After all . . . isn't one of the main MO's of 'Ballistic' the 'performance' side of it??? It'd be like a drag racer showing up at the track and forgetting to bring his slicks and slapping on street tires !!! What else does this guy forget ?

[@b.m.f.6847]

He brought two props and was just testing that one out. He switched it out with a bravo as soon as they were done.

[@kennywitek771]

Saying it’s not propped right is code word excuse for “dont judge the poor hole shot or performance”

[@chrisstenz225]

Lol why’d they drive livesay and other top level pros.

[@aaronrobinson3517]

Hmmm sell my Champ. Buy a Ballistic?

[@clark8534]

Imma say no lol...

[@chrisstenz225]

You said you would talk about livesay and ballistic…. You never did… but instead you talk about fucking vexus…. Guess what after not hearing “ballistic’s” side most guys ain’t buying. Why defend them at this point?