Before You Buy A Bass Boat - Phoenix 921 ProXP Pt 2 - Video 13

[@ronwallace7563]

Great info about this boat. This had been my "course leader" in my shopping thus far. You shared info I wasn't aware of (especially regarding the trailer). Thanks for posting! I appreciate your hard work.

[@alanmcnally7268]

Good sound improvement Ken. Thanks for the effort. Will keep watching.

[@DHW448]

Thanks Ken. I'm really enjoying these series of reviews. I want to congratulate you on getting to 10 thousand subscribers and wish you luck in these upcoming tournaments. Have fun and tight lines my new friend.

[@davidharbilas4185]

Ken, thank you again for doing these videos. I am not in the market for a new boat (sort of?), but these are a lot of fun to watch and very informative. Hope you have fun with your search and find what you need.

[@tonybass5662]

Great videos as always Ken. I run a 921 Pro XP from 2012 and a metric that's tough to evaluate is long-term durability. I can tell you that after 9 years, my Phoenix has held up better than any boat I've known. Never a complaint with this boat and it looks and runs as new as the day it came home.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Always loved the Phoenix seats as a co angler

[@areddfishing7473]

They got the best seats in the game.

[@jackstein5486]

Thanks again Ken for your time, efforts, and terrific in depth reviews. Much appreciate!

[@Hanak1579]

Ken I purchased a 2021 Phoenix 919 Pro XP and I love this boat for all the reasons you discussed. Additionally you can customize your boat Amy way you desire.

[@chriscarey1985]

Man Ken I am loving this series. We were in the market and have been watching every episode. We ended up with a Ranger 520c. For a few reasons, they gave us the best deal on both the boat and our trade. The other boat that we were considering was the Phoenix. I’m actually surprised based on your other videos it didn’t score higher. Specifically amenities. That was quite the list for a “good” rating. And the net storage. Best one I’ve seen. Anyway, keep up the good work.

[@maf1077]

Another great review! Love learning about these boats. Will definitely help me in my purchase of one down the road.

[@dlefeb67]

Another great review. Probably the only real negatives with the Phoenix brand is they use a cheaper/lower ounce carpet than other top tier brands, You WILL notice the wear within a few years. Cheap plastics on the Consoles. No seals under the locker lids tend to be noisy and squeak over time. This can be corrected by adding a seal. Many have done this. The light for the switches do not illuminate each switch identification as back lit pads do. There have many issues with the trailer. Do some research. Our local clubs are loaded with Skeeters, Phoenix, Bass Cat and Rangers....in that order. Keep up the great work.

[@bradwelch5346]

Congrats on 10k!

[@aaronallen5627]

The enclosed console is a plus.... not sure if any other boat has one like it... keeps all the wiring out of the elements and has a clean look...

[@mikeharris130]

My only two issues with a Phoenix is the amount of plastic and vinyl used on the console and the bow ( I know you covered this) and the fact that the compartments have no rubber seals on them. I'm the guy that has a BassCat Puma (standard hull) with a 250 SHO. That's my comparison standard. A Phoenix is almost "local" as it's made less than 2 hours from me as I live in Dalton, GA.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Mike I’ll inquire about the lack of box gaskets, all the guys I asked said no problem with wetness in boxes, and my Ranger has them and I have one box that still gets wet

[@NytronX]

Yep, it's a big issue. If they only just made those pieces out of aluminum, it would completely solve the issue. I like the fact the dashes are modular though, and completely enclosed (nothing hanging under dash) unlike any other dashes in other brands. They just need to use better quality materials.

[@NytronX]

Can't wait to see your review on the Vexus VX21, Phoenix 21 PHX, Skeeter FXR, and Bass Cat Lynx. These are the finest boats on the market IMO.

[@ernestmcintyre5640]

Awesome Job! I’m awaiting your review on the Vexus VX20

[@captainyoung6029]

November is my buying boat month.... waiting on just one boat review VEXUS right now Phoenix looking great!!! I wait until u do vexus cause they are the old ranger builders not a upgrade nitro

[@Basscater81]

Ken yes I believe BassCat has gotten away from Vault hubs as well and gone back to bearing buddy style hubs

[@adamnowlan9386]

I’ve seen a 2021 920 elite with the center bait storage with a rod holder option. So may be worth looking at.

[@bb9480]

I have had a variety of boats over the years and seen several come go, I always return to Ranger, their quality and attention to detail definitely stands out.

[@txman201]

You haven't seen Ranger "quality" under Johnny Morris. Give it some time to become apparent, if not already evident.

[@fishingbass7318]

Not sure if you have looked at a Falcon or commented on one. My apologies if I missed it. 99in beam F205 and f215. Smooth ride and handling is great. Mine has virtually no chine walk. Turning is amazing. Grabs the water great for fast turning.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I’ll get to a falcon soon

[@mxer224]

I went from a 521vx to a 21phx and that is my only complaint on the Phoenix the cooler doesn’t hold ice like the ranger one.

[@sajeoarguelles5272]

Hey Ken, great content! Will you be reviewing an Elite boat? I feel like they are the best of both boats!

[@KenSmithFishing]

I don’t know them, can you email me a link to [e-mail]

[@scottfrost8956]

Great work by the way! Helpful input for my next boat

[@mickeybaker7877]

trailer looks just like the one on my 1996 stratos?has been a great trailer.shame stratos went belly up.great boat too.

[@ericg.5316]

Good review as I would have never considered a Phoenix for my next boat, now I may if can get a Yamaha SHO on it.

[@chanceehuiet]

Eric G. You can

[@thechestnutking736]

Wow, I figured by your review the Phoenix would have definitely scored higher than the Caymas.

[@sammorrison965]

Great review Ken, glad I could help somewhat. I feel like the 921 should of scored higher than the Caymus due to many factors. Even though I am a multiple Phoenix owner I do realize a lot of manufacturers make a good product and it’s nice to see a very honest opinion of all of them. I think it comes down to preference at the end of the day, not so much what boat is actually a better rig. Keep the great content coming! 👍

[@alanaho4915]

My trailer has leaf springs and yes they squeak after a while. However, reached out to others with same trailer and recommendations was to spray it with s lithium grease. So with that I do it about every 6 months. And it works taking the noise away.

[@LT1BURNOUT]

Will you be doing the Skeeter FXR models?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yep

[@Macdaddy8124U]

Cant wait until you go back to BCB, I'm patiently waiting......

[@thechestnutking736]

Yeah he needs to at least try out a Lynx

[@okbass338]

@@thechestnutking736 He won't like the deep floor being hard to step up to the deck. He will hate that you cant put much weight up front and if the one he gets nose dives when not on pad he really won't like it. I looked at a Lynx and the lids feel spongy and you can see them flex when walked on hate the latches that you have to snap down on the live wells. Seems like a multi species boat inside, rod boxes are shallow to.

[@thechestnutking736]

OK Bass Thanks for letting me know about that on the Lynx.

[@derrickhouse7063]

I'm very excited to see the review of the Vexus

[@captainyoung6029]

You and me both...my new one will be vexus or Phoenix waiting on his review on vexus to make my decision... I MISS THE OLD RANGER... I tell anyone I get a new one every two years and been buying rangers for all of that... they are NOT the old ranger brand of quality!!!!

[@derrickhouse7063]

@@captainyoung6029 I'm still fishing from a 2008 Ranger Z21. I love the boat but I strongly believe my next one will be the VX21. Waiting to see Ken's review as well.

[@captainyoung6029]

@@derrickhouse7063 you have the real ranger boat... trust me buddy they dont make them like they use to at all my last real ranger was 2015 520 the one now is a glorified nitro if you know what I mean not putting down nitro but it is what it is RIGHT

[@derrickhouse7063]

@@captainyoung6029 100% agreed

[@easonterra]

That 4-blade got it on pad faster then the 3 on others.

[@midgebarker4022]

What boat in the Phoenix line competes with the Bass Cat Pantera 2?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Midge I’d guess the 19 PHX or the 819 pro

[@Born2Fish1219]

Where would you put the humminbird 5 port switch and how do you run wires with the enclosed driver console?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Most are using one of the front boxes and running wires alongside electronics wires down the side of the boat

[@jerrymurray3162]

Ken have you settled yet I’m looking at the Caymas Leaving my Triton elite But would like to know how The Caymas runs with a 300 merc

[@KenSmithFishing]

Not yet, several to look at

[@davidskinner4017]

Would like to see a review on the Phoenix 721 for comparison

[@KenSmithFishing]

Little shorter than what I’m looking at this go round

[@loucarter6291]

I run a 721. It's faster, a little narrower at the front, and has lower gunnels. Same exact box layout.

[@scottfrost8956]

Question Ken... I just purchased my first Ranger. It’s older and a 2000 519svx. It’s been an amazing solid ride. From your research is this a good boat? It’s in excellent condition for 20yrs old

[@KenSmithFishing]

Scott I would suspect it’s built as good as any boat ever has been. Never ridden in that particular model tho

[@parkerstewart4649]

Skeeter FXR?

[@jessefloyd8224]

I offered him mine on this past Sunday

[@caseyscreename]

Are you going to review the PHX?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yes

[@justinkeckhaver8199]

Man in my opinion Phoenix is our only competitor as far as fit, finish, and fishability. By the way, we'll have a redesigned Eyra out here pretty soon. We've got the prototype in our finish shop right now. Not a lot has been changed, but it basically mirrors a new Cougar from the front deck back. Biggest change is no more under seat fuel tank. They're both in the back now.

[@dlefeb67]

I didn’t know they were redesigning the Eyra? The Eyra tank is already in the rear? What are they changing?

[@justinkeckhaver8199]

@@dlefeb67 you could also get an under seat fuel tank. That option is now gone. As I said, it basically mirrors the new Cougar from the front deck back. Cockpit cupholders were moved next to the seats. That's really about it.

[@dlefeb67]

Justin Keckhaver Are they keeping the coffin style center lockers? Best part of the boat. Lockers behind the seats could have been larger. My current PII lockers are larger than my 2014 Eyra. Behind the seats.

[@justinkeckhaver8199]

@@dlefeb67 hey my apologies, I was thinking of the Caracal when I said it had an under seat tank. The Puma had a removable seat base but no fuel tank option like the Caracal does. They have now made the seat base an integral part of the boat. And yes, the front deck is unchanged, and the rear lockers are now the same "home plate" shape as the ones on the new Cougar. I don't know the dimensions off the top of my head, but they're at least as large as the P2 now if not larger.

[@daviddawson5136]

I don't think the steps are available on the phoenix. Those looked like the trick step.

[@daviddawson5136]

Also the boxes in every one I've been in are really loud when closed.

[@henrywright1328]

Awesome reviews.thanks

[@solidrockoutdoors]

Phoenix is a awesome ride

[@loanshark214]

Triton had one of those plaques behind the seats for fuel tanks in 1997, the first year they were built. Just manufacturers trying to "idiot-proof" their boats. Clouse was at Triton back then too if I remember right.

[@KenSmithFishing]

You imagine drilling a hole in that and hitting the tank.... oye

[@txman201]

Ken, you want a removable CONSOLE for Sarah, not a "dash".

[@eddiepayne4241]

Ken dadgum your hide!! I sold my 721 in January after almost 7 years. Did it for a variety of reasons, but some of those have gone by the wayside. Anyway I wanted to share a couple of things from a long time owner's perspective. You've probably heard that customer service is outstanding, never a problem getting what I needed. I wish I could say that about the new boat I bought. Moving on, I did not fish as often as you do, but I was pleased with the fit and finish. Carpet held up well, had a few loose screws, besides the one in the driver's seat, but I think that is normal. Overall a great boat that I sold to a friend. Issues I had with mine were, yep the decals came off more then once. I did not like the sump access, thankfully I only had to get in there one time in 7 years. I had a manual TH Marine jackplate, the biggest POS I have ever seen. The horn never worked after replacing it 3 times, the fuse for it is buried behind the switches. If the cards fall right and it does not lead to a divorce, I may look for another one this winter. Not sure yet, but I am not in love with what I bought. Thanks for the great work, good luck the next couple of weeks.

[@bryanwhatley5509]

Eddie Payne what did you buy if you don’t mind sharing?

[@eddiepayne4241]

@@bryanwhatley5509 a Skeeter SX200 center console. It's a good boat, just not my style of fishing.

[@areddfishing7473]

So the Phoniex don’t come with 25 pitch on the Merc anymore. That where blowing the lower units to much pressure so they come with 24 now just for people to know.

[@craigbielsky115]

what are you babbling about? none of it makes any sense...lol

[@areddfishing7473]

@@craigbielsky115 ........... you come DAYS LATER to make that comment? ok here you go on the New phoneix dont come with a 25 pitch 3 blade prop anymore because it was blowing the lower unit. so they come standard with a 24. i was just telling people

[@davidmurchie5346]

Take it from a Bass Cat Jaguar owned. It will score number 1 by your scoring method.

[@stewartweaver2778]

Hey Ken good video! Are you going to look at the new skeeter ZXR ?

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yes

[@lanceduff]

I liked a Phoenix until I drove one. At 57mph that 921 was all over the place. At 65 mph I thought I was going to crash. On my demo before I drove the boat I noticed the guy from Jordan’s marine constantly fighting the steering wheel when he was going over 60mph. In my opinion it’s a dang shame to pay 70k for a boat and have to fight the steering wheel when going fast.

[@tomwalls4516]

That boat wasn't set up properly is the only conclusion. I have driven a 921 ProXP (SHO), 721 ProXP (Merc), and have owned a 920 ProXP (SHO) for three years and while needing to be driven a bit when above 72 or so, it is nothing for an experienced driver.

[@craigbielsky115]

LOOSE IS FAST ......THATS HOW YOU GO FAST RICKY BOBBY.....GET THE BOAT UP OFF THE WATER REDUCE DRAG AND GO FAST ...ALL FAST BASS BOATS GET LOOSE IT IS THE NATURE OF THE BEAST.

[@johnwhitten7311]

Great review..

[@robbiemcdonald5752]

I know some guys that left BassCat to go to Phoenix and came back to cat.

[@NytronX]

Yep, it's due to MLF. Takahiro went from being with Ranger for decades to Bass Cat.

[@dannysuttles3487]

Nytron when did that happen? Hadn’t heard anything or read anything about him switching?

[@NytronX]

@@dannysuttles3487 Insider info. Will be public knowledge soon.

[@dannysuttles3487]

Nytron right on. thanks for info have a good day

[@EpicFishingMoments]

Great video! Just wanted to say there is an option for having rod tubes in the center box for 2021 I believe.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I’ll check again

[@justinedmonds3123]

None of our 2021’s have them so far.

[@EpicFishingMoments]

@@KenSmithFishing Dealer told me it was a $300ish option when I ordered my 920 Elite in August. This video shows it at around 11:48 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqKmYqSYdrZ_pq8&ab_channel=TreyHarpel

[@robbiemcdonald5752]

You need to drive a Lynx

[@rileyodean4898]

Ken, man how are you going to do the tippy test with no one in the boat in all of your other videos but then say “ope it won’t make that much of a difference in this one” these videos are great but if your gonna do something like the testing you’re doing you can’t be inconsistent with the variables for tests. Two people in the boat opposed to one DOES make a difference. Just some constructive feedback.

[@KenSmithFishing]

He wouldn’t get out...

[@thechestnutking736]

Somebody cough up a new Allison!!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

We have one lined up

[@adamportner8102]

I just put a deposit on this boat with a Suzuki 250ss used 2019 with 170 hours on it

[@KenSmithFishing]

I haven't seen that combo, be curious how it runs

[@adamportner8102]

@@KenSmithFishing 70mph full load 2 people full tank of gas live wells empty

[@adamportner8102]

@@KenSmithFishing 70mph full load 2 people full tank of gas live wells empty

[@adamportner8102]

@@KenSmithFishingThis weekend just me loaded for tournament hit 73mph

[@w.d.kimzey2974]

The hand held mic is better.

[@KenSmithFishing]

So I turned the mic volume down, it’s still ok?

[@trevorelliottfishing6262]

Ken yes! Sound great

[@christopherbarrett2529]

If that boat was loaded correctly, you wouldn't have to drive it. I am on my 3rd Phoenix two 721's and a 920 all with Atlas plates. My first 721 and my 920 both walked until I loaded it right. My current 721 I loaded it correctly from day one and it has never walked. I can run the plate up and down and it still doesn't walk. Vault hubs with a hybrid grease are ok, but the brakes are junk.

[@areddfishing7473]

Down side you have to be a driver to drive this boat it gets bad at 70+ chine walking

[@craigbielsky115]

its not the boat its the driver......most dont have the skill to drive it correctly.....it takes practice ...seat time...lol

[@areddfishing7473]

@@craigbielsky115 anyone who owns a Phoneix they all say it takes getting use to because of how little pad sits in the water. its basically a raceboat. you really just on here to troll arnt you?

[@craigbielsky115]

@@areddfishing7473 NO I JUST DONT GO IN FOR THE ..."IT'S THE BOATS FAULT" TALK ....BEEN DOING THIS FOR TOO LONG AND THE TRUTH IS THE FAULT LIES WITH THE DRIVER CHINEWALK IS DRIVER ERROR OR SETUP FLAW ....PERIOD .THE HULL HAS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE ITS THE DRIVER...LOL IF I HAD A DOLLAR FOR EVERY GUY SAID IT WAS THE BOAT AND THEN THEY WATCH ME GET IN AND DRIVE WOT STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW 10 MPH FASTER THAN THEY EVER DID ID BE A THOUSANDAIR...LOL... FAST IS LOOSE AND YOU NEED SKILL SOME GUYS NEVER GET IT THEY FLOP ALL THE WAY DOWN THE RIVER LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT ...LOL PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE..... I DO LIKE A BRISK DISCUSSION BUT NOT A TROLL.....I KEEPS IT 100

[@areddfishing7473]

Craig Bielsky think what you want. Every boat drives different so you claiming “experience “ shows your just being ignorant. A skeeter to a ranger to a bullet they all handle different so until you get use to it you won’t drive it properly. So you commenting is just being a troll and annoying

[@craigbielsky115]

@@areddfishing7473 QUIT BLAMING THE BOAT FOR YOUR LACK OF SKILL AND I WONT COMMENT.....YOU SAID......THE DOWN SIDE IS YOU HAVE TO BE A DRIVER IN THIS BOAT IT GETS BAD AT 70 + CHINEWALKING.....YOUR WORDS ...IM HERE TO TELL YOU IT AINT THE BOAT ITS YOU....LOL

[@jaydoman7540]

🇺🇸😎😊

[@jswartz1999]

$1.00 bet that Phoenix wins in the end!

[@KenSmithFishing]

We shall see