Skeeter FXR 21 Great Bass Boat Search of 2020-21 - Video 21 of Series

This is the review of the Skeeter FXR 21 in the Great Bass Boat Search of 2020-21. This is part 1 of the 3 part review of the FXR, parts 2 and 3 will be added on the next 2 days. This video series overall is titled Before You Buy a Bass Boat Watch this, this is the 11th boat in the series where we walk through spending the day in a bunch of different 20 and 21 bass boat models through the fall of 2020 and into 2021 looking for my next boat. If you didn't see the first 20 videos you can go back and watch them first, (reviewed Bass Cat Puma Hybrid the boat with the Champion 203 style hull, a Charger 210 Elite, a Ranger 521C & 520L and a Caymas CX21 , a Vexus VX20 a Bullet 21 SDC, a Phoenix 921 ProXP, a Blazer 650 Pro Tour and a Phoenix 21 PHX).
In part 3 we will score the boat 1-20 in 5 different categories, Fishability, Performance, Amenities, Fit & Finish and then a 5th catch all that includes feedback from friends that own them, trailer, options, feedback from fiberglass shops in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas asking them what they see as the best 3 boats, based upon construction, currently being built (since they see how we beat them up). And then we ask them which they see the most non-impact damage to the hulls with (least well built). Then for tournament anglers we include a 6th 20 point category looking to see who has the best contingency prize package available.
None of this series is possible without our sponsors, you supporting them supports us
Waterland Optics for a short time code Ken30 gets you a 30% discount) bit.ly/2AqabKo
All 6th Sense Fishing Product at www.6thsensefishing.com are 10% off with code Ken10
If you need to do a little Christmas shopping and are willing to help support Ken Smith Fishing please use this Tackle Warehouse link, bit.ly/2S4dFY6 it doesn't add anything to the cost for you but supports our channel, thanks!
For electronics help reach out to Jones Trolling Motor & Electronics at 870 773 3474 or bit.ly/3gCyuog and please let them know you found them through Ken Smith Fishing
We do have the YoloTek discount code for 10-38% off different products, use code KENSMITH at bit.ly/kensmith...
#Skeeterfxr21 #beforeyoubuyabassboatwatchthis #greatbassboatsearch2020
My Instagram page / kensmithfishing2.0
See also Shopping for a New Bass boat, Bass boat shopping, Shopping for a new bass boat 2020, which bass boat is right for me, what to know before you buy a bass boat, thinking about buying a new bass boat, buying your first bass boat, buying a new bass boat, best bass boat for the money, what to look for in a bass boat, bass boat walk through, what to look for in a new bass boat, bass boat comparisons, bass boat champion, Ranger walk through, buying a new bass boat tips and tricks, consumer digest bass boat, best value bass boat, best bass boat 2020, best bass boat 2021, top 5 bass boats.
My camera gear
My camera, mount and wind mic for dash footage:
GoPro Black 5 has best set up for external mic amzn.to/3m2DHsL
Rode External Microphone amzn.to/33h8zgK
Waybetter Case amzn.to/2Ziy6VB
Movo Shoe extender amzn.to/35iG8l1
GoPro Gooseneck amzn.to/3jWlQlm
GoPro 3.5 Mic Adapter amzn.to/3idp6bI
Remote power for camera, phone charge or to jump the boat Weego! amzn.to/3ihrCO4
For Transom Mount shots
YOLOtek PowerStick bit.ly/3be8E7K
GoPro Hero 8 Black bit.ly/2uiRPYR .
Guys from lots of trial and error, across my 5 cameras the best disk (and recommended by GoPro for the 7 and 8 series) is the Extreme Pro, buy a 64 or 128 gb here amzn.to/3ieXsuZ cheap!
For some of the same gear I use at a discount check out these sites and discount codes:
The best rods and reels in the marketplace today Lew’s Rods bit.ly/37HLJQf
Lew’s Reels bit.ly/36FJpb2
Best Fluorocarbon and Braided line available at bit.ly/38QpBDm
The BEAST the new Mercury V8 4 Stroke 250 Pro XS bit.ly/2tvlhdR
Still looking for Bigfoot, dude hollar at me at my email address is [e-mail]
Make sure and check out my website as well, www.KenSmithFishing.com

[@brentshimanek3149]

Ken, I can relate with screws coming loose. I have a dual console skeeter and the screws that held the foam trim pieces along the inside edge of the consoles backed out and one day, out of nowhere, the wind just took both trim pieces and sent them into the lake.

[@bnasty8653]

This is the best video series on KZbin!!!

[@jrthomas3581]

100%

[@kevinscott6301]

I love my skeeter FXR best boat out there until this day

[@jabojr5171]

Thanks so much for the great info, you're doing all my work for me. I'm glad you have focused on the ride of the boats while moving slower. I don't want my boat to act like a dolphin when riding at 20-25 mph.

[@mikethetoolman8776]

early models did this from fuel tank location, didn't they more the tanks to stop this issue??

[@trevorelliottfishing6262]

Ken since your comment of driving a boat at its lowest speed on pad for rough days I’ve tried it in my Bass Cat Puma FTD. And I was able to run 18mph on pad, no bouncing with the jp 3/4 of the way down. It did this with ease. I can also run nearly 80mph with it tournament load with just me in the boat. 76 with myself and another 200lb guy tournament loaded. You seem to really want a wide front end on a boat so I really encourage you to look at the Lynx. I believe it will surpass all the 81 grades of the Caymas and Phoenix that have been previously reviewed. The fit and finish of a Bass Cat boat is truly second to none. Love what you’re doing here and it really shines a light on all of our boat brands we have out there today!

[@kktx4058]

Well done so far, Ken! Totally agree with you that fine tuning the Jackplate height is the key! Looking toward to video 2 & 3.

[@brib_brib_brib_bri]

I get giddy every time you post another one of these videos. Thanks for doing this!

[@dansingletary7891]

Thanks for going thru all these boat Manufacturers. My first boat was a used 1967 Super Skeeter. Owned 3 other models after that. They make great bass boats. Still hope to see a current Nitro and Triton.

[@lupefernandez6332]

I’ve got a zx225 & it proposes just like this one. As I’ve learned to drive it, time in the seat has been the answer. It handles bog water fantastic compared to several other boats I’ve been in. I believe a lot of that is the operator.

[@itisfinished4U]

Ive sold a bunch of Skeeters and that is exactly right, I would strongly encourage a hydraulic jack plate, especially on the new hull because they are absolutely awesome with a good driver, if you are willing to take the time to use it and spend the extra money. Best hull Skeeters ever made according to guys who have run a new one every year for a long time

[@bakervinci163]

This is not a hydraulic plate ?

[@jrthomas3581]

@@bakervinci163 Yes, go watch he just says you have to mess with it a bunch to make it run right... which makes you wonder why you'd buy a boat that you have to keep tweaking to run

[@bakervinci163]

@@jrthomas3581 what is the best boat in your opinion? I’m looking for a boat that will go 85+, that I can chase crappie until I die.

[@Boatflipit]

@@bakervinci163 what do ya need 80mph for when your crappie fishing? Honest question.

[@derrickhouse7063]

Very nice boat.

[@bmf88]

Gosh so many different opinions on the ride im on Toledo Bend mainly and Rayburn the other times and run a 202 elite Champion the best riding 20ft boat I've ever been in. But I was really hoping to hear the rough water ride was amazing Skeeter hyped this boat pretty big and had me all pumped to the point that I was considering a new one. The other skeeters I rode in I thought I was gonna need back surgery after we got off the water. Lol

[@cjr4497]

I agree. I have never been in a Skeeter that rode well in the big stuff. Every one beat me to death compared to my champion. You have the best riding bass boat ever made. Nothing today can touch it.

[@ronwallace7563]

Thanks for being aware of your biases. It's when we are not that tends to trip us up. Just human nature.

[@dustinpitts2741]

I have a 2018 zx 250 and love it and the trailer is awesome fit and finish is great have had zero problems so far and every year I have been contacted by Skeeter to make sure I don’t have any issues with the boat love it

[@robertjacobsfishing]

I was really waiting on this one. Looking forward to the scoring!

[@jackstein5486]

I have been looking forward to this review. It looks great but based on the ride issues you noted, it is a disappointment to me. Thanks again for what you are doing, looking forward to episodes 2 and three.

[@timj7466]

Had the screw pop out under the cowling that holds the link to the gear shift, lucky it happened as I was backing off the trailer at the ramp, had it happened away from the trailer I was stuck dead in the water on Amistad 10 miles away. Motor had 40 hours on it and I purchased the FX21 new in 2017, check those, the Japanese got in a hurry and didn’t have it tightened enough.

[@tdawgfishin2880]

Very nice! I have an old 1999 ZX185C that I bought last year. Absolutely love that boat but I'll only have it a few more days because it has hull and stringer damage and it was just totaled... When I first got it I would porpoise a lot, but after taking it out on the water a handful of times, I never had it happen again. I'm not sure what I will get next. I really like rangers and how they ride but I loved the handling of my skeeter and the amount of bow rise it had sure was fun. I'll still have to get another boat probably from the 2005 year and on down. I just graduated from college and plan to go back and get at least a masters. I want to get another good boat for my second part of college so I can fish on the university's fishing team. I expect Ill probably try to get a skeeter 202C or a ZX225 with the older VMAX on it and not a HDPI. If not I have found a few 518,519, 208 rangers that I would be interested in. I just don't want anything with an older optimax motor.

[@jeffporter100]

Very good looking boat! A couple of things I noticed. Net looks very small compared to others. Sump access is great but basscat appeared the cleanest and the removable lid was great. Definitely top 2 in sump access are skeeter and basscat. Looking forward to part 2 and 3!

[@Bogeypro256]

Just sold my basscat cougar FTD for a FXR.. the rear setup is not good on basscat. No usable storage at all. Electrical connections just laying everywhere. The charger is mounted across the pumps. Yes, it's all wide open, but that's also the downside. That removable lid has hinges that trip co anglers.

[@miketadlock4150]

Ken I have the FXR21 L but with Fixed jackplate and I can drive mine between 17-20 on plane with no bow bounce. This boat handles BIG water very well.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Sounds like you’ve got it in the right spot

[@jswartz1999]

What prop?

[@stephenobrien9421]

The hoses in the sump are quick connects also. Very easy to remove an install.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Thanks Stephen did not know that

[@alanmcnally7268]

Ken on the trailer wonder why they didn’t place a bar to aid climbing into the bow of boat up the steps. Also when placing the motor/toter (transom saver) and it bends the motor controls seems like more than it should; can raise jack plate to reduce bend. Like the trey system. Also trip on the raised floor leading to the front deck ( I know need to pick up feet) Look forward for more. Thanks much.

[@Kdavis8377]

Ken if you ever want to make a weekend trip to Lake Guntersville, I’ll let you have free reign with my Ballistic.

[@kevinscott6301]

Ballistic or skeeter top boats out on the market

[@kevinwhiteman667]

My Dad has had 7 Skeeters and he now has the FXR21. And, the ONLY complaint I have is the porpoise issue especially with full live wells. I've learned to manage after 9 months of driving the boat but it can be a pain in rough water with full wells. Skeeter had this exact same problem when they came out with the first I-Class (we nicknamed that boat, Flipper) due to a new hull design. Pop brought the issue to Skeeters attention (they knew it was an issue) and offered to retrofit the hull to fix the problem or swap him boat for boat for a new I-Class with upgraded hull and when we got the new boat, it was all gravy from that point. The guys in Kilgore are awesome. I'm wondering if the same thing may have happened again as the FXR from what I know has a new hull design.

[@danlaur7973]

Wow, that boat is heavy! I'm used to a 1,800 lb BassCat

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yeah I was really surprised

[@johnwhitten7311]

Good job Ken..

[@liprippinwithmo]

love my FXR21APEX

[@rodneysprings8063]

Too bad Legend is gone!

[@tommccoy6708]

V-20 was my dream boat

[@bakervinci163]

Ken you will me deciding my last boat. I have about 9 months to decide. Pretty sure I’m gonna get glass unless I get a gator trax or the new aluminum. Let’s see a new Allison.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Yep, will get to Allison, from what I hear they haven't changed that boat at all in something close to 10 years, do you know if that's correct?

[@bakervinci163]

@@KenSmithFishing I know that they have a few clever innovations that I don’t see on other boats. Small things; like a place to put rod tips on the deck and a toilet where the middle seat exist. I like everything, but looking at that hull is tough. Clearly this is why the hull is so fast.

[@jswartz1999]

There is bass talk live where they have racing performance shop owner talk about prop and rough water for Erie and then normal lakes. My understanding is you need rough water prop and a prop for typical conditions.

[@johnr3677]

Speaking from experience with the Skeeters. They take time to learn to go slow speeds. I have no issues with my 225 going slow enough to pull kids on tubes and such.. It all has to do with throttle when getting up in plane.. On another note, with my zx225 you can run wide open trimmed out with no hands on the wheel..

[@kevinwhiteman667]

That's what I love about Skeeter boats, arguably the most stable to operate boat at high speed. It doesn't walk at all.

[@ShaneKA5GSS]

FYI. Skeeter has NOT fixed the problem you spoke of concerning the screws and fit and finish. I regularly have to tighten or find screws to replace the ones that fall out or disappear.

[@jrthomas3581]

Same issue with my 2020

[@georgeadcock2347]

The last Skeeter had problems from bow to stern. Came with the fuel intake tubing kinked. Fuel blew out on me when I tried to fill it up the first time. Will never have another.

[@grat8436]

Skeeter was screwed up bow to stern? Fuel line kink

[@dustinpitts2741]

If you’ve ever drilled a top cap on a Skeeter you find out quick why their heavy at how much thicker they are than other boats

[@johnnyb5521]

Great report Ken! Thanks

[@travelingman1983]

CB marine makes a foil for this boat that will completely cure this problem and improve holeshot. Also I have heard a different prop will help.

[@cjr4497]

I have one of his foils on my Champion. They are great and look good.

[@jrthomas3581]

And slow the boat down...

[@dlefeb67]

Another great review. Why the 3 part series on the Vexus and Skeeter? Others were done in one? As for the FXR, it has the best lines that Skeeter has ever designed. Fine looking machine. I'm not a fan of the plastics on the dash, and was real surprised to see it porpoise at low speeds. I really figured Skeeter would fix it on this new hull. (without having to play with the JP) Keep up the great reviews.

[@timkelly633]

Hi Ken. Another great video, been looking forward to this one. Be interested to see how a 4 blade would change the low speed performance. Lots of the guys who fish up north use a 4 blade on their boats to gain more rough water control. Wonder how much of the performance is down to the prop and how much the hull?

[@kevinwhiteman667]

I think it's the hull.

[@solidrockoutdoors]

Skeeter n Phoenix best Fiberglass boats made.

[@tracymills8505]

Drive a Ballistic. Best boat Made

[@williamgardner9596]

I have a 2023 ZXR21 with manual jack plate and no electric key pad. I wanted simplicity, I have never noticed my boat doing this porpoise and it is quick on pad. Fastest I’ve gotten is 70 but I’m ok with that, I normally don’t go faster then 50. Last day of the big bass splash I went to weigh in from Buck Bay. The lake was rough. I drove 20 to 30 mph all the way with no issues. So I’m wondering if most issues is due to the hydraulic Jack Plate.

[@KenSmithFishing]

no, is a design issue

[@lamontvernon757]

Great series!

[@gantfishing]

let me know when you want to test the Falcon 21TE

[@KenSmithFishing]

can you email me at [e-mail] ?

[@gantfishing]

@@KenSmithFishing email sent

[@bengreeninsuranceagency]

I love my Skeeter FXR 21

[@KenSmithFishing]

excellent, if you have any porpoise issue make sure and check out the prop series with Nick from Mercury Racing, he gives some thoughts on prop selection that might help out

[@bengreeninsuranceagency]

@@KenSmithFishing thanks Ken! I had a fixed jack plate. The dealer retained the spacer when I added the hydraulic plate. Not sure if it changed any thing however I don’t have the porpoise issue so many talk about. I am picking up a new FXR 21 at the end of the month. Hope it rides level

[@frankbednarchek1481]

I have a 2006 zx250 and I think it is a great boat. I am not crazy about those chrome rims on the trailer on the new one though. I wish the would give you rim options.

[@evanknapp1136]

1st, the jackplate should’ve been on 6-8 to begin with. 2nd of all, loaded out with tournament loads and 2 guys, it still runs 70 mph. I own one, fish Toledo bend and Rayburn regularly. And I work at a dealership. Hands down, there’s no comparison in performance, comfortability, and fishability.

[@jrthomas3581]

spoken like a true salesman, think this is why we are all watching these videos

[@eddiepayne4241]

Good stuff Ken, only makes me want to go in debt and buy a new boat! I do have a question, can you find out any more info on the adjustable base for the butt seat? That is cool! Keep em coming!!

[@nickn257]

That’s what I would buy

[@chrisavolio5451]

Hey Come to the LOZ and fish- my Skeeter will bounce way less than and Ranger!

[@KenSmithFishing]

LOZ...oye home of the 6 foot boat wakes.

[@fishhubbd]

It is indeed a Good content !!!! I love it !!!

[@leeadams5941]

So having run Bass boats and Flats boats for some years, my question becomes why don't you guys use trim tabs?

[@mikethetoolman8776]

regarding the TW link, do you get spiffs from visits or only purchases? love the videos, hope you do them all next year!! new career!!

[@KenSmithFishing]

Purchases!

[@mikethetoolman8776]

@@KenSmithFishing used it for black friday purchases and saved for all future one also.

[@daviddawson5136]

IMO the sho gets up out of the hole faster than the merc. Did you notice this? This is the first yamaha I've seen you try.( I know different boats behave differently)

[@KenSmithFishing]

David my take so far is it has a lot more to do with the prop than the power head

[@rowdybroomstick1216]

If raising the atlas jackplate is all it takes to be able to run on pad in the low 20's, what's the knock against the ride for? Seems like you'd give a knock if you couldn't remedy the porpoising. I hope you do some more research and prop changes before you post your next video.

[@KenSmithFishing]

Rowdy it you change the load in the boat, if the boat is wet and heavier, more tackle fore or aft, if the livewells are full vs empty, all of that will change the dynamics of where the jackplate would likely need to be to stop the porpoising, and yeah i could figure that out on a nice calm day with different loads, but if I come under the 147 bridge in 3-4 foot trailing seas and have to run 19 miles to the weigh in in 25 minutes the last thing I want to do is be screwing with it trying to figure out how to not bury the nose in a wave while I work that out. And why would I want to? If I can buy a boat where all if have to do is bury the jack plate in the dirt and go?

[@jonnynash364]

Great boat for fish ability.. low profile, heavy, sits low in the water, doesn’t get blown around by the wind, probably one of the worst ruff water boats I’ve ever ridden and driven

[@James-bb2ke]

Do you have any videos of the nitros?

[@jeremyjohnston2583]

That dude sounds just like Johnny Cash!!! Lol

[@KenSmithFishing]

the man in black, you know that's the name of my big black truck, Johnny Cash

[@Boatflipit]

Is it possible that the weight will help out with rough water?

[@chrisavolio5451]

Why dont ya try to take off with the jack plate up and -trim down on plane Not in the dirt? Try it comment back??;)

[@KenSmithFishing]

Chris I tried it at all levels, I suspect based on how you load your boat, livewells full or empty and fuel levels there are multiple "sweet spots", just a lot of work to find them when you don't really have to on most other boats

[@MRbassmasterman]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@bakervinci163]

He made need to move his jack plate

[@larrymcbride9837]

you have such a rough job lol

[@KenSmithFishing]

Problems is the pay stinks!!!

[@gar58]

Is that butt seat option available for all boats or just Skeeter? I’m talking about how it adjusts to get you farther away from the trolling motor pedal.

[@tommccoy6708]

lots of boats are like that these days

[@gar58]

@@tommccoy6708 can you just buy that type of seat somewhere? Does it actually slide back a few inches so you’re farther away from the trolling motor pedal than a standard butt seat? I always feel I’m too close to the TM pedal.

[@jjjacobs7807]

Are you gonna do a review on the x21 XPRESS boat or did I miss it? Thx Ken

[@KenSmithFishing]

Just glass boats this time

[@jjjacobs7807]

@@KenSmithFishing Ok thx. Thought the Venus was aluminum and was wondering how they compare. Happy new year’s.

[@jjjacobs7807]

Vexus

[@kentitus6457]

Please do I falcon F 20 predator

[@rickvann3489]

B.A.S.S cameraman that I heard say, he rides in all boats and the Phoenix was the best riding he now says the ZXR 20 / 2021 year model is his new favorite riding boat.

[@KenSmithFishing]

I'd say he would have a good sense

[@nolanmanley5359]

As usual, great work Ken. Weida's Marine has a promotional video from a few weeks ago that has them running the Skeeter, Phoenix and Caymas on a river at the same time. In the comment section someone ask which was the fasted that day and Weida's said Caymas. I've had two Earl Benz boats (Stratus 20 and a 21 length) and currently a Triton 18 TRX. All have to be setup light front and driven to get max performance. Just sharing some info, hope it helps someone. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2nQaqWHrKmmabc

[@rughughes4271]

Don’t think that was weida’s that said the caymus was the fastest I think that was just another commenter. The only replies from weida’s was to wait for follow up video