Hooked Up Designs Magazine March/April 2017 | Page 50

boat review

boat review

SKEETER ZX250

The ZX250 is a wide and relatively heavy bass boat , but these proportions make for one of the roomiest , most comfortable , and bestperforming bass boats on the water .

A notable difference between the ZX250 and most other rigs is the height of the driver ’ s seat . It ’ s considerably higher than most , allowing for better visibility over the bow during initial accelerations . Consequently , the windshield is still high enough to protect the driver from the wind while underway . If you are used to sitting low in the seat and the lack of view it affords , you ’ ll appreciate the clear benefits of simple adjustment .
Despite its size , the ZX250 is remarkably fast , topping out at over 76 mph with 250 horses . The boat is exceptionally easy to handle below 70 mph , with its standard SeaStar hydraulic steering . Past 70 , though , you become quite aware that you are teetering on a small pad . This is the norm with all high-performance rigs , however .
The ZX250 features a great list of standard components , including a Lowrance ® HDS-9 Gen3 Touch Graph in the dash , a Lowrance ® HDS-9 Gen3 Touch Graph on the bow , an 8 ’ Pro 2 Series Power- Pole ®, a Minn Kota ® Fortrex 112F- US2 Trolling Motor , an
Oxygenator livewell aeration system , tilt hydraulic steering , a foot throttle with Pro Trim , a Dry Dock ventilation system , and a tandem-axle trailer with brakes on both axles .
Skeeter didn ’ t stop there and included a lot of nice extras , such as the “ Moor Mate ” tie-up system with spring-loaded dock lines that unroll neatly from inside the gunnels , a Teleflex LED depth finder and unique “ Touch Pad ” controls for all dash electronics . Skeeter also boasts a unique aluminum frame for the storage systems , as well as reinforced and foambacked hatch lids .
You ’ ll also notice the absence of a motor well aft ; the transom is fully enclosed , with rigging cables neatly exiting directly in front of the motor . The taller transom helps keep water off the back deck when you slow abruptly , and like everything else about this boat , it just looks cool .
50 HOOKED UP MARCH / APRIL 2017 hookedupdesigns . com