In an industry first, Skeeter Products, Inc. introduces its revolutionary new FX Series, featuring two bass boats designed to be introduced with Yamaha’s new “game changer” Four-Stroke V6 VMAXSHO outboard engines.
Skeeter’s next generation of bass boats, the FX20 and FX21, was designed specifically to run with exceptional performance when combined with Yamaha’s new VMAX SHO 200 hp, 225 hp and 250 hp engines.
“The FX continues our aggressive new product strategy well into the next decade, and our partnership with Yamaha on this boat/motor package enabled us to manufacture a product with a better hole shot and higher top-end speed, with the benefit of the better fuel economy that a four-stroke engine has to offer,” says Jeff Stone, Skeeter Senior Vice President/General Manager.
According to Stone, the FX Series is sure to meet and exceed the demands of tournament anglers and serious bass fishing enthusiasts seeking the highest performing bass boat on the market. “We took our motto ‘Engineered Like No Other’ to the max with the development of the FX Series,” adds Stone.
For the FX Series, Skeeter increased the size of its sponson area an additional 1.7 cu ft, the equivalent of removing two batteries from the boat.
Next, Skeeter designed wider and sharper strakes along the running surface to provide lift and deflect water for more speed, better turning ability and a smoother ride. These innovations lead to a dry and stable ride, with no chine walking and no backwash.
Each engine in Yamaha’s VMAX SHO family of outboards has an all-new four-stroke 4.2-liter V6 powerhead that provides the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. New materials make the engines lighter, more efficient and powerful. Larger throttle valves, intake and exhaust valves and water pickups ensure peak efficiency and performance. Yamaha also employed plasma-fused sleeveless cylinders instead of steel sleeves to provide a durable surface for the engine’s piston rings, thus reducing the overall weight of the VMAX SHO by 34 pounds compared to its two-stroke predecessor, the VMAX.
“In the past, all bass fishermen were concerned about was speed – getting to their fishing spot before anyone else. Even as times have changed, Skeeter and Yamaha still deliver the speed and fishability that anglers need to be competitive, but with the FX Series, we can also deliver a higher level of overall performance, reliability, efficiency and style in a single boat,” says Ben Jarrett, Skeeter’s National Sales Manager.
“This was a no-compromise effort in the long and tedious design and planning process, building a bass boat series to meet the expectations and demands of what modern fishermen expect in a boat,” says Jarrett.
“The FX20 and FX21 are entirely new boats, with an entirely newly designed deck and hull. A completely new high performance profile gives the new FX series a completely new look that defines the words under our logo”Performance Fishing Boats” says Jarrett.
The FX Series features a new Digital Multifunctional System (DMS) that runs a new boat security/alarm system and iForce locks, and also serves as a command center that controls Yamaha’s multifunction gauges. The cockpit, with available dual-console option, includes tilt hydraulic steering, driver and passenger glove boxes, custom grab handles, side panels, non-skid mats and bump stick holder, and upholstered full-flex seating with an under seat 30-quart ice chest. A foot-throttle and pro tilt and trim behind the new custom-made performance steering wheel are standard.
“Unlike most bass boat designs, our gas tanks are not located mid-ship under the seats, which allows us to optimize storage space for gear and tackle ” says Jarrett. The FX20 and FX21 feature 34-gallon rear livewells with independent fill, recirculating and drain modes, and adjustable pump timer and pump-out. A 28-quart in-floor compartment doubles as storage for gear or as an ice chest. Additional gear compartments are found under the aft and bow fishing decks, including a removable day box and an integrated rod storage holder.Storage compartments feature gas-assisted lifts for ease of access.
A digital bow panel includes trolling motor receptacle, lighting, and trim switches. Auto or manual 1500 GPH bilge pump, interior lighting, standard high performance 12″ Jack place with two stern eyes, 15 Amp x 4-bank Minn Kota battery charger with charging inlet and 6-gauge trolling motor wiring system with four battery trays are also standard on both models. With a dual, 50-gallon fuel tank, combined with Yamaha’s VMAX SHO high performance offerings with unmatched fuel economy, the FX21 and FX20 will get you to your fishing spots on fewer dollars.
Both the FX20 and FX21 come standard with a Humminbird 788 dash-mounted fish finder and 728 bow-mounted fish finder with transducers, temperature probes, GPS antenna and interlink system, and Minn Kota Max 101 foot-operated, 101 lbs. thrust, 36V, 42″ shaft trolling motor. Also standard is an FX touring trailer with tandem axle, disc brakes, spare tire carrier, swing tongue, ratchet tie-downs, aluminum wheels, color coordinated Euro-Step, polymer fenders, custom lighting and torsion axles.
Backed by Skeeter’s High Performance Engineering Concepts, the FX Series features an Aluminum Torque Transfer Transom and Stringer System, adhering high-test aircraft structural aluminum to the Ex-cel transom, thus significantly reducing stress on the transom, deck and sides. Composite one-piece flooring is composed of PVC cross-linked foam, sandwiched between layers of fiberglass.The Ex-cel composites used in the transom and stringers add outstanding strength and durability. Skeeter’s aluminum deck grid provides superior support and strength, with lids that close tightly and lock securely.
The FX Series may be personalized with a host of optional features, including enhanced hull, deck color and graphics packages, dual console, electronics packages from Hummingbird and Lowrance, Yamaha Command Link, live-well aeration system, 12″ hydraulic jack-plate, carpet padding, trolling motor options from Minn Kota or Motor Guide, in-floor cooler exchange, 13″ fixed fishing seat, bike seat with Power Pro Pole, Hamby keel protector, Sirius-ready, AM-FM stereo with CD player, wired remote control and speakers, boarding ladder, tackle storage system and trailer upgrades.
MSRP: FX21/SHO250 $70,810, FX21/SHO225 $69,460, FX20/SHO250 $69,280, FX20/SHO225 $67,930.
Skeeter Products, Inc., the Official Boat Sponsor of BASS, makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with an owner’s tournament, its “Real Money” tournament incentive program, and a top-notch dealer network. Skeeter is the recipient of eight consecutive NMMA C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index awards, and its boats are certified to meet strict U.S. Coast Guard and American Boat & Yacht Council standards. For a catalog call (800) SKEETER, or for more information visit the skeeterboats website.By: Bob Bartels
