Quick Answer
The Phoenix 819 ZXL is a 20 foot fiberglass tournament bass boat that sits at the top of the Phoenix lineup. It combines a wider than average hull, a deeper interior, and premium features with a rating for Yamaha VMAX SHO 250 or comparable outboards. New 819 ZXL rigs run seventy to ninety five thousand dollars fully outfitted, and pre owned models from recent years start around fifty thousand. For Texas tournament anglers who fish Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Lake Fork, and the major reservoir circuit, the 819 ZXL is one of the most common serious rigs on the water. Big D Marine and Powersports carries Phoenix at three Texas locations.
What the Phoenix 819 ZXL Actually Is
Phoenix Boats builds tournament fiberglass bass boats with a hard focus on ride quality, fishability, and the details that matter to competitive anglers. The 819 ZXL is the flagship in the Phoenix lineup. The naming decodes as follows: 819 is the length in inches (roughly 20 feet 4 inches), and ZXL is the top trim level in the Phoenix hierarchy above ZX and Z.
That top trim level matters because it defines what you actually get. The ZXL layout includes premium upholstery, deeper interior sidewalls that improve angler comfort during long runs, upgraded fishing seat pedestals, and factory hardware and finish that separates the 819 ZXL from the value trim boats in the same length class.
See the current Phoenix inventory on our Phoenix Boats page and for the broader Texas bass boat comparison context, see Best Bass Boat for Lake Livingston.
Phoenix 819 ZXL Hull Design
The 819 ZXL hull is a modified V design with a sharper entry at the bow than most tournament bass boats in the same length class, which is a big part of what makes the Phoenix ride quality feel different in wind chop. Texas boaters who fish Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend afternoon chop consistently comment on how the 819 ZXL cuts through waves that make competitors bounce.
Hull specifications for the 819 ZXL:
- Length: 20 feet 4 inches (244 inches total)
- Beam: 96 inches (8 feet), wider than most tournament bass boats
- Deadrise at transom: approximately 22 degrees
- Hull weight: around 1,600 pounds dry
- Fuel capacity: 50 gallons
- Maximum horsepower rating: 250 horsepower
- Person capacity: rated for 3 anglers
Performance and Top Speed
The Phoenix 819 ZXL with a Yamaha VMAX SHO 250 is the most common configuration we sell. Real world performance with that setup:
- Top end: low seventies (70 to 74 miles per hour) with performance prop choice
- Cruise speed: 60 to 65 miles per hour comfortable and fuel efficient
- Hole shot: strong out of the hole, gets on plane in 4 to 5 seconds with two anglers
- Fuel economy at cruise: 4 to 4.5 miles per gallon depending on load
- Wind chop handling: exceptional for its class, one of the smoothest rides in tournament fiberglass
Current Yamaha outboard pricing including the SHO 250 is on our Yamaha outboard pricing page.
Fishing Layout and Features
The 819 ZXL fishing layout is designed around two angler comfort during a full tournament day. Standard features include:
- Bow casting deck: large and flat with pedestal seat mount, room for a Motorguide or Minn Kota 36 volt trolling motor with foot pedal steering
- Rear casting platform: comfortable for a second angler, with rear pedestal seat mount
- Livewells: dual timed livewells with aerated and oxygenated systems, capable of holding a full tournament limit of Texas bass
- Rod storage: locking rod boxes on both sides, holds twelve to fifteen full length casting rods
- Console: driver console with room for a Garmin, Lowrance, or Humminbird 12 to 16 inch chart plotter
- Battery storage: dedicated battery box for 36 volt trolling motor bank plus cranking battery
- Interior storage: dry lockable storage under the console and in the bow
Phoenix 819 ZXL Pricing in Texas
Phoenix 819 ZXL pricing depends heavily on outboard choice, trolling motor, and electronics package. For full boat cost context see our How Much Does a Boat Cost in Texas guide. Rough 819 ZXL price bands:
- Base 819 ZXL with Yamaha VMAX SHO 250, trailer, and standard rigging: seventy to seventy five thousand rigged.
- Mid tier 819 ZXL with premium trolling motor, one 12 inch electronics unit, and full rigging: seventy eight to eighty five thousand.
- Fully loaded 819 ZXL with dual 12 to 16 inch electronics, Ionic lithium battery upgrade, premium audio, and full accessories: eighty five to ninety five thousand.
- Pre owned 819 ZXL from 2022 to 2024: fifty to seventy thousand depending on condition, hours, and options.
Who Should Buy a Phoenix 819 ZXL
Pick the 819 ZXL if any of these describe you:
- You fish Texas tournament bass on Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Lake Fork, or the major reservoir circuit.
- You want a top tier ride quality in wind chop over a lighter, faster hull.
- You value premium interior finish and comfort during full day tournament fishing.
- You want a boat that holds resale value strongly in the Texas tournament used market.
- You are willing to invest seventy thousand plus for a tournament rig you will keep five to seven years.
Consider a different Phoenix or alternative if:
- You want a lighter faster hull for pure open water speed. The Phoenix 721 Pro or a Blazer 625 Pro Tour may fit better.
- You mainly fish smaller Texas lakes where 20 feet is more boat than you need.
- Your budget maxes at fifty thousand for a new rig. The 721 or 619 Phoenix models offer strong value at that level.
- You fish stumpy timber water like north Lake Livingston. Aluminum is generally the better call for that environment.
Phoenix 819 ZXL vs Blazer 625 Pro Tour
Cross shoppers usually compare the 819 ZXL with the Blazer 625 Pro Tour. Both are premium tournament fiberglass options at similar price points. See the Blazer Bass Boats page for the cross shop. Short version:
- Phoenix 819 ZXL wins for ride quality in wind chop and interior finish.
- Blazer 625 Pro Tour wins for pure top end speed and aggressive tournament boat feel.
- Both work well for Texas tournament use; the choice comes down to your priorities.
Where to See the Phoenix 819 ZXL in Texas
Big D Marine and Powersports stocks Phoenix bass boats at our Huntsville flagship on State Highway 19, which is the primary tournament bass boat destination for Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, and Lake Livingston anglers. Our I 45 Huntsville location carries pre owned Phoenix inventory when available. Our Hitchcock location stocks selected models. See current Phoenix inventory on our Phoenix Boats page or the new inventory page.
Financing, Trade In, and Service
Phoenix 819 ZXL rigs finance well because they hold resale value strongly in Texas. Pre qualify with a soft credit check on our boat financing page, or see our bad credit boat financing guide if you have credit challenges. If you have a current boat to trade toward a Phoenix, get a fair estimate on our trade in valuation tool. Service after the sale via our certified service department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Phoenix 819 ZXL?
The Phoenix 819 ZXL is a 20 foot fiberglass tournament bass boat built by Phoenix Boats. It sits at the top of the Phoenix lineup with premium features including a wider hull, deeper interior, and rating for Yamaha VMAX SHO 250 or Mercury Pro XS 250 outboards. The 819 ZXL is one of the most popular tournament rigs in the Texas competitive bass fishing scene.
How much does a Phoenix 819 ZXL cost?
New Phoenix 819 ZXL prices typically run seventy to ninety five thousand dollars fully rigged with a Yamaha SHO 250 or comparable outboard, trailer, trolling motor, and full electronics package. Pre owned 819 ZXL rigs from recent model years often start around fifty thousand for well maintained examples with lower hours.
How fast does a Phoenix 819 ZXL go?
A Phoenix 819 ZXL with a Yamaha VMAX SHO 250 typically tops out in the low seventy mile per hour range depending on prop choice, load, and water conditions. Well rigged examples with performance props and light loads have been reported in the mid seventies. Real world tournament cruising is usually done in the 60 to 65 miles per hour range.
Is the Phoenix 819 ZXL good for Texas tournament fishing?
Yes. The Phoenix 819 ZXL is one of the most common tournament rigs on Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Lake Fork, and other major Texas bass fishing tournaments. The hull handles Texas afternoon wind chop, the fishing layout accommodates two anglers comfortably, and the storage handles a full tournament tackle load.
Where can I buy a Phoenix 819 ZXL in Texas?
Big D Marine and Powersports is an authorized Phoenix Boats dealer with locations in Huntsville, I 45 Huntsville, and Hitchcock. We stock Phoenix 819 ZXL, 819 Pro, and other Phoenix tournament bass boats new and pre owned. We offer financing, trade in valuation, and certified service. Contact us to check current 819 ZXL inventory.
Ready to Look at a Phoenix 819 ZXL
Come by the Huntsville flagship for a walkthrough on the 819 ZXL and the broader Phoenix lineup. Browse full current stock on our inventory page or start at the Big D Marine homepage.
