Initial impressions of the 201 Evolution

A few weeks ago, I dropped my 294 off at Days Boat Sales for service. I made the mistake of looking at the new Evo while I was there. Some things went my way and I was able to get it.
I was a little intimidated by the size of this boat at first, wondering how agile and well it would handle. I took it to a little mud puddle of a lake when I brought it home just to try it out. Impressive to say the least. Handled the sharp curves like it was on rails. Has unbelievable acceleration with the 250 H.O. E-TEC as well.
I left that day impressed.
Fast forward two weeks, I went to Dale Hollow to do some fishing. THe first day there we had 20 mph winds with 30 gusts. This lake was ROUGH, two foot rollers in places were not uncommon. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/eek.gif The Evo took it like a champ, exhibiting a smooth ride and DRY ride all the way through a 20 mile run.
Speed, well, this boat is definately an 80+ boat. I havent ran it alone hard, but with two people, it will snatch 80 in a hurry. I can cruise at 75 with two people and 30 gallons of gas with all the tackle I can fit in it. I was cruising at 4900rpm doing 68.8. Bronzefly on here can verify this. Gary was with me all weekend on Dale.
Fishability. This boat has all the room to fish three, even four if push came to shove. It is agile enough with the trolling motor to get back up in the skinny stuff. Equally stellar is it's ability to handle 20mph winds while fishing offshore. Once again, never got wet, never felt uneasy.
This is the best Stratos boat I have ever been in. Period. Nothing can compare to the beauty, fishability, speed, and general quality of my Evo.
IMO, this boat is on par with ANY high end boat on the market. I saw quite a few brands having a very rough way to go on Dale last weekend. Granted, alot of it is driver input, or lack thereof.
If any of you are thinking of an Evo, but are unsure, call me or Bluesteel. I will be glad to answer any questions.

Take care and tight lines,

Brad Preece
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/b...d/PB050380.jpg

I also want to thank Mike, AKA Bluesteel for helping me with some things and for being a stellar guy in general http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif
I know C&O are big on this site and contribute alot to members, but I have to plug my dealer. Day's Boat Sales in Frankfort, Kentucky. They went out of their way to make this dream a reality for me. From the purchase, to the mounting of the wheels and graphs, it was all super smooth and on time. They also even took their shoes off when in my boat rigging it. Little things like that go a long way with me. The boat never sat outside while it was there either. It was always in a climate controlled garage in a bay where nothing could hurt it.
Thanks to ALL the crew there. From technicians to detail guys. I am very appreciative. Chad, you da man bub.

Congrats on the new ride, she's a beauty! http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif

Great looking rig http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif

That is one sharp looking boat, those would be the colors I would have chosen also. Only question.... Noticed the two ram mounted lcd panels also. I would call them graphs, but units that big you would be watching a movie while flipping that jig.
http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/bows.gif

congrats on a beautiful boat. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif

Sharp boat http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/bows.gif

Thanks fellas. Ya'll take it easy

Great write up Brad, I too feel this is one of the best rigs made!

I have the same exact boat except with a merc on back. Well said, it is a great boat..

I have to agree, they are a very good fishing platform. I had doubts about mine when I first got it but not any more. The only thing I don't like are the cup holders.