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I'm currently running a '07 285 with a 150 Opti....
Looking at a 2011 294 with the SHO 200.
Looking for opinions on the 294....
would love to go bigger but the one requirement I have to stick to is the boat must fit in the garage.
So I understand the bias' and what not, but I'm looking for some opinions....
Let 'er rip!
I have an 06 285!
Jason Phillips, ep72, and md294EVO currently have or had a 294.
From what I gather, it is the sleeper of the Stat line-up. I believe md has seen 78 GPS with his!
Fully loaded, you should attain 73 quite easily with 200. That SHO should produce some KILLER holeshot and mid-range punch.
You can make a lot of the big 21 footer 250 driver jealous with the speed. But, they'll get you back in rough water.
Given my current garage space limitation, the only other boat I would consider if I were to trade up for a bigger one, would be the 294, or the Phoenix 619.
I believe the Phoenix is put together a little better, but think the 294 would outrun it.
Just looked at the Phoenix 619.... it is put together very well. You got me thinking now. The 719 is nice too and is the same length. Now to find prices for comparison.
Keep the opinions coming!!!
The back deck is spongy feeling with you step on the lids or livewell. The drain plug is a pain in the ass to get in and out. I love the boat there are just a few small things that are irritating.
If you like your 285 you will love a 294. Same layout just a little bigger and better riding, and a lot faster. The Phoenix looks to be a good choice to, looks similar to a 294 in layout.
go with the 294 im not bias or anything http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif but i really do love mine.
I have a 2008 294 with a 200 Opti. I bought the boat new and I love it. I moved up from an older Stratos 285, and couldn't be happier. Speed is not my thing, but the boat will run low 70's easy. A few small things they could improve (the drain plug is in a bad location, etc.) Overall a great value!! I did have some problems with livewell pumps, but it was taken care of under warranty.
http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif
The 294 is a great boat, probably one of the best riding and handling 19ft boats on the market. I've ridden in a few of 19ft boats out there and the 294 is my fave. The 294 is fast, affordable, and handles well from hole shot to top end. Others will have to advise you on Phoenix but they make a great boat as well. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif
You're gonna get some sticker shock when you price that 719 Phoenix compared to that 294. The 294 is an absolute rocket. It's a beast outta the hole and the performance from low end to top end is amazing. You should be able to get 75 gps with a load all day long. The 294 will probably be my next boat. My dad just sold his and I have been kicking myself in the a$$ for not buying it.
I'm looking at the Phoenix 619, not 719 so no sticker shock by comparison. I do have to say the Phoenix guys are selling their boats a lot better than the Stratos guys.... AND I'M A STRATOS GUY!!!
Oh, sorry. I thought you said you were looking at the 719. I don't know anything about the 619, but my dad did price the 719 when he sold his 294 and it was amazing, but the price tag was huge at the dealer. I've never seen a 619 up close, only on line. But I do know the 294 is a fine boat with amazing performance for a 19 footer. Like I said, will be my next boat purchase.
The Lines of the Stratos make for one good looking boat. The performance is awesome for a 19 1/2' boat with a 200. You will pass cookie cutter 250 hp boats all day. Yes, there are a couple of quality issues, but I think all boats have them. I love my ride and have rode in and looked at a lot of boats and would not trade it for anything.
If you are comparing those 2 boats, the base prices start out with the Stratos about $1,500.00 less than the 619. You must add the tournament pack to the stratos ($500) to get spare tire, lid pistons, rod rack, 10 amp charger, etc. that the 619 has standard. So that brings them to within $1,000.00 of each other. Then the 619 has aluminum wheels, bow fish finder, hot foot, tilt wheel, Towing cover, stainless compression latches, jackplate, fiberglass storage boxes, (not cheap drop in plastic boxes, and livewells), dual seperate livewells with 6 pumps, passenger rod locker, net storage, etc. I have seen them side by side at a show, I would buy the 619 myself, but if speed is your thing the Stratos will be faster because it is lighter. I own neither BTW.
Modified by Rocky Top at 12:50 PM 1/10/2011
You just completely put things into perspective for me. You should hit up Gary Clouse for a job!!! Unless I get the deal of a lifetime on the 294, I'm going with the Phoenix.
Thank you!!!
8 ft flipn' sticks fit in my 2009 294evo easily ( even though Strats web site say "7 ft rod locker") http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/eyes.gif
And passing the 250's will put a big grin on your face. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/devil.gif You want passed my 250.
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bassknight »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/devil.gif You want passed my 250.</td></tr></table>
I know of one that would sure make you sweat it. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by ep72 »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
I know of one that would sure make you sweat it. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif </td></tr></table>
I hope your not talking about yours? You already posted your numbers. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/stirthepot.gif
Naw not mine. The one im thinking of is way faster than mine.
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by ep72 »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Naw not mine. The one im thinking of is way faster than mine.</td></tr></table>
Of whom do you speak? Local guy just bought one with a SHO and promised me he will hit 81 this spring... Under the right conditions im not gonna doubt him.