What do I need to know about driving a Stroker?

Stroker has made my short list of new (to me) boats. One of my biggest concerns at this moment is driveability and the need to balance the load. I currently run a Skeeter ZX200 with a HydroTec Yammie but have owned 2 Rangers, a Stratos, and a Viper. What can I expect in terms of driving (ie how much driver input, how tough to learn, learning curve, etc)? Also, I've seen folks mention balancing the boat. I've never made an effort to balance my previous boats, is this a MUST for a Stroker, or just a MUST for pulling big numbers?

Thanks

djd

You will love the Stroker boat !!

IMO, it is a high performance boat that can be driven to its potential rather easily. The boat does not require a lot of input for a smooth, safe, driving experience.

IT IS CRITICAL TO HAVE THE BOAT BALANCED TO RUN - AT ANY SPEED.

We don't just "mention" balancing the boat, but highly recommend it !! Some have decided not to fully balance the boat. In those cases the boat will not run efficiently.

Strokers also tend to be VERY forgiving. I have blown out the TM case several times at 93 and the boat just settles right down. Also threw a prop blade at 107 and after a jerk left and right, it just layed right down. Although it can happen, the boat rarely will turn on you like some other high performance boats.

I recommend to take to heart the guidance on this board, use the tried and trued set up criteria, make incremental steps up on speed, and you will really enjoy the boat.

Almost to a man, the experienced Stroker drivers/owners will get with you to help set up your boat and help get you started.

Good luck!

Balancing the boat will help dramatically with the learning curve. When properly set up the boat will require minimal amount of input. They are very forgiving and generally anyone that has driven a pad boat can drive them to there potential very quickly. Balancing can be done with your tackle location in the boat and depending upon your weight battery placement will help. For me I have discovered that having cranking battery on drivers side means I don't have to add any ballast to the boat. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/smile.gif

Balance cannot be emphasized enough. It's the very 1st thing you should do before making any run over 60 mph. The difference, especially when learning, is dramatic. If you have never driven a v-pad at speed, out of balance, you may never learn, while a balanced one can usually be learned in a day, with an experienced guide.

Balance is also key to having a safe boat. Blair talks about how the boat will lay right down, well a balanced boat will lay down much easier and safer then one out of balance.

You just need to take a ride in one......I have had my Stroker down to wolf creek a bunch we just need to hook up some time or come on down to ice pirates at table rock in about 2 weeks

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by 1outlaw &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">For me I have discovered that having cranking battery on drivers side means I don't have to add any ballast to the boat. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/smile.gif </td></tr></table>

Unless you weight 100lb like ole Jason does you'll need ballast.


Which brings a question that I've had on my mind!
Where do you fellas buy the shot ballast bags?

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Matt Mc &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">


Where do you fellas buy the shot ballast bags?</td></tr></table>

Storage compartment behind passenger seat. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by colreb2000 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Storage compartment behind passenger seat. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif

</td></tr></table><table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Matt Mc &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Where do you fellas buy the shot ballast bags?</td></tr></table>

Now wait a minute Nathan. You sell shot from behind the seat on the passenger side of your boat?

What other funny thing happen back there?

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Matt Mc &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

Unless you weight 100lb like ole Jason does you'll need ballast.


Which brings a question that I've had on my mind!
Where do you fellas buy the shot ballast bags?</td></tr></table>

You can buy them at a ammo reloading shop.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Matt Mc &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

Unless you weight 100lb like ole Jason does you'll need ballast.


Which brings a question that I've had on my mind!
Where do you fellas buy the shot ballast bags?</td></tr></table>

I weigh 135 Thank you http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by 1outlaw &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

I weigh 135 Thank you http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif </td></tr></table>


Only if you are wet!!! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/roll.gif

Thx for all the info guys.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by flwillie &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

Now wait a minute Nathan. You sell shot from behind the seat on the passenger side of your boat?

What other funny thing happen back there?
</td></tr></table>

I misread. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/doh.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif I meant to say that's where I put it for ballast. I only use one bag of shot since I store tackle on that side and have two batteries on that side. To answere the original question Matt, I just bought a bag of shot from Bass Pro whenever I was down in Jackson with my reward points. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif

just take your time, and balance the boat at slow speed increases. Although the urge to floor it is a bitch http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/pimp2.gif