Looking at a 200XL with a 225 HO Evinrude.

[KCLOST]

Ok friends,

I am seriously considering buying a new 200XL, with the 225 HO Evinrude. I would like your most honest opinions on the rig. I am coming out of a 2003 TR20 with a 225 Vmax.

I am ready for a new boat, and also have a pro-staff possibility... So that will hopefully help with the cost. But I really want to know about the performance. Speed, prop recomendations, motor height, the usuall stuff, and anything else you can think off.

Warranty is something I would also like to know about, even though I will hear abouth it eventually from my dealer....

Really like the looks of the boat, except for the single livewell with divider....

[DTS]

ive heard that boat and motor combo would probably run high 70's depending on the load

[F150owner]

The 200 hull has been around for a long time. It is a proven hull design that was formerly in the Javelin line up. In 2003 the javelin series and stratos lines merged. The 20 ft hull got a new top cap and was called the 200 XL. The hull rides well and has a deeper V hull than the 201. It takes a bit of driver input at wot, but coming from an 03 TR boat, you are already used to dealing with chine.

the 200XL is a high 70's boat. The ETEC HO is a perfect match for the hull and gives it good lift. I could be wrong, but I think for '09, Stratos went back to the dual front deck storage and back to dual livewells vs the large divided livewell. You wouldn't like the prop I'd go with because it would take away from hole shot. (I used to run a 29 TXP on my 06 200 ProXL w/ETEC HO for top end).

I fished a BFL one time and I got this really large guy and he brought a tackle bag that had to have weighed more than wet bale of hay. In other words, the boat was so heavy it was hard to get up on pad. Anyway, even with that much weight in the boat, the boat still ran 76 with 40 gal of gas, two guys, and a massive load of tackle. He was a Ranger guy but said how impressed he was with the ride.

The Tritons have some cool features, but I think you'll find that you'll forget about some of that when you ride in the 200 and see how fun it can be. (I used to have a 2003 TR19 Bassmaster classic edition with a 200 Opti) Just give yourself some time to get used to the new hull. The 200 has its own mannerisms that can't really be compared to the other boats in the Stratos line up. From a ride perspective, you'll actually be moving up.

Storage is good, speed is good, and looks are good, resale on a team boat should be good too.

[KCLOST]

Thanks Duane, and you are right about the chine on the TR, but that isn't really a concern for me, I can drive it.. More interested about rough water ride on the 200xl and top speed...

How about others with the 200XL, what kind of speeds are you honestly getting... It's going to be a while before I can go out and test one. ICE...

[KCLOST]

I guess I should add that my TR20 is topping out at 76.9 by myself and a tournament load. Running at 27p stock tempest at 6000 rpms... 75 with a partner on a good day..

Just want to make sure I don't drop in speed....
Also would a 28p Powertech TR04 run well on the 200xl/HO 225? Because I have a brand new one sitting on the shelf.

[Flipping57]

I am in my 2nd 200XL and it would be hard to get me in anything else. With the Evinrude I feel like a 28 Raker will be a hard prop to beat ( I ran a lot of props). In my opinion you will not find very many boats that ride better than the 200. I would start out with the prop at 3" below the pad. With the 28 Raker in cold weather one person tournament loaded I hit 80 on several occasions, it was a 79 mph boat any day, in the hot summer time it was a 76-77 mph boat one person tournament loaded. You ask about a 28 TRO4, I would try it but don't expect much out of it, I could never get any 4 blade prop to run on the 200/225HO combo.

Danny

[rodbender1]

I run a 2006 200 pxl w/225etec HO.

With a team tourny load, and fish, consistantly a mid 70's gps rig. It is the best riding "shallow draft" 20' boat I have been in.

I too, find the 28 raker to be the best prop to set it up. The "original" Raker out-performs the new Raker II , but "originals" are hard to come by now days.

[ebs32]

I also run a 2006 200 pxl w/225etec HO.
I have run a bunch of props, all with a full load and hot water. The best was a trophy.
I currently have a 3 blade 28p TXP that is great on top end but I don't like the hole shot. I will have it reworked soon and anticipate 76ish.
With the cold water this prop will push 80.

I recently bought a 27p renegade and i really like the holeshot and handling, very easy to drive.

I would like to try a 28p raker, never did...

When I was in the market for a new boat I looked at every make and I choose the 200pxl and I have NOT been disappointed. I think it is the best blend of all: price, speed, handling, and fish-ability.

Good luck!!!!

[KCLOST]

Awesome information...

Jackplate,,, 8", 10"... ?
I'm used to running high and with maximum setback is that the route I should stay with...

You guys are great....

[Kenneth ALBassr]

Your prop choice will be a little different because of the gear ratio in a new 225HO.

Kenneth