200 or 294: what to do....

[akropinski]

Hello,

I'm looking to move up from my '96 288 to either a 200 or 294 (both are used) and am having trouble deciding. I fish Lake Ontario and Simcoe quite a bit so I like the idea of being in a 20'er but there are some good deals on a 294/295. The speeds seem similar: would I miss the extra 6" if I went with a 294. I'm guessin' the 294 would be cheaper to run.

Now which motor? The ones I've been looking at have had Merc EFIs and other with etecs and HPDIs. I'm leaning towards the DFI engines as their newer technology/fuel economy, but if there was a good deal on a merc EFI should I consider it?

Decisions, decisions....

Adam

[livetofish]

Those EFI motors are bullet proof

[ep72]

The 200 is not only a tad longer it has a 4" wider beam too if that matters to you. The 294 is tops in its class, but its hard to beat the ride of a 200 IMO. Either boat is a winner.

[Hookset41a]

Not sure how far you usually run, the 294's have a 36 gallon tank, I believe the 200 has a larger fuel tank as well. They are both great boats, I personally have a 294 but would have loved a 200..... I have a 200 ETEC HO on my 294 and am running in the upper 70's

[basketball coach]

i wud get a 201

[billybass]

I had to make the same decision back in April, the folks at C&O made me an offer on a new 200XL that I couldn't refuse! I came out of a 19' 3" Champion and I'll tell you all the extra length and deck space is amazing. The 200 takes a little to get used to in the driving department (I'm not 100% yet), but after you get comfortable with it you'll love it. And my 225 HPDI sips gas compared to the 200 VMax I had on the Champ.

Good luck with whichever boat you choose, either way you're gonna love your Stratos.

[hawgswinger]

I agree I think fishin that big water I would go with the 201. I have one now and came out of a 295 and the difference is incredible.

[akropinski]

I would love to get a 201, but the biggest stratos I can get in my garage is a 200 (assuming it will fit through a 9' door).

[Stratos201Mike]

if it cant ft in your garage can you put it on the sid of your house if so, I would go with a 201, if not the 200 is next

[F150owner]

If my only choices were a 200 or 294, I'd recommend the 200 for the few extra inches of rod locker storage and a longer rod locker like. The pad is different on the 200 as it's more of a deeper V hull than the 201 and 294. It is actually a great performing hull that has been around for many years in the Javelin lineup.

On the other hand, the 294 has been a flat out favorite of many. 75 mph performance which beats out competitors in the 19ft class. Great Stratos ride and good storage.

Either way, you're gonna get a very good boat.