21xl magnum

[tjburdette]

I may me considering another bass boat. I am considering a year range of around 02 - 04 either in a ranger 521 or something else. My question is how does the 21xl magnum stack up against the ranger? I already know I like stratos cause I had a 95 201 pro and loved it before the boat I have now. Try not just be biased here please haha I understand this a stratos forum but this hard earned cash to guys. Lol

[Oldgeezer]

I own a 02 with a Pro XB 250 and 8 inches of set back. I previously owned a number of Rangers in the 360 class. A friend of mine owned a 522 and I have fished out of that boat. The Magnum is more "difficult" to drive than the Ranger but is a whole lot faster also. Both platforms are stable when fishing. The fit and finish of my Stratos is equal to the quality of the Ranger IMHO. Both are excellent rigs, but I would purchase the Magnum before the Ranger and save a few $$. No matter your choice, do yourself a favor and have the engine checked before purchasing. Good luck in your decision. Hope that this helps.

[fieldsj66]

you already have one in mind?

i haven't owned a ranger, but ridden in them. i agree with all the previous post said.

if you need info on the 21xl we might can help. mine runs strong, but then again i have the yamaha motor. only thing i don't like much is the length and weight pulling it around on the highways. i will go to a 19 if ever buying again.

[Oldgeezer]

Not sure what motor the 21XL Magnum has, in question, but if it is a Pro XB 250, then I have extensive archived/current information that I am willing to share including prop choice,engine leak down percentages, and GPS MPH results. Again, good luck with your decision. If you pull the trigger on the Magnum, I will try to answer any question that I have experienced .vs. speculation.

[Stratos21XL]

I'm a little biased because I own one. I've ridden in and fished out of a lot of different boats and the only boat I would trade my 21XL for would be a new Phoenix 721 or 921. Next in line would be an Allison. The hull on the 21XL has an exceptional rough water ride and you can still make it go fast with the right set up. Overall, it's one of the best "fishing" boats I have owned.

Just be sure you have the motor checked out good before you purchase it. Have a compression and leakage test done.

[Jim Patry]

Ive owned a 21 LX Mag since 2003.It is a stable fishing platform, dry ride, great in rough water and lots of storage space. Passenger and driver leg room is more than enough compared to newer Stratos hulls.
I fish 16-18 tournaments anually and have since before buying this boat.
It has held up to lots of rough rides with not a stress crack to be found.With the new 250 HO Evinrude on the back it will hold mid 70's with a heavy tournament load.
Beautiful looking boat, to bad they quite making that hull.

[oldhippie]

i'm with these guys,i got 03 21xl pro star dc,250 merc,totally happy with it ,,previously had a skeeter,sprint,ranger,

[bassfins]

I have owned my 21XL Magnum for eight years now. Have seen plenty of ruff water. It is an 02' and did have a 225HO Ficht. Very fast! Not one crack anywhere! Ficht blew a week ago. I am repowering with a 250 HO Etec. Absolutely, without question would own another one. When I die, the wife will plant me in it! Have riden in all others except Phoenix. GOOD LUCK!!!!

[Jim Patry]

Bassfins, your gonna love the performance of the 3.4 H.O. Evinrude. Hang on, mid to high 80's empty. I chickened out and let off at 84mph. Half tank of fuel with two fat boys on board.

[bassfins]

Thanks, cant wait, got goose bumps just thinking about it!!! Wifes ready to make me sleep with the dog. Was getting high 70's with 225 HO Ficht. Gonna leave them behind again!!

[Oldgeezer]

Those are impressive numbers for sure. What is gear ratio of the 3.4L and what pitch are you running and RPM? Curious for sure. I have the Pro XB 250 and have run GPS at barely 80+ with my 235 LB son,full gear,1/2 tank and ran out of room on the stretch. On the Mercs, there is a problem of blowout if we try to exceed 85+ with the stock torque master L/U. Interested if the ETEC L/U does not have the same dangerous possibility? Thanks for any detailed info.

[bassfins]

Jim, I would appreciate any info you are willing to share on set-up. Prop etc... The muscle is going on the back of my ride this week. Have heard the guy who is doing it does a great job. But any advice from someone who's done it is very welcome.

[Jim Patry]

Bassfins, here is what I can relate.
Engine 250HO 3.4 2010
Gear case L2 1:71-1
Prop 24 Raker 11 heavy load.
Water Presure 15-22 lbs
WOT 6000 rpm
Hydraulic jacket place 8" + 4" set back 12" overall.

The 24 Raker 11 is the only BRP prop that will give a descent tournament load hole shot in mid summer humidity and high temps.
I dont rely on a set transom height, I rely more on water water pressure and feel of steering as my indicator.
In cold dry air such as now (April ice is just leaving the lakes) I can run a 27 raker and turn 6000 +, I get chicken over 80 MPH GPS and have never hit WOT.

The New 250 HO 3.4 has the SOE 1:85-1 gear case, the gear ratio as the old 225 DI HO. That being said you may be able to run a 28 pitch prop and have good hole shot.
Let me know if you have the SOE 1:85-1 gear case, type of prop and performance you get.......I may change up to the SOE if the results are good.

[bassfins]

Thnx for the info Jim. It will give me a place to start. With the ficht and 26 pitch, was GPS at 79 at 5600. My skinny butt, all tackle, two full livewells and about half tank. Was last minute run for wiegh-in with happy smallies. Gotta love those STRATOS livewells! Will post first water test. Thanks again!!!

[F150owner]

A good friend has a 21XL. I really like it. One thing I like is the taller console and I do think the the injection molded trim is pretty nice. It has a great ride and is solid. The ride is about as good as I've seen. I like the stripe design on the sides as I think it is a classy look. Best of luck and have fun shopping!