Looking to buy a Stratos.

[bassin_man]

Since buying a pre-owned ranger doesn't make me eligible for any contingency money I'm looking at buy other boats. Stratos has definitely peeked my interest. They look and sound like a great boat. What has been keeping them from becoming more popular? About the only thing negative I have ready about them is stress cracks in the gel coat. Does that seem to be more common in Stratos than other brands? I have mainly been looking at 00-02 models as they seem to be closer to my price range. Wanting something that will reach high 60's or low 70's WOT.

[stratos225HO]

As far as the stress cracks, I personally believe that they can happen to any brand of boat. Just depends on the situation and location of the stress cracks. Those year models are to tough to beat. For a High 60's or Low 70's boat you will need to look at a 19 or 20 SS Extreme. Personally, I'm on my third Stratos and wouldn't have it any other way!

[bassin_man]

I can't remember exactly why but I was told to stay away from the SS Extreme line of boats? What about something like a 201, 295, etc?

[hardee]

I am on my second 201 pro xl. You will not regret buying a stratos.

[stratos225HO]

A 201, 200, 295 will get you there as well. There are plenty of great rigs on the Boats4Sale page, just stop by and check'em out.

[Mike1]

The only reason I could think of staying away from the 00 - 02 stratos is that people had a bad experience when OMC went bankrupt. The motors also of that time were good motors, but not as reliable as todays motors. However they were alot better than the previous motors. If it is a good deal then I would take it, you wont be dissapointed with the speed and handling of Stratos.

[FF Jeff]

I agree that any boat can have problems with stress cracks. I have a brother that ran a Nitro, procraft and another brand or two and has had stress cracks in more than one. He does fish big waters though. I don't think you can go wrong with a Stratos. I had a 96 278dc with a 115 Johnson faststrike, then bought a 02 Stratos 18XL with a 150 Yamaha ox66. I'd still have that boat if not for the fact it was totaled in an accident last fall. I have a 294 in the works now. Can't wait for spring !!!!!!

[JJohnSind]

If you can swing it, go for a '03 or later. That's when Stratos redesigned their 201 & 200 Pro XL's. Much different boats from then on. Some corners were cut in the 200 XL in 2007 and contingencies dropped, but the Stratos Platinum wasn't paying that much anyway. If you want real world contingencies, go Skeeter; Nitro is bumping the ante in contingencies but I'm not too sure about Nitro's build quality.

[bassin_man]

What are the differences between a 04 295 Pro XL and a 04 Pro XL? I might be able to swing a bit more to get something in this area(I see there are a couple on the bbc ad page). Also both of these boats have an Evinrude Direct Injection. How are these motors comparing them to say an Optimax.

[JJohnSind]

If your asking about the differences between a 295 and a 294, the 295 was decked out a little more like the 200Pro XL and the 201Pro XL. It had a few more bells & whistles. With that came more weight and the 295 was not as fast as the 294. The 294 was a pretty fast boat with a 200hp. These are 19 1/2 ft. boats rated for a 200.

If you were asking for a comparison with a 200 ProXL, the 200Pro XL is 20ft. 2 in. and rated for a 225. With a 225 HO, it was one of Stratos's fastest. I think the 201 Pro XL and the 200 Pro XL (2003 and later) are among some of the best bass boats designed. It has a superior ride and respectable speed, though the fishability, as far as stability goes, not quite up to par as the Ranger or Skeeter; the Stratos will drift a little more in the wind compared to these boats as well. I think the Strato 200 & 201 Pro XL's have one of the best deck layouts and compartment storage in the business as well, though I hate the inefficient cooler.

I don't know how far you want to travel, but from what I have seen, C&O Marine seems to have among the best selection of stock boats and prices that have impressed me.

[bassin_man]

Did Stratos produce a 19 XL Pro in 04? Also how bad is the stability compared to a Ranger, Skeeter, etc? I'm going to be using this boat on some fairly nice sized lakes such as Lake of the Ozarks, etc. Thanks

[JJohnSind]

I think the 19 footers were the 295 & 294. The ride in Stratos's are among the best if not the best when it come to rough water. Because of the speed capabilities of the Stratos, there is chinewalk than needs to be handled at high speeds; sometimes people misconstrue this as instability in ride, but if you back down the speed on a Stratos to comparable speeds in other boats like a Ranger, they ride as flat as the next one. Stability while fishing is another story, but every boat is a compromise somewhere.

[Jumping Jimmy]

In 04 they had a 195 ProXL and a 295 ProXL. I have the 195. The 295 had all of the bells and whistles. The 195 was a mor spartan boat. I have a 200 HO Direct Injection Evinrude. It has been an excellent motor. Very strong and fast. I feel like these model boats are a great buy. You get a tournament quality boat that is fast, 70mph and up, tons of storage and good rough water ride.

[bassin_man]

Just how bad of stability problems while fishing are we talking about here? Also what year were the 19XL models made? There is one listed in the bbc classifieds but its listed as a 04.

[bigfish]

not sure i understand the stability statement. I have owned a stratos 18' and 19' and I can say they are a very stable fishing platform.

[JJohnSind]

Stability is not a "problem" just not as good as an equal sized Ranger or Skeeter as an example (and, yes, I have owned all three). In my '03 201 Pro XL, I could feel the boat tilt enough when my back boat partner walks across the rear deck to even momentarily loose my balance if I were on one leg (as when the other leg is on the trolling motor pedal). Obviously, not enough to fall down, but enough to have to take my other foot of the trolling motor pedal to catch my balance (not a problem if you're a "sitter" or "leaner"). One of those things you typically don't notice (or care to pay attention to) unless you switch back and forth from different boats.

One benefit I have found on a very stable boat is the reduction of fatigue when standing while fishing all day as well as the boat being more resistant to being blown around in the wind (or rocking in big waves while fishing). I guess that hull design that gives Stratos such an exceptional rough water ride must compromise how the boat sits in the water.

Point of Information: my experinece with Stratos' are limited to late model 201 & 200 Pro XL's, if a smaller Stratos can be more stable than the larger ones, then so be it, but I would guess a larger boat would rock less. Stratos is a decent balance of design and I like the rough water ride characteristic of it. Decent quality for price too.


Modified by JJohnSind at 3:31 PM 2/17/2008

[bassin_man]

How do those Evinrude DI do on gas?

[JJohnSind]

The ones I had (pre-Etecs) did pretty good, especially at about 80% throttle. Evinrude made a lot of promises with the Etec, but now, it seems they are recommending setting the engine to use XD50 but actually use XD100. That won't be saving...

[bassin_man]

Ok first off sorry for all the stupid questions. Now second off I have another question. Like I mentioned earlier in this thread I had someone tell me to stay away from the SS Extreme line of Stratos (can't remember the reason why). But after a little reading on this forum in past threads it seems like people love that line of boats. Was I told wrong or did the SS Extreme boats have some problem year(s)?

[JJohnSind]

I think some of the earlier SS had hull design issues that caused the boat to lean to one side when on lower plane speeds. It must have been a real issue as Stratos was redoing some of these hulls under warranty. If that is the case, I doubt that any of these leftover boats would now be covered under that same warranty (this might have even been an OMC issue, not Genmar's).