Stratos 278

[rixfishin]

Hey guys, after looking at several different makes of 17-1/2 to 18-1/2 foot boats I am now starting to do a little research on the 278 and 285 Stratos. First off how many of you guys have these models and what do you think of them??? What's the difference in legnth between the two? And what's the storage like on them. I am going to be getting a new to me boat in the fall and I have looked at several makes and models. I want a single console in the legnth I mentioned earlier rated for a 150, I have heard good things about the Stratos 18 footers. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[JasonCajda]

i use to have a 96 278 until I bought my new 201 last year. It's a great boat for two people on small to mid size lakes, not that it can't do good on larger ones but it is small for larger bodies of water.

It's a rocket with a 150 on the back that is for sure.

Storage is good but not great. I turned the extra live well in the front into an extra storage compartment an even made one closer to the bow. I also made a deck extension for added storage. Guess you can tell I like storage!

All in all it's a nice boat, take your time and see if you can take a test drive to make sure it's what you want and need.

Good Luck.

[illinifish]

I have a 18 xl which is not a model listed but in the size catagory you are looking at. Storage is great deep center box, 2 nice size boxes in rear, 2 large rod boxes. It tows nice, and I am very pleased with its craftmenship. I have a 150 on the back, no jackplate, with a 23 pitch prop I can touch 60 fully loaded with 2 adults.
Hole shot is very impressive. I like that I can access all of my pumps easily thru rear hatch, room for 3 batteries.

[chadku]

I am going to pick up my new to me used 07 278 this Sunday. Bit has a 115 Opti. I think they are now rated max for a 125. The storage on it is great in my opinion. 2 7' rod lockers and a big center tackle storage unit. If you search on boats you can see pics of many different years of models. I am pretty stoked. It is not the biggest boat but quite the upgrade from my 40 hp tracker! Good Luck - there are some amazing deals out there!

[rixfishin]

Congrat's on the new boat... I guess they used to be rated for 150's because the ones I have seen have just about all had 150's on them. How long is the 278 compared to the 285?? Both of them just look like decent 18' boats. I will check out some of the pics in the owners forum...Thanks!

[chadku]

Oopps my bad. I am getting a 275, the 278 prolly is rated for 150

[troyw]

I owned a 278 for ten years, they ride pretty good when you trim to the sweet spot, mine was the dual console model which took up a lot of room on a small boat, so i would go with the single. those boats were rated for a 150 and it really handled nice, when I first got it it was hard to drive so i installed a 6" jackplate and hydraulic steering which really made the boat handle a lot better. top speed was 62, hope this helps. Troy

[StratosDadRI]

I own one and do like it. much easier to drive with hyd steering. They are offically 17' 8" Basically the same as the 18' since they dont have the 2 points sticking out the back of the hull. mine has a 150 and it rund low 60's I do have the factory deck extension that add alot of room.

[JeffA]

i have a 285 which is 18'6", with the E-tec HO, i've got a best of 65.2 GPS, had lots of storage, enough room for 2 guys to tourney fish, fishes much bigger then an 18' boat.
here's a few pics.

[smb]

I have a '96 278dc. How did you make storage out of the front livewell? I am also thinking about making a deck extension also but I don't know where to start. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.