Stratos...Blazer....WHICH?? WHY?? (LONG POST)

[BassHog007]

I am in the market for purchasing a new bass boat and am debating on purchasing either a Stratos or Blazer. The 200 Pro XL w/ a 225 E-Tec is what I would like if I purchased a Stratos or a 210 w/ a 250 HPDI/225 E-Tec if I purchased a Blazer.

I would like to hear Stratos owners on their opinion of their boats...let's please keep this opinions as unbiased as possible. I understand that you have a certain feeling of obligation towards praising your Stratos but please, let's be realistic...every boat has advantages and disadvantages.

I have ridden in three different Blazer 210's with 225-250's and was very impressed with not only the top end speed but the storage as well. I have never been in a Blazer in rough water but have heard that they're great.

I test-drove a 200 Pro XL Stratos with a 225 E-Tec and was also impressed with the top end speed and storage but was not able to take this boat into rough water.

This is what I am looking for a in a boat:

Ride: I want a boat that is able to handle the rough stuff...everything from a small chop to 5 footers...I fish mostly on river systems but plan on fishing several large bodies of water in tournaments within the next few years (eerie, kentucky, etc.).

Speed: Upper 70's tournament load is what I want to consistantly see out of my boat while still having a great holeshot.

Storage: It is absolutly manditory that I am able to lay out 7' rods on my front deck and not have them hanging over the boat. Right now I have 28 Plano 3700 boxes in my boat...I want to keep it that way and keep them easily accesible.

Misc: I want my boat to be sharp...having a brand of boat in a template color that EVERYONE has is something I will not have (ie. white/black ranger, triton, etc.). I also want plenty of leg room...I am 6'3 and don't want my legs cramped up while making long runs...especially in rough water.

Price: I am a full-time student but fishing is what I love...I would like to keep the cost under 40,000 LOADED.

Let me know what you Stratos folks think...I am also going to post this in the Blazer forum.

-Dustin

PS I currently have a 18' Stratos with a 150 although I like it...it has MANY faults.

[PushNit]

I looked at the Blazer at C&O back in Nov. Dont like the front deck not enough room for me. Like the way you set lower in the boat. I dont think they are as good as a Stratos. I looked them over pretty good. Just dont think the fit and finish is as good. I think they have more speed. They might be a little cheaper. Just my 2 cents.

[Hard Ard]

I'm not a Stratos or a Blazer owner (I currently have a Triton). However, If I were in the market for a new rig it would be a Statos or a Ranger. It would have an E-tec (1st choice) or a HPDI (2nd choice) on the back. I fish alot of FLW events and a Stratos/Ranger with an E-tec/Hpdi would help with the checks. Just my thoughts.

[Kenneth ALBassr]

Okay, I will start by saying that I have very strong feelings towards the offerings from Stratos. It is because of the product that is being produced by Stratos and the fact that it fits my needs very well.

There are a lot of differences between the Blazer 210 and Stratos 200 Pro XL. In my opinion, they are so far apart that I feel you should be able to objectively decide between the two by thoroughly looking over them and test driving each.

Now, I will provide my opinion.

The storage in the Stratos 201 and 200 Pro XL is the best I have seen. You mentioned using the Plano storage boxes and this tackle storage system (PTO) is designed for that purpose. The overall storage space in the Stratos will be more than you could get in the 210.

The front deck on the Stratos carries it's width practically all the way to the bow. This will provide a better fishing platform while having many rods on the deck for easy access. This also helps create more room in all the front storage boxes (center storage and both rod lockers). The bow panel in the Stratos is very functional and is setup to hold the electronics in a flush mount configuration. The placement is easily viewable while standing or leaning against the fishing seat.

The rear decks are probably fairly close in overall size. The storage under the back deck is quite a bit different though. The gas tank in the Stratos is located behind and under the seats (it is very difficult to nearly impossible to keep dry storage under seats in a boat). This is one tank which helps keep the weight of the fuel centered. This also creates a lot of room for large storage boxes on each side of the rear deck. There is also a lot of room in the rear compartment to access all batteries, battery charger, pumps and hoses (aerators and bilge). The Stratos also has two bilge pumps (one automatic and another manual).

The livewells in the Stratos are two separate compartments. This does require extra pumps and raises the overall cost of production but makes a better situation to keep two limits of fish very healthy. The Stratos livewells have two (main and auxiliary) aerators per livewell compartment. Stratos also offers the Aqua Innovations Oxygen Infusion System as an option if you want extra protection.

The driver's console of the Stratos 200 Pro XL offers a very sleek look that is also very functional. All of the gauges and electronics are very easy to read and see while under operation (very important while running mid to upper 70's). There is a lot of legroom under the console which makes a comfortable ride in rough water conditions or long runs getting away from your tournament competitors. This also helps get you out of the driver's seat and onto the front deck efficiently. The seating is also perfectly matched to the console to help put the driver in the right position to safely navigate and see any obstacles that may be encountered.

I will admit that I have not ridden in the Blazer 210 but I have ridden in a 2006 202. The 202 does not come close to the 200 Pro XL in rough water. The 200 Pro XL usually amazes people the first time they encounter rough water conditions. The hull is designed to cushion (no need for springs in the seats) the ride as you cross from wave to wave. The 200 Pro XL provides very good lift that allows excellent control while obtaining very good speeds.

The overall combination of handling, speed, dry ride, fishability and storage of the 200 Pro XL makes it one of the best choices for a bass boat (compared to any other make).

Let me know if you have any specific questions about the Stratos 200 Pro XL. I can also help you come up with your unique color scheme.

Kenneth

[Kenneth ALBassr]

I forgot to talk about the E-TEC.

These engines are simply amazing and is the perfect match for the 200 Pro XL (enough said).

Kenneth

[AB]

I spent a day in a 210 Blazer, and now own a 201 Pro XL. The fit and finish of the Stratos is a lot better, with more attention to detail and more creature comforts in the Stratos. The 210 with a 250 will get you to upper 70's set-up right, the one I drove had a 250 ox66 Yamaha and I ran it up to 80.5 with full livewells and a passenger, low fuel. The Stratos 201 drives a lot easier, and is a much "softer" ride than the 210 Blazer. They are nice boats, I'm not taking anything from them. I guess what I am saying is make sure to ride in both and I'm sure it will make your mind up for you.

[JerryT]

Just to add a little something...Grant AKA Awesome bullet bought a Stratos incase ya missed it(The guy who posted above)...Thats should show ya something.Im sure he could have gotten into a blazer and saved a few bucks but he went with Stratos..If you dont mind being a few miles per hour slower the luxury makes up for it real fast!!...My next rig will be another 201 pro...Dam sharpest boats on the water!!!

[Kenneth ALBassr]

Hey Grant, isn't it time for a name change (AwesomeBullet)?

Kenneth

[Kenneth ALBassr]

Jerry,

I do not think he will be slower at all. A 210 with 225 and a 200 Pro XL with a 225HO just might make the 200 Pro XL a little faster (depending on load comparisons).

Kenneth

[AB]

They should be fairly close on speeds, but I guarantee the Stratos will be a much better ride...My choice in boats boiled down to Bullet, Blazer, and Stratos. Blazer just seems to "skimp" in some areas that I didn't like. Some things I thought should be through bolted were put in with sheet metal screws, the carpet seemed to need some more attention, and things like that. This was a friends boat that I took and spent the day in, fishing all day out of it and running close to 100 miles with it, so I put it through it's paces. They stand behind their product very well. As for Bullet, that was ruled out for me first, because the 21' I have no place to store (it is 21'10") and the 20' is not as smooth of a ride as I would like, plus the closest dealer is 4hrs away. I've only had my Stratos/Etec combo for 2 weeks now but I have absolutely nothing to complain about.

Be sure to look at other things, like the arrangement of bilge/livewell pumps in the Blazer vs the Stratos. The Blazer you have to be a magician to change them. The Stratos looks like maintenance will be easier over time, and the storage and layout is a lot better. I like the front deck layout of my 201 better than a 210, the 201 is more stable at rest, and I find that I step on my rods a lot less on the 201 than I did on the 210.

[BassHog007]

Thanks guys...I have read all of your posts multiple times and am in debate.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AwesomeBullet &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">plus the closest dealer is 4hrs away. </TD></TR></TABLE>

You bring up a great point that I never thought of...I believe the closest Blazer dealer is CandoMarine which is a HAUL from Wisconsin. The nearest Stratos dealership is within an hour.

Any more info is appreciated.

-Dusty

[AB]

That was a huge selling point for me. I'll tell ya, I've had mine on the water three times and like Jerry said, I gladly gave up the few mph for a luxury ride. Heck I can cruise around at 70, slumped in the seat, relaxed and looking like a teenager driving a car...

[BassHog007]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AwesomeBullet &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Heck I can cruise around at 70, slumped in the seat, relaxed and looking like a teenager driving a car... </TD></TR></TABLE>

I am a teenager ((19))

-Dusty

[AB]

Then you'd be right at home....

I will say, I'd definitely get the Etec. My local dealer had 1 Etec failure all of last year (due to owner not stopping when the hot horn went off), when I picked up my Stratos they had 2 Yammie 250HPDI's in for powerheads, the ECM's weren't even out of their 10hr break-in yet on either motor. I was told that they averaged 2 Yamaha powerheads per month....and one Etec (225HO) throughout the entire year. This 225HO is a hoss of an engine, I've run mine to 72.4 at 5200, with plenty of trim and pedal left. Programmed for XD100 it will use a lot less oil than the Yamaha will.

[FishinIsHeaven]

Grant, whats the fastest you have seen on your new rig?

Blake

[AB]

I only have 2.1hrs on the motor and haven't opened her up yet. Fastest I have seen was 72.4 at 5200, with pedal and trim left. I ran out of lake... I still have to get used to the chinewalk too, it is a bit different than the walking my Bullet did and takes some different inputs.

[Kenneth ALBassr]

Grant,

You are not going to hurt that motor. When they say "No Break-In" they mean NO BREAK-IN!

Kenneth

[AB]

I know, I still gotta get used to the boat and get a partner that isn't skeered to go fast...

[F150owner]

I chose the Stratos because it fit what I wanted in a boat. Plus, I like the cool graphics! Plenty of room, handles great, and goes fast. Stratos bonus money too! I've owned two Champions, two Tritons, and now I'm on my first Stratos. I really like the main tackle storage organizer in the center deck.

At the last BFL I fished, my co-angler told me he was a dyed-in-the-wool Ranger guy and he had just ordered a Z20. By the end of the day, he was telling me how impressed he was with the speed, ride, and handling of my 200. I thought that was a pretty good compliment.

If you got any questions, please feel free to post or IM me. Happy to help.

[FishinIsHeaven]