Stratos 201 questions

[rondo]

I am not sure why but 99% of every 201 I see is a single console, surely they can be had as a dual console right? why so many singles? And while I'm on the topic of 201's, why are half powered with 250 hp and the other with 225 hp (motor brand not with-standing) I would think a boat of this size would run better with any 250, no? to finish off my curiosity, I have seen (very rare) some 201's with glass fenders but most are metal, and some of the metal ones are chrome. Very confusing.

[Jason Phillips]

Yes you can get dual consoles in the 201's. The singles just give you so much more floor space. But, an '03 through present 201 can have a passenger console added to it if it is just a single now.

Not everyone wants to power their boat with a 250. The 225 pushes the 201 very nicely. Back in the mid 90's a lot of 201's were produced with 150's on the back. If you want to go the fastest, max it out. If you don't care, then get what you want to.

Fiberglass fenders were an option for a couple of years only. It is not an option now and may or may not be in the future. The 'metal' ones you are seeing are standard. The 'chrome' ones you are seeing are the optional stainless steel versions. For '08 Stratos is putting the Road Armour trailers under the boats. These are the same type of trailers that are under Rangers (minus the fiberglass fenders).

Hope that helps with your confusion.

[F150owner]

Alot of Stratos owners, but not all, like the single console on the Stratos. All my Champions have been dual console, all my Stratos boat have been single. All my fishing buddies have the single console. If you find a '03 and later Stratos 200/201 you like, you can always add a console with little hassle.

AB has a 225 ETEC HO on his 201 and his boat flat out moves. The 201 is a sweet ride.

As far as engines, my personal preference is toward 225 ETEC HO Evinrude and 250 Yamaha HPDI on the Stratos hulls. Mercs run good too, I just think the hulls lift better with E-rudes and Yami's with weight in the boat.

The glass fenders are nice, I hope they're an option for 08 at some point. It would really help wake up the monochromatic look of the black road armor trailers.

[AB]

I have a single console on this rig. It is ok, I love the floor space it provides, but the next one will be a dual console strictly to anyone riding with me has more to hold onto than one "oh chit" handle...apparently some people don't like WOT all the time...

I picked the 225 because the 250HO was not available yet... But I am glad I did, hell, any 21' tourney boat that will run upper 70's loaded to fish is pretty good. I actually got her up to 79 again last night once things had cooled down a bit (upper 80's) in the evening.

I agree with Duane, the Yamaha HPDI and Evinrude Etec seem to perform better on the Stratos hulls. The Mercs just seem to struggle a bit in the lift department and propping seems to be harder on them for some reason.

[ChampioNman]

I have been a Champ guy since 1987. I'm liking the new Strats and would consider one (201) with a 250 DFI (insert brand here) on it. They seem nicely appointed a good value for the money, quick and ride well.
On a down note the older hulls are a rigger's night mare, running steering cables, electrical etc to the console, Good thing they have the hide away panel on the drivers side to hide all that mess. . Only thing I really don't like about working on the motors on the older hulls is the friggin sponsons, especially if they don't have a plate my gut gets in the way when I have to get to the motors .

[lkhartwl]

waaa waaaa waaaaaa poor champ , it is funny tho he makes most of his money working on stratos/javelin boats. ( boy am I in for it now....... next time I need work it will probably be back to me when it snows in july here! )