195 vs 200 stratos

[rudy cordero]

I have shopped around and come up with two 2005 stratos boats a 195 pro xl 24k and a 200 pro xl 27k both new and with a Yamaha vx200 (fuel injected). The price diffrence is only 3 thousand dollars. Dealer says both will go 70 mph+, plane quickly and have a good rough water ride. Please give feedback. I am leaning towards the larger boat but am concerned about not having enough engine. Both come on a single axle trailer is this a problem ? Are they as good as the 2007 boats, ride wise etc and is the newer hpdi engine that much better considering price. I am trying to stretch the dollar for value. Thank you in advance for any feedback.

[Jason Phillips]

I responded in the lounge to your other post, but here's my response:

Both boats hulls are still in production. The 195 is a 294 now. The 195 had a few more bells and whistles than the 294.

Both boats will run over 70 with the 200 on them. The 195 would be a little faster (73'ish vs 70'ish on the 200 Pro). Properly setup, you'll get more out of them, but I don't want to post the absolute best they will run.

Take a ride in both. I've had both hulls and they ride great and fish even better. You'll have more storage and more options on the 200. Resale would be better on it also if it had the 225. The 200 Yamaha motor is not a slouch, but the 200 Pro isn't maxed out with it on it.

$3,000 is $3,000. I wouldn't back away from the 195 at all. It will surprise you in the ride and speed department. It measures 19'6" and the 200 will come in at 20'1".

If you have any questions, let me know. Also, my '07 demo 201 is for sale with all new warranties if you know anyone looking for a 201.

[rudy cordero]

Thank you for you insight. Is the power trade off in a 195 vs the 200 made up with a better rough water ride ? Will the hole shot and power be close or is their a diffrence that I will regret in the 200 because it is under powered. Thank You for your time,
Rudy

[Jason Phillips]

The 200 with a 200 is not 'underpowered', it's just not maxed out on the Coast Guard plate. The 200 rides very well, but to say it rides a lot better than the 195 would be a stretch. The hull under the 195 is about the best overall hull built in my opinion.

You would not be disappointed in the performance of the 200/200 combo in the least, but likewise you would not be disappointed in the ride/performance of the 195/200 combo. You need to crawl all over both of them and take them both out and see what suits you better.

[StratosNCO]

I have a '04 195. When i looked, it was between this boat and a 200 with a 225 rude ho. I can honestly say I really love my 195 (thanks C&O). Some of the things I don't like about it are. The front deck is too small, the rod lockers are too short ( my 7 foot rods get hung up). Hole shot is a little slow (175 rude di). The plusses are, the gas mileage is , and its a beautiful, great handling boat that pretty much drives itself.

overall, its a great boat for a really great price. I think you'd be happy with either boat