Ever hear of a Stratos 2004 18XLFS?

[rickgess]

Looking at a Stratos 2004 18XLFS with a Evinrude 175 HP. Anyone have one? What can anyone tell me about this boat, it is in near perfect condition and the price is 14,500. I don't see where you would hook your tow rope if a person were to pull a skier etc.

[F150owner]

The 2004 model year brochure does not list a 18XL FS. (one quick way to tell the model year of a boat is to look at the last two digits of the hull ID#).

The 2003 model year brochure shows a 18XL FS.
Length: 18'2"
Beam: 91"
Approx hull wt: 1400lbs
Capacity: 5 people/640lbs
Max weight capacity: 1215lbs
Max Hp: 175
Fuel: 31 Gal
Length on trailer: 22'2"
Length with tongue retracted: 21'4"

From the 2003 brochure: (Shows yellow/red ASX on cover)

"Call the 18XL FS the sport utility vehicle of the water. The fusion of ski runabout and performance bass boat results in the 18XL FS. Loaded with family features, the fish and ski rig has something for everyone. For skiers the 18XL FS comes fully rigged with ski tow hardware and ski storage. It can morph into the perfect fishing machine with its trolling motor, divided aerated livewell, and plenty of storage to keep prized lures and rods aboard and ready for action. Rated for a maximum of of 175 hp, the 18 XL FS can pull skiers with ease or get to a fishing hole without wasting valuable time. "

Inset photo of Andy Morgan and quote: "Stratos has it all together when designing a fish-and-ski boat. The layout of the 18XL FS does the perfect balancing act for fishing and water sports in one boat."

The 2003 brochure also shows a Javelin Series 180 FS which became the 2004 Stratos 180 FS. 2003 was the last model year for the 18XL FS.

18XL FS Standard Features:
Hand laid hull, 100% composite, cable steering, Lowrance 3500 graph, Minn Kota 65lb 24volt 42" shaft, AM/FM Cassette w/2 speakers, boarding ladder, ski locker, top with boot, 12v accessory plug, auto style circuit breakers, battery hold down trays, bilge pump, cooler, custom steering wheel, horn, console with tach, speed, fuel, psi, trim, and volt, stainless bow rails, two aerated livewells, fire extinguisher, lighted rocker switches, padded bucket seats, snap in bow cushions, pass glove box, navigation lights, marine carpet, recessed cleats, removable trolling motor mount, 6 guage TM wiring, walk thru windshield, lifetime hull warranty to original owner, single axle with disc brakes, alum wheels with Goodyear OWL tires, tie down straps, diamond plate step pads, bearing buddies.

Options:
Pedestal & bike seats, built in battery charger, JVC stereo w/CD, auto bilge, ski tow bar

[rickgess]

Has everything but the ski tow bar. Thanks for the info.

[rickgess]

I checked the serial # and it ends in 04. I also checked the plate. Everything adds up to a "XLFS" Maybe there were some hulls left over and they made a few. I bought it so, I am one now. Now I need to sell my Nitro (cheap) that broke down the other day.

I think I'll write to Stratos just for kicks and inquire about it.


Modified by rickgess at 4:27 PM 6/6/2009


Modified by rickgess at 6:37 AM 6/8/2009

[Lookin4Bass]

I have a 2004 190 FS if you have any questions regarding the FS as you get familiar with it drop me a note at pstern@covad.net.

There's a picture of my boat on the 4th row, left side of the Stratos Gallery.

I fish with a local Bass club (Sacramento, CA area) and have used my boat in tournaments for the past 2+ years.

With the exception of having to run your rods alongside the windshield while they're laying on the front deck, the boat has exceeded my expectations in regards to it's fishability.

Lookin4Bass