186XT and 176XT

[JeffA]

i stand corrected, that 186 DC looks pretty badass.

[Nova Kaw 650]

Matt; Email Stratos and let us know what you find out.
The extra console is nice for your partner, but I often take several kids fishing and the space from NOT having the console is necessary.

[StratosBrad]

[Matt 5.0]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Nova Kaw 650 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Matt; Email Stratos and let us know what you find out.
The extra console is nice for your partner, but I often take several kids fishing and the space from NOT having the console is necessary. </td></tr></table>


Got an email reply from Stratos today.


"Thank you for your email. You will need to contact your authorized
Stratos dealer to see about getting a console. It may be available for
your boat, but can only be purchased through an authorized Stratos
dealership."

[Nova Kaw 650]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Matt 5.0 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">


Got an email reply from Stratos today.


"Thank you for your email. You will need to contact your authorized
Stratos dealer to see about getting a console. It may be available for
your boat, but can only be purchased through an authorized Stratos
dealership."


</td></tr></table>
That was kind of lame. Usually get a better answer from customer service; they should say whether or not they offer them, and then refer you to the dealer.

[Matt 5.0]

Agreed. Not winning.

[fooman]

Seen the pics now how about a quick review from owners of the 2 models..
pros?
cons?

Really looking hard at these 2 boats

[Nova Kaw 650]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by fooman &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Seen the pics now how about a quick review from owners of the 2 models..
pros?
cons?

Really looking hard at these 2 boats</td></tr></table>
Do a search for "186XT".
I have written many comments regarding my boat.

[Matt 5.0]

One small thing that drives me crazy is that when you flip the center seat up to access the storage compartment, the seat hinge hits the corner of the console. Also wish that there were water temp and water pressure gauges in the two blank spots in the console. Should be rated for a 150 instead of a 115 but I suppose that's why there's the 285.

This is my first glass boat, been more than satisfied. At the ramp I always get comments on how big the front deck is. The boat is rock solid, smooth and dry.

[Nova Kaw 650]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Matt 5.0 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> Also wish that there were water temp and water pressure gauges in the two blank spots in the console. Should be rated for a 150 instead of a 115 but I suppose that's why there's the 285.
</td></tr></table>
My next upgrade will be a Merc Monitor (Smartcraft), that will take care of all gauge issues.
115 does seem low for the size of the boat, but I think it has something to do with the hull shape; it's more of a true V-hull than a typical bass boat.

[Matt 5.0]

How do you like the Merc?

[Nova Kaw 650]

So far, so good; lots of power, smooth and quiet. I've got seven years of warranty, so that gives me some peace of mind.
Any of these modern direct fuel injected 2-strokes scare me; 2-stroke engines and lean tuning should never go together. Anything that costs this much shouldn't be so sensitive and delicate.
I've always loved 2-strokes in sleds and motorcycles, but if I was buying a new bigger boat, it would be 4-stroke all the way.

[Bronzebackpro7]

Whats the verdict on these with a 90hp? Did some searches and couldnt really find much. Seems like the 115's will get up to about 50-52 gps so im thinking 45ish for the 90?

[Nova Kaw 650]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Bronzebackpro7 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Whats the verdict on these with a 90hp? Did some searches and couldnt really find much. Seems like the 115's will get up to about 50-52 gps so im thinking 45ish for the 90?</td></tr></table>
That's about right.
One lesson I learned the hard way many years ago is to go with the maximum HP that the hull is rated for.