Im mad....

[Bryan K]

Run what you like and don't let no one run you. Love my old 89 201 pro!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ky Bullet]

Let me re-phrase then. I would put my Stratos head to head against any Ranger of the same size and year model. Hows that.

[nojretlas]

Let me re-phrase then. I would put my Stratos head to head against any Ranger of the same size and year model. Hows that.

Works for me....I only know about my 2011 Z118 vs 2011 285XL......I really don't dislike Stratos, like I said I almost bought a 294 but it wouldn't fit in my garage.

[Hair Jig]

Let me re-phrase then. I would put my Stratos head to head against any Ranger of the same size and year model. Hows that.

Wellllllllllll ............

Rangers (usually) come much better appointed than a comparable Stratos. If bells and whistles are your thing, then a Ranger is a better boat. As for construction quality and fishability, then I agree. I've owned 2 Rangers and 3 Stratos, and I've found that the quality of the boats are indeed comparable. But the Rangers were much nicer. Better carpet, better upholstery materials, and better fit on things like compartment lids and the hull/cap joint. For the money involved, either is a good choice because the Ranger will likely hold more if it's value over the years than the Stratos, and that helps offset the initial cost difference to some extent. At least, that's my experience.

As for the initial post: Tell the BOATLESS guy that when he starts making payments on your boat for you, then you'll be more than pleased to consult him for his opinion.

[Ky Bullet]

I like Rangers also, fished in many Z boats ( 520,521 ). I just can't make my self pay the price of them.

[nojretlas]

I like Rangers also, fished in many Z boats ( 520,521 ). I just can't make my self pay the price of them.

I kinda stumbled on to a deal I couldn't pass up. It was several thousand cheaper than any other Z118 I could find and it had better electronics....I got lucky, perfect timing!

[Ky Bullet]

Heard that, I can never comes across a great deal but I am happy with mine

[nojretlas]

Heard that, I can never comes across a great deal but I am happy with mine

I bought it last year, had 30 hrs on the Pro XS, HDS 8 and HDS 7, jackplate and hotfoot.....I walked out the door $27,000.

[Ky Bullet]

I bought it last year, had 30 hrs on the Pro XS, HDS 8 and HDS 7, jackplate and hotfoot.....I walked out the door $27,000.

Nice......

[risdtech1]

I like my 295, it fishes great and handles rough water well. I have had more expensive boats but they didn't catch anymore fish than this one.

[Z520C]

Just traded a z ranger in on my 201, my partner bouhgt a 201 last fall and i think my exact quote was " dude i have got to get me one of these". I will never go back. Ever. Paid mid 40s for a nearly 21 foot that outrides, outfishes, and out runs ANY ranger made. Their loss.....

[StratosBrad]

Ive ridden in and driven almost all big name boats. THe only one I haven't driven is an Eyra.
That being said, All Ive ever had out of my strat boats is excellent usage. They have never
let me down yet. ALL boats nowadays are built exceptionally well due to a HIGHLY competitive
market that demands excellence and durability. FWIW, Ive owned a Nitro, a tracker 175 and
now am on my 3rd Stratos. I had a 294xl and now own a 176xt and a 201xle.
Buy and use what you can in this economy.

[rooster tail]

Everyone knows that the Nitro Z series is the best boat out. Better than Ranger or Stratos ,price,ride,function.

[hulapopr]

and the funniest thing of all is when we get our ass kicked by the old overall wearing bearded men in the flat bottom with the 25 rude on the back.that he pulled to lake with the old f100 flatbed with baling twine wrapped around the gun rack.
i don't think i have ever not caught a fish because of the boat i was in.

[Ky Bullet]

and the funniest thing of all is when we get our ass kicked by the old overall wearing bearded men in the flat bottom with the 25 rude on the back.that he pulled to lake with the old f100 flatbed with baling twine wrapped around the gun rack.
i don't think i have ever not caught a fish because of the boat i was in.

Happens every time.....

[TNStratos1]

I just bought a 2004 Stratos 295 pro xl back in may 2012 and one of my friend said "why did'nt you buy a better brand name boat than a Statos, a Statos is a no name boat you should of bought a ranger instead but its okay". And this is coming from someone that has never own a boat.

Ignore him! That is a very ignorant statement. That would be like him asking why you bought a no name Chevy when you could have had a Cadillac. Apples and Oranges.

Your 294 is a fine boat. I am on my second one! Enjoy.

[skeeterator]

For the life of me i still can't understand why some insist the cactus boats are superior.My partners z20 beats me to death in any kind of chop at all,we all know they aren't fast and "fit and finish" are the two most overused words in the boat business.They all float,get you to where the fish are,give you somewhere to stand etc,there's no reason for such huge difference in price.Be proud of your stratos and just go catch fish out of it,thats what they're for.


As far as the nitro jabs,ole KVD's won $5 million outta one and beat guys fishing outta every brand out there.It ain't the boat boys.

[Ky Bullet]

Never heard them called a cactus boat before think I will go with Stratos, don't want to get stuck in the a$$ everytime I sit down

[catfish621]

I've never been able to get a good look at a Ranger. Always going too fast when I pass them.

[malachi1364]

I've never been able to get a good look at a Ranger. Always going too fast when I pass them.

Ditto :P