201xl evolution info

[Wackyjig]

I'm considering selling my newer model boat and going to a little older one.
I've come across several 201 xl evolutions and am considering them as an option.

So current and former owners, before I make a road trip to see one in person, what's the good, bad, and the ugly about them?

How's the ride, fishing stability, deck space, chine walk, speed? Any common issues or things to look for?

Thanks in advance.

[mactlman]

anything since 01 or 02 in a 201 is a great boat does everything great! what are you in now?

[Wackyjig]

I've been looking at the 08-12 or so year range.

I'm currently in an 18' Phoenix 721

[mactlman]

I've been looking at the 08-12 or so year range.

I'm currently in an 18' Phoenix 721

the 721 was a updated version of the 201 pro I always believed!

[JR19]

the 721 was a updated version of the 201 pro I always believed!

Although its not a true clone there is a ton of similarities. If a person is happy with the ride and performance of a 721 then he will see no difference going to a 201. FYI, Gary Clouse is the owner of Phoenix. He held many positions at Stratos. Rigger,design team, sales and eventually president. There is also other key people from Stratos that now work at Phoenix. When Stratos was in production the 201 was their flagship ride. When Phoenix first started building boats the 721 was their flagship ride. The similarities of the two boats are very, very close.

[rchavis]

^^^ as said above . If happy i would just keep what you got . And with the crazy pricing now .

[Wackyjig]

^^^ as said above . If happy i would just keep what you got . And with the crazy pricing now .

Don't get me wrong, I love my current boat, but in January I'm going to work for myself and business is always slow until March.

Moving to an older model boat for now let me stay on the water and have extra cash on hand in case of emergency to stay out of savings.

[mactlman]

Don't get me wrong, I love my current boat, but in January I'm going to work for myself and business is always slow until March.

Moving to an older model boat for now let me stay on the water and have extra cash on hand in case of emergency to stay out of savings.

what are you selling to get the older boat? I could walk away from my new ranger and get my tournament partners 201 and never regret it anytime

[dk239]

I have a 2009 201XLE (Evolution). The boat fishes good, handles good and runs good. I love the center rod storage(some don't)! The worst complaint I've always had was the crappy cup holders. The newer models have better dashes for mounting larger electronics.

[rchavis]

I misunderstood what he was trying to do . Not talk him out buying a Stratos 201. I still have my 1988 first Stratos 201 Pro i brought new .
I was just thinking about the price of boats now . The 201 Evolution is the newer Hull which came out around 2009 ....and price of them are up there . Not know he has now . They are good boats and the fastest hull they have made , beside the ASX hull which they only made a few years .

[Kb444fishing]

For what its worth,i was in a weigh line with Gary Clouse and asked him for a pheonix hat. He said buy a boat and ill give you one. I said i don t need a boat and he asked what i had, i replied a 201 he said yep you dont need a new boat, sighned a hat and gave it to me.

[A201PE]

Wish i could give you more info... Just bought a 09 201 XL Evolution with 250 E-Tec on the 3rd of the month... haven't gotten it out yet... 2 weeks covid and a week with a pinched nerve in my back.. now rain today. I cant catch a break....

[mactlman]

Wish i could give you more info... Just bought a 09 201 XL Evolution with 250 E-Tec on the 3rd of the month... haven't gotten it out yet... 2 weeks covid and a week with a pinched nerve in my back.. now rain today. I cant catch a break....

that when you do get out for the first time, you will have a giant smile on your face and forget about all the other issues����