Purchased a Stratos boat!
I purchased a 176XT last spring with a 60 etec and have never looked back. The purchase of an "entry level" boat didn't feel that way to me. I worked hard and paid cash for it. While I knew that I really wanted a bass boat, I compared dozens of choices in various brands. For the money, I can assure you that there isn't a better made, smoother running or more safe and stable feeling boat for the money, or even for a few thousand dollars more. I am a fire fighter and with a 24 on 48 off schedule and the blessing of living in Florida, my Stratos sees lots of use. I run the St John's river and all of the famous central Florida lakes on a regular basis. Although the 176XT can become kind of small feeling during a big storm on a big lake, it has handled 3 foot white caps well when it's had to. I've added a front mounted sonar unit, Lowrance GPS on the console and a rod hold down strap on the front casting deck. Other than that, I've installed Cook's tackle systems under both front storage lockers. Fuel mileage has been GREAT with the etec. Speed is reasonable with readings in the mid 30's with a full tank of fuel, 2 people on board, all our gear and a cooler full of lunch. I get MANY comments on how great my boat looks and have referred dozens of fishermen to both Stratos, Evinrude and my dealer, Advanced Marine in St Cloud, Florida. All three have been top notch. If you have any doubts about buying a Stratos, take one for a test ride. I did and mine's in the water two days a week on average without a glitch.
Mike R.
FL
Purchased a Stratos boat!
Stratosfaction, what a great word to describe my experience since owning a new 201 xl. I have owned several different brands of tournament level bass boats since 1990 and chose a Stratos 201 this year primarily for the overall value of the package. This boat is ready to fish a tournament. After my first ride I experienced a level of performance far greater than any boat I had in the past. The turning was tight with no slide and the chop was knocked down to a really soft ride. Top speed was over 77! Fishability was even a bigger concern than speed,and Stratos lived up to that expectation also with the tackle organizer in the front hatch. Theres more than enough room to keep a tournament load of tackle ready and organized. One last thing, I discovered that for us short legged guys like me the driver seat is easily adjustable to give you a custom fit in the bucket seats. If anyones asking, YOU BET I AM STRATOSFIED!
ed w.
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Switched to Stratos after owning an aluminum boat!
I had a Tracker for few years and ran it hard and often it literally fell apart. In 1995 I bought a one year old gently used 274VF with a silver series 150 Johnson. I still have and use at least 3 days a week 10 months a year. It has been used in 10 of the 50 states plus canada , the gulf as well as off the coast of Maine for stripers. Same engine never failed me yet. I did reupholster the seats. Stratosjoe says it all. When it goes it will get rebuilt or I will buy another. 13 years and going strong!!!!!!
Joe G.
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Stratos is 25 years old this year...
I own a 2001 21 Extreme. I think it is still the best looking boat on the water. I still have people come up to me and ask me if this is the new 2008 model. I love it! Happy 25th Stratos.Keep up the good work!
Richard S.
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Purchased a Stratos boat!
First of all I want to thank you for making such a great bass boat. Last fall I purchased a new left over 2006 200 Pro XL. It is outfitted with a 2006 225 Evinrude E-Tec HO. I was planning on purchasing a new boat in the spring of 2008, but the motor on my old 1998 Stratos 201 Pro Elite blew a powerhead and ruined the engine. That was one heck of a boat. My fishing buddies and I nick-named it "The Tank". That boat rode better than any other boat that I have ever been in. Great boat! My new one is one great riding boat as well. It is considerably faster. It has a Lowrance 332 C in the console and up front. It is loaded with every option that was available on it that year. It has withstood its first trip to Lake Guntersville for a week, and has withstood some rough conditions here in Ohio. Sorry this is so long winded, but I absolutely love my Stratos. Thanks again for such a great boat. You have a customer for life here. Josh Ohio
Josh M.
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What's your favorite on-water memory with your Stratos?
Really, I just wanted to give a shout out to the men and women of Stratos boats. Several years ago I bought a brand new 1999 21 SS Extreme while living in South Carolina. I now live in Texas and I am still fishing the same boat loud and proud... Anyways, I had the best fishing, best performing and best looking boat on the water when I bought it, and today, I still have the best fishing, best performing and close to best looking (it is 9 years old) boat on the water. I have always taken extremely good care of my boat but, it is a fishing boat, and as most things in this world, sooner or later the effects of age become visible. Other than minor cosmetic issues... I have never had a major problem with the boat. It is the best built boat I have ever owned, fished, or been around. The quality of a boat become becomes evident after its been fished a few seasons and things get knocked loose and age becomes obvious. Other than minor gelcoat spider cracks, my boat is still sound and tight. My 11 year old son just started fishing some local tournaments with me and in his eyes we have the superman of all boats, its the fastest and best boat ever built. Recently, he and I were prefishing a lake and we ran across a brand new 201XL - thats a pretty boat!! We dont see enough Stratos boats on the water here and we ran across this one, my son excitedly yelled, "look! a Stratos just like yours...but, I think ours is faster!!" When we saw the new 201XL, It instantly made me feel good about all of my research and exhaustive searching to find the best bass boat when I bought mine. I noticed the same basic hull design and setup (with improvements in all the right places) and it was confirmed, I made the right choice. I kinda jumped off track and took the long way, but the purpose of this message is to let everyone at Stratos know, your hard work and dedication is visible on the water. Though faced with many changes over the past few years, Stratos is still the best fishing, best performing, and best looking bass boat on the water. On a cop's salary, I had to save up for a long time to buy my first Stratos in order to get the model, motor, and setup I wanted. When I get in a position to upgrade and buy a new boat, I will again save and buy another Stratos. Not only does Stratos have dedicated boat builders and employees, but Stratos also has dedicated and proud boat owners!! Keep up the good work, one of those might be mine!!! Thanks, Mike
M. W.
AK |
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Purchased a Stratos boat!
I have had my Stratos 186xt now for nearly two months. I purchased it from Tri County Boats in North Carolina. I must say that out of all the bass boats I have owned over the last several years this boat out performs all of them and I am extremely pleased with its performance on the water. Thank you for creating such a wonderful product and I look forward to many years of enjoyment in this boat.
T. W.
AK |
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Excellent Performance
Recently fished the Kyle Page Tourney on Lake Murray in my 2007 Stratos 294. The boat performed EXCELLENT even with the 30+ mile an hour winds. Thanks guys!!!!
C. W.
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