Stratos boats

bassin butch · Post by **bassin butch** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 8:44 pm

Anyone have experience with Stratos boats?
I'm looking at a 285XL, will be a 2008 as my Nitro will be gone at the end of this summer. They are owned by Genmar who owns several boat companys today. I like the 285XL model due to it's size and storage capacity.

Bassin Butch

mofish · Post by **mofish** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:36 am

Stratos is the only boats that I have owned! I started out with a 17 1/2 foot Stratos about 10 years ago. No problems with the boat at all, none. I upgraded to the 20ss Extreem in 2001. This is a 20ft boat and man what a difference it made jumping up in size. I have no issues with the boat at all. Only minor little things such as the winshield conections breaking pretty often but that was from folks that know nothing about boat grabing the windshield to pull themselves out of the seat. The boat performs very good and is one of the fastest boats our lake. I could not be happier with the boat. Feel free to email any questions you may have>

bassin butch · Post by **bassin butch** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 1:09 pm

Mo fish thanks for the feedback! Grabbing the windshield to pull your self up? I to do this but use the steering wheel,(2) years ago at a tourney I snapped it in half. Looked like a fool but cashed a check.

Bassin Butch

brendanc · Post by **brendanc** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 5:50 pm

Hi Butch,

I had a 201 PRO XL and it was a great boat. It was an older model, but they have made alot of changes in the new ones. I think you'll be very happy with the boat. Best of luck.

Brendan

bassin butch · Post by **bassin butch** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 4:00 pm

Brendan; After much research which included looking at used (Yikes no always as advertized) I finally arrived at either a Stratos or Champion.
Fortunately my wife allowed me to raise my price point. Final decision: 2008 Champion 183 CX with 150 Merc EFI, hot foot,hydraulic steering, pro trim and a color upgrade. Will be picking it up March 08, cant wait to take it out ASAP. The Champ should be awesome next spring at my annual smallmouth trip to Sturgeon Bay WI in June. Works well as you know it always takes a little time to get familiar with boat handling characteristics, and personal preference tuning.

One happy basser
Bassin Butch

brendanc · Post by **brendanc** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 4:10 pm

Butch,

Congrats on deciding on a new boat! My Cousin has a Champion (19' w/ 175 Yamaha) and it is one of the best riding boats I have been in for ruff water. I know what you mean, it does take some time getting used to everything with a new boat, but it is a nice inconvenience to have.

Best of luck with the new boat.

Brendan