2007 Stratos 176XT

[boostr]

Anybody have or had one? Looking at one this weekend. Boat comes with a Mercury 50, 1 Talon,  helm and bow upgraded *Garmin electronics, look like 7" units, and 80# trolling motor. 

[Jm526]

A mercury 50 or 150? I had a 2001 Stratos 183 with 150 Evinrude Fict. Was the worst motor EVER. I've never had problems with the Mercs, just make sure you do a compression check. The boat was ok but transom cracked. I had 2 talons. I think this is what caused the crack. Just make sure good compression, solid transom, and no soft spots. 

[boostr]

19 minutes ago, Jm526 said:

A mercury 50 or 150? I had a 2001 Stratos 183 with 150 Evinrude Fict. Was the worst motor EVER. I've never had problems with the Mercs, just make sure you do a compression check. The boat was ok but transom cracked. I had 2 talons. I think this is what caused the crack. Just make sure good compression, solid transom, and no soft spots. 

 

It's the model that Stratos built  to compete with 17ft  tins. So if you were on a tin budget you could get a glass boat in the $12,000 price range. They only maxed out at 75hp. This one happens to have a 50. the owner says it maxes at 30mph. I'm not gonna  go tournament fishing. This would be my first boat, something for me and my 6 year old son can fish together in.

[WIGuide]

I haven't owned or fished in one, but there's a father/son that fish one of the lakes I do quite often. It seems to work for them. It definitely won't be a speed deamon, but if you're just looking to get out with your kid, it could be a good starter boat for you!

[J Francho]

My friend had one.  It wasn't a speed demon, but it got up on plane, and the layout was well sorted.  It was impressive for a budget minded, glass boat.

[boostr]

 

2 hours ago, J Francho said:

My friend had one.  It wasn't a speed demon, but it got up on plane, and the layout was well sorted.  It was impressive for a budget minded, glass boat.

 

It seems like they engineered it to work well with low HP motors. I can always repower it later on with a 75 hp.

[J Francho]

Yep, it's very light.  Has a nice ride on plane, and very stable to fish from.  I think Roger's did around 32 with a 50, and both of us and our gear.  I wouldn't hesitate to fish a club event with one.