Stratos 176T vs Nitro 640

[Avalonjohn44]

Both boats are 12,995 before delivery, prep, etc.  

Anybody have any experience with either (or both) that can help me decide which one is right for a first time bass boat owner?

http://www.stratosboats.com/modelIntro.cfm?mid=5013

http://nitroboats.com/boat/index.cfm?boat=2123

[Catt]

There is only one problem with both boats

Both have underrated outboards

Other than that I own either

[frogtog]

I think the Stratos will probably have a better resale value. The Nitro is just

a verison of a Skeeter. Just my two cents worth. 8-)

[cart7t]

As stated, both boats are very HP underated but just looking at the two,  the Stratos uses it's space wiser than the Nitro.  More storage.  That along with the better resale value of the Stratos causes me to choose the Stratos.  

[burleytog]

Aye, but the Nitro offers storage for longer rods.

IMO that is the one shortcoming of the 176.

That said, I like and dislike certain aspects of each boat.  The front deck on the Nitro isn't long enough.  The Nitro is capable of handling a larger OB (90 vs 75 for the Stratos).

If I were buying, I'd opt for the Stratos with a 75.  

[Cajun1977]

i love my nitro and i would strongly suggest nitro ....but the stratos is a foot longer i beleive  so id go with the bigger boat and max hp

[Avalonjohn44]

Thanks guys.  I'm leaning toward the stratos myself...

[Hale]

I own the Nitro 640 and i got the 90 2 stroke. It runs every bit of 55 (gps). Its size is perfect for shallow water. I can run her in 8" and only 24" to get on plane. Storage is plenty.

[jayhawkfishin]

I don't know if you just want new but in that price I would look into a used boat.  My family was in that price ranger and we got a used ranger fish/ski (wouldn't recomend fish/sky however) for about that price with a 200 merc and it 18.5 ft.  Runs great and have had little problems.

Just the looks of both i think the nitro looks better.

[cjensen]

Im going through this exact same issue jayhawk.  That 176 is priced right, but that 50hp is way too skimpy of an engine IMO.  If you max it out at 75hp I think it would be a sweet rig, but then the price would be somwhere in the 15-17000 range.

I like the fact that the 640 can handle a 90hp motor, but for me 16' 4" is just a little too small.  I'm kinda cramped in my 16' Lowe as it is.  I bet that rig would be perfect if you fish smaller water.

So now I'm looking at Nitro 750.  It's on sale right now for 15995.  17'6", 90hp Merc (max of 135), 30 gallon fuel tank and able to store 7' rods.  

This whole boat buying thing is kind of nerve racking.  There are things I like and dislike about all 3 of these boats.  I want to make sure I make the right decision.

[mferris]

i own a nitro 640 with a 60hp mercury. i am very happy with it but i almost always fish by myself... i would like alittle more room on the front deck...if you are fishing with someone else i would definately get the bigger motor and also the largest boat you can afford....i bought the 640 because of price and fishing alone,i don't fish any really big lakes so my nitro is fine for what i use it for.....

[majosu]

I bought the Stratos a few weeks ago with a 70 hp Yamaha. I am still breaking it in, but looks like it will do close to 40 mph.  The storage is great and unlike some some posts I have seen, you can store 2 7 foot rods in the locker in the center section.  This is my first bass boat and I am still enthused.  

A few other observations, you will have to buy a spare tire and carrier, the Lowrance depthfinder that comes with the boat is a bit cheesy, but I got a deal at the local BPS on an Eagle 480 for $159 that was a heck of an upgrade that worked with the existing transducer and temp gauge.  I am installing the Lowrance on the bow.

[powerman970]

I also bought the Stratos about a month ago and I LOVE it.  I opted for the 50hp Yamaha and I am getting right at 34 mph.  The 70 is only turning an extra 4 or 5 mph according to Yamaha's website and is not worth the extra money IMO.  I can run the skinny water with no problem and am saving a ton on gas.  I got rid of a 150hp for the 50 hp on purpose because of the price of gas.  A boat payment is cheaper than gas!  I have no trouble storing rods up to 7' and actually have 16 rods in mine right now (some are doubled up but there is storage for 10 rods if you put 1 in each cylinder.)  I have ample space and the boat handles great.  I'm not familiar with the Nitro so I won't bash it but I am very pleased with my new Stratos.

[llPa1nll]

I don't know if you just want new but in that price I would look into a used boat.  My family was in that price ranger and we got a used ranger fish/ski (wouldn't recomend fish/sky however) for about that price with a 200 merc and it 18.5 ft.  Runs great and have had little problems.

Just the looks of both i think the nitro looks better.

I couldnt agree more look for a used boat. You will get more boat for your dollar.

[strick9]

I too have considered the Stratos 176XT. For those of you that have this boat how does it handle choppy water and boat wakes? My lake gets pretty busy with skiers and PWC's at times and I was wondering how this boat handles these conditions.

[coacht]

I own a Startos 176 XT and love it.  Check out my post on my boat.  it is all composite (no wood)  the nitro has wood storage.  better built boat and much better resale than the nitro.  check out my post and you will see what i got mine for.  

[booneangler]

just curious what kind of interest rate did you guys get with this boat and what year loan did you get and payment amount. Im trying to figure out if i can get one of these or maybe something diferent. Thanks. Hope you can give me some info.

[coacht]

7.9% for 12 years with no penalty for paying off early.  ath 163.00 a month.  Insurace is 21.00 a month with state farm.  Got a big discount for taking a boaters class.  Usually about 35.00 a month.  

[Nick_Barr]

I have seen nboth of these boats at a boat show and got into looking at both of them extensively since they were both highly promoted. From all I can say, the Nitro wins hands down in quality.

[strick9]

I too recently purchased the Stratos 176XT and it is an awsome boat. I upgraded to the 70hp Yamaha 2 stroke for $1700 and with freight/rigging charges, taxes and title and license fees and a $450 cover, mine came in at $17,000. I financed for 10 years at 6.75%. As far as the hp rating on this boat I can't imagine needing any more than the 70hp, I have not yet reached the full breakin period but have reached 40 mph, it gets on plane quickly and rides great in rough water. As far as the rod storage, you can fit 7 ft rods in the top few spaces and 6 1/2 in the bottom ones. This is a quality boat and I would recommend it for anyone interested in a well equipped bass boat but can't afford or doesn't need one of the big boys.

[booneangler]

I think im gonna call my local stratos dealer and see if they have any an if not maybe talk with them on what it will cost me to get one i dont think i will upgrade though. But thats just me. Thanks for the info on the loan and interest rate i appreciate that. Thank you.

[coacht]

Strick9

I hate to tell you my fishing stratos friend, but you got ripped off!!!  I bought one of the newer 2007 176XT, and the reason I say newer is because my father bought one the same day as well and his steering colum and a few things just look a little different.  I bought the blue on white and he bought the white on red.  My steering colum is more hi tech looking and the manufacturing dates show mine to be newer by a few months.  Anyway the point is this.  I bought the boat with a 70 2 stroke yamaha, extra fish finder, transem savor, very nice trailable boat cover, boat paddle, 3 life jackets, anchor, anchor rope, and ski rope, and upgraded to a stainless prop. All for tax taters and everything out the door.  15,000 even.  Although, I live in Alabama!! But I will be more than happy to give you the number of the dealership and they can see about shipping you one.  

The only one complant I truely have about my boat is this.  And if you own on be careful.  The rear deck fishing chair is mounted to close to the transem.  It needs to be about 3 to 4 inches moved toward the front.  Because when you get in shallow water and you have to trim your motor up alot the rear seat will spin around and hit the motor and scratch the callon.  

You can feel free to email me your thoughts on this boat a thorn.wade@lee.k12.al.us

[senile1]

I was considering some used boats, the Stratos, and the smaller Nitros earlier this year, but I decided (with a little help from my wife  ) to replace the siding on my house and wait until next year to replace my current boat.  The Stratos has a decent footprint on the water but the storage space lists as only 6' 7" for the rod locker in the middle of the boat.  Some of you are saying you are able to store 7 foot rods in there.  Please elaborate, if you could.  

It also comes with just a 12V Minn Kota and the depth finder leaves something to be desired.  I'd want at least a 65 lb thrust 24V trolling motor and quality depth finders at the console and at the bow.  If I were to purchase this boat, I'd want at least 70 horses on the back as well.  Once you start adding it all up it gets a lot harder to choose.  

[coacht]

Trust me I have this boat.  The trolling motor is plenty strong I usually fish on level 2 and when I use level 5 d**n!!  she moves through the water.  This boat is very light.  And i have 2 7ft rods and yes they will fit.  If you put them directly in one of the middle holes in the rod box.  And the 70 yamaha is awesome.  

[senile1]

Thanks for the info, coacht.