Stratos 176T vs Nitro 640

[strick9]

Hey coacht, thanks for the response. I love this boat and I don't feel like I got ripped off at all. There was nowhere around that I checked that I could get the motor upgrade for any less than the $1700 and no one would make me a custom cover for free so those 2 things alone took me just over the $15,000. I don't know what kind of sales tax you have in Alabama but the 6% we pay was another $900 and the freight and rigging charges (which maybe your dealer paid for you) came to another $1000. The registration and license / title fees made up the rest. Congrats on the great deal you got but there is no way you get that boat for that much here. This is going to be an awsome boat for me for a long time. You are correct about the 70hp Yamaha and the trolling motor is plenty strong enough. Enjoy your boat and GREAT FISHING!!!!!

[The Next KVD]

I bought a used 2002 Nitro 640LX with an 2003 90hp Yamaha 2 stroke. I wish the front deck was bigger but the 7 foot rod locker holds all of my 15 rods. the 6 foot locker is used for tackle. because I fish tournaments on big lakes i wish i waited and bought a 18-19 footer w/ a 175-200hp.  Its fine for fishing but my preference is for a bigger boat.  the stratos is underpowered even at the max rating. most 17 footers are rated for 125 to 135 horsepower.  thats just my 2 cents worth.

[ThomasL]

I know this is beginning to be a old topic now but i'd like to chime in on the stratos,not to

step on toes.I do agree the 70 yammie to be the first upgrade,next would replace the

depthfinder with at least something in the lines of the x96 lowrance,and yes a larger

trolling motor than 40 lb thrust but not to the degree and going to a 24v,motorguide and

minn kota make 12v models to 55lb thrust which would be better than the 40,a spare tire

and mount along with a motor mount would be nice,at this point you are in the 15-17k

range aren't you for a boat rated for a 75 in 17 1/2' length.I have not priced them but

ranger makes a 170 model that 17' rated for a 115,skeeter a 16'8" rated also for a 115,

but i don't know how price compares to the stratos.One more thing i would remember,being

it is a entry level fiberglass and only available in four colors,when the time comes

for owners to upgrade will not the market be flooded with these boats being sold off?You

know once taken off the lot you loose 20-25% off the bat... :-/

[Jeff H]

The Stratos 176 XT is a great boat for the non tournament, "small water" type of guy that doesn't have a speed fetish and can appreciate his mpg.  I would like to have one but I'd like it to come without electronics or trolling motor and I'd be very happy with a 50 hp Yamaha bolted to a CMC hydrualic jack plate.

[Taliesin]

I was looking at boats not long ago, and I have to agree with those suggesting a look at used ones.

While I was looking I found a 1997 Nitro 911 with a 225 hp Merc for 16K. I thought about it, but decided against it (barely).

Look around at some used boats, you might be surprised what you find.

However, most lenders will finance a new boat for 15 years, but a used one for only 6. It's something to keep in mind.

[bassman19]

I am too contemplating buying my first new boat.  I am leaning towards the Stratos with a Yamaha 4-stroke 70 HP.  Does anyone know how much a dealer makes on a boat?  If I am buying a car, I can look up the invoice and figure the dealer to make $50-$100 over invoice.  Any suggestions on bargaining for a boat?