Stratos 186xt

[senile1]

Olebiker,yea ,i could read his lips cussing about spending 5000+ more and being passed by a mean looking tin boat!!! :

He doesn't sound like a very informed boater.  Just from looking at the weight specs he should have known that the 176 XT couldn't keep up with an aluminum boat of comparable length.  Of course, his beam of 84 inches gives him more room than your beam of 75 inches.  Different strokes for different folks.  

[cart7t]

Senile, I just re-read your thread and you're saying you'll have $25-30k to spend on a boat and you're not limiting it to just new, but a good used one as well??

Uhh,, I'd forget that Stratos 186 and start looking.  Your doors are open to PLENTY of great used rigs with that price range.  

[Catt]

Xpress SVX17 95 beam; way more storage than a 176XT  

If I had 25-30K to spend on a boat it wouldn't be on a low end stratos, 2008 Xpress X19 with a VZ200RTLR Yamaha nationally advertised for $26,995

[Jeff H]

Some people don't need big speed.  I can be happy going 40 mph as long as I have a roomy fishing platform.  However, I'd buy a used boat with a 150 on it before I'd buy a 186 XT.  With 25-30,000 to blow on a boat, I could find something I like really easy on the used market that would cover everything the XT offers and PLENTY more.

[senile1]

Senile, I just re-read your thread and you're saying you'll have $25-30k to spend on a boat and you're not limiting it to just new, but a good used one as well??

Uhh,, I'd forget that Stratos 186 and start looking.  Your doors are open to PLENTY of great used rigs with that price range.  

I am looking at used rigs, but I always keep my mind open.  I don't spend 25 grand when I can get something that will meet my needs for 20.  I don't buy what I can afford.  I buy what I need.  It seems to be a good way to put more money in the retirement funds, at least for me.  So I don't close my mind to anything until I've checked it out.  Since the 186 XT is new and very little info exists for it, I thought it was worth a look-see.  If what I need requires 30 grand to acquire it so be it.  If 20 or 15 grand will suffice, then why spend more just because I have it available.  

[Catt]

Senile1, I to am in the process of looking for a new/used boat; here's what I've look at in new.  

Xpress boats introduced a package price they call Nationally Advertised

H18

Length: 18'

Bottom: 68

Beam: 95

Weight: 1294

Max HP: 150

Fuel: 24 gal

Motor: Yamaha V150TLR

Package Price: $19,995

[senile1]

Catt, thanks for the info.  I've been checking out some websites and, after reading what you and another poster said about the Xpress boats I am looking closely at them.  I also found what appear to be some good used values on some Champions and Procrafts within an hours drive of here.  I still have a lot of shopping to do.  

[Catt]

I've been looking for a while now and its nuts, new or used, glass or aluminum; my problem is there is no place close to me. So I'm gonna have to drive to Baton Rouge or Houston or Dallas/Ft Worth.

[basspro48]

I own a 2001 Xpress X18 and absolutely love everything about it. Plenty of storage, huge fishing deck, smooth ride, tough as nails, handles great, and she'll git up and go.

63mph with me, 1/2 tank, and all my gear

54-56 with 2 people, 3/4 tank, and all my gear

50 flat with 3 people, 1/2 tank, and a whole lotta gear

Now pretty much all Xpress's come powered with a Yamaha, but I got mine with a Merc 150 EFI (which in a couple months will hopefully be a 190)

I highly recommend these boats to anyone in the market, they perform like glass boats and have the ruggedness of a tin hull.

[SissySticks]

Something I always notice about the bass boat crowd is an obsession with performance.  Don't get me wrong, I've been in a BassCat Puma at 80mph and it was awesome.  Obsession with performance is fine.  However, I think that the performance-crazed bassboat crowd does a disservice to some people when they go on message boards asking about this or that boat and get the response "its under powered" or "you'll never get top end performance out of that."  Its a disservice because we don't first ask that person what their usage is.

Example: I'm a high school teacher.  It's an awesome job for a fisherman, because I get to fish 70+ days a year if I want and still make a living. Frankly, for my profession and age (25), I'm even a well-paid high school teacher.  Nevertheless, I pull down less than $40000/year.

If you figure that 70+ days of fishing a year and my salary, fuel economy becomes a really important factor for a fisherman like me, but I also like to travel to fish and some lakes around here are big (10-16,000 acres), so I want to have a boat I feel comfortable in.  For my budget, I need a boat that can get ~5mpg, but speed doesn't matter, as long as I can fish my 70 days.  Stratos fills this niche pretty well.

If I went even further with my questions, you might ask a guy if he fishes tournaments, because obviously, that's why all these super-fast boats developed in the first place.  If a guy doesn't, then speed really isn't going to matter to him either.  I do, but I'm about 90% finesse fishing, so I like to get there after the other guys and fish behind them (they leave so many fish ).  So even though I fish tournaments, speed still isn't nearly as important to me as fuel economy.  So before everyone starts talking performance, lets talk about needs.  Stratos XT boats offer lots of amenities (abundant storage, cool rod organizer, lots of fishing space, divided live wells, etc.) in a boat that gets great fuel economy.  The 186xt will be on my list when I replace my boat in a couple years, because it will meet my need for big boat+fuel economy.

[fishfordollars]

Cart7t nailed this one. Way under powered. Worst thing to do to a boat. Good luck selling it when someone figures out it won't perform.

Any 18 ft. boat should have either a 150 or 175 on it to get it up on the pad and keep it there without straining the motor. Bet the gas milage will suck also. Going to be plenty of unhappy people after the new wears off with this one.

[Olebiker]

Cart7t nailed this one. Way under powered. Worst thing to do to a boat. Good luck selling it when someone figures out it won't perform.

Any 18 ft. boat should have either a 150 or 175 on it to get it up on the pad and keep it there without straining the motor. Bet the gas milage will suck also. Going to be plenty of unhappy people after the new wears off with this one.

I think you are missing the whole point of this boat and all others in its price range.  Yeah, if I could afford a 21 foot boat with a 250 I would love to have it but, if I were going to buy a glass boat, the 186 with a 115 is what I would probably buy.  Its what I can afford to buy, what I can afford to operate, and what I can pull with the truck I have now.

I would go into the purchase knowing that I am buying a boat that will not win any races, but will be a solid fishing platform for years to come.  

According to BoatTest.com this boat will get on plane in 3.1 seconds.  It will run about 40 mph at 4,500 rpms and get 3.95 mpg at that speed.  It tops put at 51 mph which is plenty fast for me.

[cart7t]

Something I always notice about the bass boat crowd is an obsession with performance. Don't get me wrong, I've been in a BassCat Puma at 80mph and it was awesome. Obsession with performance is fine. However, I think that the performance-crazed bassboat crowd does a disservice to some people when they go on message boards asking about this or that boat and get the response "its under powered" or "you'll never get top end performance out of that." Its a disservice because we don't first ask that person what their usage is.

Example: I'm a high school teacher. It's an awesome job for a fisherman, because I get to fish 70+ days a year if I want and still make a living. Frankly, for my profession and age (25), I'm even a well-paid high school teacher. Nevertheless, I pull down less than $40000/year.

If you figure that 70+ days of fishing a year and my salary, fuel economy becomes a really important factor for a fisherman like me, but I also like to travel to fish and some lakes around here are big (10-16,000 acres), so I want to have a boat I feel comfortable in. For my budget, I need a boat that can get ~5mpg, but speed doesn't matter, as long as I can fish my 70 days. Stratos fills this niche pretty well.

If I went even further with my questions, you might ask a guy if he fishes tournaments, because obviously, that's why all these super-fast boats developed in the first place. If a guy doesn't, then speed really isn't going to matter to him either. I do, but I'm about 90% finesse fishing, so I like to get there after the other guys and fish behind them (they leave so many fish ). So even though I fish tournaments, speed still isn't nearly as important to me as fuel economy. So before everyone starts talking performance, lets talk about needs. Stratos XT boats offer lots of amenities (abundant storage, cool rod organizer, lots of fishing space, divided live wells, etc.) in a boat that gets great fuel economy. The 186xt will be on my list when I replace my boat in a couple years, because it will meet my need for big boat+fuel economy.

What's at issue is a boat that's dragging through the water at WOT throttle vs. a boat that's running with a true rated engine for the size hull it's mounted on and the gas mileage you get compared.

There are video's on the web of the 176 in action, with either the 50 or the 75 mounted on them. The boats aren't technically running at their maximum efficiency because the smaller OB is being forced to run at WOT throttle just to keep them from plowing water. This not only makes for a rough ride but any OB having to run at WOT is burning fuel at a rate of non-efficiency just to keep the hull up out of the water.

If I take the same 176 boat, slap a 135hp motor on it and run it at WOT I will burn more gas but I'll have lifted the hull far enough out of the water that drag becomes less of an issue. Hence, the gas mileage wouldn't be as bad with that larger motor vs smaller. Going a step further, I have the option of running that 135 at 2/3 - 3/4 throttle, running the same speed as the 75 at WOT and actually burn the same amount of gas or even less.

Let me say this though. These boats have a time and place. I definitely wouldn't suggest either model for any lake that can get rough. They run a wider, flatter hull with less V in it which is what provides the great stability and all the storage. My only issue is this new gimmick of underrating the hp on these boats (and others) to create the impression that the motors being sold with these boats will provide the maximum performance the hull is capable of. They don't. It would be just as easy to sell the same boat at the same prices but simply list the true hp rating of the hull. That way, if a person likes the boat and wants to upgrade the motor to a larger one they can.

[ks cranker]

I've got a 97 Xpress H56 with 115 yam - runs real strong. Plenty of space for tackle and rods. Found it last spring and I'm so glad I didn't buy anything else - looked at stratos and trackers - would have had a bigger payment and not a better boat!

I would def look at a used boat over new - much better deals to be had.

[t bend tex]

Interesting tread- I was on the way into Beaumont, Tx yesterday taking my wife to the orthopedic clinic (she broke her arm in a fishing related accident that I won't get into here), running a bit early, I was lured into a boat dealer. I have been thinking of updating my rig, so I did not resist the urge.

after looking at a ratty 96' ranger, we were headed out and took a quick peak at the Stratos line. They have a 186XT rigged out with a 115HP Yamaha 4 stroke. By then, we were running out of time for doc appt, so I didn't get all the info, but I think I recall that boat was rigged with a MK 70# 24V troll motor, and maybe two cheapo sonars.

My wife (my fishing partner) and I were impressed with the layout of the rig, and decided we would look into it later, but that I would make a post on BR when we got home- But I see that someone else started one.

some comments from me:

I am not obsessed with 70 MPH on the water- heck, I don't drive 70 on the way to the lake. I fish the mighty Toledo Bend, but most of my fishing is within 5 miles of my camp. Also- Catt can confirm this- there are thousands of acres of flooded timber in TB, and only in areas of the lake that very familiar, would I even consider running 70. most of my travel even in the boat lanes will not exceed 40 MPH- and 25 is normal.

I have had several boats- glass and tin, it seems to me that the tin boats are harder to control with the troll motor because they tend to sit higher in the water, however, a tin boat is usually easier to get off one of those flooded trees when you do get on one.

I wonder about the toughness of the Stratos in the timber- Catt, you may have some thoughts on that.

there have been some comparing of the 186XT and 285XL. according to their brochure, weight 1450#/1500#, length 18'9"/18'6", capacity 1320#/1110#, max hp 115/150, inside depth 16.5"/19", beam 89"/91".

When I have time in the next day or so, I will get a package price on the 186 rig and the 285 this dealer has on hand and I will post it.

Larry G

[t bend tex]

Just for comparison, the rigs here are:

2008 model 285XL, $25,800 including TTL, V150TLR engine, 24V MK troll motor-  

2009 model 186XT, $23,700, including TTL, F150TLR engine, 24V MK troll motor

Haven't had time to check out all the bells and whistles yet and gotta take wife to Doc in Houston tomorrow.

I'm not up on Yamaha engines- can someone tell me about the two above models?

Larry G

[cart7t]

The V150TLR is a VMax engine.  Carburated.  Very good reliable motor with an outstanding track record.  Very stout engine.

The F150 is a 4 stroke.  As with any Yamaha, it's a good engine.  If a 4 stroke is your cup of tea you can't go wrong.

[senile1]

Way back when this thread started I was in the market for a boat and I was considering the 186XT. After paying heed to Cart7t's advice, I purchased a boat and I have to say you can't go wrong listening to him.

With the economy in the condition it is in, you can bet there are some great deals on good used boats on the Internet. I perused a number of sites when I was seeking a boat. (One of the best is iboats.com.) I found a 2000 Stratos 295XL with a 200 HP Evinrude motor for $15,000. The boat had been babied and the motor runs like a champ. I never thought I needed to go 60 or 70 mph on a lake either but it definitely adds to the fun factor and can be very useful when you're trying to get off the lake to beat an incoming storm.

The boat I purchased is a much greater value than the 186XT and it is cheaper. You can't go wrong looking at used boats, as long as you are careful, and check them out with a mechanic. I spent a great deal of time checking out everything and I know I drove the seller nuts but that's what you have to do when buying anything used.

[t bend tex]

thanks for info on the Yamaha's-

because I use my rig at "idle" speed a great deal of time, I fell that a 4 Stroke would be less likely to foul plugs, etc.  any thought or experience regarding that.

Larry G

[Catt]

Larry I bought a 1996 Stratos 258V from my brother who has owned it since 1997, Stratos boats are rock solid, smooth riding, and handles rough water with the best of them. I agree with others about not under powering a boat, this boat came with a 70 hp which is the max rating for it but it feels like it could us a bit more when coming out of the hole since the hole shot is slow. In 1997 the exact same boat is rated for a 90 hp; guess Stratos saw the problem to.

[Catt]

Larry here's an excellent buy  

http://www.louisianasportsman.com/classifieds.php?sec=classifieds&act=full&adID=49387#pictures102921

[Way2slow]

As for the 186XT. I think there's a fox in the hen house somewhere. For them to cut the HP that far back on a boat that size, it has to have a very light hull layup and not the strongest of designs . You also notice they never mention hull weight, but go to the regular Stratos line and they always give you the hull weight. Just because it has the Stratos name, don't think you're getting something like their lengendary line they are known for. You've gotta remember, the same company that owns Stratos also owns Bayliner and other cheaply built boats so they know how to build cheap boats and don't think they wouldn't use a Top line brand name to market a cheap boat. With the way todays boat market is going, that hull could have Bayliner design all over it.

I think it's like the Force motor and Bayliner Boats, yea you save some when you first buy it, but you loose your butt when you try to get rid of it because you almost have to give them away to get rid of them.

If I was wanting a good size new boat that would get me fishing at a minimal cost, I would look at an aluminum before getting something like that 186XT. The aluminums hold their resale value pretty good, are light and easy to tow, and don't take a big motor to push them. If you don't care for the ride of a tin can, find you a quality boat one or two years old that someone is trying to get out from under the payments and willing to sell very reasonable. Those can however be hard to find because they usually bought them on 7 - 10 years notes with verly little down so they owe a whole lot more than the boat would ever be worth.

If you're close to GA and want a nice older boat, real cheap, I've got a 1989 Stratos 285 Pro I will sell real cheap just to get it out of my yard.  This is not a ragged out piece of crap, it was fully restored about four years ago, the carper and seats still look great.

[t bend tex]

thanks catt and way2slow

catt, I will make a call on this one.

way2slow-  A little info on the stratos-  Stratos is owned by "Genmar", along with Ranger, Champion, and about 10 other brands, so looks as if they make a good range.

The stratos brochure shows the weight of the 186xt @ 1450#, the 285xl @1500 #

I had a decent rig now  4 year old 18' vee aluminum, 90hp merc, runs good, overall good shape.  My wife and I would prefer a more "bassboat" layout .   ours is great for crappie fishing, lots of room, deep, 2 livewells.

I think I would like the 4 stroke, from what I have seen around the lakes.

I'm gonna keep looking - I'm sure to run across the perfect boat soon.

btw, Yamaha is now offering 6 yr warranty on 4 strokes- good thru Dec 1

Larry G

[Catt]

Interesting reading on the 186xt  

http://www.bwbmag.com/output.cfm?id=1650727&sectionid=310

[t bend tex]

catt, thanks for the link- I would think the yamaha 115hp 4 stroke would perform somewhat in the same range.   I take a closer look at this one

Larry G