Still fishing out of 82 model Procraft !!! Dryer ride than lots of boats.Of Course they dont make hulls with that quality anymore.

I had a '07 Stratos 294 XL. Decent boat for the money, good ride, I never got wet in the bad stuff.

But.... the fit and finish was lackluster to say the least.

Only Procraft experience I had was in a fish/ski, and it would kill you in the wind, TERRIBLE RIDE. Other than that, it seemed like a nice boat.

i have a 96 201pro xl dc/ 225 merc efi. Boat was handed down to me from my dad, and I've tried to keep it in really good shape. Honestly, you'd be very hard pressed to find a better looking 96 rig on the road. And now with new carpet, color gps up front and back, stereo system, led lights both in boat compartments and on trailer, new trailer bunks and carpet, machined aluminum brackets for the new trailer bunks, new disk brakes w/surge tongue and just mounted retractable trailer tie downs on the trailer.

boat has NEVER let me down, and ith as never disappointed me in any situation on the water. flying colors.

Got a 2005 210 super pro and love it!

I've owned a stratus, and a procraft. Both were 18'6" and honestly, I liked the options and ride of my procraft much better. The stratus was heavier, and you would think it would handle the rough water better, but it didn't.

with all the responses I think that I will consider both, but I worried a little about resale on the procraft.

thanks for all the responses....

I would not worry about resale for a second personally. have you seen the 2009 BassCat Cougar in the classifieds with every top end add on known to man on it.....that boat set up the way it is cost well in excess of $50,000 and its less than 2 years old. Look at all the price reduction he has made to try and sell it, and even with all the holier than thou BassCat guys out there........its still for sale! You just need to find the one that calls your name, regardless of brand. The brand thing is a Chevy vs Ford vs Dodge vs Toyota thing!

BassCat guys are just brand loyal, much like Ranger Guys, or Skeeter guys, or cough, cough, Nitro Guys....No need to take offense just cause you don't recognize true quality in a Bass Boat....

No offense taken, just funny how guys are about their brands. I have owned a lot of different toys over the years and have found that every brand of truck,car,4wheeler,outboard,boat,snow machine,etc all make good ones and bad ones. I personally think that Basscats look like they are about 20 years behind the times style wise, they have that old man 80's look to em. But obviously some guys think they are the shiznit! I had a really good deal going on a 19' Basscat with Josh at Texas Boat World but couldn't make myself like the look of it.

I had a light layup Laser call my name once. Had to have it regardless of the quality. Boat nearly killed me financially and physically, but darn it looked good at the boat ramp.

There is a difference in brands and quality. It might not be obvious in the beginning, but after a few years quality will come to the top. There are a number of boat builders that sell flash. Boats that look good in the showroom and on the trailer. The key to judging the quality and durability of a boat is to see how many good ones are left on the water after 10-15 years of use. That will answer some of your question.

I had a 19ft stratos 2006 model and it about killed me in rough water. I have a 22 ft skeeter now and there is no comparison. If you go stratos get a big one. I personally would not buy another one.

I have a 98 stratos that I love. I wish it was bigger but the next one will be. It is a tough boat. I am just now needing to replace carpet on a 13 year old bass boat. Pretty good construction.

I would not discourage buying a stratos.