I think you would be happy with either (because they're new).

I wouldn't put much stock in the rumors. I heard just the opposite of some...I heard that they (Genmar) were really making a push to make Stratos an affordable option to Ranger and I see that some Ranger dealers are now selling them also.

I previously owned a Stratos, was very happy with it and would not hesitate to own another. I would have to consider the Stratos being 5" wider.

I would suggest calling Todd Morgan of C & O Marine. He can tell you everything you want to know about Stratos.

i have never been in a stratos, i see a lot of old stratos boats running around but i have never seen a newer one running around. i would go with skeeter just because they are way more popular and it would be easier to find a dealer.

Pat,

Once again you and I see eye to eye.

Stratos is definately moving in a different direction. But, why not look at the Champion 183. It will outride both of them!

http://www.championboats.com/index_fresh...r&mid=5049/

The rumor mill here on the forum at times is like playing the game we all played as kids. Teacher would have us all sitting in a circle, then whisper something into one students ear. Then that student would whisper it to the student sitting beside them, and then on. When the "secret" got back to the teacher, it was completely differently.

Any boat company can shut down at any time. Some of the biggest names in the industry have shut down for various reasons at one point in the other.

How many times has Ranger been sold? When was their fire at their plant that shut them down until they should get new molds built?

When was the Cajun fire?

I am rolling on the floor after this one. I can pay extra and put Team on any boat I have ever owned. Do you even know what "FLW" stands for?


Stratos VS Skeeter
Fishablity = Skeeter
Speed = Stratos

You would also vote for the most "popular" presidential canadate

Welcome to High School!!!! Popularity is not a communicable disease.

Stratos has a new boat out this year that is going to replace the 275 - or at least compete against it so don't know how much longer they'll keep making the 275. Supposidly it's a foot longer verson of the 176xt.

I dunno about Stratos going under..but I just read a newspaper clipping last week about them expanding the Stratos plant.

I owned an old Stratos 181 Pro that used to be Fin & Feather's pro staff boat, it was the most comfortable boat to fish out of once you got to the fishing hole, but the ride would loosen your teeth!The BEST RIDE I've EVER had in a boat of any kind was a 17 foot Champion I owned! It was a fast, smooth riding hull design that would turn on a dime & give ya quarter change & was super comfortable to fish out of!!! The deck was big enough to take a nap on too! So to answer your question, I'd go with the Skeeter for ride comfort!

I respectfully suggest you look at an 18' CHAMPION with 175 hp. It will do all you are asking and then some. As they say "ride and then decide" and I'll bet you chose a Champ.

I would have to say hands down the Skeeter. You might want to look at the ZX 180 now. This is a new 2008 model and it has some of the amenities of the ZX Series. Stratos is a good boat, but I would stick with the main 4, skeeter, ranger, triton and champion... Its not a knock on Stratos, they make good boats, just a notch below the others, but when it comes to the weekend angler, what difference does it really make. Find a good dealer and buy as much as you can afford, otherwise you will wish you had bought that bigger better boat.

Thought you were going to buy one also????

What makes them the "main 4" ? The most money?

According to J. D Powers the top boat is ......................................BASS CAT.

http://powerboat.about.com/library/weekly/bl_jdpa1_2005bb.htm

I've owned 3 of what you call the "main 4" and my least favorite was the Ranger. I liked all of them but with Ranger just being my least favorite. I have never owned a Skeeter but have been in lots of them and they were great.

I currently run a 20' Stratos and love it! My favorite boat has been a 2003 898 Nitro as far as fishability and performance, but I just don't see eye to eye with the company anymore.

Word of advice PUT YOUR BUYING EMPHASIS ON THE DEALER! Pick a good dealer and 9 times out of 10 your wont go wrong.

Where do you fish? If you fish big water, you may want to go with a deeper hull. Champion has a very good hull for the rougher water. Skeeter or Stratos may beat you to death in 3ft swells where a Champion of the same length would slice right through. If your not worried about rough water, then you will probably want to focus more on beam so you can get the most deck.

I have a Stratos 201XL and my old 19ft ProGator handled rough water better. I like my Stratos but I am considering selling. I, much like you, am not worried about speed. I am more concerned about navigation and comfort. I am looking at Legend, Champion, and ProGator.

Good luck with your search...Oh, and Xpress is nice, but good luck when the wind blows.

Oh...and I want a boat that no one else has. I want a boat that people will look at and think..."Nice Boat, What was it?" Everyone has a BassCat or a Skeeter around here. Not me.

I have a Skeeter and.....will never buy another. i bought it new in 2005, I am on my THIRD set of seats, had to have the glove box fixed, compartment handles and locks replaced( a few of them twice),the bunks on the trailer replaced at the beginning of the year...did i mention the new seats now have no Skeeter emblems like the first two sets? Fit and finish is worse than an eastern european car. the positive is the Yamaha I have on the back, I trust it more than any other motor i have had boat, car, truck etc...Buy Ranger, more cash but it rides like a Lexus and will not fall apart around you. just my 2 cents..........

I mistakenly left out Basscat. It is a great boat and phenomenal customer service. I guess I left it out because I know of less dealerships and depending on where he is it might be a farther... Would wouldn't go wrong with Basscat at all... My Opinion is skeeter is a better built boat with better customer service and better resale than a stratos. If he fishes a ton of rough water champion would be a good pick, rangers are a little slower than average for their models and they are probably the most expensive so that rules them out for me... Once again Skeeter vs stratos I would have to defiantely say skeeter, but get the one that suits you best and get the longest one you can afford and max out the engine.

i have a ranger and love it, it is their deep V model. dry and smooth ride, quiet too with a 4 stroke. i got in some rough water last night finally and loved it, i ran 45mph across the lake hitting the biggest waves i coudl find and it rode better than any other boat i have ever been in.