... and in particular the new 186XT. It's one of the models being sold at Cabela's in Fort Worth.

I'm thinking about upgrading from my 16' Skeeter SS90, but don't want to drop 30 large on an 18-19 ft. boat.

The "new for 2008" 186XT comes in around 17K+ for 18'9" w/90, more with a 115 which I'd prefer. Has anyone seen this particular line of Stratos, and if so, what are some pros and cons? No Stratos dealers around Austin, or I'd check myself.

nothing at all wrong with stratos for the money there a deal

Stratos is making a very good boat today, no issues there...

Where I'd have questions (serious questions) is the ability of Cabelas to properly rig, setup and most of all service my equipment.

One of the NHS Outdoor team members (I think Mike P, but not 100% sure) was trying to sell a 285 (to upgrade to a Legend) that he purchased from Cabelas, you might try tracking him down and ask him of his experiance....

And yes, Stratos builds a very good boat, and priced right

I have been comparing the 294 to other 19 footers, I think they are just as good as the Skeeter and Ranger, IMHO! and priced several thousand less....

I have never owned a Stratos buy the tech who does my work says that they are a bitch to work on.

The older ones are (I have an '88 201). Not a lot of room in the rear compartment. But the newer boats I've seen are wide open back there...

only issue i'd have with a boat that small, and being that you want a brand new would be the "hickey" you'll take on it when your ready to upgrade.

the 20ft'ers are good boats. fairly fast too.

For what it is worth, you could get a good used 20 or 21 foot bass boat for the kind of money you are talking about spending on a new smaller boat. Going from a 16' boat to a 18' or 19' boat will make a difference, but going to a 21' boat will make a huge difference, especially in rough water.

Just something to consider.

Fishin I bought a 2007 Stratos 486SF last year and absolutely love it. It is not the exact boat your speaking of, but thought a little feedback on the brand might be useful. Used it tons since July and have had 0 issues. I also bought mine at Cabellas when they were having a big sale. I chose it based on consumer reports and price.

I've always liked the looks of Stratos Boats and enjoyed the ones I've been in. Not the plushest, not the fastest, but a nice medium. I bought my Ranger at Cabelas in KC and really liked dealing with them. Cabelas in Ft Worth has handled some warranty work for me and they were great.

Fished out of a 201 for a couple years. Never saw any problems with it!!

Thanks, guys. I'm gonna contact Stratos to locate a dealer closer to A-town where I can look firsthand.

Herb Steiner

Should have done more research... Austin Boats and Motors is a Stratos dealer. I pass them on my way to the lake each time I go. Gonna have to stop in and take a look, see what pittance I can get on a trade-in (if they do that stuff) etc.