I bought my first and probably only bass boat at age 66, a 2004 Stratos w/90HP PRO 275 XL.
Seems I don't see many Stratos and almost EVERY boat has much larger engine. Don't they use a heck of a lot more gas?
Anyhow, please, share thoughts on Stratos....

They def use more fuel, but the size is proportionate to the size/ length of boat it is paired with...

Lee the bigger boat is a lot safer in rough water. On tournament days it is usually the roughest days of the week. I have been on Amistad, Sam Rayburn and Texoma when the small boats were limited to where they could go. And yes they drink a lot of gas going 65 to 76 mph. Bigger is safer and makes for a day of fishing a lot more enjoyable. You got all the boat a man needs.

Stratos boats are very good boats. Stable dry ride. And in the 92 Stratos 201 pro xl set the speed record for bass boats, I want to say it did 86mph (somebody needs to fact check me). And that was with a 225 hp outboard.

Good solid ride you have there Lee. I keep threatening to get rid of my 201 pro elite but she just wont quit on me.

Hey Lee,
I have a 08 285xl and love it. It has a 150 and really doesnt drink much gas. I met you once on EM about 2 months ago when I was fishing with my son. Trolling motor was out, But not stratos's fault. Hows it been on EM?

Well, I'm now two months off the lake, knee surgery. But, I'm on the mend (I hope) and rehab or not in the next week I'M GOING FISHING!
LOL, well, I can't tell you other than what I've seen on the forum here which is not much. The last time I went out, I caught 3 1/2 lb black. Remember, I'm still learning what bait and when. I mean I can catch sand bass but that's not what I want to catch.
Wish I could tell you more. It's a great lake and only 7 miles from me...so, that's where I fish
I remember meeting you now. Yours is a great looking rig.
I too had to change my TM. It was/is still working great but I couldn't stand, even leaning on the butt seat so upgraded to MG digital wireless. Went down from 82lb to 70lb thrust but at least now I can set down and use it, even has a thumb thob to use it.
Haven't even got it wet yet...so, I'm anxious. Have also added volt meter and water pressure guages to the dash. Had to look to find them to match what I have but at least now the guage set is complete.
Enough of my rambling. Great to hear from you, just wondering about other Stratos boats because don't see that many and others thoughts. Since Ranger took over that line as well as Triton, I see a heck of a lot more advertising now about them at almost every tournament. LOL< but mine is sure not an $60k plus boat....
Stay in touch. Catch a really good mess and hope to see your name in some of the tourney's win columns!!!

Love my 2000 stratos. 295pro-xl with 200hp.
Nice ride and great layout. Can say it does fair on fuel
Depending on lake conditions and drivers mood.

My fishing partner has one , good boat. Your boat might not have the max motor on it check the inspection plate to see.

It does not. Rated for up to 140HP/150HP with four people. Only 17 1/2' but, sure seems stable and more than fast enough for me.
Just haven't seen that many....

17.5ft and 90hp is all you need for Eagle Mountain. I ran a 16ft 90hp out there a couple years when I lived in FW. Congrats on your first boat. Hope you get out there soon!

I have a tough time believing that stratos boats are any good. They buy the patents of a few of the best bass boats ever built and still aren't selling very many. Makes you wonder about the overall quality.

If you fish shallow stumpy water that shorter boat is the ticket. Maneuvering through a stump field with my 21 footer can be a pain in the arse!

Great boat. Not convinced on the speed record. I know several guys with bullets that will run 90+ GPS so maybe not but great ride and layout on the stratos boats.

Thanks all. Wasn't looking for 'kuddos', really just wanted to see what ya'll thought of this boat that Ranger has added to their line and yet, I don't see a 'lot' of them, at least on Eagle Mountain Lake here in Texas

One day, LOL, when I reach 99, I'll buy a NEW $80k boat for the family to fight over when I'm gone....