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Posts: 27
| I'm wondering if anyone personally uses or has used a Stratos 385XF. I would like to know how the boat handles rough water? Would it be ok to take this boat on the bay of green bay or out on lake michigan? Any info on this boat would be great. Thanks.
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | I actually have a lot of experience with this boat. This boat was a brand new boat by Stratos in 2006. Heckels Marina in Eagle River had three of these in our rental department so I saw a lot of time in these this past summer. They are nice boats for the money.
However, the one major downfall I saw was with the boat was the very high sides it has. I tell you what, this boat was like a kite in basically any wind. I think you would be ok on the bay and Lake Michigan, however, but with such high sides, it definitely gets pushed around by the wind. If you were trolling you might be ok. But for an everyday use boat, by far not my first pick. Most of these boats you see are set up in a package deal. Come with a 115 Yamaha fourstroke. Great motor, however, it's in no means a speed demon. If your looking to use this boat as a fish and ski, I would suggest against it. You put 3-4 people in and try pulling a skier/tuber, you don't have much go with a 115. If your looking seriously, I believe this rig is rated for a 150, I would go with that. Just my thoughts. |
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Posts: 1189
Location: Bagley,MN 56621 | 385 is rated for a 200 H.P., the 375 is rated for a 140 H.P., think kid is confused........(maybe cuz the motor wasnt black on the one he was in? haha).
high sides compared to what? a 620? like a kite? I had an 1850 fishhwak that got blown around like a kite.........dont think that boat was considered high sided.
I cant give you first hand knowledge of the ride dangle, but this will be my next boat when I get back into the "need" for a boat.
I used to sell Stratos (and Ranger,Lund,Crestliner), was around for the 375 induction.......but left the dealership before the 385 launched into the market. I did go back and visit once the 385 came out and I liked it a lot.
If a bass boat can handle the bay, this one with it's lenght should have no trouble.
You gotta drive it, not just ride in it.
http://www.stratosboats.com/modelIntro.cfm?mid=5200
my $.01 |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Greg, you are right, I was thinking the 375. We had those in our rental fleet. I ran the 385 a couple times but not nearly as much as the 375.
Now, as for the boat being a kite. Have you fished out of one? I have, I know for a fact this boat, the 375 is like a kite. It was terrible imho. You can't even come close to comparing this boat to a 620. This boat fishes a lot different than a 620. Your waterline on this boat sits so high compared to a 620. Leaving this boat more vulnerable to be tossed around in the wind. Now, I am giving my personal opinion on this boat, this is what I have found to be true. You may have different opinions but this is what I don't like about the boat. A 620 does not get blown nearly as much as a boat like this. That would not be comparing apples to apples. Compare a 385 and a Ranger Angler 1860, that would be comparing apples to apples.
Now, you say I need to drive it, well I drove it. I worked with a 375 all summer, in fact, three of them. It's not like I took a ride once. LOL |
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Posts: 358
Location: London, England | http://www.stratosboats.com/StaticPages/images/Boats/385XF/gallery/...
Looks pretty high sided to me....
Edited by Tim Kelly 11/25/2007 2:33 AM
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| I have fished out of this boat...Tomcat has one like this....it does have high sides compared to most glass boats and did seem to catch more of the wind than say a ranger fisherman series..that being said, it will not get blown around like an aluminum boat since it's much heavier glass...your question about it handling GB and other big wates..imo yes, it will handle that water just fine...it is a deep v glass boat with higher sides and can handle what other boats in it's size range can... |
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Posts: 2037
Location: lansing, il | fished out of the same boat brad is talking about a number of times and it is a very nice boat...i am sure it will handle big water fine....the high sides are no problem fig 8ing or working fish in a net boatside. i do not think you would be disappointed with this boat. i am only speaking form experience of spending a handful of days fishing out of it and catching fish in it. |
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Posts: 27
| Thanks guys. Your info really helps. I don't plan to ever pull any skiers so with a 115 on it how fast (estimate) do you think it will move the boat with 2 or 3 guys in it? |
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Posts: 743
| i think BN is just making excuses for my older, poor boat control skills!!! (when he mentioned it did seem to catch more wind). two trips ago, i fished in constant 20 MPH winds with gusts over 40 MPH, i stayed on my spots just fine. sure..i had to learn and adjust boat control going from a 17 foot tracker to this boat, but i think they (this boat) do not get blow around in the wind any more or less the other boats i have fished out of. Yes, the boat can handle to GB or Lake Michigan. Eforcer's buddy, Chris, just got a one a foot longer than mine, and they have took it out on lake michigan several times, when the water was NOT flat and they did good. it's a pretty dry ride too..handles big waves, super wide beam..i like it. boat shopping is FUN!!!!
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| Tomcat, I think it went something like this....
"So you really like that Autopilot on your minn kota ey Brad?"
"Yah I do Spicoli, it rocks, I'm surprised you don't have it on yours, makes boat control much easier than dancing on that pedal like you are doing right now"
a few hours later...Tomcat looks down at his trolling motor head...
"What's this button? Press to engage auto pilot, what?".....puzzled look, presses it..."Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Mannnnnnnnnnnnnnn I DO have Auto Pilot!!, Sweet Meat"
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Posts: 45
Location: Brooklyn Park | Big kite is right. have fished many time out of a demo and would never buy one. Check the hinges, latches, glove box and just about every other added component andcompare to any other fiberglass boat and the Stratos will bring up the rear in quality. this company was purchased by Genmar to be their "knock-off" Ranger. Not even close. This is just my opinion but for 30K you can get one hell of a nice used boat. |
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| I own a 385xf, it is a great boat, I am typically on the Chippewa Flowage with the boat, I run a 200 etech and it handles great. I have been caught in some big storms and once had to run sideways across 6 foot waves. I will take the high sides when in that weather. My complaint is more about rod storage, I put in a recessed foot pedal and that caused me to lose 3 rods. The boat has been great for Bass fishing, walleye fishing and I do a lot of Musky fishing with no complaints. The live well is very large as well. I am not currently using one with a full windshield, I wish I had that option, but in general I am very happy with the boat. |
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Posts: 1189
Location: Bagley,MN 56621 | teemike, you around??
text or call me at 218-766-5881 please.
thanks!! |
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Posts: 791
Location: WI | I have spent a lot of time in the 386xf which is the same hull fit with a fish and ski trim package. I think they are great boats. I have only been on big water with it,(Winnebago and the bay)but it will take 5+ footers. I promise you that. My buddies has a 150 opti and 9.9pro kicker and smooth move seats. Does around 50. For the size and the price I am a fan.
Edited by Trophyseeker50 1/25/2014 7:39 AM
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Stratos 385XF