Stratos 386XF

[eyepatrol]

Does anyone own one of these? If so, would like to know what your experience has been so far.

Thanks!

[PerchJerker]

I have no first-hand experience but have talked to guys that have them. This is what I've heard and believe.....

They are good boats. I assume you're comparing it to the 1850 Reata, with the 386 you will give up some fit, finish and features but will be getting a good solid well built boat that rides and handles like the Reata. I hear the floor rod storage gets pretty wet in the Stratos but it doesn't exactly stay dry in the Ranger.

The Ranger's bow rides lower to the water and I think has a much sleeker look, after seeing the 386 on the water I think they have a high bow and a somewhat "boxey" or "clunky" look to them ---- at least compared to the Ranger.

A friend who has been in my boat quite a bit is hoping to get a Stratos for next year if he can swing the purchase price - you can look at that as a vote of confidence in the Stratos.

I assume you've seen the 385 Stratos, same hull as the 386 but the interior is geared more to fishing vs. pleasure boating. And Ranger is coming out with an 1860 Reata which is roughly the same layout as the 385 Stratos --- same hull as the 1850 Reata but with the interior layout set up more for fishing, less for pleasure boating. I think pricing for both Stratos models is the same, and for both Ranger models is the same.

[eyepatrol]

Yeah, we're sort of comparing it to the Reata. The Reata, unfortunately, is out of our price range for a new rig, and that's what we'd prefer to get is a new rig if at all possible. The Stratos from what I've been told is basically the same setup as the Reata, but as you said, less fit and finish. It is also quite a bit less expensive than the Reata, which makes it attrative too. If we can swing it, this is the boat we'll get, as we've both pretty well decided that we want a fiberglass boat. Some of the other "sacrifices", if you want to call it that, such as only one livewell, less storage space, etc. we can live with. It's the ride of a fiberglass boat that is more important. Being a former 'glass owner and riding in some of the alum's, I can say (on my own behalf) that 'glass is the way to go.

If by some chance a new non-current Reata or slightly used Reata pops up in the next 6 months, we'll certainly consider it and go after it when the time comes. If not, it'll be the Stratos.

Interesting that it appears there is only one dealer in MN that sells Stratos boats, according to the searches I've done on Stratos' HSOforum (CP Marine).

Thanks for the info PJ

By the way....I'd have to agree, the Stratos does appear to be a little more "bulky" than the Reata.

[hugonian1]

Basscatcher,

I purchased a new 2005 Stratos 386XF this spring. I went this route for the same reasons you stated. I just got back from a week on Winni, have been out on Mille Lacs, etc. The boat has been fantastic. Fishing, tubing, or wake boarding have been a joy. I definately would make the same choice again. I had an Alumacraft Trophy 17 for 9 years and can't believe the difference. I was surprised at the ease of loading and unloading the boat, especially when alone.

My 05 has front & rear live wells and I thought the 06's did also. The in floor rod storage does get quite wet and the water doesn't drain out like I would like. Also, I noticed the seat pedestals are not holding up. The aluminum rivets that hold the plastic sleeve on at the top are all coming loose. I need to get this resolved. I have read some posts saying the Ranger seats have been a problem also. All N all a great choice though. One other thing, Stratos is available via other dealers in Minnesota. I had an absolutlely terrible experience going on 4 months now with the dealer I went thru. I can't name them cause I would probobly get deleted but it is CRYSTAL clear who I would stay away from.

[PerchJerker]

hugo - what motor do you have on your boat?

[BigWadeS]

Is fiberglass boats ride better due to them being heavier? I have only been in and own an aluminum so just curious on this.

[eyepatrol]

BWS...

I think it's 1)Because they are heavier and 2)Because fiberglass can be made into any shape and form, which makes it easier to design them to handle waves unlike riveted aluminums. Just my opinion though.

Hugo...when the rod locker gets wet, is it due to rain or is there some kind of leak in the boat? I'd be curious also to find out what the motor size is, how it performs, etc. Also, if there are other dealers in MN that sell the Stratos boats, I'd REALLY like to know!

Thanks!

[Gus]

it might have something to do with weight but I think mostly it is because you can mold fiberglass in any way you want for a hull design. Aluminum you can only bend and form so much out of a flat sheet so it has some limitations on design.

[Gus]

geez basscatcher... you and I must have been typing at the same time but you beat me to the submit button!

[eyepatrol]

Yeah, I just noticed that. Great minds think alike!

[anordqu42]

I purchased a 2006 386xf this spring and so far I am loving it. It’s tough for me to compare to other boats as this is my first, but I have used my dad’s boats (aluminum) enough in the past to know that I’m pretty happy with the 386xf. I too bought from the same dealer as Hugo (I’m guessing, ), and had a number of issues with delivery (took 2 months from the time the boat was completed for me to get it), but I honestly think that was mainly due to Stratos. I ordered it with a Merc kicker and they were having issues getting one since Merc was back ordered. Still didn’t get it until a month after I had the boat.

The main is a Merc Optimax 150…seems to do pretty well and I barely lose top end speed even when I have the boat loaded with 6+ adults/coolers/etc.

The rod locker is great…I tend to bring a lot of rods with me and I’ve figured out I can fit 10-12 fairly easily in it and have had up to 20 with a little finesse. It does get very wet too easily (all water over the bow or from a tube/swimmer/etc flows down into it), so I do dislike that. There really is very little storage on the boat that would stay dry in a heavy rain. And I think the workmanship of the boat could be a bit better (somewhat sloppy glueing the carpet down, excess paint where it should not be, and number of screws stripped out on things like the transom/gunwale access covers). But, somewhat minor and really only noticeable when I get on my hands and knees.

I have not had it on big lakes too much yet, but spend a lot of time on the rivers. It takes the pounding from big boat’s waves and such pretty well. I’m in the process of rigging it for deep water fishing and will have it out on the great lakes in a few weeks. I can let you know how it performs there.

Personally, I think it makes a great cruising/tubing boat, then when you want to seriously fish you whip out the carpet (removable), fold out the front platform and you got a boat that fun to get dirty and easy to clean.

[PerchJerker]

I have not done a side-to-side comparison of the weight of aluminum vs. fiberglass hulls, but I think if you look at comparable sized boats they are pretty similar. Fiberglass used to be heavier when it was done over wood framing, but it's been years since fiberglass boats were built with wood in them.

The difference is that fiberglass can be molded in any shape and retain its strength, so the hulls can be shaped to ride as smooth and dry as possible. Aluminum cannot be bent that far and retain its strength, so with aluminum hulls you get a shape and a ride that is not as smooth or as dry.

[delmuts]

they had a show on TV a while back, hosted by earl bentz.( founder of triton boats) when yo get into the bigger rigs, there is little difference in weight between the two.( i think he was comparing to a lund) the reasoning was that with the alum. boats they had to add extra bracing to keep the hull from flexing and to add bracing to handle the big motors they are ruinning on them now.

[hugonian1]

I've got a Yamaha 150 four stroke. Really like it.

Quiet, clean, and is fast enough for me. With 3 in the boat, gear, etc, it will top out at 44 mph. Also planes nicely. Definately happy with this decision.

[hugonian1]

Basscatcher,

The water in the rod locker comes from the top. The hull is solid, in fact I believe it has the same lifetime warranty the Ranger has. It would be tough to keep this type of storage completely dry but the concern I have is the water doesn't completely drain out unless the bow of the boat is cranked up. The floor of the rod locker should be formed in a manner that allows better drainage. Still not a deal breaker for me, I would definately buy this boat if I had to do it again.

As for dealers, I didn't realize you were referring to the same one I was. Sorry about that. Warners Dock in New Richmond Wisc. is actually the closest dealer to me but not convenient for you. I don't know anything about them but I surely would give them a look after my experience with our Minnesota alternative. Welcome to the family my arse

[eyepatrol]

hugo...

Talking with one of the salespersons at CP, it sounds like Stratos has an insert for the rod locker storage compartment that raises the rods up a bit to keep them dry. Although this helps with the problem, it doesn't solve it. As I said to they guy at CP though, the rod locker storage compartment getting wet isn't a huge deal to me since my rods are usually out and ready for use when I'm in the boat (I only have 3 rods that I use mostly).

I've looked at WD's HSOforum and I think I'll contact them. Even though it's a better hike from where I live, having quality service and a pleasant buying experience can outweigh the benefits of buying closer to home. My wife and I have no problem traveling a little for good service and a good buying experience. Warner's is probably a 2 - 2.5hr drive from here, so it's not too bad really.

I've also sent the Stratos company an e-mail asking if there are any other dealers in MN that sell their boats, so I'll wait and see what they have to say.

Thanks for all the great info.

[klw]

so did you ever purchase the stratos? Just curious.... I purchased the 375 xf this summer and have very few complaints

[eyepatrol]

Not yet. We're waiting until Feb/March to purchase a boat. Options are still wide open, but the 386 is one of the top runners.