I Had My Pick Between Two Boats, Which One Would You Choose? 2024
retiredbosn reply :
One boat is a 2015 Stratos VLO dual console with a Merc 115 four stroke. Second boat is a 2007 Nitro 911 CDC with a Merc 225 Optimax. Ok for the particulars, engine warranty the same on both boats five year cover to skeg, the Stratos is 18' 9" and a 89" beam, the Nitro is 20' 2" and a 8' 2" beam or 98". Stratos single wheel trailer, aluminum rims, steel fenders, Nitro tandem axle, fiberglass fenders. Electronics the same, the Stratos has 0 hours on motor and the Nitro has 127 computer verified. Price on Nitro is less than the Stratos just because the Stratos is new, the Nitro when new was around 42k, the Stratos the way I rigged it was almost 27k. So that's your choice, New Stratos 186 VLO or used Nitro 911 CDC, what say ye? And why? BTW the first three pics are the Nitro second three Stratos
BTW I am picking up my boat in the morning and your answer will not sway my decision, just curious what other anglers, boat owners, and hopeful boat owners would choose. Honestly I don't think there is a wrong choice, I'm just interested in your thoughts and opinions.
Smokinal reply :
Honestly, I feel it depends most on what type (how big) water you usually fish. Those are very different boats tbh. Obviously the Nitro is going to be better in bigger water. Personally, I don't fish big water so I would choose the VLO (plus I love BlueBasser's). The other thing to look at is maintenance on the dual axle with brakes. My current boat is a 16' Nitro; obviously no brakes and that thing is just a great little boat; hardly requires any maintenance at all.
But I'm dying to see what you got!!!
1st to congratulate you!
retiredbosn reply :
On 3/20/2015 at 7:30 AM, Smokinal said:Honestly, I feel it depends most on what type (how big) water you usually fish. Those are very different boats tbh. Obviously the Nitro is going to be better in bigger water. Personally, I don't fish big water so I would choose the VLO (plus I love BlueBasser's). The other thing to look at is maintenance on the dual axle with brakes. My current boat is a 16' Nitro; obviously no brakes and that thing is just a great little boat; hardly requires any maintenance at all.
But I'm dying to see what you got!!!
1st to congratulate you!
To give more info to help you out, I fish Murray, Clarks Hill and Santee Cooper Chain. To me these lakes are fairly large, several thousand acres smallest one about 48000 acres, plus the coast is only a couple hours away
Ozark_Basser reply :
Definitely depends on what type of water younare going to be fishing. Also look at how much you are willing to spend on gas. With the throttle wide open, the 115 will consume ~11.5 gallons per hour roughly, while the 225 will burn about twice as much at ~22.5 gallons per hour. However, if you plan on fishing tournaments, I'd go with the bigger boat.
slonezp reply :
Based on my needs, the Nitro. As a daily driver on small to medium lakes the VLO may be a better choice.
Matthew2000 reply :
What is up with the layout of that nitro ? Never have seen a boat like that. To me it would be a time will tell thing because I fish large and small lakes. But I would choose the nitro, it is just bigger over all. That would be the main selling point for me. I like to have quite a bit of room between me and my partner. Being cramed into a little deck sucks.
Jeff H reply :
Go big! I always liked the CDC layout.
retiredbosn reply :
On 3/20/2015 at 8:06 AM, Matthew2000 said:What is up with the layout of that nitro ? Never have seen a boat like that. To me it would be a time will tell thing because I fish large and small lakes. But I would choose the nitro, it is just bigger over all. That would be the main selling point for me. I like to have quite a bit of room between me and my partner. Being cramed into a little deck sucks.
It's called a center dual console (CDC),I love the layout. Makes sense when you think about it, keeps driver passenger weight centered when running, seats are set just a little higher more comfortable for us old guys. Allot easier to get around in and frees up additional fishing locations for those days when multiple ppl want to go. They made both the Z8 and Z9 with this configuration, but the front deck came all the way back to the console.
Matthew2000 reply :
On 3/20/2015 at 8:47 AM, retiredbosn said:It's called a center dual console (CDC),I love the layout. Makes sense when you think about it, keeps driver passenger weight centered when running, seats are set just a little higher more comfortable for us old guys. Allot easier to get around in and frees up additional fishing locations for those days when multiple ppl want to go. They made both the Z8 and Z9 with this configuration, but the front deck came all the way back to the console.
Huh, never knew about those. Do they sit the same in the water ?
S Hovanec reply :
Not familiar with either boat, so I don't know what the Stratos is rated for, but to me, 115 seems underpowered for a almost 19' boat.
Dogmatic reply :
Bigger is better, either way you've decided you're a lucky dog. Congrats.
retiredbosn reply :
On 3/20/2015 at 8:51 AM, Matthew2000 said:Huh, never knew about those. Do they sit the same in the water ?
If your profile info is correct, I'm not surprised. That layout was discontinued about 5-6 years ago. Here is a picture of the boat sitting still in water, the 911 seems to me to have a little bit higher freeboard (distance from waterline to top of gunwale)
Catt reply :
I own & have fished out of Stratos for years, they handle big water as well as any. The VLO is very under powered & even more so in big waves where power is needed to keep the bow up.
retiredbosn reply :
On 3/20/2015 at 9:33 AM, Catt said:I own & have fished out of Stratos for years, they handle big water as well as any. The VLO is very under powered & even more so in big waves where power is needed to keep the bow up.
I've been working on this for several weeks now, you can get an Evinrude Etec 135 HO on the stern which makes allot of sense. Also Boaters world did a boat test on the 186 VLO top speed just shy of 50 with a 115, quite a bit better with the Etec 135 HO, which I was told is basically a "detuned" stock Etec 150 with different stickers..I would bet the farm you can change the power pack and exhaust baffle and pick up more hp
https://youtu.be/pgzgq92AIrc
Matthew2000 reply :
Yeah I was 7 when your boat came out. The gunwale does look a little high, it could be the lack of gear as they were just doing a photo shoot.On 3/20/2015 at 9:32 AM, retiredbosn said:If your profile info is correct, I'm not surprised. That layout was discontinued about 5-6 years ago. Here is a picture of the boat sitting still in water, the 911 seems to me to have a little bit higher freeboard (distance from waterline to top of gunwale)
nitro at rest.jpg
nitro at rest.jpgBrian6428 reply :
I voted for the Stratos but thats cause I don't go very fast anyways and wouldn't mind saving on fuel (150 Merc EFI). If you like to go faster and don't mind the fuel costs I'd go with the Nitro. Either way you're getting a great boat.
Catt reply :
On 3/20/2015 at 9:43 AM, retiredbosn said:I've been working on this for several weeks now, you can get an Evinrude Etec 135 HO on the stern which makes allot of sense. Also Boaters world did a boat test on the 186 VLO top speed just shy of 50 with a 115, quite a bit better with the Etec 135 HO, which I was told is basically a "detuned" stock Etec 150 with different stickers..I would bet the farm you can change the power pack and exhaust baffle and pick up more hp
https://youtu.be/pgzgq92AIrc
Running 50 mph in calm water aint the same as needing power to quickly lift the bow in rough water.
Check out how much the VLO weighs, then add fuel, a livewell full of water, batteries, tackle, & 2 anglers.
A-Jay reply :
Love the set up on the Nitro ~
Congrats in advance Boats
A-Jay
tomustang reply :
I've always like that particular nitro setup, its also bigger.
I do not like the layout of the stratos, the motor seems too underpowered.
Jiggy With It reply :
I'd rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it.
Fishing Rhino reply :
I've had a Nitro Z-7, which is about the same size as the Stratos you are considering. I now have a Z-8, and there is no comparison. The Nitro had a 150 EFI Merc and the top speed I saw on the GPS was just over 58 mph. The 8 has a 200 hp Optimax (standard engine on the 8) and I've seen just under 63 mph on the gps unit.
The main difference is size and stability. The 7 was skitterish at top speed. It had the sensation that it was about to take off. The 8, has shown no tendency to "dance" on the surface when on the pad. The 8 is also much more stable when someone moves around on the deck.
Given the waters your going to be fishing regularly I'd opt for the Nitro. On smaller waters probably the Stratos simply because it is new, though the smaller engine gives me pause.
I'm not a horsepower freak. Most of the time I cruise between 35 - 40 mph. I do like the four cycle. They purr like a kitten.
Al Wolbach reply :
I'm not a big fan of Nitro but in this case I would choose the CDC because of size and weight. I have not fished Clark Hill but I have the other two and they can get violently rough. Normally I would choose the new boat but not so in this case. Congrats either way. A friend of mine had a CDC a few years back and I loved the layout but they were not popular for some reason, probably poor marketing. Good luck with either........Al
jbh3 reply :
Don't think you will like the second console on a 18' boat. Takes up a LOT of usable space. If you could take both to the lake, I believe you would like the bigger CDC a lot better. As an old bosun, you probably know bigger is better in a blow. Good luck!.
Trek reply :
I use to own a Stratos 17.5 with a 115 motor and they make a very nice boat. That boat was rated for a 150 hp and was way under horse powered. But for a 18.5 foot boat a 115 seems under horse powered too. That boat should be able to handle a 200 hp. Just my opinion but your hole shot is going to be very slow. I have learned from the past to never by a boat that isn't maxed out on the motor. You don't have to run it wide open but you need that power to get the boat on top or you'll be adding whale fins on the motor to help you.
Smokinal reply :
You're killin me! Whadya get? Whadya get? I always get a little pleasure hearing someone getting a new boat. I think it's because I want a newer boat but it just isn't in the cards for me right now.
A-Jay reply :
Let"s Go Boats ~
We all know you're just sitting there in your new boat with that Big Fat Stupid - Hey look at my New Boat - Smile
Spill it . . . .
A-Jay
retiredbosn reply :
On 3/21/2015 at 9:05 AM, A-Jay said:Let"s Go Boats ~
We all know you're just sitting there in your new boat with that Big Fat Stupid - Hey look at my New Boat - Smile
Spill it . . . .
A-Jay
Dude I wish, there were a couple things that needed fixed that wasn't, they're making it right, give full story later. Just got home and I'm beat. 2007 911
A-Jay reply :
That's Cool.
Thanks for the response ~ Get some rest.
Be standing by when you can.
Congrats again.
A-Jay
Alonerankin2 reply :
Yay! I voted that way.. Great choice! Congrats. I'm sure it's going to be great fun!!
retiredbosn reply :
On 3/21/2015 at 10:20 AM, A-Jay said:That's Cool.
Thanks for the response ~ Get some rest.
Be standing by when you can.
Congrats again.
A-Jay
Sorry for being short awhile ago (@ 6' 2" I don't get to say that often, lol), anyway got some food in me feel better. The boat is three hours from me, so it's not exactly in the neighborhood. My appointment was at 2 today, I arrive and they're still detailing her. Anyway the service guys go over everything with me and I make a short punch list and notice that the bow GPS/fish finder is gone! So when I go to sign the paperwork I made mention of this the salesman goes tells the manager, they come get me and tell me that the custom nitro cover I just ordered was complimentary and I could go pick out any fish finder I wanted! I smiled real big and said to be careful what they promised, I had already been drooling on a Lowrance HDS with touchscreen that looked bigger than my TV! The boat cover was close to $600 bucks, so I asked for a price limit he just said don't go crazy, one Hummingbird helix 5 SI later and I was more than happy. I had already negotiated a substantial drop in price and they just sweetened the deal by giving me another $1100 in merchandise. I'm real satisfied. After completing the sale the service dept brings the boat around to hook it to my truck the tech suggests that we go over all the switches starting procedures stuff like that again. Turns main power on all the little LED's light up, then NOTHING, it will start and the trolling motor will run, nothing else electrical works. He gets to looking around most of the fuses have blown. Why ? Who knows? They had just installed four new interstate batteries, (another thing included in the deal), they're all hooked up right. Replaced fuses now some things work others don't, the service department stayed there until 7 trying to find the shorted wire (s). These guys replaced the main panel, bow panel, I mean it's Friday evening they never complained never asked for me to come back, but I started feeling for these guys, they're completely embarrassed, tired etc. I told them I would come back after it was fixed, so now they are rewiring the boat. Honestly I'm glad it happened before I took possession, the sales department of course was long gone so I have to talk with them tomorrow. Service manager has said they'll fix it period. So I am hoping to pick it up mid week.
A-Jay reply :
Well I know you won't let this dash your spirits - They'll get it right and you'll be One Happy New Boat Owner
I bet you like the sound of that . . .
Drive Safe
A-Jay
retiredbosn reply :
Absolutely, nothing but a speed bump. I hate electrical problems now I know it will all be new and no problems its a win.
Catt reply :
Meet ya @ the launch @ 6 
Smokinal reply :
Good for you man. I know it made for a long day with another trip back but definitely look at the silver lining here. Free cover, free new si, lots of free updated wiring, panel etc... I'd drive 3 hrs for that. They sound like a good team and they'll have it right for you.
Congratulations. Beautiful boat man.
slonezp reply :
Congrats and I hope they make it right. Next time I'm in the neighborhood I'll give you a ring. It's been about 7 years since I fished Santee Cooper so I'm due. They got some bigazz gators down there
Al Wolbach reply :
On 3/21/2015 at 8:56 PM, slonezp said:Congrats and I hope they make it right. Next time I'm in the neighborhood I'll give you a ring. It's been about 7 years since I fished Santee Cooper so I'm due. They got some bigazz gators down there
Not to mention the biggest cottonmouths in the world!!!!!
Dwight Hottle reply :
Congrats on the new boat. Sounds like the dealership is going out of their way to make everything right & keep you as a customer. Enjoy!
retiredbosn reply :
On 3/21/2015 at 8:56 PM, slonezp said:Congrats and I hope they make it right. Next time I'm in the neighborhood I'll give you a ring. It's been about 7 years since I fished Santee Cooper so I'm due. They got some bigazz gators down there
Any time slone, come on down.
Dogmatic reply :
WOW! That's some customer service! Sounds like a great dealer, don't see anything like that around here. Congrats.
retiredbosn reply :
IMHO the dealer and especially the service crew went above and beyond. The dealer is someone that probably 90% of the board has dealt with. Nation's largest supplier of bass fishing products and manufacturer of several brands of boats. The store I dealt with is in Savannah. I have no complaints, they called today boat will be ready Monday, they gave me a list of repairs and equipment they replaced today. I'll probably be able to run down Tuesday or Wednesday to pick her up.
Smokinal reply :
Well keep us updated as to what was replaced and how the whole thing goes for you.
WIGuide reply :
Congrats on the new to you boat! It's good to see the dealer is taking care of things as they should. My dad had a similar experience when he picked up his boat at Jimmy Houston Marine down in Park Hill, OK. We went down to buy my dad's boat and then head to Texas to fish for a few days. When we took it down we found a few minor things wrong with it, a gauge or two not working and a few other little misc things. On our way back we stopped in again and let Jamie (the manager and Jimmy's son) know about them. Since all his mechanics were on lunch at the time, he came out and personally fixed the issues himself in the 90 degree heat. It's really nice when they take care of things like that for you. When all is said and done, I'm sure you'll be pleased with your purchase!
K_Mac reply :
Retiredbosn sounds like you are getting treated right by your dealer. That is worth a lot. Your story reinforces for me that it often takes time to work out the bugs in most any boat purchase. I am leaving Friday for a week-long fishing trip to Ky Lake. The other boat in our group is a new Z9. It will be picked up Thursday evening by the owner who has never owned a performance bass boat before. I am glad I'm fishing in the other boat! A brand new untested boat with a brand new untested owner, fishing a couple of hundred miles from home on a brand new lake (for him) with a cabin booked for the week seems like a real gamble...
Congratulations on the new boat! I hope she gives you many years of enjoyable service.
retiredbosn reply :
On 3/24/2015 at 7:18 AM, K_Mac said:Retiredbosn sounds like you are getting treated right by your dealer. That is worth a lot. Your story reinforces for me that it often takes time to work out the bugs in most any boat purchase. I am leaving Friday for a week-long fishing trip to Ky Lake. The other boat in our group is a new Z9. It will be picked up Thursday evening by the owner who has never owned a performance bass boat before. I am glad I'm fishing in the other boat! A brand new untested boat with a brand new untested owner, fishing a couple of hundred miles from home on a brand new lake (for him) with a cabin booked for the week seems like a real gamble...
Congratulations on the new boat! I hope she gives you many years of enjoyable service.
You my friend are a brave man! Nothing to go wrong there, at all. Good news is he won't be operating that Z9 WOT he has break in to perform. About four hours of running between about 2500 to 3800rpms. You might want to let him know that the computer tracks break in routines tediously, voids the warranty if it's not followed.
retiredbosn reply :
Oh and I'm going tomorrow to pick her up, can't wait. They supposedly buffed and waxed her up!
retiredbosn reply :
Picked her up today, they buffed and waxed all the clear coat she shines like a new one. Replaced the horn nav light assembly, new 1600gph bilge, bow control panel, rewired all shorts (4), replaced/rewired main junction box, oh and filled up the tank that alone is 50 gallons of gas. Everything works, all trailer lights are led's. Could not be happier well worth the additional wait.
Smokinal reply :
^^Wicked happy for you! Glad to hear everything is complete and shined up. I bet that's one sweet ride. And I love the led trailer lights. Nothing like em; I replaced my tail light assemblies last year with leds and they are amazing.
So we expect a post in the "show us your ride" thread now!
retiredbosn reply :
Will do, I plan to uncover it tomorrow and take some pictures.
retiredbosn reply :
On 3/22/2015 at 8:01 AM, Smokinal said:Well keep us updated as to what was replaced and how the whole thing goes for you.
New seat upholstery was included during negotiations. Will be shipped to me, I install.
I think the following is an accurate list of items replaced or included in the deal after we agreed on price.
New Helix 5 GPS/SI combo (All helix's with si have di)
New custom made cover (sunbrella material)
New bilge pump
New nav light horn assembly
New Bow electrical panel
Rewired/replaced main junction box (not sure which)
Rewired bow panel from bilge access forward
New seat pedestals
Filled it up with fuel 50 gallons
Total value close to 2 grand.
If you can't be happy with a deal like this you're nuts!
I filled out atta boy comment cards for each employee.
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