Triton or Stratos? Found a Ranger! 2025

chappy reply :

Hello all,

I have been looking for my first tournament boat lately and hope to be buying real soon. I have my choice narrowed down and am hoping to get some input.

The two models I am looking at are a couple of 07 stratos 285xl with 150 vmaxx engines. Or an 05 triton 186 also with the 150 vmaxx.

the stratos have better electronics on them. Both boats look to be in great shape. Are there any opinions on either of these boats or history with these boats?

Any input into either of these would be greatly appreciated. I know the information is general but I am really looking for general knowledge of the manufacturers and models.

Thanks

Garnet reply :

Get the HPDI the gas and fuel is 50% better.

Garnet

J_Zink reply :

Both are well made boats. You need to test drive both and decide. They will drive and fish differently and that becomes a matter of personal taste as to which is better.

Socalbassmaster reply :

GO RANGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Next KVD reply :

Triton for the Triton Gold Money that you could possibly win! That and Triton has a much smoother drier ride athough not quite as good as a ranger.

GeneinTX reply :

I really like my Triton... very stable well built hull. My service with the company has been exceptional, but that may be my dealer more than triton.

I like that the hull is a little heavier down low which is nice in heavy waves.

Just my opinion but feel free to email me with more questions.

Jig Man reply :

Triton is more top of the line than Stratos.

Catt reply :

I know you guys love your Tritons but they are the roughest, wettest, & most porpoising boat I've ever ridden in.

burleytog reply :

For my money, Stratos all day and twice on Sunday.

UPS VT reply :

I have been in both brands of boats, but not the particular model you are looking at. The Triton seems to be more comfortable in rough water and better storage.

Garnet reply :

I've been fishing out of a 201 Stratos with the sunken foot petal and the ergo between the foot petal and the pro pole is a joke. Maaybe if you were 6-10 it might work.

Garnet

njpaulc reply :

I have been in the Stratos, and really liked the ride. I have not been in a 186 Triton. Is there a price difference? If not I'd buy the newest one.

I didn't notice a ranger in your choices.

chappy reply :

I've got it narrowed down to a:

07 stratos 285xl with 150 vmaxx, 520c at console and a 27c at the bow, 80# minn kota tour trolling motor. This one looks to have all the bells and whistles on it.

Priced at 1999

05 TR186 with a 150 vmaxx xr6, x51 in bow, x52 on console. 70# motor guide.

priced at 18700

I am trying to find a weekend to test them both on the water. They both are about 5-6 hours away.

njpaulc reply :

I don't see where there's a question. For $1000. you get a newer boat with better electronics. I'd buy the Stratos.

5bass reply :

Quote
I know you guys love your Tritons but they are the roughest, wettest, & most porpoising boat I've ever ridden in.

I'll second that. And someone said Triton's are more top of the line than Stratos? Well, that's not completely true. Triton sponsored BASS which only makes them more desirable, not a better boat. If Stratos picked up the BASS deal, you'd see Stratos boats everywhere just like you see Triton's now.

I do know Triton pumps out more boats than Stratos but when you push 'em out too fast to keep up with demand, QC issues arise because people are rushed and "things" get overlooked.

Bass_junky reply :

I agree with the statement regarding bad rides in the Triton, they chime walk & you will get wet! If you are planning on keeping the boat for a long period go with the Stratos. If you are planning on selling in a few years and upgrading, Triton will hold their re-sale value better. You should consider a RANGER!!!!

riverfisher reply :

I own a 2002 Triton TR-186 with a Merc 150 XR6 and I love the thing!! She's not the biggest or the fastest but she gets the job done. As far as chinewalk and porposing, someone who knows how to trim the motor wont have that problem. Also the only time I have gotten wet while motoring my Triton was when I forgot to put the trollin motor up before gunning it (Expencive mistake) besides that its a fast fun dry ride. Stratos is a fine boat iv been on a couple and have nothing bad to say about them. Main thing is see if you can test each of them out check out the deck space and get the feel for which one is a more comfortable fishing platform for you. Good luck!

5bass reply :

Another thing to consider (actually a BIG thing) is whether or not the dealership has a good reputation and does quality work in a TIMELY manner. Any dealership can sell you a boat. Some of those dealers have great service, some don't. Do your homework before you buy.

Good luck with whichever one you choose.

thetr20one reply :

TRITON!!!!!!

bassdocktor reply :

I have to agree with Riverfisher. I haven't had any problems with the ride of my Trition. It's a 2005 TR186 with a Merc 150 XR6. Yes it does take some seat time. The only thing that gets wet on that boat is the back deck if I come off plane too quick and the water catches up with me. Full gas tank and tournament load it ran 59.03mph on the GPS and with my dad it was 58 something.

Other than some nasty boat wakes it hasn't been in too much rough stuff but it's handled everything that has been thrown at it so far.

Just my observations of the Triton.

dc reply :

Go with the stratos. I have a 2006 Stratos 285 pro xl and i am very pleased. It handles rough water well. I rode in a triton and the ride was rough.

Also my stratos is for sale if you havent bought one yet.

The Next KVD reply :

A guy that I fished with who owns a stratos said that the the stratos boats typically have a deeper hull which is why they ride smooth in rough water. dnt know if that true but when I looked at it on the trailer it did seem to have a deeper hull than any other bass boat that i've look , rode, and owned. Pricewise the stratos is the better deal if u don't plan on selling it in a few years.

chappy reply :

Thanks for all the input. While out kicking tires I happened to be there when a Ranger was being traded in. Well I hook it up tomorrow and bring it home!

thetr20one reply :

Fantastic!! Congratulations!!!! But check this out. I know you will love your Ranger but I am thinking this boat is gonna be a real steal for somebody!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2F110282961589_W0QQadgroup_idZ285568515QQcreative_idZ688145055QQfclZ4QQfnuZ1QQfsopZ1QQkeywordZtritonQ20boatsQQoriginZhttpQ3aQ2fQ2fwwwQ2ebassresourceQ2ecomQ2fbassQ5ffishingQ5fforumsQ2fYaBBQ2eplQ3fnumQ3d1217824798QQtestZGadgetQ5fKWQQtypeZQ7bifsearchQ3asearchQ7dQ7bifcontentQ3acontentQ7dQQfviZ1&item=110282961589

chappy reply :

If I only lived anywhere near Alabama. Had a few offers for boats come from there. I luckily found this one right down the road.

I am interested to see what that one finishes out at.

Socalbassmaster reply :

Chappy gets some pic up there so everyone can see your boat

chappy reply :

Here ya go...

2000 ranger 518vx w/yam. 200 EFI

Big Tom reply :

Beautiful boat!!! Congratulations!

South FLA reply :

Welcome to the Ranger Club, beautiful boat!!

gatorblazer reply :

All of your future no boaters thank you for getting the dual console.

Good looking ride

UPS VT reply :

Nice boat, I am jealous :'(

Socalbassmaster reply :

Hot Boat I have a ranger 390v 89 and love it can't wait to someday get a newer one

and It will be a Ranger

364

Triton or Stratos? Found a Ranger! 2025

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