Just wondering what you all think of the Stratos 386XF for a big water boat? Is there a better big water boat for around the same price? Thanks for any info

I think that boat will give you a good ride and a dry ride on big water. The price on the Stratos is attractive, as long as you realize it doesn't come with as many options and extras and finishing touches as some of the higher priced boats. I don't think you'll find another glass boat that style for the same price as the Stratos.

I know a guy that thought he was going to buy a 386, but by the time he added the extras to it that he wanted his price had shot up to be about the same as the other similiarly-equipped boats in that class. He ended up going with a Skeeter 1880, also a nice boat. If not for the extras and options, the Stratos would have been the lowest price of any of that style of boat.

Hope that helps, good luck and have fun shopping

they are nice boats, but your are going to be doing alot of warrentee work with them in and out. that is what we seen the most with them, is alot of stuff breaks and you are always fixing something. But they do ride nice.

Hmm maybe I'll have to look at the Skeeter 1880.

there is alot of other boats out there, just a matter of what you want to spend, and making sure you get the right boat the first time.

Good Luck

Yeah I'm not going to get one till spring so I have time to look and find the one I want... Maybe get it at the boat show.

I have to say I love my 386XF. I have not dealt with the warranty issues yet. I have an 06 with a Yammy 150 4-stroke. I use to have a Lund Fisherman and the ride difference is absolutely unbelievable. When I went glass I never realized it would be so drastically different and I run quite a bit of big water. The finish is not near the detail that you will find on a Ranger that is for sure. I was able to pick mine up for FAR less than the Ranger Reatta or the Skeeter, which are both very nice boats. For the price point I was looking for I am very satisfied with my 386XF.

Baitcaster's reply is exactly what my situation is except I had an Alumacraft. Same year and motor. No warranty issues and am very satisfied with the boat.

killdeer-

I looked at the Stratos- I think they are fine rigs. I also found that once I added Items that are stock on other rigs, they were all around the same price. There are many reasons why and how we all deside on which rig we purchase I guess it comes down to money and value. I purchased a Skeeter 1880- Cheaper than Ranger, Lund, Alumacraft, Triton. But it wasn't the money (all though it helps) it was the value, ride, construction, and overall look. All I can add is to be patient and stead fast and you will get what you want. With all that being said I think that all the Manufacturers do a great job building their rigs.

Menomax