I am in the market for a new bass boat and am looking at something around the early 2000 models. I am stuck between a triton and a stratos. Anyone of any insight on any reasons why i should or shouldn’t buy one or the other.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Kevin
I was in the same situation as you last spring. I was origionally looking for a Stratos and ended up with a Triton. Overall I’m really happy with my triton. I believe the stratos may be a little faster hull but I think the triton may be a smoother ride in rough water. You may have a little easier time getting parts for the Triton. I don’t think you can go wrong with either boat. Best of luck on your search. You may want to look on classicbass web site. They always have some great bass boats listed on there.
Here are a few listed on classic bass. There are many more listed there as well. There are pictures of both on the website. http://www.classicbass.com
8/9/08
2005 Stratos 285 Pro XL w/ 150HP Yamaha VMAX
2 trolling motors, a Minnkota Maxxum 74# universal sonar and a 65# Maxxum SC
Lowrance X-52 in the dash
Eagle 480 Fish Elite sonar GPS combo on the bow
Rope lighting in the front compartments
Boats in Excellent condition!
$16,800 available in October.
Email Ryan or 612-310-5171 (email me for more pics) (Buffalo, MN)
8/3/08
2003 Triton TR20 Limited Edition w/ 225HP Mercury Optimax
Hot Foot
Jack plate
Factory 3 bank on board charger
Lighted compartments
Custom cover
$21,950
Email Bruce or 320-220-2708 (Willmar, MN)
I ran a 97 Stratos 201 with a 225 on the back. My partner ran a TR 20 or 21 with an HPDI. As stated above, the Triton was without question a smoother, drier ride. My Strat was more nimble with better top end.
Decided what you want in a boat and go from there. I loved my Stratos and would by another one tommorow. (Darn Kids. 
) If you run big water I would probably stick with the Triton. If you like to run back waters and small lakes the Stratos would probly be the fit.
Either way your in for a fun decision. 
I have been in both. The stratos is by far faster, and the triton is a TR-21x and it rides alot better. The triton drafts a little more water, from what I have noticed. I have a G3, and from what I have seen I would go with the Triton, If I where shopping.
i have an 03 stratos 200 with a 225 ho. i drive across lake pepin everytime i launch with little problem. those of you who have been on pepin know it can get rough. ive hit 77 so far and im not done setting it up yet. ive never riden in a triton but all i can say is im very happy with my stratos
natureboy…I sent you a PM.
Ummm… Buy a Ranger… Duh! 
buy a ranger if you want to be the last one to you spot
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i have an 03 stratos 200 with a 225 ho. i drive across lake pepin everytime i launch with little problem. those of you who have been on pepin know it can get rough. ive hit 77 so far and im not done setting it up yet. ive never riden in a triton but all i can say is im very happy with my stratos
77mph come on …………… 
77 MPH? I highly doubt it!
Most bassboat owners seem to add a few MPH when they say what their top end is. I would say with a rig like that under normal conditions, your top would be 72 MPH with light load. I could be wrong, but I have never been in a conventional (ranger, skeet, stratos) bassboat with a 225 20-21 foot in length and went any faster than 72-73. Most of the time, it is hard to reach 70-71.
I know some will jump on this and that is fine. Also, I am talking GPS (real time), not a speedometer.
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i have an 03 stratos 200 with a 225 ho. i drive across lake pepin everytime i launch with little problem. those of you who have been on pepin know it can get rough. ive hit 77 so far and im not done setting it up yet. ive never riden in a triton but all i can say is im very happy with my stratos
77mph come on ……………
Yes, coyote & bassman, they go that fast. I’ve got a 2005 200xl Strat and have hit that speed (GPS)on several occasions. Of coarse thats with a light load and just me in the boat. 74-75 mph with 2 guys and gear.
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i have an 03 stratos 200 with a 225 ho. i drive across lake pepin everytime i launch with little problem. those of you who have been on pepin know it can get rough. ive hit 77 so far and im not done setting it up yet. ive never riden in a triton but all i can say is im very happy with my stratos
77mph come on ……………
Yes, coyote & bassman, they go that fast. I’ve got a 2005 200xl Strat and have hit that speed (GPS)on several occasions. Of coarse thats with a lite load and just me in the boat. 74-75 mph with 2 guys and gear.
ok…………and let me guess those same guys that are running upper 70’s are swing 6lber’s in the boat also?? Now before all you speed deamons start pounding on your chest, I’m only messing with ya(buts still hard to believe)
arr, me go fast!!!
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arr, me go fast!!!
jimt, good reply 
Do I wish my 06′ champ was faster…..sure but I think the ride is more important when looking at a bassboat. IMOP there isn’t a dryer, more comfortable ride then what you get with the Champions.
I agree with coyote 223. It’s hard to find a better ride.
I have a 99 273 stratos with a 150 HO. My max GPS was 64.5, before I started to get loose, 61 with a full load and co. They are fast, I also think smoother than many others I have been in. One thing to remember when riding in someone elses boat is that the driver makes some of the difference.
In reality, I would not worry much about the top end. Most times it will not make that big of a difference.
Darin
The stratos 273 with a 150 was the boat I was looking for last spring. They are hard to find in the upper midwest. I rode in one a few years ago and could not believe the speed or ride. It fished great as well. One of the best boats for the money that I have ever been in. The one I rode in hit 67MPH on my GPS with both of us in it.
nope. my gps said 77mph. running a bran new tempest 27p just under 6k. i never pay attenton to the spedometer, most of the time it says im doing 65 and my gps says 50.they are worthless. ya 77 and it was still gaining, slowly but surely. it just starts walking a little too much going that fast. keep in mind that i am on a river, and that is going down stream also. i usually get 73-74 going up stream.
Post deleted by Darin RS
well I love speed and after running a ’90 hydrasport for the last 3 years i am def. ready for a smooth ride…..
I’ll let you all know what I decide
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well I love speed and after running a ’90 hydrasport for the last 3 years i am def. ready for a smooth ride…..
I’ll let you all know what I decide
go with a champion then 
whats up with the “deleted” across the top of the post??
Well Naturboy, you know what direction I would point you in. You’ve been in my boat. I’m not gonna tell you that a Cat is by far the best boat, even though I believe it is b/c I’m biased. Ranger, Triton, Champ and many other are ALL good boats these days. Yes, each brand will have there own little quirks that you may like or dislike, thus the reason for the opinions. But if someone said “I’ll give you a X” for any of those boats, none of us would say “No I don’t like X boats”.
The reason I prefer BassCat is because the company itself is AMAZING to work with. They are GOOD people. When you own a Cat there slogan is you are “part of the family” and that is what you feel like. That is the reason I own the boat I do. I can call up Rick Pierce and talk to him. Can you do that with Irwin or others? Not likely. You got to the BassCat owners page and there is a BassCat user answering questions? MANY times that person is Rick himself. He is IN TOUCH with those that are actually driving his boats.
On a side note, I did meet Forrest Woods when I was a kid. He came to our farm and bought some cattle. To this day, I don’t know that I’ve met a better person. What a great guy.
it depends upon what you really want in a boat.. is speed all that important, then buy an Allison.. If you want to actually fish out of a boat Then go with the boat that is BEST SUITED TO YOUR FISHING.
WHen Champion was a Stand alone company they were top notch. the same with Ranger..
Bass Cat makes an excellent boat.. and I have yet to see a boat that truly matches those big three.
all the others cut costs in one way shape or another.. and in fact all they are are Glorified Hydra Sports. Because thats their mother.. Hydra Sports.
Fast Cat is another boat that if you have unlimited amount of funds .
the real truth is that no matter what, if you DON”T GET THE DEAL OF A LIFETIME.. walk away from the deal. WHY? because its a buyers market. and at no other time should you or will you see deals both new and USED that you should see right now.. and if they won’t give you the deal.. there is the door and a dealer down the street.. maybe HE WANTS YOU MONEY INSTEAD..
I wish you well in your search.. Get the boat that fits YOUR fishing best. if you really want to catch fish..
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