Re: hearing whispers of...
Here's the official press release.
I might look to replace my old Charger with one of these. I think I'd pay for the 115 HP upgrade, though.
STRATOS 186XT
Bigger than any other 18-foot boat in its class for under $17,000
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Aug. 21, 2007) ? When the Stratos 176XT hit the market in late summer 2006, it exploded onto the fishing scene by giving anglers everywhere a less expensive, more stable and longer-lasting alternative to aluminum boats. Now, the XT line has been expanded with the 2008 Stratos 186XT, giving anglers even more space and power for under $17,000.
New for 2008, the Stratos 186XT is an 18-foot, 9-inch boat that feels and fishes like a 20-footer. The additional 15 inches of space is added to the front deck of the boat, giving it the same fishing space of most 20-foot bass boats, plus the added convenience of features like recessed trolling motor foot pedals and a 7-foot, 6-inch center rod locker. Completely rigged with 90-horsepower outboard, 40-pound Minn Kota trolling motor, Humminbird electronics and Road Armor Equipped? trailer, this is the most accessible ? and roomiest ? 18-foot boat in its class, meaning anglers don?t have to sacrifice big money for big fishing space.
The added length of the 186XT also gives it a wider beam, making it rated for a maximum 115 horsepower ? more than enough power to get anglers to their favorite holes in a hurry.
The 186XT's combination of features, value and fishability has been a long time coming for serious bass anglers and local tournament competitors who want a new rig without breaking the bank. Available with a wide range of factory rigged outboards, new features on this boat include the added convenience of a lid assist on the center rod locker, a boarding ladder, Road Armor Equipped? trailer constructed of 4-inch trailer framing and Humminbird PiranhaMax 215 electronics standard at the console.
All the features that serious anglers have come to expect in a fishing boat are present on the Stratos 186XT: spacious rear deck, aerated livewell, on-board charger, power tilt and trim, running rod rack, tackle storage boxes and custom-matched upholstery on the three-across, fold-down bench seat are all standard, as well as a fit and finish that most anglers expect to pay well over $20,000 for.
Color packages for the Stratos XT line in 2008 include red gel coat, blue gel coat, Black Onyx polyflake and Gunmetal polyflake, each with a white deck cap.
STRATOS 186XT
Overall Length: 18'9"
Beam: 89 inches
Maximum Horsepower: 115
Fuel Capacity: 23 gallons
Total Person, Motor, Gear: 652 lbs.
Length on Trailer with Swing-Away Tongue Open: 20'1"
