Stratos 176XT vs. Triton 17 Explorer

IAFrogger · 02-27-11, 07:03 PM

Hey Guys,

Anyone have any experience with either of these boats? I am looking very seriously at both boats since they are very similar in price.

I am looking for a quality, affordable fiberglass boat for fishing smaller lakes in my state. I am NOT concerned about the engine size since ALL the lakes I fish are NO WAKE lakes. The main engine will only be for idling around the lake and loading and unloading the boat from the trailer. An outboard of 75 hp or less will be plenty of engine for what I need.

Appreciate any feedback from anyone who owns or has fished from either of these rigs.....

walkeraviator · 02-27-11, 07:31 PM

Have not fished from either, but have spent some time around the Stratos on the water. Great boat. from just pictures on the internet... i like the fornt deck and rod locker of teh stratos much better, but i like the rear storage for teh triton. Triton has higher gunwales which i dont like. With my money, i would go 176xt... but that is just from internet experience

MIbasser · 02-27-11, 07:55 PM

I am an owner of an '08 17 Explorer. I too was looking at the 176XT and went with the Triton. I felt the Stratos looked a little cheap to me. The Triton is a great boat in a small package. I just wish it were faster!! No, I have the 90 Merc on it and will top out around 47ish (it's been a while so I can't remember the exact #). I take it out on big water (Lake St. Clair, Saginaw Bay and Grand Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan) and have only speared 2 waves. It handles great and fishes just as well. I did upgrade to an LMS-520 and a HDS5 on the boat. I do wish that I had a bigger trolling motor. That's about the only thing I can think is "wrong" with the boat. I can fit 14+ rods in the rod locker and all the tackle I own in the boat. I also tow my boat with an Equinox at 70 just fine.

Let me know if you have any other questions about the boat.

Lvitch · 03-14-11, 05:37 PM

If your not worried about the ride, go with the triton. If you like your kidneys , go with the stratos. lol Both fish well but i'll take the ride of my stratos and day.

fiker · 03-31-11, 09:02 PM

I have fished from Andy's boat, and everything he said is true. It's a great ride. I had plenty of room on the back deck as well.

02-27-11, 07:03 PM	#1
IAFrogger BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Iowa Posts: 48	Stratos 176XT vs. Triton 17 Explorer Hey Guys, Anyone have any experience with either of these boats? I am looking very seriously at both boats since they are very similar in price. I am looking for a quality, affordable fiberglass boat for fishing smaller lakes in my state. I am NOT concerned about the engine size since ALL the lakes I fish are NO WAKE lakes. The main engine will only be for idling around the lake and loading and unloading the boat from the trailer. An outboard of 75 hp or less will be plenty of engine for what I need. Appreciate any feedback from anyone who owns or has fished from either of these rigs.....

03-14-11, 05:37 PM	#4
Lvitch BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 180	If your not worried about the ride, go with the triton. If you like your kidneys , go with the stratos. lol Both fish well but i'll take the ride of my stratos and day. __________________ Big gals always make us smile!

02-27-11, 07:31 PM	#2
walkeraviator BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 1,119	Have not fished from either, but have spent some time around the Stratos on the water. Great boat. from just pictures on the internet... i like the fornt deck and rod locker of teh stratos much better, but i like the rear storage for teh triton. Triton has higher gunwales which i dont like. With my money, i would go 176xt... but that is just from internet experience

02-27-11, 07:55 PM	#3
MIbasser BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Okemos, MI Posts: 1,447	I am an owner of an '08 17 Explorer. I too was looking at the 176XT and went with the Triton. I felt the Stratos looked a little cheap to me. The Triton is a great boat in a small package. I just wish it were faster!! No, I have the 90 Merc on it and will top out around 47ish (it's been a while so I can't remember the exact #). I take it out on big water (Lake St. Clair, Saginaw Bay and Grand Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan) and have only speared 2 waves. It handles great and fishes just as well. I did upgrade to an LMS-520 and a HDS5 on the boat. I do wish that I had a bigger trolling motor. That's about the only thing I can think is "wrong" with the boat. I can fit 14+ rods in the rod locker and all the tackle I own in the boat. I also tow my boat with an Equinox at 70 just fine. Let me know if you have any other questions about the boat.

03-31-11, 09:02 PM	#5
fiker BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 24	I have fished from Andy's boat, and everything he said is true. It's a great ride. I had plenty of room on the back deck as well.

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