Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

Stratos 186 VLO

The Stratos 186 VLO is the next step in the popular fiberglass line that includes the 189 and 176 VLO. Like the smaller 176, the 186 VLO gives boaters on an aluminum-boat budget a new, comparably priced option in a fully featured fiberglass fishing platform — and this one has the deck space and features for a tournament-ready angler. Priced as low as $21,000, this gleaming new bass boat is sleek and easy to maintain and comes with a matching trailer to complete the package.

The 18-foot-9-inch fisher is rated for up to 115 horsepower, but weighing in at just 1,450 pounds, it would perform nicely with as little as a 90 horsepower motor to save on the sticker price and at the fuel pump. When we tested it with a 115-horsepower OptiMax, it climbed to a top speed of 48.7 mph at 5,340 rpm. The hull design of the 186 VLO cuts crisply through the water and offers a smoother, quieter ride than that of most aluminum competitors.

A tour of this boat reveals an expansive front casting deck equipped with a Minn Kota trolling motor and a recessed foot pedal that reduces fatigue with its ergonomic angle. An electronics panel can accept a 5-inch sonar display. The gunwale is raised slightly above the deck to keep gear from rolling out. Other highlights are large, lockable storage compartments to port and starboard and a center rod locker capable of securing 12 rods up to 7 feet 6 inches long.

Dual consoles give an angler and his partner cover from the wind, and there’s more space for placing rods on the front deck since the helm console is offset from the gunwale. The console also has enough room for flush-mounting displays with 7-inch screens. The seating layout features a wide center bench seat flanked by two bucket seats. Some dry storage is tucked beneath. The seat also folds down to serve as a step to the rear deck. The passenger’s rods are secured in a ramp with slots for the rod butts and a silicone bungee for the tips. The tournament-ready livewell is dividable, aerated and recirculated on a timer.

A tournament-ready bass machine was never so affordable.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Large helm station ­accepts 7-inch GPS/sonar displays.
*Massive rod locker holds rods up to 7 feet 6 inches long.
*Offset bow design keeps trolling motor cables clear of ­electronics screen.
*Power choices include Mercury, Evinrude, Yamaha or Suzuki engine.
*Offset console securely cradles rod tips.

Specs
LOA: 18’9″
Beam: 7’5″
Dry Weight: 1,450 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 1,320 lb. (total, persons and gear)
Fuel Capacity: 21 gal.

How We Tested
Engine: 115 hp Mercury OptiMax 115
Prop: 15¼” x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.07:1
Fuel Load: 15 gal.
Crew Weight: 480 lb.

Price
$20,895 (base with Evinrude 75 hp); $22,695 (as tested)

Contact
Stratos Boats
Flippin, Arkansas; 877-978-7286; stratosboats.com