For the $$$ which of these would be a better buy? And why?

It all depends on what you want i guess. I say the X5 for sure. It gives you a lot of options, comforts, and quality components for a fraction of the cost of other boats. My bro just got the Z8 Nitro and i think he got raped on the price! It is nothing special IMO(or maybe i'm just jealous)?  

The X4 and X5 are essentially the same boat.  The only difference is the max HP rating.  

The boat features a ton of storage and is very spacious (although the front deck is a bit short).  If I had the money and wanted a glass boat, I would not hesitate to purchase one of them.  Even if it is a Nitro.

A large difference between the two is configuration.  Nitro will not allow you to make any changes to the configuration.  Stratos gives you the option to change trolling motor and depth finder, ect.  

The stratos is longer, but less width

Nitro  is shorter, but wider

Tracker vs. Genmar

I have a X-5 and I love it. Its got alot of storage space and the center rod locker will hold a 7'6" rod, replaced the console finder with a HDS-5 and put one of front as well. It rides pretty well to. Plus my wife works at Bass Pro so I got employee discount on boat as well.

I'm not familiar with the Stratos so I can't comment on it. I do know Stratos has always made a good boat. The Nitro X4 and X5 are a lot of boat for the money. You can get into a glass boat for what a lot of aluminum boats would cost. I have not personally been on the water in one, but have talked to people who have. Everyone has been very impressed with the performance. Being 90 inches wide, they are very stable and have a lot of storage. They also have many options you can choose from including electronics and trolling motor upgrades. Good luck on your choice.    

thought about the Triton Explorer line?  not much price difference between the stratos XT model and the triton explorer model.  I've got the 18 foot triton and LOVE it.  great ride, plenty of room, great fishability, its the same shell as the TR18, just a lower HP rating, check it out

Posted by: SydneyBass Posted on: Today at 6:15pm

thought about the Triton Explorer line?  not much price difference between the stratos XT model and the triton explorer model.  I've got the 18 foot triton and LOVE it.  great ride, plenty of room, great fishability, its the same shell as the TR18, just a lower HP rating, check it out  

The Triton Explorer is not using the same shell as the TR18.  The TR 18's hull is deeper and has more support thus the higher hp rating.  I know this because a Trition rep. explained it to me at a boat show that I went to a 2 months ago.  

Now as for the other boats.   The Nitro X5 would be the only one that I would consider.  The 115 on the back should push it about 52-53mph.

Alan Stinson designed the Stratos Boats XL® series. The XL series radial vee hull combines top-end speed with superb handling.

Stinson raced boats in the early 1970s, and in the mid 70s he designed the Skeeter Starfire. He started his own boat company Nitro, which he sold to Bass Pro Shops in the late '80s. After that he went to work for Stratos.

If I were to get the Stratos I would order it with the Evinrude 75 hp E-Tec, other than that it would be the Nitro X5. Keep in mind upgrading outboards will drastically increase your cost; for the X5 the price jumps $2,000 just for the motor alone.

Posted by: SydneyBass Posted on: Today at 6:15pm

thought about the Triton Explorer line? not much price difference between the stratos XT model and the triton explorer model. I've got the 18 foot triton and LOVE it. great ride, plenty of room, great fishability, its the same shell as the TR18, just a lower HP rating, check it out

The Triton Explorer is not using the same shell as the TR18. The TR 18's hull is deeper and has more support thus the higher hp rating. I know this because a Trition rep. explained it to me at a boat show that I went to a 2 months ago.

Now as for the other boats. The Nitro X5 would be the only one that I would consider. The 115 on the back should push it about 52-53mph.

If you're going to compare the the X5, compare it to the Stratos 186XT not the 176XT. The 186XT is almost a foot and a half longer and 1 inch narrower than the X5. Both have the same max horsepower rating and are the same price.

I have the Stratos 176XT with a 70hp Yamaha and it's an awesome boat. I can't speak for the Nitros which I'm sure are nice boats, but I can recommend the Stratos 176XT or 186XT!!!