Thoughtfor sure I had found my boat. But here another one its a 18 ft 85 model Hydra Sports x 270 tourney edition, with a 150 evenrude has a new ss prop. Newer trollin motor, seats in good shape everything works on it, its had work done to it boat runs 72 mph.

The other is a 88 Stratos 18 ft 176, 150 mercury with basically everything the other has but only run about 63-65..

What one is better, safer, better ride. Thanks for the help.

Don't worry so much as how fast it will go, but as to what shape EVERYTHING is in, including but not limited to motor(compression check, good impeller etc.), the transom, rest of hull, interior, electronics, trolling motor, batteries.............

Jeff

Personally I don't think you need to go over 45-50 on the water if you are concerned about being "safe"

True lol they bot are equal when it comes to the shape its in nut what one would be better. Me myself can run a boat 60s 70 mph and still feel safe.

If you are planning on running either at WOT for an extended period I would look at the motors to be my determining factors. The Stratos, I'm assuming, has a 3 year newer motor. Now, if it had the 150 Johnson fuel consumption will be a huge factor. My 150 is lucky to get 2-3mpg. I was under the impression that the later model Stratos' either had an evinrude or Johnson engine from factory. It may be a different year than the boat. Have you had either motor checked by a trained technician yet? Thats where your money will be spent in the long run on an older model boat like those.

I looked at borh, bot have great compression, pump water, I took the Hydra sport out and I do t see the Stratos running as good.

Why was the Hydra Sport motor worked on? I would buy a motor that hasnt been tweaked, I just feel safer that way. If the hulls are good on both, the motor should be the deciding factor.

Another factor to consider is if they were sitting outside alot. My uncle has an awesome looking stratos that is 18 ft but it was left out in the rain and is now water logged. I know you are thinking they have no wood in them and that is true but they are full of foam and that foam soaks up water like, well foam. The thing weights more than most 21 ft boats i have pulled. I know its not a stratos thing either because i have pulled another boat just like it except it only had one console and I couldn't even tell it was behind me!

Stratos boats are heavy. And when I say worked on I mean Jetted carbs, holes poked in the exhaust.