|
NEW FOR 2012: STRATOS 189 VLO
Tournament ready design big on features,
standard equipment – even bigger value
FLIPPIN, Ark. – The days
when tournament anglers relied on short fiberglass rods and wooden plugs are all
but gone. Bass fishing has evolved and the equipment used by today’s
professional has to keep pace. Enter the new Stratos 189 VLO – bass boat
evolution accelerated with a wealth of tournament-specific features new and
unique to the marine industry. The 189 VLO arms its owners with virtually every
conceivable advantage in their quest for on-water success, including a list of
features that dominate other boats in its class, all at a price tag under
$30,000.
Measuring 18 feet, 9 inches, the Stratos 189 VLO is rated
for 150 horsepower and available with a host of precision-matched,
factory-rigged outboards. This future-inspired fishing machine flexes its
muscles on the water with a strong hole shot and top-end speed to quickly
deliver serious anglers wherever they need to go. The 189 VLO balances its
appetite for power with ultra-responsive hydraulic steering and an intuitive
layout that delivers sportscar-like handling in rough waters.
“The
Stratos 189 VLO is a completely new design; a whole new layout,” said Stratos
Pro, Mike McClelland. “It’s a boat that’s thoroughly grounded in some intense
R&D work. Now that I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with it, I’m
incredibly impressed. I know this VLO is going to fill a major need for guys
looking for that next generation in boat design.”
Realizing that
dual-console layouts can be both a benefit and a hindrance, the Stratos 189 VLO
features an easily deployed and stored, piston-assisted passenger windscreen,
which stores flush in the cockpit when not in use. A truly unique and innovative
feature, this windscreen offers the comfort of a traditional passenger console
while using only a fraction of the space. Also inside, the driver and passenger
seats are covered with durable and easy-to-clean material akin to those used on
high-end ATVs. At the helm, drivers will find a sleek, aggressively designed
console with a full complement of gauges, which is offset to allow space for
longer rods resting on the front deck. The custom layout also provides easy
access to an integrated storage console between the driver and passenger seat,
which doubles as a step to the back deck and is covered in an all-weather,
rubberized, non-slip surface. The cockpit floor of the 189 VLO features the same
durable finish covered with snap-in carpet, allowing for easy cleaning or
complete removal when conditions warrant.
When competing for money or
pride, Stratos owners want to maximize their time on the water. Knowing that
every second spent searching for baits or tools can result in fewer casts, the
Stratos 189VLO brings a workstation into the interior of the boat where anglers
can quickly and efficiently re-rig after delivering another fish to the
livewell. To the port side of the center rod locker, the VLO houses a quick-pull
organizer that stores a ruler and space for several tools. Just adjacent, on
the port side of the driver’s console is even more additional tool and gear
storage, while the front-deck step includes space to keep cell phones, wallets
or the day’s hottest baits.
“As a competitive angler, organization is
key,” McClelland said. “The VLO workstation will save you a lot of time during
a tournament day – the layout is perfect. You’ve got easy access to everything
you need.”
Equipped with a 33-gallon fuel tank, the Stratos 189 VLO
features an electronics package to suit competitive anglers at any level.
Standard electronics include a Humminbird graph, Minn Kota trolling motor and
on-board Minn Kota charger. At the bow, anglers will find yet another intuitive
and angler-friendly design trait – the mounting area for bow electronics and
switches is offset to eliminate the trolling motor cable from blocking an
angler’s view or accidently hitting a trim or livewell switch. A recessed
trolling motor foot pedal also comes standard.
The Stratos 189 VLO
provides plenty of storage space throughout, including center and portside rod
lockers under the carpeted front deck, which accommodate 7- and 7-foot-6-inch
rods, respectively. The rod storages also include an organizer system – a
feature typically reserved for larger, more expensive models. To the rear, the
189 VLO boasts a divided, 34-gallon livewell, additional tackle storage, plus an
easy access to batteries, pumps and breakers through a generously proportioned
hatch at the stern, the underside of which also serves as an integrated storage
space for the stern light.
The Stratos 189 VLO comes paired with a
custom-built, single-axle trailer. Designed to perfectly match the boat, Stratos
trailers are equipped with a super-tough polyurea “Road Armor” protective
finish; submersible, LED lights and individually balanced, aluminum wheels. The
trailers also feature swing jacks that retract flush to the frame and locking,
swing-away tongues. With stainless steel fenders and matching spare, the trailer
delivers peace of mind when towing and serves as the perfect complement to the
striking good looks and fast-forward performance of the new Stratos 189
VLO.
2012
STRATOS 189 VLO
Overall Hull Length: 18 feet, 9 inches
Beam: 93
inches
Maximum HP: 150
Inside Depth: 21.5 inches
Fuel
Capacity: (1) 33-gallon tank
Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 1,325
lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight: 1,500 lbs.
About Stratos
Stratos Boats, are built with 100 percent composite construction to provide
maximum performance and comfort. Every Stratos® Boat is backed by a limited
lifetime warranty on the hull. Each boat is produced with a premium-quality
gel-coat finish - made to withstand the elements. Stratos®, Champion® and Elite®
are registered trademarks.
|
