Stratos www.stratosboats.com
If you're tired of unstable decks, cramped spaces, lack of dry storage and the noisy nature of most other aluminum boats, Stratos Boats' new 176XT may be the craft for you. It's longer, wider and touts more interior storage and fishable deck space than many comparable aluminum models.
It also comes with loads of standard equipment, such as a flush-mounted remote throttle control, modular console, aerated livewell with timer, and bow and console panels with switches. You can choose from a wide range of factory-rigged outboards of up to 75 horsepower. When matched to the 23-gallon fuel capacity, the boat offers good range, too.
Custom details, such as plush marine-grade carpet, gas spring lid assists, four tackle storage boxes, lockable storage compartments and a running rod rack with strap, add to the craft's overall utility. The boat has an 84-inch beam and 17-foot, 6-inch length.
Tracker www.trackerboat.com
For 2007, Tracker has released an improved model of its popular Pro Team 175, the new Pro Team 175 TXW. This aluminum boat is 5 inches longer than its predecessor at 17 feet, 8 inches, while also being 6 inches wider with a beam measurement of 89 inches.
It also features even larger casting decks and a brand-new interior design. There's a new switch and instrument panel, as well as a console that can accept an assortment of electronics to help find the trophies.
A full-width bench seat with step to the aft deck gives a comfortable ride. It's carpeted with sun- and stain-resistant fishing-friendly marine carpet, and has an aerated, divided livewell with timer and pump-out feature.
Among the other quality assets are pinchless seat hinges, an expanded cockpit area, lockable bow-deck storage with a dry box and cooler. The aft deck includes tackle storage with trays, and lockable rod boxes are located on the bow center and port side.
Triton www.tritonboat.com
The latest from Triton Boats is the TR200 X2, a 250-horsepower-rated tournament model available with single or dual consoles. This model boasts a length of 20 feet and a width of 94 inches. The 53-gallon fuel tank can be matched to power plants of up to 250 horsepower.
The boat comes loaded with a long list of standard features, including all-composite construction, Sea Star hydraulic steering, an automatic bilge pump, oversized rod lockers, locking storage boxes and a divided high-capacity livewell.