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Stratos 326 XF

This all-out fishing boat has innovative features and amenities.

Stratos’ 326 XF breaks the no-room-for-electronics mold with a massive integrated electronics flat. On our test boat, it housed a Humminbird 1198c that delivered 10.4 inches of LCD beauty, yet there was still plenty of room for gauges and switches at the helm. How’d they do it? There’s an extra panel mounted at an angle between the throttle and the dash, which houses all of the lighted rockers, the ignition and a 12-volt outlet. Placing the switches here opens up enough space to make this seem like the helm of a much larger boat.

Once you’ve used those electronics to locate fish, you’ll appreciate the built-in rod box (which holds up to 10 rigs), the integrated tackle organizer, and the forward and aft livewells. Step up onto the forward casting deck, drop down the standard 24-volt Minn Kota 80-pound thrust trolling motor, and keep track of the fish’s location by glancing down at the second integrated electronics flat on the bow.

Water sports are also an option, thanks to snap-in carpet, folding jump seats and an optional ski tow eye. But warn everyone to hold on tight: With our test boat’s 225 hp OptiMax, we blew past 30 mph in eight seconds, and hit more than 54 mph with the throttle pinned to the stops.

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Key Features
-Monster electronics mounting flat thrills today’s techno angler.
-The custom-matched trailer comes coated with Road Armor to significantly increase its longevity.
-Tall windshield provides gobs of protection from wind and rain.

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