Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Stratos 286 Pro XL 2005 vs Stratos VLO Series (189 VLO) 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Stratos 286 Pro XL 2005 vs Stratos VLO Series (189 VLO) 2012 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 175 hp, the Stratos 286 Pro XL 2005 has a 160-hp advantage over the Stratos VLO Series (189 VLO) 2012's 15-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Stratos VLO Series (189 VLO) 2012 carries 33 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Stratos 286 Pro XL 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Stratos 286 Pro XL 2005 and its 175-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Stratos VLO Series (189 VLO) 2012 with its 15-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
Model286 Pro XL
ModelVLO Series (189 VLO)
Model Year2005
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam91 in
BeamWithout Rubrail: 92 in. With Rubrail: 93.5 in
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Meters2.39
Beam - Inches91
Beam - Inches93.5
Length - Feet18
Length - Feet18.75
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 9 in
Length overall - Meters5.64
Length overall - Meters5.72
Length overall - Inches222
Length overall - Inches225
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail21.5 in
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches21.5
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - DetailSingle Console & Tiller Models: 1,500 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg680.39
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.15
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail33 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters124.92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Gal33
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max175 hp
Engine maxnot available
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Horsepowernot available
HorsepowerMaximum: 15
Operational Info
StorageLivewell: 24 gal
Storagenot available
Maximum capacity1,110 lbs
Maximum capacityTotal Person / Motor / Gear: 1,325 lbs
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 0 in. With Retractable Tongue: 20 ft. 2 in
Trailer - Length over allWith Motor Down: 22 ft. 2 in. With Motor Down & Swing Away Tongue Open: 20 ft. 2 in
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Weight3,725 lbs
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee