Havasu Secret,
I believe you made a good choice. Last year we purchased a new Stoker 20.4 with an Evinrude Ficht 225 and Al and John definitely over delivered in a quality product and service. Before deciding on a Stoker we had taken many test rides in a number of our friend’s boats including: Cole, Commander, Hallet, Schiada, Carrera, Eliminator, and a Liberator all of which are great boats, each with different strengths.
What set the Stoker apart was the encompassing of many attributes. You get incredible hull strength, along with the speed and comfort of a tunnel, and unmatched turning ability, try pulling a U-turn in a cat type tunnel at 70. The ride is extraordinary. The 20.4 is easy to trailer, get around in, and exceptional for skiing, the wake is almost non-existent. On the roughest of days in Havasu there is no problem with the chop, the hull rides at a fairly flat attitude and therefore no fear of blowing over, just get it over 50 and glide across the top. See the 1997 Hot Boat performance evaluation for their opinion.
As far as backing up their product you might be aware of the dreaded OMC bankruptcy. Even though we purchased an extended 5-year warranty we ended up not being covered for the first 2 years since Bombardier did not pick up the liability. This is where John and Al really stepped in, they told me not to worry, but I did anyway. When the motor stopped they stepped in and gave me what I guess was a “Stoker” warranty and covered everything, not just once, but twice! All at their cost, never one complaint, just apologies for something they had no control of.
Just about all builders sell a quality product but one needs more than that when they make a purchase of that size, you are also buying integrity. By the way, I wish I would have purchased the 300x for more speed, 100 is better than the 80’s, but the Ficht is good on gas though, less than 10gph.