having had both of these planes i can tell you with certainty that you'll enjoy the Skybolt much more.
not that the Stearman isn't a neat plane, but it's rather piggish in the air, much more difficult to get off the ground and definately more nerve racking when landing. i sold mine.
the Skybolt on the other hand has been putting on a show...............takes off like it's on a rail, flies like it's on rails, and landings are actually a bit of fun once you either learn the glide angle, or just keep the power up a tad till she settles in.