clooney

True spirit? I watch district directors weigh in 11 1/2 inchers all year! Who is gonna measure them ? Nobody. Give me a break!

The bottom reading was on #3. Should I set up Hot Foot on my own(Newbie!) or let someone do the hotfoot and maybe a new gps for me?

Well guys, I ended up traveling over 34 hours in a day and half with no sleep, a buddy, and an 85lb. german shephard in the back. But I did it! Purchased my 1st bass boat for tourney's! Went with the 1998 Stratos 295 Pro-Elite w/the Johnson Venom 200 on the back. Boat seems very clean. Compression was around 118 in all but one was about 113. Thought that was good. It was always garaged and doesnt have a hint of rust, even on the trailer. Has the factory cover, manual jackplate, hot foot(never installed), extra 27" renegade prop(new, never used), 25" renegade installed. It does have the original Johnson trolling motor. Are these things any good? I have no idea what model or thrust. Supposedly used only 5-6 times a year(only 1x this year). Have to figure engine has less than 200 hours. Paid $10,500. Thanx for the help guys! What do ya think?

He was looking for advise in getting involved in tounaments, not your personal accomplishments whether true or not.

I would stay in the ABA for now to improve!

Are those old evinrude or johnson trolling motors worth anything? Got a johnson on mine but havent taken it out yet.

That's definitely #1!

I guess some of the othe bassrecource guys on here didn't fair to well either. That sounded like a tough couple days there! Always next year I guess. :'(

craigslist is great for anything you want to sell or buy! It's free.

Thanx. Found the outboard owners manual at marineengine.com.

I have recently purchased a used Stratos w/Johnson outboard. What do you guys recommend as far as repair and maintenance books and manuals? I am new to bass boating.

I have read that you should keep the gas tanks full in the winter with stabil in it. This really isnt necessary then?

New to boating. How do I charge with an on board charger. Is it just plug and charge? If so, why does the charger lights not come on when I plug it in? It is a Guest charge pro 10/3/10 amp 12volt charger. Thanx.

Hate to say it but the two boats are in opposite directions. One is 9 hours and the other about 14 hours away from me. That makes it difficult to test drive both. That was the main reason I was asking. It's a major committment to travel to either of these boats.

Will be fishing the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, Hudson and Delaware Rivers mainly. Can get rough out there sometimes. So the 20 footer wouldnt be better? The Stratos has been gps'd @ 72mph.

Which would you buy? Both are in the same condition with a Johnson Venom 200hp. 1998 Stratos 295 Pro-Elite (19.6ft/single axle) or a 1997 Hydra-Sports LS205 (20.3ft/dual axle). They are within $500 of each other. Thanks for your opinions!

I appreciate it! Too much info is better than too little.

When did they take over again?

Is BRP Bombardier?

Looking to purchase a used boat soon. Both the boats I am looking at ('98 Stratos 295 Pro-Elite & a '97 Hydra-Sports 205 Lightening) have '98 Johnson Venom 200's on them. Any of you guys own a Venom or know of the engine as far as problems and/or reliability issues I should be concerned with? Thanx.

Please tell us. What is a leak down test? I am in the market also! How is it better?

I was thinking a used Stratos originally. Heard they are good in rough water. I assume the 295 is a 19.5 footer? Is a 200 hp still good on a 20 fter? I agree with the size concerns. I've seen some pretty rough water along the Elk River/Turkey Point area! Bigger is definitley safer. I'm not so concerned about going 75+mph. Thanks again!

Thanx for the input Cart. I fished with a boater this year in a BFL who has a new Triton and is selling this boat: 1990 Hydra-sports 19 1/2' w/a 1999 Mercury 200 EFI. Engine has new powerhead on a rebuild. He stated it needs to be broke in still. Also has: 65lb. Minnkota, battery charger, 2 fish finders, single axle trailer, new foam in seats. Haven't seen the boat yet but will take a look next week. He is asking $5000. Don't think he officially has it listed anywhere for sale. He told me about it back in June. Are rebuilds bad or not really? Is it hard to break the motor back in or just time and $ consuming? Thanx for your opinions!

It's a 1998 Nitro 800 LXS with a '95 Mercury Black Max 150hp. Second owner (for two years), garaged, carpet not ripping, seats not ripped, 60lb.motorguide, two hummingbirds, single console, ss prop. The trailer was two long for his garage so a mechanic built a swing tongue on the front to fit in his garage. Few minor chips on hull (less than the size of a penny). Single axle trailer with chrome wheels seems to be in excellent shape. He did add LED lights on it. Single livewell(Can I divide it somehow?)Good tread on tires. Blue and silver metallic. He said the engine was a leftover when the boat was orig. purchased. He is willing to take me out on the water but wants some sort of commitment or agreement that I will buy it if it meets my requirements. Is this normal? He is asking $11,000 obo. He says he would take $10,000 for sure. Overall the boat seems pretty clean. Let me know what you think. I appreciate!

Great call NBR!.. The garage thing does give a clue on how the previous owner treat his/her boat. But of course the engine condition is the main element. Thanks everyone for their input. I know these waters can get rough sometimes and would prefer finding a 19-20 footer with 175-200 + hp. Wish me luck!