I have a 1995 15.5 foot bass boat that I have owned for a month.  I know now that its not got enough room for me and is really less stable than I would like.  That's partially the boat and also me being a big guy.  Therefore, I am going to sell it and buy another.

 

I found a 1997 Stratos 285 Pro Elite 18.5 foot boat with an Evinrude 150 intruder on it.  The owner has had it in the garage and it looks great.  The hull/paint look brand new.  The seats and carpet have a little wear.  It comes with a aftermarket prop for 65ish MPH, hot foot, jack plate, front depth finder(would replace with mine) 70lb thrust 24v trolling motor, charger (Dual), new trailer tires, cover, etc.  The owner has a few boats and services them himself.  He said he can show me a compression test or I can pay to take it into the local shop for a checkout.  Once we agree on price, I will test drive it before making payment.  I plan to check how it runs, how stable it is, all the wells for leaks, properly working pumps, aerators, and to see how much (if any) water comes out when we pull the drain plug after the test drive.  He is asking $7000 OBO.  I am assuming I could get him down a little on it.  I REALLY like the boat and was impressed with its condition.

 

Do you think its worth 7K?  6K?

 

 

Looks good to me, but I'm not familiar with values in your area.  Around me that boat would lisst around 9k and I'd hope to get him down to 7.5.

I think that is a pretty fair price as long as it in good running condition.   I have a '98 Ranger 19 footer with a Johnson FastStrike 150 (basically the same motor) and it is in a little rougher condition than that boat, and I would hope to get at least 7 g's for it if I were to sell it.

Thank you guys.

We agreed on a price.  Meeting him at 8am to do the compression check and other items then off to test drive it.  If all checks out I will have it by noon tomorrow.  Now I have to sell my Tidecraft Spitfire XL. 

I looked around and 8-9k looks like the norm..

Awesome.  I got him down to $6500 tonight.  As long as it checks out in the morning, I will be fishing off it tomorrow night.  Pics, hopefully, to come.

Looks good to me, but I'm not familiar with values in your area.  Around me that boat would lisst around 9k and I'd hope to get him down to 7.5.

same here, if you can get it for that price and it runs good id jump all over it

Did you get it?

First things first.  Thank you all.  I love this place.  Its so great to be able to get help.

 

I'm a very happy owner of a 1997 Stratos 285 Pro Elite.  Personally, I think this boat is in AMAZING shape for its age.  I have to get use to the hot foot for sure.  Man, this thing will fly.  Much faster than I want to be going on a regular basis.  I could not believe the acceleration.  Better than that, its got plenty of room and is very stable.  I will be upgrading the electronics.  I have a Hummingbird 597CI HD DI that I will swap from my other boat.  I took some pics and will add a few more.  The storage areas all look really clean and nice. 

 

The boat is also already off to a good start.  We put it in after I bought it and filed all the paperwork.  We decided to fish a spot we knew well.  Small place and quick to go through.  Bam.  We both caught fish on the boat on its first voyage. 

 

 

Congrats on your new boat!!!!

Way to go, looks great and those seats look immaculate