How are the Stratos boats? I am more of a Ranger/Triton guy myself, but have been eyeing an older 285 XL as a first boat. Thanks

I have a 96 Javelin 389 TE. It is a Stratos boat with the Javelin name. (Chevy GMC) I have been very well pleased with mine so far. As far as the 285 XL, I have personally been in one on Lake Murray in SC with the wind blowing white caps that were at least 6 feet high. One of the scariest times I have ever been one the water as it was late Febuary and way too cold to swim. But the boat came through it well and I so did I. They take rough water well with little spray. If you are looking for a speedster, this isn't it. They will run low to mid 60's with a 150 HP Merc V-Max.

Don't mind if its not a speedster. Just looking for a good entry level boat, around my budget, that puts up decent speed for tournaments on bigger lakes for those long runs, and can handle rough water. Found this one that seems to fit into all of them.

While we are at it:  What would be a decent price for this boat?  I believe it is a 93.  It has all the usual goodies and assume its in good condition.

How much should I worry about it being an OMC boat?  I have read and heard nothin but bad things about this.

How much should I worry about it being an OMC boat?  I have read and heard nothin but bad things about this.

The problem was the FICHT engines.  As long as it's not one of those you'll be alright.  

Stratos makes a fine boat.  As with any boat of that age, you'll need to check for transom and floor rot.    

Ditto to what C7 said about the rot.  I had a friend with a Javelin of that age that had to replace the stringers because of rot.  Which was an expensive proposition.  

I have a an '04 285XL DC not sure how it differs from the model you are considering.  It runs well and handles rough water decent  Though I haven't had it in any 5 footers the traffic on the lake (Raystown, PA)  I fished this holiday weekend was insane and it did well in all the wake put out by the minion of cabin cruisers.

I too got it to start fishing tournies though I haven't entered any yet.  Still trying to figure out how to afford boat payments and tourney fees    It runs mid 50's with a stock 150 Johnson.  I may be able to get it up to 60 mph with a stanless prop and jackplate.  Not going to win any races to the fish from launch against the big boys but I am very happy with it and think it will serve its purpose.

Good luck!

How much should I worry about it being an OMC boat? I have read and heard nothin but bad things about this.

The problem was the FICHT engines. As long as it's not one of those you'll be alright.

Stratos makes a fine boat. As with any boat of that age, you'll need to check for transom and floor rot.

How do I find out if its a FICHT engine or not.  Also what is the best way to check for floor rot? Thanks

Before you buy you'll want that engine checked by a mechanic, he'll be able to give you the lowdown on the motor.

Floor rot can be found by merely walking around in the boat.  If you find mushy spots. the floor is at the very least is rotted but you could also have stringers rotted as well.  Check the transom by having a friend put all his weight on the lower unit of the motor and bounce it up and down while you watch the transom for flex.  Also, rust colored stains running down the transom eminating from the engine mounting bolts is another tipoff.  You can also knock around on the transom.  A solid sound is good, hollow sound, not so good.  In any case, wood repair in a bassboat is extremely time consuming if you're doing it yourself and requires some knowledge of fiberglass and resin knowledge.  The repairs are very expensive if you take it to someone.  

Now if everything checks out good what is a good price to pay?  I have never really been good and marking all the right accessories when trying to go through NADA so figured I would probably get a better estimate from someone here  Heres some of what it has...Evinrude Intruder 150, 74# Minkota TM, Garmin 250 depth finders, custom 3 and 4 blade props, 6" jackplate, custom cover and all new batteries.  He is asking $7000 for it.  Good price or not?

I didn't do any research on this particular model. I've been reading along and $5800 was just the price that popped into my head. The trolling motor, accessories and cover sound good. He's obviously upgraded those from the stock equiptment. If the thing looks real good and the transom/floor/outboard check out I may be a bit low. It is a 13 year old boat and it's probably seen some use. As far as brands go I've always liked Stratos boats and actually like some of the older models more than the newer ones. My buddy had an 1987 169V that was a real rocket for a smaller bass boat and fished great too. It was a cool looking ride.  

$7k is on the highish side but if the boat checks out overall and is clean, good gelcoat, solid motor, electronics, carpet, seating, trailer I'd hit him with $5800 and go from there.

BTW, Stratos makes a very nice, fishable boat that handles real well. If the boat is structurally sound you'd have a hard time finding a better boat.

The Intruder series is not a FITCH motor. It is a carbed motor. The FITCH motors are all injected motors, so that is one thing you do not have to worry about. You do however need to make sure that the VRO (Variable Ratio Oiling System if I remember correctly) is the upgraded version, or is disconnected and running with mixed oil in the tank. Do not rely on the pre '96 VRO's without the upgrade as they had their on gremlins as well. A faulty VRO does not take out one cylinder. By design, the oil is mixed with the gas prior to the carbs and thus would take out all cylinders.

As far as price goes, My '96 Javelin with a Johnson 150 Faststrike was $8300. (This is basically the exact same motor as the one you are looking at on the Stratos. It just has a different name and paint scheme) If I compare my boat and my buddy's 285 XL the lay out is very similar even though there is 8 years difference in the two (His is newer)

My father in Law has a 96 Javelin ( Stratos)...it is a damned nice boat! Not the speed demon on the water, but has a good stable ride...smooth and manageable in rough water...well laid out...

If I were in the market for a fiber boat it is one I would consider...

My father in law fished and won Mayor Daley's Bass Challenge a few years back on Lake Michigan...

He ran 15 miles out to a spot...a storm rolled in...he came back, on Lake Michigan in 6' and 8' waves in that Javelin and it did fine...

My only thing with it is that the throttle is a bit touchier than some of the other boats I have driven...

I have a Stratos and really like the floor plan and the ride.

I have a 92 Stratos with 150 Evinrude with jackplate, hotfoot, ss prop. She's great on rough water with little spray, and tops out at appx. 68mph (which I don't do often!). I love my Stratos!!

Just thought I'd throw my two cents in.  I just picked up a 1986 19 ft. Stratos Fish & Ski for $1900.00.  It has Lowrance dash mounted depth finder, Evinrude XP150, Evinrude 12/24 trolling motor, 2 live wells, custom cover, and new seats. I'm pretty happy with my purchase so far, but haven't yet made it out on the water.  I've been checking charging systems, onboard electronics and doing a little cleaning, but I noticed the bow and transom deck lids are all fiberglass so they won't rot.  I do have a soft spot in the floor near the ski locker, but I don't think it will be too tough.  I'm hoping not to find rotten stringers.