Hey guys an gals i'm looking at purchasing a Stratos Boat in the next month or so and want to make sure i check out everything. I have asked questions on everthing i can think of from the livewell pumps to the trolling motor, trailer tires and depth finders. It has an 93' Evinrude 150 that he says runs well and averages 60 mph. Also it has "hyper trim" which he explained to me since i hadn't heard of it. I have recieved pictures of the boat and plan on making a trip down in a few weeks to look at the boat in person and take a test run. If anyone has any ideas about what i should look for/ check out that would be appreciated. Being my first boat purchase from a canoe/john boat i'm a little nervous but also EXCITED hope it all works out. Thanks Matt

The usual. Check the floor for soft spots, check the transom for flex.  Have a compression test done on the motor.  If it's a tubular frame trailer check the crossmembers for rust on the bottom.  Check all the electrical accesories, check the pumps and make sure the steering isn't too stiff or too sloppy.  

MOTOR, MOTOR, MOTOR.....................this can not be stressed enough.  You are not buying the "used" boat you are buying the motor.  I was in the same situation you are in with buying my first boat (Stratos 278 and it "had" and Evinrude 130 on it, it now has a Faststike 150 on it) and got the &*&*&*&)(&_*() end of the luck > >..  I bought mine from a dealer too.  Make sure the motor works properly and have the compression checked and if it is off stay away FAR away.  Thats my advice from a previous experience.

Check the compression ? Do i need to locate a boat shop down around the area and have it checked out while i'm down there? I'm not for sure i understand? :-?

yes have the boat shop  check the compression               search and ask around for a reputable shop   also

I would try and get him to take it to the mechanic of your choice, and if it checks out, you pay for it. If it doesnt, he gets the bill.  If he agrees, chancse are he's being honest about the boat.

I bought a Stratos and L O V E it but have it checked out by a marine mechanic YOU trust. He will check out the motor but you HAVE to know how long it has sat without being ran. If it has been over a year you probably will need to get the carbs cleaned as they gum up from sitting and could create a hot spot on a piston causing major problems. It is normal to have the carbs cleaned, you simply need to know. Some other items are to have the lower unit pressure checked for cracks or bad seals and the water pump replaced along with new lower unit oil. I consider these normal maintenance items but you have to know if the lower unit has frozen and busted, this is super easy for a mechanic to check. If you check out all pumps, batteries, electronics, trolling motor, running lights, gauges for proper operation, and the compression checks---CONGRATULATIONS on your new boat. If you get it--ABOVE ALL ELSE--pull the trailer bearings, inspect, regrease and replace if necessary. Hope all goes well and let us know how it works out.

Remember--starting an outboard motor without water hooked up to it will ruin the water pump in about 5 to 7 seconds.

8-)

Hey thanks for all the help i've been kinda nervous but got a list of things to check out on the boat when i go down to check it out. The boat has been used in the past year he recently got a new one. I will keep everyone up to date on how everything is going and hopefully have pictures to post before too long. Thanks again for all the help - MATT

and change the lower unit impeller ($7-$20)

Great point from BC57, best running motor in the world doesn't do you any good sitting in the shoulder of the highway with a trailer wheel on fire. BEARINGs--Maintenence & replacement!! Easy, do-it-yourself-able,cheap.

Yeah Russ I am living proof that t is a sinking feeling when you see your trailer tire pass you up and see showers of sparks in the mirror. It is even worse when you see your pride and joy bass boat being carted off on a roll on wrecker.

:'(

lol, the tire that passes you.....happened to me once on the way to NH,...always wondered the physics behind that,.......it doesn't pass you slowly,lol

Having the whole hub come off is the NICE way out.  Otherwise, you have a nice grease fire making a mess of your boat.

Again,...simple,...do-it-yourself-able and cheap

Monitor your bearings