I’m looking at used boats and was looking mostly at Ranger then Triton but came across a 2010 285 xl Stratos with a 150 Yamaha that’s a great looking boat. It’s listed cheaper of course than most Rangers and was wondering how people like them. I fish Ky and Barkley lakes but not a speed freak and I want a good ride. 

That sounds underpowered, but they are good hulls.

Earl Bentz founded both Stratos and Triton boats. The 2010 era Stratos was Platium LLC who owned Ranger, Triton and Stratos. BPS bought all those boats in 2014.

Take the boat for a ride and check it.

Tom

The 285 is an 18’ boat and a 150 will perform well on it. I’d be curious if the Yamaha is carbed or efi, I think 09 or 10 the carb 2 stroke was still available. Good engine either way and having it check out good by a reputable mechanic would be the deciding factor. The stratos and triton will have a similar sporty feel, you kind of sit in them. A ranger will feel like a dock on the water, heavy but very stable. I agree with taking it for a spin.

My dad sold a ‘06 268 earlier this year. It was a decent boat. Really the only negative was the lack of storage mainly no rod locker. But I think it was only a 17’ Hull. It had a 115 Johnson that ran about 40 wide open. It could be a pain to crank at times

1 hour ago, r83srock said:

The 285 is an 18’ boat and a 150 will perform well on it. I’d be curious if the Yamaha is carbed or efi, I think 09 or 10 the carb 2 stroke was still available. Good engine either way and having it check out good by a reputable mechanic would be the deciding factor. The stratos and triton will have a similar sporty feel, you kind of sit in them. A ranger will feel like a dock on the water, heavy but very stable. I agree with taking it for a spin.

You’re right, the 150 is the max hp. 

I've owned a couple older stratos boats and fished from a couple of those similar year models. All fantastic boats and in my opinion rival most of the competition.  If the price was right and the motor checked out id go for it with no hesitation.  My only concern would be if 18 ft was enough boat for ky and Barkley.  We used to fish those lakes a few times a year from a 21 ft stratos and there were days I wasn't comfortable being out in it. If you're confident in your skills or willing to pick and choose days to go im sure you'd be fine. 

Stratos hull designs are known for speed more then comfort dry ride. For this reason a test drive will bring this out. 

Tom

I've had a couple of them and liked them.  I had a 285 Pro until I got my Renegade 20.  The 285 felt like it had more storage room than the 20 Renegade.  I have to say, can't speek for how well it performs with a 150 because I bought mine with a dead 150 Johnson and didn't bother trying to get it going.  I just put a 300+hp motor on it and that was all it ever ran.  Not going to give numbers but lets just say it was fast.  I enjoyed wiping smirk grin off those Triton drivers they gave as the went by, and then I went back by them like they had dropped an anchor.  

I think by then they had dropped the hull weight to around 1,200 pounds is the reason they only went with a 150 max, so it should have respectable performance.

 

I only have a few thoughts.  Drive it..see how you like it.  Then take it to a good marine mechanic and let them go through it.  Stratos has a good reputation and alot of people around here still run them.  That's what I would do.  They are good boats.  The tourney fishermen I know that are still running the stratos have never complained to me.  I have fished off a few of them and I like them.  Good boats.

8 hours ago, Teal said:

I only have a few thoughts.  Drive it..see how you like it.  Then take it to a good marine mechanic and let them go through it.  Stratos has a good reputation and alot of people around here still run them.  That's what I would do.  They are good boats.  The tourney fishermen I know that are still running the stratos have never complained to me.  I have fished off a few of them and I like them.  Good boats.

Good advice..

I've had my Stratos since 2015 and have been really happy with it. My BIL and a friend of mine both have Stratos boats also and like them.

I've always heard positive reviews about them.  If your research shows that it was taken care of and is a good deal, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if it fits your needs.  

Well it sold the next day so I guess you can’t sleep on a good deal. Good to hear they are good boats though. I’ll keep them in mind. 

There's a 2001 21SS Extreme with a 200HP Evinrude on Craigslist just south of Clarksville TN.  The longer boat would be nice on KY/Barkley.

Don't know how far you're willing to drive but there is a 2003 Stratos ASX in Glasgow that looks pretty good.  I'm in E'town so I'll keep my eyes open and PM you if I see anything that I think might interest you.  Good luck in your search.

 

P.S.  If you want to PM me how much you're looking to spend.