HELP: 2006 Stratos purchase or not

[Rob91]

Morning guys,

I’ve been reading your posts for a little less than a year now, finally registered because I need some really important advice. I have found a 2006 Stratos 200 Pro XL with a 225 Rude that I’m ready to purchase. Both boat and motor are in pretty darn good shape and hours are fairly low on the motor. Took the boat for a ride for about 30-45 mins. Came back and unscrewed the plug, LOTS of water came out. We drained all the water and replugged the boat. Backed it back down the ramp and into the water. We kept it strapped on the trailer. Climbed on boat and opened back latch. Saw lots of water pouring in near the back corners of the boat near the rub rail. I’m going to take the rub rail off and fill with M4200 and retest it another day.

My question for you guys…has this ever happened to anyone? Would this give you a reason not to buy the boat? Should I stay away from it? Transom is solid, has nothing to do with that. Just looking for honest opinions if I should start looking for another boat or if this is common and nothing to worry about. I’m freaking out right now! But I haven’t bought the boat yet, so I’m ok! Thanks guys!

Rob

[billnorman1]

These boats are notorious for loose top caps and leaking rub rails. Beat the owner up on the price, remove the rub rail, clean the interface between the top cap and the hull, re-seal the area PROPERLY and then put the rub rail back on. If any screws don't want to tighten, glue toothpicks in the holes and tighten the screws again. It is not the job of the rub rail to seal the area.

Don't forget to beat him up on the Evinrude, they don't make them anymore for a reason.

If you don't want the boat let me know where, and how much, I could use a new hull.

[Rob91]

Bill,

Any reason not to buy it? Am I going to have to do this every year?

[billnorman1]

If done once should be good for at least 10 years. You don't have to take the top cap off, just take the rail off the back half. It's easy to put back on. Hardly a game changer but a good bargaining point. If you don't buy let me know who and where.

[Rob91]

So I guess the question than comes down to ‘08 Nitro 750 SC with 115 Mercury Optimax or the ‘06 Stratos 200 Pro XL with 225 Rude. Nitro is loaded with electronics and power pole. Stratos is pretty stock. Very similar price…so money is not the issue.

Any opinions guys?

[mactlman]

So I guess the question than comes down to ‘08 Nitro 750 SC with 115 Mercury Optimax or the ‘06 Stratos 200 Pro XL with 225 Rude. Nitro is loaded with electronics and power pole. Stratos is pretty stock. Very similar price…so money is not the issue.

Any opinions guys?

nitros are not very well made, especially the older ones

[Rob91]

mactlman - have you ever had any issues with your Stratos leaking at the rub rail? I'm just concerned about taking that boat on with an issue. But the Stratos is nice!

[mactlman]

mactlman - have you ever had any issues with your Stratos leaking at the rub rail? I'm just concerned about taking that boat on with an issue. But the Stratos is nice!

I have never had any leaks at all, anywhere

[Javelin389]

I’ve got an ‘05 200 and no leaks either.

[jigman1962]

I'm on my third Stratos and never had an issue with leaks either

[Sapper67]

I have an 05 also with no leaks.

[BuzzB8]

2003 200 PXL owned since new, no leaks.

[BLANESENN]

Nothing wrong with the evinrude!They still work on them and u can still get parts so don’t let that scare u away.I have the same boat with the same motor with well over 700 hrs.Have had to replace an injector from time to time motor still runs strong for 16 yr old boat

[H2O_Fowl]

nitros are not very well made, especially the older ones

I wonder if the Nitro leaks water? Just saying. lol

[Parch07]

I had a 2005 200 ProXL that I bought new and ran for nine seasons up here in MI on our big water (which is no joke). I never had a leak in that boat and I was caught more than once by storms and crazy wave / water conditions. I still to this day kick myself for selling it (had a job transfer). The 200 ProXL will always be legendary to me. Also, this is the first I've heard of leak issues with the 200ProXL.

[BLANESENN]

I have a 2006 201 pro xl mine did the same thing.Took the rub rail of the back cleaned and resealed been 8 or 10 yrs ago no problem since.Just do the job right the first time u won’t have to worry about it for awhile

[Rob91]

Thanks for all the replies…all were very helpful. I was about to buy the boat and the guy bailed on me, so bummed!

Now looking at a ‘05 285 PXL Larry Nixon edition. Pretty nice boat! Obviously a bit smaller, but seems to be in very solid shape. ‘06 Evinrude 150 H.O. Direct Injection. Any info you guys have on them?

[Dave A]

What's he want for it? Just sold my 08 285 with a 150 rude ho, wish i would have kept it, the 285 is a nice boat. IMO

[Rob91]

Sorry...been away from the computer! The market is off the charts right now. I am looking at 2 different boats.

'08 285 Magnum with a Mercury Optimax 135 - 14K
'05 285 Pro XL with an Evinrude 150 HO - 12K

[Coach185]

Love my 2003 185, no leaks, solid hull, rides great and jumps up on plane in 3 seconds. My understanding is the 185 is the same as the 285, but I have no real knowledge of that comparison.
I would look at the condition of both and if comparable let the motor and electronics be the deciding factor. Both seem reasonably priced for this day and age