2006 294 Pro XL

[Pirate360v]

Can anyone give me some insight on a 2006 Stratos 294 Pro XL? It’s got an older Merc 175 XRI on it. Guy says it’ll run low 70’s with that motor but that doesn’t sound right. Anything in particular to look for? Does that year have a fiberglass transom? Thanks in advance!

[Stratos21XL]

Solid boat but 70’s with a 175 might be a stretch unless the boat was empty and set up perfectly. 70’s with a 200 and some set up time is possible. It should be all composite aka no wood. Stratos started that in the early 2000’s on most of the line. If the price is right and you like the boat then tell the owner you want a compression and leak down test done on the engine and a pressure test on the lower unit wouldnt be a bad idea either.

[mactlman]

Can anyone give me some insight on a 2006 Stratos 294 Pro XL? It’s got an older Merc 175 XRI on it. Guy says it’ll run low 70’s with that motor but that doesn’t sound right. Anything in particular to look for? Does that year have a fiberglass transom? Thanks in advance!

my 20ss just a notch bigger, will hit 70 with a 200hp and a worked prop. mid to high 60's more likely-- great boat though. many in the club I was in years ago

[Pirate360v]

Solid boat but 70’s with a 175 might be a stretch unless the boat was empty and set up perfectly. 70’s with a 200 and some set up time is possible. It should be all composite aka no wood. Stratos started that in the early 2000’s on most of the line. If the price is right and you like the boat then tell the owner you want a compression and leak down test done on the engine and a pressure test on the lower unit wouldnt be a bad idea either.

I appreciate it. The guy wants 7 for it and it’s clean so seems like a decent deal honestly. Plus 3 garmin units

[JR19]

I appreciate it. The guy wants 7 for it and it’s clean so seems like a decent deal honestly. Plus 3 garmin units

Buy it and sell it for double what you paid if the boat/trailer are in good shape and it has good electronics and a good trolling motor. Just the hull and trailer in decent shape is easily worth 7K in todays market. Pending the age and type of trolling motor and the three Garmin units you can easily turn a profit. The older carburetor motor is a somewhat of a turn off but if everything else is okay I see and easy flip for a good chunk of change.

[Menacer]

It is composite construction. I highly doubt low 70s without a 200. I can't get higher than mid 60s with my set up. Love the boat though and that price is great IMO.

[Pirate360v]

Thanks guys. How’s the storage on the boat?

[JR19]

If my memory is correct a person I fish with a some several years had an 06 294. He was an avid tournament angler and it carried all his gear. I mean no disrespect and in all seriousness if you can get this boat for 7K and its in any decent shape I would not be asking questions on a internet forum. I would be on someone's door step with 7K saying lets go transfer this boat.

[Pirate360v]

If my memory is correct a person I fish with a some several years had an 06 294. He was an avid tournament angler and it carried all his gear. I mean no disrespect and in all seriousness if you can get this boat for 7K and its in any decent shape I would not be asking questions on a internet forum. I would be on someone's door step with 7K saying lets go transfer this boat.

Going to grab it this week actually. I just don’t know a ton about Stratos so trying to get some insight. I appreciate the help guys! Seems like a good rig

[kercha83]

I have a 295 pro xl with a 200 merc 3.0 efi and I can only get mid 60's, highest I've ever seen was 67. I'm not sure how different the 294 is compared to the 295 but it's going to be tough trying to push a 175hp past 70 mph on a 294 pro. For 7k I still think it's a good buy but you should definitely test drive it first and have the motor checked out first before you buy it.

[mactlman]

I have a 295 pro xl with a 200 merc 3.0 efi and I can only get mid 60's, highest I've ever seen was 67. I'm not sure how different the 294 is compared to the 295 but it's going to be tough trying to push a 175hp past 70 mph on a 294 pro. For 7k I still think it's a good buy but you should definitely test drive it first and have the motor checked out first before you buy it.

solid advice!

[Pirate360v]

Thanks guys! Leak down was good, new lower unit and compressions came back 115 across the board. Going to pick her up next week!

[Jumping Jimmy]

CONGRATULATIONS
Enjoy your new ride.

[Silkstringz]

So the last team tournament we fished out of my 200 pro xs/ 294 evo tournament loaded with 4 group 31 batteries, 500lb of man and ice, gear etc I saw 69.3. Alone it’s always been around a 72 mph boat. I’ve seen more with worked props but holeshot usually suffers with all the weight in the rear. I’ve settled on a croxtonized 26 TXP. A 27 bravo 1 xs or a 25 Fury 4 are both outstanding props. A worked 26 tempest with added tail lift and tip cup is by spare that is probably the fastest, but suffers on hold shot when tourney loaded.

[TNStratos1]

Congratulations. Post pics of that bad boy. I had a 2006 294 w/ Etec 200HO and now have 2012 294 w/ Merc ProXs. Keep in mind, the HO and Pro XS are rated up to 10% higher than advertised HP. Both of those will push that hull to mid 70's if set up properly. Easily low 70's all day. I would say standard 200HP's will be in mid to upper 60's and a 175 will be low 60's. I am just speculating here, but low 70's is not very likely with a 175, but that is ok. Who cares!? If it runs good and makes you happy, then great!

Congrats