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  1. #1
    Member 1903's Avatar
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    Oct 2021
    Location
    Joliet il
    Posts
    11

    New to me Stratos

    Picked me up a 2006 Stratos 285 with a 150 Yamaha Vmax a few months ago. While pulling it home, a wheel bearing seized up and I almost lost the wheel. Had to get a new axle. Put new switch covers on the switches and polished up the gauges. Straightened up the wiring for the trolling motor, replaced the trolling motor with one I had, new MinnKota battery charger, and a few more things to make the boat mine. I used to have a 1989 fiberglass bass tracker with a 85 merc. Almost had to relearn how to drive the Stratos. Completely different animal. Didn't get too much water time this year with it. Cant wait till the spring and the cooling lakes open up. Anyone out there had a setup like this and how did you like it?? Thanks, John........

    strat0s.jpg
    Last edited by 1903; 12-23-2021 at 11:13 PM.

  2. Member illinifish's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    ofallon, IL
    Posts
    3,979
    #2
    Welcome to club Stratos. 285 are very popular and a nice platform. C and O marine is a great resource for parts if you need any.
    Enjoying life in Southern Illinois

  3. Member elozzi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Felton , DE
    Posts
    109
    #3
    had a 1996 284 with a 150 intruder, dual console and loved it. traded in 2013 for a Nitro Z7 on because I couldn't find a Stratos Dealer near me.

  4. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Windham,NH
    Posts
    3,751
    #4
    Congrats.

  5. Member Coach185's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Location
    Central Kentucky
    Posts
    1,554
    #5
    Welcome to the Stratos section. Love my 2003 185.
    2003 Stratos 185, Yamaha V150LTRB, Tempest Plus 25P


  6. Member ridgerunner6901's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Libby, Montana
    Posts
    2,094
    #6
    Welcome, I had a 09 285 with a mercury on it.. I loved that boat...and hated that trailer!

  7. Moderator
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Westford
    Posts
    16,822
    #7
    Nice looking boat

  8. Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    662
    #8
    Great looking boat! I too just bought the same 285xl combo you have just two weeks ago. I’ll post a pic when I get a chance.

  9. Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    Joliet, IL
    Posts
    1,656
    #9
    Congrats John! Gimme a wave if we pass around town or say hello at a ramp!! You'll love her! Don't really have a bad word to say about mine...did have a seize up myself on the way to Springfield two years ago...a real pucker up moment for sure...sad to see your rig up on a flat bed

    2012 Stratos 189 VLO/150 Mercury Pro XS/MinnKota Terrova

  10. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Insomnia, near Seaford Delaware
    Posts
    35,604
    #10
    I have a 295 Pro Elite and it is a great fishing platform and it's rated for 200HP which I like.

  11. Forensicator Javelin389's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Lebanon, TN
    Posts
    12,742
    #11
    '05 Stratos 200 ProXL, '05 Evinrude 225HO

  12. Member 1903's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2021
    Location
    Joliet il
    Posts
    11
    #12
    It

  13. Member 1903's Avatar
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    Oct 2021
    Location
    Joliet il
    Posts
    11
    #13
    Quote Originally Posted by ToyotaKev View Post
    Congrats John! Gimme a wave if we pass around town or say hello at a ramp!! You'll love her! Don't really have a bad word to say about mine...did have a seize up myself on the way to Springfield two years ago...a real pucker up moment for sure...sad to see your rig up on a flat bed
    It was a sad night. Stupid oil filled hubs, LOL, Got rid of them for regular greased bearings.
    bad bearing.jpgon flatbed.jpg

  14. Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2021
    Location
    Normalville, PA
    Posts
    28
    #14
    Congratulations! Picked up a 201 pro xl myself last July. Had to straighten out the wiring and add electronics and trolling motor. Still getting used to it but had to put it in storage for now. Can't wait for spring. IMG_20210719_141528688_HDR.jpg
    2006 Stratos 201 Pro XL
    Mercury 225 Pro XS
    80# Motorguide Xi

  15. Member oldmanwinter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Winnipeg, Manitoba
    Posts
    658
    #15
    Welcome to the Stratos Club!!! Absolutely love my 1997 288 and certainly handles some of the bigger waters up around here!!
    97 Stratos 288
    175 Evenrude Intruder
    Humminbird electronics
    Garmin electronics
    Fortrex112
    2012 Ford Lariat 250

  16. Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
    Location
    Greensboro, MD
    Posts
    669
    #16
    They are one of, if not the largest fishing 18’ers there is. Great boats, enjoy.

  17. Member 1903's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2021
    Location
    Joliet il
    Posts
    11
    #17
    Thanks for all your comments. Now comes the long wait till spring time.......

  18. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    SW, Ohio
    Posts
    17,370
    #18
    https://www.greatlakesskipper.com/oe..._list_limit=48

    another good place for stratos parts
    2022 z519 cup 225 merc 4s ser # 3B210484. 2--hds12 live units. 2 poles, atlas plate, ghost, hamby's, active target, merc digital gauges
    2002 basscat pantera 3 (dad bought new) sold 8-2-22
    2000 stratos 20 ss (bought new) 200 hp Rude ficht great boat/motor sold 11-21
    pulled by a 2500HD Denali
    proud dad of an ARMY Captain
    MAGA
    ASE/GM Master tech before tools

  19. Member 1903's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2021
    Location
    Joliet il
    Posts
    11
    #19
    Quote Originally Posted by mactlman View Post
    https://www.greatlakesskipper.com/oe..._list_limit=48

    another good place for stratos parts
    There are a few parts I got from them. But I'm looking for a seat that nobody has. Bummer......

    boat seat11.jpg

  20. Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2021
    Location
    Hudson, FL
    Posts
    4
    #20
    Looking at an '03 200 Pro XL and needless to say, the switches are faded. 1903, where did you get your replacement covers? Also, anyone have a source for the bow console (besides Great Lakes Skipper)?

    Thanks

    Jim

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