Looking at a 2004 294 Pro XL

[imthemedic]

I need some info on these hulls. The good and bad.
Its a long drive to go out and look at it.
Does anyone have one and do you care to share some pics and setup info?

[Jumping Jimmy]

I didn't know they had a 294 model in 2004. I purchased my Stratos in 2003 and it's a 2004 model. Mine is a 195 ProXL and they had a 295 ProXL. Are you sure of the year and model designation? I thought the 294 came out in 2005/2006. Maybe some one can get us the straight skinny.
As for your request. My boat is basically the same hull as the 294 with a different top cap. Mine came with an Evinrude 200HO. My boat would easily run 72 - 74 MPH. I think the 294 is a little faster than mine due to less weight. I really like mine but it is not a 21 footer. It's a little narrow on the nose if you keep the pedestal seat in. I like to remove mine when tournament fishing. Check which trolling motor comes with the boat. I upgraded the original with a 80 pound thrust Minn Kota. Much better than the 70 that came on it. The boat needs a (6"-8") jackplate and I would want a hotfoot. I am running a 200 ProXS Opti now and I am still getting her dialed in. These boats are a driver's machine. You will use a lot of trim and will need to keep her balanced on the pad. I like Tempest props. I current run a 27 balanced/blueprinted by Propeller Dynamics.

[imthemedic]

Fat fingers. It’s a 295.

[swampshark]

I have a 2006 294 ProXL....also run a 27 pitch Tempest Plus...no problem hitting 74mph...it does get hairy at that speed....i have a 2006 200 VMax HDPI

[CDN Bass]

I had a 2004 295 Pro Xl last year. Great boat... but not a Great Lakes boat.

Pros:

- great storage, can use both front p & sb long compartments as rod lockers / center storage is well laid out for a slew of Plano 3700's and side stacked 3600's (3 each side) in custom fitted shelves
- fast on the hole shot with the right set up (200 HP, 8" JP at 2 1/2 PTP with a 26 Fury - 70+ mph)
- goes like a scalded cat
- very stable fishing platform
- well appointed for an entry level boat (courtesy lighting in compartments and livewell)
- lots of room for one angler front and rear
- easy to maneuver in tight spaces (marinas, coves, sloughs, etc.)
- great boat for small to mid size lakes
- good sized livewells


Cons:

- a little cramped on the bow deck for two
- no center seat or storage (I bought a step compartment from bassboatseats)
- doesn't like 3 + footers because of the pronounced reversed rakers at the bow (keep the bow down)
- single axle trailer with a short tongue that swings like a mofo when backing up (I hated it)
- a real hand full at 74 mph