1994 STRATOS 201 PRO XL ?????'s

[Steve O.]

Hello,

I am looking at a used 1994 Stratos 201 pro xl with a 1994 200 Evinrude Vindicator. How are these boats on the water? I have never rode in or fished from one. But I have heard a lot of good things about the ride. Would this be a good tournament boat? Are the livewells decent size? Next question is about the motor? How good in the vindicator? Sorry for all the question just don't know much about Stratos in general. I want some kind of back ground before I call this guy about this boat. Any opinions good or bad will be appriciated.

Thanks
Steve

[Team do work]

i fish with a guy that has a 95 201 pro xl. Awesome boat, ride is good and yes its a good tournament boat. Probably will go 70-72. but those motors tend to blow, if hes had it rebuilt then you might be ok, but it seems like everyone i know that has a 94,95,96 vindicator has had to rebuild it. How much is he asking for it?

[201pro]

Great boat, great ride and handling...Don't think there is anything wrong with that motor...If something was going to happen to it, it would have by now..Will be a mid-60's boat with a full tournament load...Check out the bilge / livewell pumps, the trolling motor and electronics...If they are all original, they will probably lead to some repairs costs on that age of a boat...

[TightLip]

I have that same boat. It is a very good ride in rough water and a dry ride. With a 200, you should see speeds in the upper 60's. (66-68) The livewells are very large and will keep a large limit alive all day.

As for the motor, if it has been taken care of, you should have no problems. Have it checked by a good mechanic. At the very least, have the compression checked and pull the plug on the lower unit and make sure there is no water in the lube.

Overall, a very good boat and motor combination

[tmbullet]

Absolutely!!!!!!!!!!! my friend has one and it is an awesome fishing rig. If you decide to get this boat the best thing you can do for it is ,and ask any outboard mech. run mercury Quikleen in every tank. Keeps it carbon free and the carbs whistling clean.... Good luck!!!!!!

[hydrasport94]

I own the same rig. its been great. Had it for about 4 years now and just now am thinking about upgrading to a new rig. I do alot of fishing on erie and st clair and the boat handles the big stuff great. It has a few stress cracks in the gel, but i hear thats normal for this rig. the livewells are deep and large and keep fish well and wiht my 200 efi, i do 65-66 all day. mine is dual console and has the extra deck extension so tonnes of storage and deck for fishing.

[Steve O.]

He is asking $6K for the boat. I made an appointment for Sat. He sent me some detailed pics. The boat has a jack plate, hydraulic steering, humminbird electronics and a Tracker/Motorguide trolling motor. It also sits on a single axles trailer. I will let you know if I purchase it or not. Thanks for all the input this is what makes this site great.

Steve

[Troy250]

I own that same rig. Great boat, real good/dry ride. Like someone said, don't know how many more years you will get out of that motor, I just had to rebuild mine, but it was great for 14 years. Now I wish I would have repowered because I love the hull and the ride and plan to keep it for several more years.

[Steve O.]

Went to look at the boat this morning. In person the boat was in bad shape. It looks like mice had a feast on the wiring. The carpet was all coming up. When I spoke to the guy on the phone he did not mention any of this. He said he took the motor in for all seasonal maintence but had no receipts. So I am still kicking tires. After reading all the good remarks on bbc about this boat I though I had found the perfect boat. Thanks everyone for giving me your opinions this site is great.

Steve

[bassindon2]

Sorry to hear that the boat was in such rough shape. Doesn't it just amaze you how people will tell you how well maintained and cared for something is and then when you get there it is a disaster.

Myself I would rather have someone tell me the truth and then let me decide if I can fix it up to work for the money involved and time it will take.

Don't lie to me.

[Steve O.]

Great news, I found another boat. It is a Stratos 273 w/150 Evinrude ficht. They are both 98, the guy purchased new in late 99. The boat is loaded with options and is in great shape just some small crack on the passenger console. It is the clear gel and not deep in the glass. You can run your finger nail over it and it catches. Is this something to worry about? I have to get back to the guy in the morning.

Thanks

[bird]

I would worry more about the Ficht engine

[Team do work]

i heard bad things about the ficthts also.

[GregInAtl]

I was w/ a guy tofday who has tat exact set up....67 mph tourney loaded 2 people....70 alone light. My 06 201 w/ a 225 only does 70-71.....

[Steve O.]

I was kinda parinoid about the ficht at first. I have been doing a lot of research and spoke to the mechanic and got the print outs from the computer board on the motor. It has a 157hrs. for a 1998 motor purchased in late 99, and it has been driven mostly at 5900 rpms, all cylinders check out, it has had the factory upgrade kit install back in 2000. Now if I could get the owner to get the title work straightened out I will have the green light to purchase my first Stratos. Hopefully I will be fishing before August. LOL!! It always seems to be something!!

Steve