Might purchase a Stratos 285 w/ a Mercury Opti

[beckleybassfanatic]

It seems like the Stratos 285 Pro XL comes rigged with every different engine available!!! I had one with a Johnson, my friends have got Yamahas on theirs, another friend of mine has a Mercury Optimax on his, another has an Evinrude E-Tec, all are 150hp motors....Im considering buying one that has the Mercury Optimax on it, is this a strong motor, does it run well with the Stratos hull? Will it give speeds like the yamahas will? thanks!

[taekdown918]

I have a 2008 with a 150 opti, I love it. With 550lbs (two guys) full gear and fuel I run 59 on gps with a six inch plate on the back. If I fill the live wells during the day it will run about 56 gps. Great ride and hole shot. Best 18 1/2 footer out there in my opinion. Just installed a HDS 7 in the dash as well, it was tight but works/look awesome.

[ridgerunner6901]

if i'm fishing by myself my 09 opti/285 will run 62 with 1/2 tank of fuel and 1/4 full livewells, they are so deep i rarely ever fill them. with a freind and all the crap i carry to a tourney it will run 58-59 with a 6" jackplate and a 25 p tempest plus at 5600 rpm. i'm thinking a 24P tempest plus may be the best prop for this rig though
p

[basstratos]

I have a 2004 285 single console I bought new with a 150 opti. Have not had a bad performance experience. Came with a 24 but I was told to try a 23 tempest plus. Man what a difference! Full load by myself, I'll run 64-65 gps all day long. Amazing hole shot with the tempest also! Best 18.5 boat out there. Not because I said so, but owners of other brands 18.5 who fish with me have said so. The only thing I will tell you is that here incalifornia during night tournaments, speed is only 5 mph. The 150 opti does not have a low water pickup so you may encounter high temp engine alarms depending on the water.