Need a little info on this boat if known, i.e., size of the two gas tanks, how does it ride and handle, and how does it fish. I think my son is about to purchase this boat...it's spotless and looks brand new with low hours. Anything he should be aware of? It'll be test driven next week-end. Here's a pic of it:
I thought I would be on Easy Street by now but somehow I missed the off ramp!
first off that is a decent looking boat, also it is on a newer trailer 285's did not come with dual axle or removable tounges unless very very special ordered or the original trailer had major problems. I have a 94 201 and dont have removable tounge on mine nor was it available then.
Now for the boat it is what ChampionMan calls a little hot rod. especially if it has a 175, if not it still hauls butt with a 150. it is great for a starter boat or for someone who is not a Fat **s like me. I found the front deck to be a bit short for me but then I came off owning a gambler when I had one. lots of storage almost enough for a small army. looks like it probably has 2-20 gallon tanks which the fast strike/intruder will love. fishability while not as stable ( size) as a 201 they are pretty good, the back deck is liked by all as it is large. good sized livewells ride will be a little bouncy due to length but fine it aint no 20+ footer but rides good for the size. looks to be in good shape you did not post the price but it should be between 6-9grand on the low end maybe 10 if the seats and electronics have been upgraded and in perfect condition. so if you are getting it for between say 7+10 000 it would be a good deal. Just remember to take it to a authorized dealer of Johnson/BRP to have a few tests done on the engine, compression, leak down, check lower unit for water and such. if all checks out your son will love the boat. I really like the colors on it. Nice and clean. good luck
[I]TEAM CORGI DOG[I]
1996 javelin 400T /1996 Johnson 200 Venom
ikhartwl,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, the boat has upgraded electronics but no GPS and the engine has already been checked out by an authorized dealer. The price falls about in the middle of the range you posted. Interior carpet and upholstery looks like new. My main concern for him was the boats stability since the beam is a little on the skinny side. He's pretty good size guy, 6'4" @250#. I just didn't want him to get in over his head right out of the chute with his first bass boat. Thanks again!
I thought I would be on Easy Street by now but somehow I missed the off ramp!
The 285 is a great boat. That looks like a very clean boat that has either been totally redone or very well takenb care of. Those are veru good motors also.
The trailer looks like it is either the original or was purchased within a few years of the original date. I cannot tell that it is a retractable tongue from the picture.
Stratos sold a lot of these boats back then and there was a reason for their popularity.
Kenneth
hi Kenneth if you look at the tounge of the trailer you can see the 2 handles that pull out and allow for the tounge to be moved. it is a good looking boat.
Larry, I will tell ya this from experience as I had one like it but different colors, I found the deck to be a bit small as I am 6' x 270 lbs. so let him test it but tell him not to get to disapointed if he gets on the front deck and he seems to be right over the trolling motor or on the nose as that is how I felt on it. my 201 works a lot better for me and a 201 may work better for him. Steve
[I]TEAM CORGI DOG[I]
1996 javelin 400T /1996 Johnson 200 Venom
Those handles are not part of a detachable tongue. If it does have a detachable tongue, it would be just to the left of where the picture was cutoff. I am not trying to argue but I see nothing in the picture that can be removed.
Kenneth
]I don't know if this helps but I have a 94' 284 with a Johnson 150. I have a great hole shot, good top end.(around the 60 mark) Rides very smooth, and takes waves great. My only complaints is in turns has a bit of slide. Might be that I'm use to my fathers boat 21' Storm. All in all I'm very please with my Stratos.
Oh yeah fishes great.
Good Luck,
Chris
thats one clean looking rig!!!Buddy of mine has the same rig with a 150 on it...he is in the upper 300 pound range...and he can just about pass me in my 201 with a 225
That is one clean looking boat . I had a 282 w/ the 150 intruder for my last ride and I loved it . Never had a lick of trouble with the engine at all , and I ran her pretty good for nearly four years . I don't think getting this for a starter boat would be a mistake at all. Have fun .
Jump on it. I have a '93 285 with a Johnson 175 and love it. Very stable, nice riding and mine runs low 60's with no jack plate or tweaking. The best thing I did for it that made the boat come alive was put a 23 Renegade prop on it. Hole shot is instant, planes at 20 mph and get good fuel mileage at 4500 rpms. With the Renegade you can drive with one hand at 60. If this is his first boat then you might find a Renegade and he will be handling it with ease and won't have to mess with any chime walking, mine disappeared when I put the four blade on it.
I own a 1997 285 Pro Elite. It has a 175 Inturder on it. I also have a 23 Renegade prop as well. I am 6'4" 240 lbs and I think there is plenty of room.. This is not my first boat. But I love the fact that I can get into places that alot of 20's can't. The statement about it being a hotrod. Well its true.. You might not be able to out run 200 or 225. But they will not leave you either. You will be able to hang decently close!! Your son will have a blast. Great looking boat.. I like the color scheme alot better than my boat. Good luck and let us know how the test drive goes...
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