looking at a 1996 stratos single console 278w/150hp johnson opinions please

[bassman34]

Hi all, i have had ranger boats these past few years & feel i know there product sorta well. I recently sold my 1998 r93 to upgrade to an early 2000's model ranger, however in the meantime iv sorta had a change of heart & want to hold off on spending that kind of $$$ at this time. Well iv run across a nice (in the pictures) 1996 stratos 278 with a 1996 johnson 150hp motor. I know nothing about stratos, are stratos boats still being built? Anyone know the 278's and if they were good/bad? Can i still get parts if needed? The owner did mention the live well switches are goofy, says the switches @ the bow need to be switched on to work, the console switches only work when bow switches are on. Other then that it sounds like a good ride. Also he is asking $6300. Opinions wanted, thanks folks

[billybass]

Good morning Tyson. I had a 1995 278 a while back. They fish pretty big for a 17' 9" boat (I had the factory deck extension), has a fair amount of storage, and runs great with the 150. Biggest drawback to the boat is how wet you will get in rough water. When the weather would get ugly I'd take a lot of water spray over the fwd quarters and it all landed on my chest and lap. If you'll be keeping it in smaller waters you'll love it, big waters not so much.

[Boat4Life]

First of all, yes to Stratos still being in business. Several years ago, I had a Stratos 278 with 150 hp and it was perfect for what I did. After having a few different used boats over the years, I am now back in a 1994 Stratos 270 with 150 Evinrude. I've had several Stratos boats and have always liked them as much as my Rangers, Skeeters, and Champion. The price you mention seems fair if all is in good shape. Personally, when someone has an asking price, it is generally accepted they will negotiate. I paid $6000 (he asked $6800 obo) for my 1994 Stratos 270 last year and it has new carpet, original seats with no tears, and everything works. It is above avge condition for it's age so I considered the price fair. As stated, my livewells have a main cutoff switch next to my throttle and you turn on a switch at the front panel to start circulation in auto or manual mode. Good luck.

[Hair Jig]

To start ... the 278 is a nice boat. Like has already been said, it will wet you in rough waters.

The asking price is a little too high in my opinion. If it were EXTREMELY nice $6000 would be top dollar. On the other hand, if it strikes your fancy, is the colors that you like, and you feel good about the boat in general, then I wouldn't let a few hundred stand in my way.

[pYr8]

I'm running a 93 274 that has a '96 125 mounted. Switching to a XR4 soon.
I'll echo what's been said above, good solid ride but get out your windshield wipers when it gets nasty. Last time on TBend things got a little dicey when the wind kicked up but I was also trying to be a stunt driver. The boat does well pointing 45° to the mid day sun

I'm going to be adding a deck extension & I've already added a TM pedal tray and replaced the steering cables.

We gave $5500 for it last year but it was almost a bidding war. Decent boats in the "under $10K" price range were scarce around here at the time. It's good looking though and I'm really looking forward to Swapping in the 150. There was and still is some electrical problems but many older boats face that, too many unknowledgeable hands with wire strippers in them...

[Hair Jig]

Guys, both of you are mentioning electrical issues. My 278 also had electrical problems. The battery would drain if it sat more than 5-6 days. Several trips back to the dealer, and finally a call to Stratos by the dealer, resulted in a trip back to the factory and a new wiring harness. Although Stratos didn't admit it to me, the dealer said that they had replaced the harness in several 270 & 278 models that year (1996). Just food for thought.

[pYr8]

My understanding is that the wiring bundles were/are outsourced to 3rd party companies so when there is a problem they just pull a new harness through instead of trying to troubleshoot it. Time saver for the factory.