Finally got another Stratos! I call this one "Bass Killer"!

[broncojim1994]

Well here she is. I just picked up this boat today! Finally got another Stratos! Im so stoked over this boat, its insanely fast (GPS said I was going 70! Holy Shit!), runs smooth, Jumps out of the water like nobody's business!
Stratos1.jpgStratos2.jpgStratos3.jpgStratos4.jpgStratos5.jpg

Its a bit rough around the edges for sure. The engine was recently gone over with a fine tooth comb. Has a Johnson 175 Fast Strike with 4 blade SS prop with Hydraulic Steering. Motor has had coil packs, optical eye, thermostats, carb bowls and gaskets and fuel pump all replaced within the last year. Lower Unit was just serviced. There are MANY things that it needs. The #1 priority is the crappy original Johnson Trolling motor HAS TO GO! Also the clear coat on the hull top is all flaking off. I will have a good oportunity to use all my air tools and paint guns on this one. So heres the plan.....

1.) New Trolling motor.
2.) New Trolling motor wiring and connectors.
3.) New onboard 3 way charger.
4.) Sand and clear coat the top and inside gel coat. Buff and polish till you can count every crater on the moon in the reflection.
5.) Blast and paint the engine, New decals all the way around. Custom "Bass Killer" Decals.
6.) Replace all Gauges and wiring.
7.) New Live well Pumps. 1 is out.
8.) Build a new Custom Dash for the new gauges, install New built in GPS/Fish Finder.

This is the first Bass Boat I have Exclusively Owned. I was 50/50 with my dad on the last Stratos 201. It had the 150 FICHT Evenrude and when it finally ate itself we sold the hull. I had already moved to Florida by then and he got a little Skeeter SX170. (Which he hates because its so damn small and cramped in the driver seat.

This stratos blows our old 201 out of the water as far as speed and handling go. The 175 just seems to make gobs more power than the 150 on the 201. Plus this boat is a couple of feet shorter than the 201, so im sure that has something to do with it.

Since this is my first Boat of my own, and my dad is 20 hours away from here, I have a couple of newb questions.

1. What do you call the protective boot where all the fuel lines and such come out of the motor? Its all cracked and broken and I want to replace it. Is there any kind of write up on this anywhere?
2. The PO disconnected the Oil Injection. Is this a Good thing? A Bad thing? Should I hook it all back up? Leave it alone?

Thanks for the feedback!

[TXguy201]

Your boat almost certainly has a black 4.5 inch cable boot like this: Cable Boot | T-H Marine

However, taking EVERYTHING loose to replace one is a major undertaking in my opinion, and there are some cautions associated with reconnecting everything afterward. Instead, many people opt to install a "split boot". It has upper layers that are size staggered; you would cut part of that off accordingly for the size of the exit hole you need for your cables. If you get one, slide the old one up the harness a bit to confirm the new one fits to your satisfaction it before you hack the old one off.
Split Cable Boot with Mounting Ring | T-H Marine

If you install one of the split ones, remember to rotate the split of the ring and the split of the boot opposite one another for a more secure installation. I suggest having the split of the boot be on the lower side - where it may not even be noticeable.

[broncojim1994]

Ok thats at least on the right track. The part im looking for is the hose that covers what goes thru this (Cable Boot | T-H Marine), and then the boot that connects to the engine on the other end. This Boat end (like you show above) is actually in great condition.

[broncojim1994]

Ok thats at least on the right track. The part im looking for is the hose that covers what goes thru this, and then the boot that connects to the engine on the other end. This Boat end (like you show above) is actually in great condition.
Something like this.
ZRS-1-ZRS-2-ZRS-5-zippered-rigging-sleeve-outboard-rigging-cover-INSTALLED-TWO-500.jpg

The actual Part is the boot on the motor end.

Sounds like the reason every old boat I see has a cracked boot is, its too expensive to fix.

[LethalSS]

Congrats, i saw this boat on CL and it looked like a great deal!!

[TXguy201]

If you want the part that is actually fitted into the motor cowling, that is a motor part - not a generic piece. You'll need to get it from an outboard dealer. That part is normally split I think, so it can be opened to clasp around the rigging bundle for installation.

[StratosDadRI]

Shop VAc hose and make it fit. I cut a slit in the shop vac hose and it works fine.

[ChampioNman]

Becareful on the clear coat, don't use automotive clear on it or you'll be doing again in a year or two. Looks like someone tried to do just that. When the top cap is sprayed clear gel coat is sprayed then the colors get sprayed. You may want to try removing that clear and use a water sander and see if the original clear will come back.

[Fetters]

Wet sand it with 400 or 320 if its rough. When finished wash it down with A-Jax and a Red scuff pad.

Clear coat it with a heavy industrial clear coat,,not automotive, it will not last, trust me. I use clear coat that is used on locomotives and navy ships. And it holds up awsome on bass boats,,The only thing is those coatings do not buff well . I work for an Industrial coatings company..