Just got a new (used) toy!!! Asking for advice and tips.

[Limmy]

Hi Stratos owners, I've been looking at a 295 Pro from the 1991 vintage for some time and have had alot of questions answered while in the process of checking it out from the kind folks on this forum.

Well, I bought it!!! Compression checked out good, the transom is solid, hull is good, carpet is fine (not new but clean and tight), seats fine for 17 years old.

I'd like to request that if any of you have any insight, advice, or warnings, to let me know. I've got a few months to work on her as it's 16 degrees right now here in OHIO.

Here are a few things to talk about

* The electronics are old: Humm 300TX and Low X25

* The TM is an old 12/24 OMC good condition

* The motor is a Johnson Faststrike 175

* The prop is a 4 blade Shooter

I'd really appreciate any and all comments you can send my way concerning my new toy.

Thanks in Advance, Limmy

[lkhartwl]

redo the electronics with gps at the dash and a decent unit in the front, get some parts ( spare ) for that OMC as it is probably one of the best trolling motors made, also get a hand book for it for repairs and such.
Motor is a good motor have it totally checked out by the tech and make sure there is no water leakage in the #1 cylinder. other than that change the plugs have the carbs cleaned and maybe a refresh since you did not post the compression ( they should be no less than 10 PSI difference in any one)

Get a jackplate if not having one on the boat 6 " manual hydrodynamics, in my opinion is best as it is easiest to adjust on the water and is sold by a sponser of the boardshttp://www.pitstopmarine.com//...01087either the rapid jack or easy lift is a good chioce

now then most of all GET RID of the Shooter Prop!!!!!!!! get either a raker or raker2, or a tempest 24-25 pitch on those is a good place to start

Good luck and have fun freexing your cahones off as we are getting ready for some of your weather down here!

[fieldsj66]

ditto, dump the prop for raker or chopper. keep the x25 at the bow if its still working good. new model with gps for the console...some cheap ones on forum sell board. i've had two or three of those motors before and loved 'em. holeshot should be excellent with very good top end. And reliable. go with the raker or choppers if you can drive good. stay with others if you don't.

[Limmy]

lkhartwl, Thanks for the reply and the honest advice. I can't tell you how neat it is to be a part of this site where so many folks want to help each other. I hope I can lend some advice some day.

The compression was 105 to 110 psi with three cylinders being 108 and one 107. So I'm guessing that's pretty good.

That's good news about the Trolling Motor, I'll try to keep it together.

I think I'm going to look at the Lowrance 522c or its' Eagle counterpart for the console and try to put my 102c on the bow.

I need a new windshield and probably will check with C&O for that. Do you agree?

Thanks again for your input and you'll be hearing more from me soon. Limmy

[Limmy]

Thanks fieldsj66, I'm looking forward to getting this rig in shape. I appreciate your input. They tell me the Shooter prop is good for hole shot but not so good for top end. Will the Raker get me 60 mph gps? As far as what kind of a driver I am, well, I've been driving a Lund ProV 90 HP for the last ten years. It's topping out at 42 mph tops. I'm sure I've got some learning to do with my new (used) Stratos. Any tips are appreciated. Regards, Limmy

[dreplogle]

Congrats on new boat, I also own older Stratos Mine is a 1990 275 Pro XL with a 150 Johnson and a 23 renegade prop no jackplate(yet) and am running 62 Mph just me and fishing gear w/ full tanks. I emptied it out and ran just me one 8lb anchor and about 7 gals gas and saw 65 on GPS cool day little chop. Also that trolling motor is one TOUGH S.O.B! .

[BassOrBlast]

Congrats on your 295Pro! I'd be interested in pics as I have same hull. Besides the prop change/jackplate/other suggestions above, here are some project ideas I've done as time/$'s allow:

*check all your bilge and livewell hoses and fittings for cracks/brittleness, check your livewell selector valve for leaks/stuck postion, check inside your livewell pumps for corrosion/crud.
*If you didn't get a key for your Perko hatchlocks, IM me for help.
*If you want to make your own custom rod racks for your rod boxes, IM me and I'll send you the templates/ details on how I did mine.
*Consider a blinker-style trim switch, much safer to learn to drive w/ both hands on wheel-- I can tell you (now) how to remove your steering wheel and install trim unit without breaking your nose and glasses . You'll need to redrill the adaptor template and change the lever postion to see all your gauges, but it ain't hard.
*Install an onboard battery charger, the bridging plate on inner hull at the bilge area is perfect spot and you can thru-bolt it.
*Install a keel protector.
*Install a T-valve stopcock drain on your WP gauge for freezing temps, it's alot easier/cheaper than replacing it with an OEM matching gauge.

***CHANGE those dmn wingnuts on the battery terminals to hex nuts.***

*Bring your engine to ChampioNman for a going over and tweaking-- it is worth the drive

*Slap a BBC.com decal on each side, congratulate yourself on a great boat for a little bit of $$, pick a nasty rough water day at the lake and enjoy your pimped-out ride! and

[fieldsj66]

You might get speeds you want top end with the 26 raker, but she will be harder to drive. you will have to brush up on the chinewalk articles and practice. the 26 will be slightly slower on the holeshot than a 24 or 25(which set up right will probably get 60+).
No reason why it shouldn't. I had a 17' with a 115 with a 23" chopper that would do 60+. if i were you i would check on getting it propped right with the help of Mark over on the prop forum. I'm just guessing but I would think that a 24 or 25 might be better. four blades also drive a little easier and have slightly better holeshot. Mark could probably suggest some options. I love your model of boat and setup. That size is ideal for many fishing applications. I would have one now, but found a good deal on a 21XL. I had a friend that had one with a 25 three blade "Ballistic" that ran well. The 175 will have probably the same holeshot as the 200, but not the upper rpm torque for a bigger prop like 26s and 27s.

Get a good deal? post us some stratos porn.

[Limmy]

Thanks alot for all the neat possible options/mods. I'll definately be working on many of them. Right now I'm going to clean it all up and work on the top cap above the rub rail. It's oxidized bad and with all the good tips to try on this site (restoration), I'm going to go town on that soon.

You've really given me some great ideas on ways to tweak and make the rig better. Thanks

I'm going to crawl inside it and go over hoses, pumps, wiring, and everything in general.

I will be IMMing you on the Hatchlock Key thing and the rod racks, Thanks again.

It's going to be single digits tonight but the garage is 50 so I'll be out there.

Later, Rick

[Limmy]

Sound good Fieldsj66,

I'm excited about what you're telling me about props. I'll definately be trying some different ones when the weather breaks. I guess a Shooter 4blade will make a good spare, Right?

I don't want a rocket, like your 21XL, but just something that will get me 60 or so. Heck most of our pothole lakes up here are only few miles long anyway.

I'm safety minded and will probably go for a 24 or 25. I have read about chine walk and seen some of the videos.

Hey I'm happy to hear from you and look forward to sharing info in the future.

Regards, Rick

[BassOrBlast]

my boat was almost golden, it was so badly oxidized. i used YachtBrite BuffMagic, a non-abrasive chemical deoxidizer, and now boat is blk/blue/silver metalflake.
If you want to try something b/f wet-sanding, you can buy it at BoatersWorld. The results amazed me and if you do a search you will find my comments in same regard. just takes elbow grease and time, f/u w/ YachtBrite Polish and BassBoatSaver, another great find from the smart folk on BBC.com.

Remember to thank Al and everyone here from time to time for the Best Info/Peeps site on the web!

[Limmy]

Man, that's a great idea about the Buffmagic. I'll definately look into it. Mine is Black with Red metalflake and the side stripes are silver metalflake. The underside of the hull is nice other than the scratches down the keel from beaching and such. A keel guard is on the short list of things to do.

I'll get the numbers on the latch locks if you might have insight as to finding a key.

When I IM you with that I'll remind you that I'm quite interested in the rod holder templates.

I can't thank you folks enough for all your great ideas and help.

Best Regards, Rick

[BassOrBlast]

Rick-- you have Instant Message from me. If it is not coming thru, turn OFF your pop-up blocker to allow IM's.

[Limmy]

I think I got the pop ups unblocked, Thanks for the IM.

[stretch]

Congrats on new/used boat You will love it I love mine sounds just like yours I have the shooter prop and it does fine dont care about being a speed demon just getting to and from some relaxing fishing heres a pic of mine

[Limmy]

Stretch, Wow, nice rig. If I can get my black and silver 295 to look anything like yours I'll be real happy. I'm not too worried about the shooter either. They say it's a good hole shot prop and a good rough water prop as well.

Man, You've done a great job with the finish. What do you use to make it shine like that?

I'll send some pics when I get it cleaned up. Thanks again, Limmy

[mgtl82]

Ditto on the raker 24 my 295pro elite runs low 60's with it, 150 Intruder hyd plate.
Don't forget to spend time going over the trailer ie bunks,bearings,tires including spare,winch strap,tiedowns,lights and brakes if you have them.If you don't have a Hotfoot get one your gonna need it

[Limmy]

Thanks for the insight. I've looked the trailer over and I think it's pretty solid. I'm going to pack the bearings before I hit the road. Yeah, I think a hot foot is in the plans to be as safe as possible.

Lots of things to think about in rig set up. Thanks and best regards, Limmy

[Lockjaw]

Don't rule out a Renegade either. Those are fine props, you may like them better then a raker. I do and the gades have been faster on both my boats.

I have always had turning problems with rakers, they lose bite. A gade will cure that. I am running a 25p TR04 right now, and it is a nice prop as well.

Looking to try a tempest next.

A shooter lacks the lift of a raker or the newer props. I have a 25p one and on my old boat it would only run about 50, I have seen 65 with a gade of the same pitch. The shooter turned some rpms too.

[Limmy]

Hey Lockjaw, Thanks for the advice on the Gades. I wish I was located down in your area where I could try out some props. Right now things are on hold as we're froze up.

This spring will be a lot of fun. Thanks again, Rick