2002 Javelin 185

[SHOboat719]

Guys,
I need some help in identifying if $10,000 is a good deal for this boat. It is in great condition. Apparently the guy didn't use it much. It has a Yamaha VMax 150 with no feedback steering. I can't seem to find anything on it in NADA so I am not quite sure if it is that (more or less).
Here is what I know about it:
18'6" boat
Lowrance X41 at the console and x71 at the box
New Motorguide 70lb t/m
carpet (great)
seats (great)
Aerator recirc and pumpout
Gelcoat nice and shiny
only bottom scratches (minimal)

Tell me what you think and if you have ever seen or owned one.

Thanks,
Eric

[bigfish]

I had an 03 Stratos 185J basicaly same boat (same exact hull)
It was a realy great boat, run low 60 everytime out, smooth, really just a great boat for an 18'6' boat. nice wide beam..

10k sounds aboutright, but I have nothing to base it on, good luck

[Javelin185]

I have an 2002 Javelin 185 and I absoluty love it. Except for upgraded consoles and seats it the same boat as the current Stratos 285. It fishes much bigger then an 18.6 boat. I don't have a jackplate and with a tournament load, partner, and full wells I'm usually running 55 to 57 and 60 to 61 light with a 150hp Johnson and 4blade Renegade. I have had ZERO problems with any part of the boat. The only thing that gets on my nerves (until my wife, mom, or partner in the rain is with me) is that I have dual consoles which can make getting those 7' rods in a little bit of a pain. I would think that if it is in great condition, that price would be about right on.

[SHOboat719]

Thanks for the response guys! I went ahead and made the deal. I am looking forward to bringing it home. I just sold my 379 last week and this fits the bill nicely.

Eric

[thebassoutlaw]

You will be very happy with that boat!

[SHOboat719]

Love your dual console! I pulled the trigger on buying the 185 but since you have one I would like to run a couple of questions passed you.
1. What is the total length on the trailer? I measured right at 22' with no jackplate.

2. Do you find the Johnson 150 adequate? This one has a VMax 150, hopefully it will get me down the lake.

3. I am replacing a Javelin 379 (17'9") and I measured this one at 18'6", is the correct?

4. Does yours have trailer brakes?

5 Do you have zero feedback steering and if so what is it?

Thanks,
Eric

[catfish621]

Edowell, with a 23m yamaha prop I get a great holeshot and midrange and top out around 60. No brakes on my trailer. Yes boat is 18' 6". Don't know about steering as mines hydraulic. I have a 2003 which is the same boat. I've never heard anyone say anything bad about this boat. I love mine.

[Javelin185]

- 22' is what I measured on mine

- The boats are rated for only 150 and Yes I think the 150 is adequate, and your's will probably be even more so with the VMax.

-18'6" is correct and because of the deep V hull it fishes and rides more like 19'6".

-I don't have trailer brakes although I wish I had them just because they are nice.

-Zero Feedback (someone will probably have a better explanation) means the prop won't turn the steering wheel while running. With older steering if you let go of the wheel while running you had better get ready to do a 180 or worse and with the no feed back if you let go of the wheel (not recomended) it will track straight.

[ZeroHour]

I ahve the zero feedback and mine will run straight all day even in the rough stuff with a light hand on the wheel, however you still have to muscle it to turn it.

Good luck love ym Jav.,

[SHOboat719]

Thanks guys!
I appreciate all the feedback and responses! Looking forward to picking up friday.

Eric

[SHOboat719]

Well I brought it home tonight. I spent awhile at T&S's having them go thru it. The engine was all between 4 lb of pressure. Right at 110lb. The No Feedback steering will take some getting used to but I like it. Man, what a difference between my old 379 and this boat. Alot has to do with the Yamaha. It feels totally difference and much stronger than my Johnson. It almost feels like the boat starts on plane! It just pops right up, even with the livewells filled. everything works great. I came right home and clean it up and snapped a couple of pixs.







Modified by edowell at 9:47 PM 3/7/2008


Modified by edowell at 4:20 AM 3/8/2008


Modified by edowell at 12:09 PM 3/8/2008


Modified by edowell at 12:10 PM 3/8/2008

[lawdawg41]

Nice looking rig you have there. I had the exact same rig year motor and all. I really liked my boat had no troubles what so ever and the boat did fish and ride great. I had my motor 2/14 under pad with a turbo lightning prop worked by mark and saw 65.3 gps at 5800 rmp. The boat handled great with very little chine between 64 to 65 mph but it was a bear to steer at lower speeds. I had hydraulic steering added once I had the boat for a little while from my local dealer for around $300.00 and it was a good investment. I sold my boat and diedel truck last year so I could get married... ...but I have no regrets about that, atleast I tell the wife that. But she said I could replace it and I am looking for another boat now and I am looking for a stratos 294. But good luck with your rig you should love it....congrats.

[lawdawg41]

forgot to mention my boat was spotless probably 9.5 out of 10 and I sold it for $15,000, so $10,000 you did well.

[Musky Mike]

Looks almost identical to my 2004 Stratos 285. Boat looks great, get some Bass Boats saver to take care of it. The single console is the way to go on the smaller boat...it leaves a lot more room to get the rods out of the locker and more room if fishing 3 people.

[thebassoutlaw]

Very clean looking, ENJOY!!!

[Javelin185]

Looks good

[bassfisher87]

I am looking at buying a boat just like this one and I was wondering what the best prop to put on the 150 mercury would be. Thanks for all the help.