Buying an older STRATOS... opinions?

[bigbronc23]

Looking at an 87' Stratos 201 Pro this week, boat is priced at 4,000 and is posted as : 200HP Mercury, Stainless prop, fuel injected, newer Minnekota bow mount, dual livewells,hydrylic jackplate tilt works trim does not i think it just needs to be wired in,runs good could probably use a tune up paint is a little faded but overall in good condition
I have emailed him a couple of times and gotten this in response : the trim hasnt worked since i owned the boat ,doesnt seem to be any major electrical problems except for the trim and speedometor does not work, all livewells and bilge pumps work , structurely the boat is in excellent condition no cracks or soft spots gel coat is a little faded as is the motor feel free to call or e mail any more questions thanks,Dan

2nd email) I have owned the boat for three years,the boat is an 87,trailer is an 88 magnum , motor is an 85. sorry i should have clarified that in the ad. I am around any night after 5 or 6 i could meet you in baldwin there is a lake north of baldwin a couple miles that we could take it to thanks ,Dan call ahead on whatever day you would like and i will make sure to be avalible

Wondering what to look for when I do go check this boat out and if this "trim issue" is a big deal... and if so how much it would cost to fix??? Thanks ahead of time for any help!!
Alex
***Soon to be boat owner hopefully!!***

[ep72]

Check that 85 fuel injected merc out. Did I read that right?

I would check every thing good. The electricals etc., pumps and bilge, trailer, give everything a good look. And have a compression test done if your serious about the boat.

[bigbronc23]

Well he stated it was fuel injected hah... bear with me here as I am a "newbie" had they not switched over to fuel injection by 85? Also where is the best place to get compression tests done, I'm assuming call a local marine dealer to set it up before going to look at teh boat? Also do you know what the deal may be with this "trim Issue"? Thanks!

[ep72]

Aside from race motors possibly I dont think there were any FI motors til the 90's

You can either do a compression test yourself if your familiar with it ,or have a marine dealer or a trusted mechanic handle it.

Check over on the Merc forum as to the trim issue.