Will Be Getting A Stratos Tomorrow 99'

[BassHunter954]

Will be getting this tomorrow on a amazing deal!!!!!!!!!!!!! its a 99 and so is the motor the floor transom an every thing is in good condition the hull is also stamped 100% composite. lgmouthgambler came with me and checked it out tell me what you guys think? how much you guys think this boat is worth???? this will be my first real bass boat!

motor looks good shape for year and boat looks good condition for year

specs i know so far: 18ft. long , minn kota tiller trolling motor 70lb. thrust , 99 johnson 150hp , stainless steel 4 blade prop , built in cooler , livewell , 4 storage compartments , rod under deck storage for up to 8ft. rods , on board battery charger for all 4 batterie's , butt seat and poles for front and rear , 2 life jackets , new ropes , depth finder , 2 800 gph bilge pumps , tackle storage.. more to list just gotta think what else. BAD IS THE TRAILER IS GOOD BUT IT HAS RUST AROUND IT BUT WILL HOLD UP FOR A LITTLE.. LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS THINK AND WHAT ELSE SHOULD I CHECK..

[BassHunter954]

anyone?

["BRB"]

There nothing like your first bass boat. I bet you couldnt be happier. Congrats man!! Take care of her and she well take care of you.

[scrutch]

You should have a mechanic look over the motor before you buy. It looks like its in nice shape. Hopefully the motor checks out and you'll have yourself a lot of fun with it. Good luck!

[MN Bassin' nOOb]

Assuming everything checks out; decent deal would be $7k, great deal would be $6k.

Big thing that could swing it is quality of the electronics which you don't list...

[Glenn]

Much sweeter ride than my first "real" bass boat! Definitely have a mechanic look at the engine and trailer (bearings, brakes). I'm not sure how old those tires are, but if they're more than 7 years old, replace them immediately. If the batteries are more than 5 years old, replace those too.

Other than that, it looks like a solid boat. Congrats!

[BassHunter954]

thanks guys and not sure about electronics and trailer has new tires and rims including spare from west marine but trailer is a little rusted out.... an im getting it for waayyyyyy less then 6k

[BassHunter954]

and what will a mechanic actully look for on motor? compression check, any noise in lower unit, oil, plugs etc.

[topwaterrob]

and what will a mechanic actully look for on motor? compression check, any noise in lower unit, oil, plugs etc.

Unless you know the seller, I'd start with a basic 100 hour service on the motor.... gear lube/thermostats/impellor/fuel filter etc.....

[BassHunter954]

Unless you know the seller, I'd start with a basic 100 hour service on the motor.... gear lube/thermostats/impellor/fuel filter etc.....

ok any suggestions who does that around here in are area of florida?

[Sfritr]

If you are getting that rig for "way less than 6K" I would absolutely have the motor checked by a certified tech. The little birdy in my head is saying there is an issue for that cheap. From the looks of the trolling motor, it makes me think it has been used in salt water. Other than Bill Dance, I don't know many freshwater fisherman who use a tiller TM. Usually more for Redfishermen and flats. Therefore, I would be concerned with the internal parts of the motor. Just trying to be worst case scenerio guy

[BassHunter954]

My pops has a saltwater boat wellcraft and he has same motor but a white one an you can tell its been used in saltwater by looking at it this motor on this boat looks showroom condition for year. The only downer is the trailer its rusted

[Ima Bass Ninja]

My pops has a saltwater boat wellcraft and he has same motor but a white one an you can tell its been used in saltwater by looking at it this motor on this boat looks showroom condition for year. The only downer is the trailer its rusted

This could also be a indication of saltwater use,

[BassHunter954]

It doesn't look like original trailer but I can be wrong... and wouldn't the haul have salt corrosion on paint an lower unit also if it was salt used

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Sounds like a great deal if the motor checks out. As far as electronics go, looking in your pics, you're getting a very basic Eagle unit. In all honesty though, for what we do down here, you really don't need much more. If I was you, I would look into adding a GPS of some kind at some point.

If the boat was well cleaned after any salt use, you might not see salt corrosion. My saltwater boat has none of it, and it's been used heavily. Depending on where it is down here, and what the trailer is made out of, it might rust no matter what. It's just one of those things that can happen with the salty air down here from being so close to the Atlantic. It's amplified if you don't maintain the trailer. Hope it all works out for you, from what it sounds like, you're getting a steal. Wish I had seen it before you.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

ok any suggestions who does that around here in are area of florida?

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of places down here that'll do it. The hard part is finding somebody that has a really good reputation. Open up that phone book and start making some calls. I'm sure you can find a Johnson certified place still. If not, both BPS have pretty good service facilities in our area. The one at the Dolphin mall is usually far less crowded than the Dania store.

[Fishing Cowgirl]

Congrats on your new-to-you-boat! I agree with getting the motor at least checked out. The electronics can be purchased as your budget allows. Or drop some birthday /Christmas gift hints to family

[BassHunter954]

K thanks guys will consider. And yes 2800 cause the guy doesn't use it as much cause he had baby. And he doesn't want it just sitting at his house. Pretty much to rot when it is worth more then sitting.

[BassHunter954]

Its priced for quick sale

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Eesh. For 2800 bucks I'd leap on it, even if the motor had problems. If the hull and all is solid, repowering is an option at that price if the motor is shot.

[BassHunter954]

^exactly this is a dead shot price at its best but the motor runs and etc.

[GLADES]

There is a trailer repair shop on Sterling road off of I95. I will send you a PM with the details.

My trailer had some rust too, they repaired it good as new. Check your axle bearings too. Having a wheel fly off is no fun.

[South FLA]

Sounds good for $2800

You stated it has 4 batteries? The motor at 70lbs is 24 volts so that accounts for 2 of the 4, the starting battery is for the big engine, what is the 4th one for? Is it a house battery? if so you can stand to shave some weight and just use the starting battery for that.

As far as what to do when buying used just follow what the rest of the crowd has been saying

1. Have motor tested (Compression, lower unit, prop shaft, prop, etc) also make sure all fuel lines are tested and replaced those old boats hate to sit around and bad fuel lines can ruin carbs and engiines quickly

2. Give the trailer a once over and be prepared to have hubs replaced, check axles for rust through, check winch, etc. Down in south florida I really like and use http://www.expediter.com/index.html

3. Test it out! That boat should run at least mid 50's at WOT with 2 people if not faster since it is a Stratos and that Johnson is noted for being light and fast,

Make sure you budget for a nice GPS unit and attach that bad boy to your new ride if you get it. Also, make sure your tow vehicle is up to the task

[BassHunter954]

THANKS TOO BOTH OF YOU GUYS BUT IM LOOKING INTO ANOTHER ONE BUT A YR. OR 2 OLDER WITH REBUILT 200HP BUT APPRECIATE YOU GUYS RESPONSE'S AND WILL DO BEFORE PURCHASING MOST DEFINATLEY! THANKS AGAIN ..