Bass Boat Advice

[Steve Crawford]

I recently returned to Bass fishing and looking to purchase a bass boat. I don't want to break the bank. I'm going to look at a 2002 Stratos 20XL that appears to be in mint condition. It has an 02 yamaha  VMAX 225 with perfect compression. New carpet/Upholstry. newer electronics, trolling motor. Just looking for thoughts/advice.  Thanks

[J Francho]

Never had a boat? 

[gim]

The VMAX is a gas hog.  It sucks down fuel like a vacuum.  My uncle had one on his skeeter years ago and it was loud, kicked out smoke, and ate up a ridiculous amount of gasoline.  Maybe that sorta thing doesn't bother you.

[Captain Phil]

Yamaha outboards are very reliable.  I have had a bunch of them from bass boats to a 30 foot offshore boat with twin 200s.  I have had Mercury engines too.  Both are great engines.  Both need to be serviced regularly by someone who knows what they are doing.   Your decision may be influenced by availability of service.   Today's modern outboards are much more reliable than they used to be.  If you are worried about the price of gas, you don't want a 225 hp bass boat of any kind.  

[Steve Crawford]

Thanks. Any thoughts on the 2002 Stratos 20XL?

[Steve Crawford]

19 hours ago, gimruis said:

The VMAX is a gas hog.  It sucks down fuel like a vacuum.  My uncle had one on his skeeter years ago and it was loud, kicked out smoke, and ate up a ridiculous amount of gasoline.  Maybe that sorta thing doesn't bother you.

 

19 hours ago, J Francho said:

Never had a boat? 

I've had lots of boats. I never had 2002 Stratos 20XL, that's why I asked about it specifically. 

[J Francho]

4 hours ago, Steve Crawford said:

I've had lots of boats.

Okay, that helps.  You're gonna hear a lot of, "don't buy a boat with 20 years of issues" advice.  I think you know the caveats, buying used so I'll spare you.  Do the obvious stuff: compression check documented, inspection by your mechanic, and a lengthy on the water test where you test every single function while in the water.  In the water is important.  You're looking for any hull damage or rot, weird handling on plane, any mechanical issues with the motor, steering, or throttle, and any issues with the switch gear.  Livewell/plumbing issues are usually not too hard to fix, but sometimes difficult to locate.  Last thing check the trailer, bearings and lights.  Lights are an easy replace, but it's a bargaining chip.  I've had a few used boats, one that was almost 30 years old.  Aside from crummy gel coat on the top cap, it ran like the Millenium Falcon.  Good luck, and post in the Show My Ride thread if you pick it up.

[Catt]

2001 Stratos/Javelin Boats was acquired by Genmar Boats Holdings, Inc.

 

The boats were designed by world renowned hull designer, & Director of Engineering, Alan Stinson.

 

The 20XL handles big water well, maneuvers tight turns, & I liked the larger console area.

[Steve Crawford]

8 hours ago, J Francho said:

Okay, that helps.  You're gonna hear a lot of, "don't buy a boat with 20 years of issues" advice.  I think you know the caveats, buying used so I'll spare you.  Do the obvious stuff: compression check documented, inspection by your mechanic, and a lengthy on the water test where you test every single function while in the water.  In the water is important.  You're looking for any hull damage or rot, weird handling on plane, any mechanical issues with the motor, steering, or throttle, and any issues with the switch gear.  Livewell/plumbing issues are usually not too hard to fix, but sometimes difficult to locate.  Last thing check the trailer, bearings and lights.  Lights are an easy replace, but it's a bargaining chip.  I've had a few used boats, one that was almost 30 years old.  Aside from crummy gel coat on the top cap, it ran like the Millenium Falcon.  Good luck, and post in the Show My Ride thread if you pick it up.

Again, I'm asking specifically about the  2002 Stratos 20XL.

6 hours ago, Catt said:

2001 Stratos/Javelin Boats was acquired by Genmar Boats Holdings, Inc.

 

The boats were designed by world renowned hull designer, & Director of Engineering, Alan Stinson.

 

The 20XL handles big water well, maneuvers tight turns, & I liked the larger console area.

Thanks for the reply/guidance.   

 

[Catt]

50 minutes ago, Steve Crawford said:

Thanks for the reply/guidance

 

Alan Stinson was not only the founder of Nitro Boats, which he sold off to Bass Pro Shops, but he was the designer of the well known Skeeter Starfire, & the world record holding Stratos 201 hulls. 

 

I own a Stratos ?

[J Francho]

Ive be been in a few Stratos. There’s nothing unique about buying one opposed to another quality 20 yo boat. They are a great hull. 

[Steve Crawford]

On 8/20/2020 at 5:48 PM, Catt said:

 

Alan Stinson was not only the founder of Nitro Boats, which he sold off to Bass Pro Shops, but he was the designer of the well known Skeeter Starfire, & the world record holding Stratos 201 hulls. 

 

I own a Stratos ?

Thanks for the reply.

On 8/21/2020 at 12:27 AM, J Francho said:

Ive be been in a few Stratos. There’s nothing unique about buying one opposed to another quality 20 yo boat. They are a great hull. 

Thank you.

 

[Shimano_1]

I have owned 3 stratos boats and was always pleased with them. Ive never talked to anyone thats owned a stratos that had anything negative to say. Id do my homework and make sure everything checks out...and if it does id have no problems owning one! I think theyre great boats and sharp as well

[Steve Crawford]

I pulled the trigger and bought the Stratos, so far so good. It seems to be in great shape. Everything works except for 2 courtesy lights. The Vmax 225 runs super strong. Any thoughts concerning 2 stroke oil?  Should I sitck with Yamalube 2M or is there something better out there?

 

Thanks

[J Francho]

Congrats!  I generally stick to oil made by the manu. I’ve only had Mercs, so it’s always been Merc oil. 

[Steve Crawford]

Appreciate the reply!

[GaryH]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

Congrats!  I generally stick to oil made by the manu. I’ve only had Mercs, so it’s always been Merc oil. 

I second that. All my Yama 250 4 stroke uses is yamalube oil treatment and yamalube fuel treatment. Never a issue. 

[Steve Crawford]

I love the Yamaha 4 Strokes, great motors.  I typically run ethanol gas and add ethanol medic and will add the ring free additive in the VMAX. Any thoughts/advice on running ethanol vs non-ethanol in the VMAX? Thanks

[Steve Crawford]

On 8/19/2020 at 10:31 AM, Captain Phil said:

Yamaha outboards are very reliable.  I have had a bunch of them from bass boats to a 30 foot offshore boat with twin 200s.  I have had Mercury engines too.  Both are great engines.  Both need to be serviced regularly by someone who knows what they are doing.   Your decision may be influenced by availability of service.   Today's modern outboards are much more reliable than they used to be.  If you are worried about the price of gas, you don't want a 225 hp bass boat of any kind.  

I agree concerning the reliability of Yamaha outboards, they're great. I doubt there's much difference in fuel consumption between outboard brands, I know the VMAX is going to be thirsty compared to a four stroke. I appreciate the reply.

 

[GaryH]

4 hours ago, Steve Crawford said:

I love the Yamaha 4 Strokes, great motors.  I typically run ethanol gas and add ethanol medic and will add the ring free additive in the VMAX. Any thoughts/advice on running ethanol vs non-ethanol in the VMAX? Thanks

I run only non-ethanol fuel along with my above mentioned additives. Is this the reason along with good maintenance that I've never had any issues? Who knows

[Steve Crawford]

On 8/28/2020 at 3:19 PM, GaryH said:

I second that. All my Yama 250 4 stroke uses is yamalube oil treatment and yamalube fuel treatment. Never a issue. 

I did some research, Chevron makes Yamalube if the info I found on the web was accurate. I wonder if there's something better out there.