I Saved a 39 Year Old Stratos Bass Boat (What I Learned)

Filmed a few videos in this rig but never really gave a video just talking about it. I will do a more detailed video on this later. This is just a story of how I got it and what all I had to do to it.

[@jeffandwendyrobillard5570]

Good restoration job! You may want to see about repacking/replacing (if necessary) those trailer bearings also before getting on the road. Good luck with the rig!

[@juliohernandez6374]

Nice job restoring this dinosaur. I hope it brings you years of enjoyment

[@lunkerlife7685]

I do as well. I appreciate it. This market for used boats is so ridiculous you got to take what you can get

[@qfastqfast]

Can’t wait to see what your going to do with this

[@walleyechannel]

My first bass boat was an 85 355V with a 115 tall Merc. Great riding little boats. Brings back memories.

[@lunkerlife7685]

Sounds like a nice settup! Yeah I forgot to mention in this video how shocked I was about the smooth ride in such an old small rig.

[@martyosborne1684]

Those old black max motors are tough. Even in their old age they can still be fairly reliable

[@lunkerlife7685]

Yeah it’s had some hiccups but it hasn’t let me
Down on the water yet

[@nb738]

Great rig

[@lunkerlife7685]

Thanks!

[@user-ly4kw3vy7y]

You did good.

[@lunkerlife7685]

Thanks! definitely a fun but time consuming project

[@bassneckfishing2505]

Looks good

[@lunkerlife7685]

I appreciate it!

[@robertrieckenberg282]

I am restoring a 1988 Stratos 270v 17.5 foot bass boat having trouble with hole shot with a 13.5 x 19 prop was wondering what the pitch and diameter of prop you are running

[@JesusUgalde-ts6td]

How’s the transom holding up on yours? I have an 85 model and I’m debating opening that can of worms.

[@winstonrocco1981]

Bought a 87 stratos 179 v brand new great boat and fast. Mine looked like yours except the color

[@lunkerlife7685]

It does have some speed when I need it to.
I want to bring all the oxidation out and the original colors back at some point when I get the time!

[@treverjeffery550]

I have the same boat, and the transom finally gave way,does anyone know the thickness of the transom?

[@levialston518]

Things quickly add up but cheaper than new

[@lunkerlife7685]

Absolutely! Maintenance is cheaper than a payment!

[@PunkR0ckz09]

Nice restoration job! (Edit; In case of misunderstanding; I meant, nice restoration to come... not done... lol! Pardon my French Canadian-ness) Do you think these Stratos really need a 100+hp outboard or could they work with something smaller like a 50hp ? I have never owned a bass boat, I'm not looking for speed, and there aren't that many around here so I'm a bit clueless... and I have the opportunity to buy a 273 Vindicator for somewhat cheap-ish.

[@lunkerlife7685]

On this 17ft boat, I personally think a 90hp would do just fine and possibly even smaller. This is as big as a motor I would want on this size boat. I’ve still not done anymore to it but I got some stuff in mind for a rainy day haha. Good luck on your search!

[@TIMMIE1919]

What pitch prop you have on engine?

[@robertrieckenberg282]

what pitch and diameter is the prop

[@sharpshooterangling4515]

For what you got into it, sounds like a steal.

[@lunkerlife7685]

I agree.
Especially in todays world we live in

[@MrBumbles2]

bring back your gel coat with protect ind. senioa ga

[@williamkangas4187]

100% guarantee it blew up because the impeller wasn’t in the best shape

[@lunkerlife7685]

Yeah that’s my thought now to

[@scottjacopian3191]

Man, you blow a motor that you probably could have saved with just a little common sense!

[@lunkerlife7685]

Yeahhhh rookie mistake…live and learn