If there is another thread, plz direct me to it. When I first asked for advice on buying a used boat, one of the posts suggested I stick with the more popular models, such as champion, skeeter, ranger. Anyone have any thought on the older Stratos boats (late 80's early 90's). Additionally, are the older mariner outboards okay?

yeah i have a 86 stratos with a 79 150/200 mix i threw together, both are holding up well

Have you tried http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boats4sale.htm
just might find something there

Anyone else have thoughts on Stratos?

I just bought a 1995 201XL this fall and so far I love it. I'm no expert on boats as this is just my 2nd one, but it's 15-16 years old and other than normal wear and tear it's in good shape.
It's a heavy boat and rides really well, is nice and wide so there is no side to side movement when us big guys move around in it. Hand laid fiberglass which I understand is better than from a chopper gun.
No stress cracks anywhere on the deck or hull, all the compartment hinges, locks, and lids are good. Plenty of storage.
Actually I've had more issues with the Evinrude attached to it than the boat itself.

the older stratos boats are good boats. faster hull design than todays boats.
nothing wrong with a mariner. i've run many of them in the past. take care of it, and don't baby it. run it hard! run good oil.

I bought a 201 ProXL with a Evinrude 200 new in 1995. It was a problem from day one. The hull cracked badly in the transom and in the cockpit area. It went back to the factory twice for repairs but they could not fix it. The cracks kept returning. Some were minor stress cracks and some were serious deep cracks. The engine was always a problem. Repalced several lower units and lots if issues with the power head. A friend of mine was on their Pro Staff. He got a 1996 201 with a 225 and the first trip out, the top cap cracked and opened up on both sides of the cockpit!

Look over any boat you are considering very good and have a machanic check out the engine.

It is my understanding that Mariners are Mercs painted grey. The 80 & 90s V6 Mercs seem to be great engines. Mine has been anyway. 25 years old and I am just started to lose reverse. I did rebuild the power head at 20 years. I have been running milled heads and up in the 6000+ RPM range so this thing has not been babied. Carbs seem to be the biggest issue with these motors. I have forgotten how many times I have done needles and seats.

Older Stratos were nice boats.

A partner of mine has a 99 201 SS Extreme and its a definate screamer!!! will blow most boats out of the water. AS LONG AS ITS SMOOTH!

Fishes great too,

great boats, i'm on my 2nd!

dont have a stratos but my javelin has held up well and it was made in the same place