Repair or dump?? Cheap stratos

[DitchWitch2020]

I just recently picked up a 89 stratos with a evinrude 150xp(I have procraft with a 150xp,main reason for purchase). Trailer, boat, and engine for a fair price I believe. Hasn't been in water in 10+ years. Faded. Floor a little soft by drain area. Probably sat outside for awhile at some point. Figured I'd trash the boat keep motor, sell trailer. Now I got it home and I am kind of loving the layout and look in general. Seems like it has a super solid built hull...and transom. Ive done a little research and they seem to be good boats? Had the slightest thought of maybe trying to do the floor, carpet, new wire/electronics etc. What's everyone's thoughts on the 279v? Stratos boats in general? Boat worth putting the man hours in? If the floor is soft around drain does that mean the stringers will be rotted out? How difficult to take cap off if needed? Also I'll post pics of engine. One carb has some greenish corrosion. Worth trying to clean? Sitting for 10+ years is it worth trying to get motor running or keep for parts? I'll make new threads after this one if I decide to proceed forward with boat or engine. I'm a little new to forums. Glad I joined. Looking forward to hearing all your opinions and knowledge on boats. Thanks!

 

[Grub54891]

Soft around the drain hole? The transom is shot, as well as the stringers. The bottom carb appears to have gotten very wet, more than likely sat with the motor tipped up and water sat there. The mice look to have had some fun there also. I'd not have bought it. But thats just me.....

 

[DitchWitch2020]

Soft around the drain hole? The transom is shot, as well as the stringers. The bottom carb appears to have gotten very wet, more than likely sat with the motor tipped up and water sat there. The mice look to have had some fun there also. I'd not have bought it. But thats just me.

Well like I said I bought the boat for the engine. I actually cracked my cowl on my 150 xp. Thats how I ended up coming across this boat, searching for a used cowl. It also came with a nice 4 blade stainless prop. I in no way shape or form bought this boat to use it. Figured I was going to junk it. It was actually birds I believe not mice. All wires look to be intact. No chewing or cut wires. I couldnt have barley bought a used cowl for the price I paid for boat, trailer, and engine. That is why I bought it. So if the floor is a little soft by the drain that means transom and stringers are shot? I assumed theres a chance that the transom could be fine? I am no expert tho and thats why im here. The motor being tipped up and collecting water makes sense tho I suppose

 

[Grub54891]

It was mice. See the top of the motor, wires chewed. Birds don't chew wires.

 

[hugh g]

If it sat outside for 10 years you're looking at a full restoration. It's a hole in the water you throw money into. If you restore it & try to sell it you'll take a beating because you won't get your money back. If you plan on holding on to it that's a diferent story.

The trailer looks to be in decent shape.

 

[CaptnKingfisher]

If you're falling in love with it and have the money and the time, go for it. Have you ever done a floor before? If not I suggest reading some of the great threads on this forum where people post their projects.. if you're not discouraged by what you find in those 100+ page restoration threads then go for it man. I personally love rebuilding boats, even more than I enjoy actually using them. I'm starting to consider working at the local boat works because of this. My problem is I can't afford to start projects of my own so I just help friends repair and maintain their boats at the moment. If you love spending countless hours (and dollars) tinkering away in the garage then this might be just what you need. Read the other threads on this forum if you havent, you'll make up your mind for sure after a couple of hours reading through

 

[444]

It would be a neat boat but cost is a problem. The materials between the lumber and fiberglass is not exactly cheap, add to that you'll be looking at all the other might-as-wells while you're in there.

 

[Lectro88]

It would be a neat boat but cost is a problem. The materials between the lumber and fiberglass is not exactly cheap, add to that you'll be looking at all the other might-as-wells while you're in there.

all the other might-as-wells while you're in there.

That's a great way to put it.
I always referred to it as the never ending story. (you remember that 6hr. movie)or it seemed like.