1988 Stratos 200 VT - HP question

[CincyCat]

I just bought a 1988 Stratos 200 VT without an engine, and would like to hear from some of you guys who know way more than I, about what outboard I should put on it and what the minimum HP I should consider.

I'm willing to spend $2000 - $4000 for the right engine/set up.

I plan to use this for fishing, but also want the speed for playtime too.

I did read some info about these hulls being waterlogged at times and haven't checked that yet, but I don't think thats an issue.

Any advice for this boat would be welcome

[LakeRacer99]

Welcome to the site, the VT is like a foam filled Laser LTV. Which is where the STV came from. Look up LiqFly here, he is the expert on this particular hull. My opinion is they are a great hull with a little work. Thay may not be a dragboat, but you can sure terrorize the lakes in them. There was a local one that ran 90ish with a 280 in stock form. My old hydrostream back in the day could not catch him and it ran mid 80's.

[stokernick]

I'll bring this to the top and maybe LiquiFly will jump in and talk to you!

[CincyCat]

Thanks guys. LiquiFly, any advice would be apprieciated!!

[Liqui-Fly]

How fast do you want to go? While all along, through the motor changes, I made improvements to the boat, so speed increases aren't necessarily attributed solely to the power change, the boat ran 78 with a Merc 200 2.4, 85 with a stock Merc 260, and 99 with a fairly modified 2.5. I have a 300XS now, but it's still in the box. Boat would probably be real happy with any 3+ liter 200 or 225. There was a pretty blue one with an Evinrude 225 that was in the mid 80's I believe. There are some nice 225 Mercs from the early to mid 90's too.

[CincyCat]

How fast? That's the problem isn't it.....pick any number it's it becomes too low once you get there!!

But to answer your question, I would say I would like to get into the 80's.

From what you wrote before that looks to be the 225 Merc from the mid 90's...??

Any particular model? What else do I need to know for the right setup?

Best place to find this engine?

Thanks!!

[Liqui-Fly]

Best place I guess would be high volume bass boat dealers. I think a lot of bass guys have gone over to the Optimax...pretty sure the 94-96 range 3 liters are readily available and were very good motors on both EFI and carb.