need input on 86 stratos vt rocket 175 black max

[Delta Breeze]

Hey new to the forum.I posted on tech side lookers but no help.So i'll try here.I need input on a 1986 Stratos VT Rocket with Merc 175 Black Max.I'm not familiar with these boats or engines.I have run large boats to older searays etc.I got burned on a Sleekcraft with a 235 rude and it left a bad taste in my mouth.I'm not looking for alot of speed just an honest 60 +. hopefully.I will use the boat mainly for cruising and skiing.Like everyone else here I do like a little speed.All opnoins will be appreciated.Awesome web site and some beautiful boats.

Thank you The Delta Breeze

[StratosVT]

It's a great looking boat, has a nice layout inside, great storage, and handles well. But, like all low profile boats, it ain't made for rough water. I've read some posts on here about these boats getting water logged. Some of them apparently hold water in the floatation foam, and therefore weigh a couple hundred extra pounds. You might want to check into that before buying. I think Stratos makes very good quality boats today and when they first started in the mid 80's. I've read some posts here and there that question the quality of the early models, but I'd have to disagree. I remember that these boats stacked up very well in comparison to the competition during the mid-late 80's. (Particularly their bass boats)
The only true beef I have with these boats are their weight. They are fairly heavy (even when they're not water logged) and if the boat you're looking at is the 20 foot model, it may be well under powered with that 175. If the boat is the 18ft model, 175hp may be adequate.
I hope this info helps.

Good Luck!

[Delta Breeze]

hey thanks for the input.The boat is an 18 ' with the 175 merc.I'd like to get some ideas on setup and maybe alittle tuning info on these black max motors.I should be able to get 200 hp out of it some way? The boat seems very solid I just got back from looking at it again.I don't see any stress cracks ,the floor is solid as well as the transom.The interior is sun faded but no problem there to me.I have a deal worked on the boat for $2400.00.The motor is clean it has been tuned and "ready to go"But I'll stil do my comp checks tomorrow.It does have dual steering cable system?The boat does not have a jack plate .What are the advantages of having a jack plate.What prop should the boat use?I think thats enough for now. Michael;)

[ncst8er]

Liqui-Fly would be a good person to contact, he has a Stratos VT

[WharfRat]

Yep, Fly is the dude to talk to.............just don't rile him, he's always PMSing :eek:

But he knows those boats well

:D :D

[Tom D.]

Yes "liqui-Fly" is the man to talk to on the Stratos. I know he has removed the foam in the sponsons, rebuilt the transom and added support knees. His motor I believeis a souped up 260 or 280. and runs a 10" hyd. jack plate. I think he runs a chopper prop. He's in the 80's with it. I think he's on vacation this week.

Tom

[Delta Breeze]

Thanks Fellows, I need all the input I can get.Mike

[mike bryan]

i have an 85 rocket 18 with a 150 johnson. what you got is fine as long as about 65 mph with great holeshot is all you need. you need a jackplate, i think mine is 6 ". these boats need and like some setback, they are also very sensitive to motor height, prop can be run way higher than you would think. i believe their are 2 steps at the back of that hull. right now my boat is set up for skiing. have a 23 omc viper prop and it gets on plane with a skier faster than a ski nautique. haven't propped this motor for speed yet. used to have a merc 2.4 mod vp and ran about 80 witha chopper prop and didn't plane out til about 35. current set-up is more fun for everyday use.


not a merc man

[RedAllison]

I knew I hadnt had too many beers (not yet, the night is young). Delt I left you a reply in your other post here.

Good luck,
RA

[Liqui-Fly]

lots of work...but lots of fun too.

[captain fun]

Are you on the Sacramento delta? If so, I have some props to try on your boat, no charge.....Steve;)

[Delta Breeze]

Hey Steve,
Sorry but I'm from the Mississippi Delta. Home of the "blues".You know a little BB king Muddy Waters And of course Robert Johnson, just to name a few.



Mike