Spanky80

My thoughts too...

Incredible photography Joey!

Nice machine Drifter!

Will do! Agreed Landry, sounds like me LOL. You (and others that have responded) are right with the math, possibly the only benefit is that after five years the entire package may be worth a bit more with a 2017 engine as opposed to a 2010...but I realize not $9,000 more.

That'll be a end-of-September or so deal Fishwilly...much like my ETEC, I have no idea what it would be worth and have to do some research. It's a 2010 iPilot 24V 80 lb with US2.

All great comments guys, thanks for your responses. I understand what you are saying. I'm not used to not having warranty on my boat engine, and yes I guess I am a bit paranoid after hearing of powerhead failures. To me, instead of spending $22,000 plus to buy a new package, I can spend around $9,000 and have a great package with a new engine and minimum 5 years of warranty on it. As stated I love the boat, and it is immaculate.

Long shaft 20"

I'm not ruling out one of the new 2017 2.7L G2 ETEC 150's, will see what price I can get and the promotions/warranty that they have. I have also heard that there will be a 150 Pro-XS four-stroke Merc for 2017, so it comes down to those two. I'm not totally brand loyal. As I said, just have to come up with a value of my current engine.

Not a fan of the 150 Merc four-stroke Chris?

I will probably go the private sale route, I know I will come out better as opposed to trading it in. Just need to figure out what its worth.

Wow! Looks like a great trip!! Well done.

Its been a while since I've owned an outboard without warranty. I am becoming more and more sold on the four-stroke, I am on my third Ski-Doo 1200cc four-stroke and have no intention of going back to a two-stroke sled. I'm not the Al Gore tree-hugging forest fairy type whatsoever, I'm just liking the smooth running low maintenance and other characteristics of the four-strokes, and they hold their value better. I don't like keeping something until it is worth nothing. My Stratos and ETEC have been babied, and the boat just suits us for the fishing that we do, its in mint condition. Seems like a waste to spend the amount of money to "upgrade" to a new package (how we got to a point where $40,000 plus for a well equipped 17.5 aluminum boat with a 115 is beyond me). I've upgraded the electronics to Humminbird 859's, and will soon be selling the Minn Kota 80 lb iPilot and upgrade to a new one.

It sure is Ironmaker. I'm on the Pembroke side, I grew up on the river exploring the endless bays and inlets. Its a different world now out there unfortunately, but I still wouldn't trade it for anything.

True, and it may not. It was out of warranty 2015 May. I generally have traded every 5 to 6 years or so, but the cost of new boats is beyond insane.

I agree to an extent Brian B, I wasn't real pleased after talking to them about this, I was also quoted over $16,000 on a current Mercury 150 four-stroke, which I assume is full MSRP, especially how they know how fussy I am and how I take care of my stuff. Having said that, I am willing to extend a bit of a "mulligan" to this dealer, I and my family have dealt there since the 1960's,and they have been very good to me. Not always the best price, but the best service. Having said that, when it comes time for me to move ahead with this, I'd pay more within reason for the new engine but I won't be paying MSRP from anyone...and I always shop around to make sure I am being treated fairly.

Sure look good!!

I have a 2010 Stratos 285XL DC with a 2010 Evinrude ETEC 150 HO. The price of new boats has gone from unaffordable to insane, and this boat does everything we want, so I am considering selling the outboard motor and re-powering to either the upcoming Mercury Pro-XS 150 four-stroke or the G2 ETEC 150 HO. I am having some difficulty in coming up with an asking price for this engine. My dealer already has a slightly used 2014 ETEC 150 in the showroom and doesn't want mine on trade. It is a 2010, approximately 250 hours, never tournament fished, and has led an easy life. It is in very good condition, with a 24" Raker II prop, BRP concealed throttle, oil tank, and has all BRP services done with the exception of the three-year gearcase oil change...I am old school and have changed it out every fall. It also had a second replaceable water-separating filter with canister added to the boat, as I know ethanol/water is not good for these direct-injected two-strokes. Can anyone suggest what this engine might be worth before I list it in the next couple months?

Congratulations Mike!

Warm water and magic eraser on all my cork handles every spring, works great!

Great discussion, very helpful, thanks folks! I will probably be fishing anywhere from 10 down to 20 feet plus for smallies in this ultra-clear lake. I've also decided to give some fluorocarbon a try, Berkley Vanish. What pound test line would y'all recommend?

This year after reading for years about the effectiveness of drop shotting, I've decided to rig up and give it a try. I fish a very clear lake in my area, and I know there are big smallies there, I've had limited success with the standard crankbait/tube jig approach. Any pointers? Line, hook size/make, technique you've used with success? Thanks!

Art's knives sure do look good!

Awesome! You are moving to a beautiful area, and the best thing you can do is distance yourself from the GTA. The GTA has done more to erode what this great province had been in the past. You are a lucky man!

Unreal...the more I hear the line "you can't fix stupid", the sadder it makes me, realizing the character of people in this country that seems to be the norm nowadays instead of the exception.

Be sure you are ready to part with them, instead of wasting people's time...Just sayin'!