Shore fisher turned budding boater

[r3w0rk]

  I grew up in La. so the only boats we had were swampers or flat bottoms. I have been a shore fisher for most of my life. I recently inherited a 1987 Stratos 169V Bass boat from my brother. I know nothing about it or any bass boat for that matter. Figured I'd join and see if there were some info to help me learn and not sink my brothers boat.

[Princeton_Man]

Welcome aboard, congratulations, and welcome to the Stratos family! 
Pretty hard to sink a Stratos, but you can fill it with water. Be sure the plug is in before you launch. 

[coldfront]

some lessons I've learned through the years
1.  put in the plug.
2.  double-check that you put in the plug.
3.  that boat is big, heavy and won't stop on a dime.  remember that when you 'bump' into stuff.  great way to 'leave a mark'.

and
4.  make sure you have all the required safety equipment (whistle/sound device, throwable floatation device, PFDs, something that can bail water, rope, oar, FIRE EXTINGUISHER)finally, don't be in a hurry.  don't run over areas that you are not incredibly familiar with.  idle and learn then thoroughly first.  just cause someone else ran that stretch on plane doesn't mean you should (or that anyone else should)

MIND YOUR WAKE!

and finally:  practice backing a trailer BEFORE you have to do it at a crowded ramp.  biggest, best tip ever?  put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and 'push' the direction you want your trailer wheels to go...  makes it so much easier.

what else?

[Bud Kennedy]

First recommendation is to find a friend with boating experience to give you some on water instruction before you go out and learn the hard way.  Safety first and then learning how to handle the boat.

[big g]

Don't run fast if your not sure of the waters your fishing.  It's hard to judge depth just by looking at the water's surface. 

Always leave a game plan with loved ones before going out.

One of the most important.  Take 3x more water than needed in the hot summer months.  Remember it's a boat and s*** will happen unexpectedly.  That extra water could save your life.

Good luck, and have fun with it!

[Princeton_Man]

Be sure to post some boat porn in the Stratos Owners board.

[TNDiver]

Welcome and don't be afraid to ask questions.  Great group here and lots of knowledge.  I would recommend taking it to boat mechanic and have it looked over first to see what issues there could be.  Better to know now than find out and be stranded on the water.  They may even take you out on the water to "test it out" and give you some pointers.

[zippyduck]

Really hard to sink a Stratos. Welcome the Stratos family and UB!!!!