bwfish

I'm new to looking for a bass boat. I went to look at a used 2008 Triton 18 Explorer yesterday and found there was a lot of fiberglass scratches, chips and even chunks missing. None of this was in the photos online and surprisingly the dealer wouldn't negotiate on the boat which was marked at the high side of NADA. The boat had other signs of excessive wear and tear, but seemed to run OK. I walked away from the deal. I guess the reason I'm posting is just wanted to see what your thoughts are in regards to fiberglass damage. Being new to shopping, I'm just not sure what types of issues are just cosmetic and what to avoid. Thanks

I appreciate all of the feedback form everyone. I discussed with a friend who is a OTR truck driver and mechanic and he pretty much agreed with Way2Slow. I am keeping an eye out for trailers with brakes and am not against adding them if it helps. Also, with the cost of that transmission cooler, I think that makes a wise investment. Basically, I could afford to add a boat payment this year or I could switch vehicles but I can't do both. I'm hoping to be able to switch out vehicles in couple years and be able to fish in the mean time. Most of the towing would be 30-45 min trips on flat, straight roads.

Well, the Avalanche seller backed out and is keeping his boat. I checked the tracker 175TXW and found I had no legroom. My knee was pressing the horn and no comfortable and safe way to drive. The 190 / 195 had just enough room. But then I'm looking at a new boat. Twice the cost and term, but the same monthly payment. back to the drawing board.

New to towing. I have a 2007 Santa Fe (AWD w/2.7L) and attached is the tow chart. Am I understanding correctly that for towing a trailer without trailer brake I am limited to 1650 lbs, but if I'm hauling a boat, it is 1650 lbs + 1000 lbs, so 2650 lbs max? Why is it plus 1000 lbs for boats - the way the weight is distributed? I'm trying to find a boat and making sure it's within the spec of the vehicle before I buy, so any feedback is appreciated. I should also add that I do not have the trailer package (I'll be adding a hitch). So, would that mean 2000 lbs is the max regardless of the trailer brakes if I have a boat? I think my head is spinning lol. Thanks

Thanks for the feedback. I hadn't heard about the porpoising issue before now. Granted, I haven't found a ton on this boat model, but what I had has been very good. I'm going to try and get a test ride, though it'll be a cold one. I have a mid-size SUV so tow weight is a factor at the moment. I can't swing buying a bigger tow vehicle and a boat, so I'm working on using what I have so I can get on the water now rather than waiting a few more years. I have found a third option in the same price range and not too far away. A 2008 Nitro Z6 w/90 hp Mercury. Is that too under-powered for the boat? Keep in mind, I don't do tourney's and I don't need to run 60+ mph (although it'd be fun). Says it has 150 hours on it. It seems to be in a similar weight range as the Avalanche, just a little shorter and less powerful motors.

I'm looking at buying my first boat and have been looking at used Tracker 175 TXW with 50-60hp. However, I just found a close by 2008 Avalanche with a Mercury Nitro 150 EFI. This has a lot more to offer than the 175 TXW as far as things I know I'd want upgraded sooner rather than later - 24V 70lb TM, bigger motor etc. i haven't seen the Avalanche before and so far not finding much info on them. However, the limited info I do find seems very positive. Anyone have any thoughts on these? Anything I should look for when I go see it? Both boats are basically the same asking price $10,000 and same year. The Avalanche has 250 hours on the motor. thanks