First Boat, New Or Used?

[FlipSide]

That boat is over priced and it's got a great big old "don't go there" hanging off the back. That motor, although says made by Mercury is still a Force motor. You probably don't know but those are about the worst motors in the history of outboards. There are a very select few that haven't had many problems, but the vast majority do. Before the company was bought out by Mercury the motors would test out severely under the 10% horsepower rating. (new motors are allowed to be within +/- 10% of their rated horsepower). I know their older 150's were only putting out about 85 HP. I've heard a lot about their horrible tolerance on parts as well. You can order a part for the motor you have and it won't fit the same as what was on there. A lot of times when you see boats with them on the back for sale, they have problems selling even at deep discounts since you'd be better off buying one without a motor. 

 

As far as NADA goes, it's a little on the low sided. They've been doing some updating lately so it's a little more accurate but if you can find one close to that price it's usually a pretty good deal unless it's all beat up. 

 

My friend has an 05 Tracker PT 175. It's a pretty nice boat. It'd be a good starter boat for you, even though there are some things they do with them that just don't make sense but it would do the job for you. I've heard really good things about the Ranger aluminum boats too. Ranger might not be the cheapest, but that's because they're the best. 

 

Thanks for the heads up man. How do I tell if it is a Force motor or not? So I will know when looking in the future.

 

Also, I really really like the Ranger aluminum series, but I don't want to wait that long to get one. More than likely it would be winter before I had enough credit built up to finance.

 

I have around 7k right now, I know that would be a hefty down payment but I'm not sure if they would finance even with the good downpayment and no credit.

[WIGuide]

Thanks for the heads up man. How do I tell if it is a Force motor or not? So I will know when looking in the future.

 

Also, I really really like the Ranger aluminum series, but I don't want to wait that long to get one. More than likely it would be winter before I had enough credit built up to finance.

 

I have around 7k right now, I know that would be a hefty down payment but I'm not sure if they would finance even with the good downpayment and no credit.

 

The older Forces before they were bought out were either Force or Chrysler. Chrysler would have been no newer than about early 80's . In the range it looks like you're looking in they would have been called the Mercury Power Series motors. Some of them do say Force on them. Unfortunately the pics the guy posted on the link you shared didn't show it in great detail. Here's what you don't see in his pics,

http://greatlakesskipper.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/1047038-2.jpg

The Mercury's will look completely different and depending on the year may or may not be called the "Pro Series".

 

The other way you can tell, is by the shape of the motor.  

Force:

http://fishingboatwiring.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1989-Force-85.jpg

http://www.smalloutboards.com/images/f4094xjun11/side2.jpg

 

Mercury:

http://blueoceansmarine.com/132-357-thickbox/1999-used-50-hp-mercury-outboard-motor-for-sale.jpg

http://media.channelblade.com/boat_graphics/dealers/6631/digi49986100_l.jpg

 

As for financing, you can always look into it and see if they'll do it. If not, you can buy a pretty decent used boat with what you've got saved up.

[FlipSide]

The older Forces before they were bought out were either Force or Chrysler. Chrysler would have been no newer than about early 80's . In the range it looks like you're looking in they would have been called the Mercury Power Series motors. Some of them do say Force on them. Unfortunately the pics the guy posted on the link you shared didn't show it in great detail. Here's what you don't see in his pics,

http://greatlakesskipper.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/1047038-2.jpg

The Mercury's will look completely different and depending on the year may or may not be called the "Pro Series".

 

The other way you can tell, is by the shape of the motor.  

Force:

http://fishingboatwiring.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1989-Force-85.jpg

http://www.smalloutboards.com/images/f4094xjun11/side2.jpg

 

Mercury:

http://blueoceansmarine.com/132-357-thickbox/1999-used-50-hp-mercury-outboard-motor-for-sale.jpg

http://media.channelblade.com/boat_graphics/dealers/6631/digi49986100_l.jpg

 

As for financing, you can always look into it and see if they'll do it. If not, you can buy a pretty decent used boat with what you've got saved up.

Thanks a lot man. You probably just saved me a world of headache. I appreciate it

I might call tomorrow if I get a chance and see about financing. Are there any other used aluminum boats that are going to be around the 10k mark and be better than a tracker.

[slonezp]

Thanks a lot man. You probably just saved me a world of headache. I appreciate it

I might call tomorrow if I get a chance and see about financing. Are there any other used aluminum boats that are going to be around the 10k mark and be better than a tracker.

There are tons of used tin boats that could fit the bill. Be patient. If you want an aluminum "bass" boat, look up Sea Ark, Xpress, G3, Lowe, Crestliner, War Eagle, Alumacraft, Alweld, and probably a few more. For 10k, you should be able to find something in the 90hp range around 8-10 years old.  

[FlipSide]

http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/4479650846.html

How about this?

[WIGuide]

That's not too bad, but it seems a little high especially given the fact it's a little under powered. Those are rated for a 150 and I found somewhere online that new with a 150 they ran about around $14K. Not quite as important, but something to note...that red carpet will turn pink as it fades so that's something to think about. 

[FlipSide]

That's not too bad, but it seems a little high especially given the fact it's a little under powered. Those are rated for a 150 and I found somewhere online that new with a 150 they ran about around $14K. Not quite as important, but something to note...that red carpet will turn pink as it fades so that's something to think about. 

 

I could probably use those things to negotiate him down a bit... If I end up getting a used boat more than likely I'm going to replace the carpet in it this winter. I need a good project anyways.

 

I really like the fact that its a 20' boat, and from the pictures looks really wide.

 

I wonder what the total package weight would be... I have a 2011 Jeep Liberty and its has a 5000lb tow rating. I think I read somewhere to stay below 80% of that which would be 4000lb.

 

Do you think the 125 would have any trouble pushing that boat around?

[WIGuide]

You're right it is a big boat. The hull weight is 1040 lbs, the motor is probably in the upper 3's plus a trailer and all your gear. Figuring on the high side you'd be talking around 3000 to 3500 lbs. The motor will push it around ok I'm sure, but you're going to notice more of a difference when you add weight. If you take a buddy with and add in the weight of a full livewell, gas and extra gear, it might be a dog out of the hole. I see it has a fin which usually means it was a dog to begin with. If I'm not mistaken that Mercury has the 2+2 design. It kicks out 2 cylinders while idling at a low RPM to help save gas and also to make it quieter. They've been known to be a little laggy because they don't kick in instantaneously. Overall though it looks like a pretty good boat, the price just seems high. Worst part is there's not tons of them out there to look around and see what the market value is. If I remember correctly from the ad, it's been advertised for a while, which is a good indicator of a price that's on the high side. Boats that are good deals on CL can vanish in a matter of hours. 

[Christian M]

Definitely go used. A Tracker is a great starter boat, as are many other brands out there. If you find a boat for the right price that doesn't have the trolling motor that you want, installing a new one is pretty easy if you're handy. I was in the same position as you two years ago. I was fishing tournaments out of an old, all electric tri-hull, and it was time to set up to a Bass Boat. I wanted a tin boat for many of the same reasons. After doing a good amount of research and scouring Craigslist for about 4 months, I found a 96 Tracker PT17 sitting on a matching 06 Tracker Trailstar. The guy that I bought it from had just finished paying it off and needed the money. The boat had been kept it in a heated garage, and it was obvious that it was rarely used. Three of my buddies had the same model Trackers, (late 80's up to 2010), which I had fished out of dozens of times and fell in love with. I knew that the trolling motor was underpowered, and that the rod storage was way too short. The boat originally had a 40hp Mercury Tracker on it, but due to HP restrictions in NJ, he had it swapped out for a 9.9 Mercury Tracker with maybe 5-10 hours on it, which was fine by me. I ended up talking him down to $2500 and buying the boat. From there I spent the leftover money on a 55lb MK trolling motor in front, a kicker bracket for my 55lb transom mount MK, two new Humminbird FishFinder/GPS combos, and 3 new Optima batteries. It took a while to swap everything out, but for what amounted to about $1200 extra, I set the boat up exactly how I wanted, and learned a lot about tin Bass Boats in the process. Personally I really enjoy working on my boat, and I get a sense of pride when I make an upgrade. Anyway, all turned out well for me & I hope it does for you too, good luck!

 

P.S- What are you going to be towing the boat with? Thats definitely something you want to put some thought into.

[FlipSide]

I'd say go used, you'll save a ton of money, you own it flat out, and thats one less bill every month. A tin boat (especially a tracker) is a great starter boat, and you can get to know the ins and outs of a bass boat. Personally, I really enjoy working on my boat. Installing a new trolling motor is pretty easy if you're handy, and you can upgrade & add pretty much whatever you want to it. I bought a 96, lightly used Tracker & I've added a 55lb TM in the front (pushes the boat just fine), a 55lb TM in back (for larger electric only lakes), and I swapped out both fishfinders. It cost me about a third of what a new boat would have, and I get compliments all the time. Like most of the posts say, dont rush into a buy, there are plenty of boats for sale out there.

 

I'm really back and forth on the new/used thing, It will probably depend on when I find a nice used boat and if I have credit built up then. Im leaning away from the bass trackers though, I've been reading a lot of reviews and correct me if I'm wrong but the better route to go would be a G3, Xpress, or Sea Ark. I don't think the trackers are bad boats by any means, I just think that they are a lot more common and therefore mishandled and the proper upkeep is not done by the majority.

 

 

You're right it is a big boat. The hull weight is 1040 lbs, the motor is probably in the upper 3's plus a trailer and all your gear. Figuring on the high side you'd be talking around 3000 to 3500 lbs. The motor will push it around ok I'm sure, but you're going to notice more of a difference when you add weight. If you take a buddy with and add in the weight of a full livewell, gas and extra gear, it might be a dog out of the hole. I see it has a fin which usually means it was a dog to begin with. If I'm not mistaken that Mercury has the 2+2 design. It kicks out 2 cylinders while idling at a low RPM to help save gas and also to make it quieter. They've been known to be a little laggy because they don't kick in instantaneously. Overall though it looks like a pretty good boat, the price just seems high. Worst part is there's not tons of them out there to look around and see what the market value is. If I remember correctly from the ad, it's been advertised for a while, which is a good indicator of a price that's on the high side. Boats that are good deals on CL can vanish in a matter of hours. 

 

So from that I would say that the Liberty would handle that fine.

 

and sorry for my lack of knowledge but what is a fin?

 

The high price and time on the market could be a good thing, might be able to talk the guy down considerably if I end up liking the boat.

[Christian M]

I'm really back and forth on the new/used thing, It will probably depend on when I find a nice used boat and if I have credit built up then. Im leaning away from the bass trackers though, I've been reading a lot of reviews and correct me if I'm wrong but the better route to go would be a G3, Xpress, or Sea Ark. I don't think the trackers are bad boats by any means, I just think that they are a lot more common and therefore mishandled and the proper upkeep is not done by the majority.

Trackers are definitely one of, if not the most popular or common aluminum bass boats, and theres a reason for that. If taken care of and properly maintained, they last forever, and hold their value. I like to call them the Jeeps of Aluminum Bass Boats. Yes Xpress and SeaArk make a great boat, even superior to Tracker, but you feel it in you're wallet when you spring for one. As far as lack of upkeep, well that will kill any boat, no matter what the brand. Also, Tracker is one of the only welded aluminum boats that you can buy in that price range. I've seen a Tracker fall off of the trailer into the road, and with a little welding, it was as on the water the next day without a dent or leak. It was sold for twice what the guy paid a year later. I'm definitely bias because I've had nothing but good experience with Trackers. Go for the boat that feels right, you'll know when you find it.

[Christian M]

With a 3.7 Liberty, you're gonna wanna stay in the 2500lb range. I have an 07 Xterra with a 4.0 with a 5000 lb tow rating & my father has a 2011 Wrangler Sport. I've towed my Tracker, which weighs in at around 2000lbs & both pull the boat with no problem. My Xterra has more towing power, but the Wrangler has more stopping power. You Should be ok, my mechanic says that you shouldn't exceed 50% of the max tow rating, but I think 75% is more realistic.

[FlipSide]

Trackers are definitely one of, if not the most popular or common aluminum bass boats, and theres a reason for that. If taken care of and properly maintained, they last forever, and hold their value. I like to call them the Jeeps of Aluminum Bass Boats. Yes Xpress and SeaArk make a great boat, even superior to Tracker, but you feel it in you're wallet when you spring for one. As far as lack of upkeep, well that will kill any boat, no matter what the brand. Also, Tracker is one of the only welded aluminum boats that you can buy in that price range. I've seen a Tracker fall off of the trailer into the road, and with a little welding, it was as on the water the next day without a dent or leak. It was sold for twice what the guy paid a year later. I'm definitely bias because I've had nothing but good experience with Trackers. Go for the boat that feels right, you'll know when you find it.

 

Im saying that there are more trackers that you see beat into the ground because they are so common, its hard to find one that has been kept up properly.

 

 

Im just going to keep looking and if something catches my eye and checks out okay then ill go for it

[Christian M]

Definitely, I wouldnt go for a Tracker, or for that matter a Ranger, if it was beat into the ground. Take your time & find a boat that suites your needs amd wants. Dont get pressured or rushed into a sale & make sure you really love the boat you end up with. You cant go wrong that way.

[WIGuide]

and sorry for my lack of knowledge but what is a fin?

 

The high price and time on the market could be a good thing, might be able to talk the guy down considerably if I end up liking the boat.

http://images.craigslist.org/00G0G_4HtrxcGjkdv_600x450.jpg

What it is: http://www.basspro.com/StingRay-XRIII-Hydrofoil-Stabilizers-for-Boat-Motors/product/91124/

If you look in the pic see the red and gray thing under the water. That's a fin. It bolts to the cavitation plate to help planing. They do work at helping get the boat up on plane. As far as the rest of the claims, not usually so much. Their marketing makes them out to be a bolt on performance add on that's the best thing since sliced bread, but most people associate them with a boat that is a dog and under powered.

 

You might be able to get him down some. Not sure if it'll be enough but hey, the worst he can say is no so go ahead and check it out.

 

This is a little high on the price too but you might want to check it out. It looks like it's in very good shape. Bargaining points would be under powered TM, lack of electronics, and that it's 7 years old already.   http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/4483029239.html

 

Edited for link issue

[FlipSide]

http://images.craigslist.org/00G0G_4HtrxcGjkdv_600x450.jpg

What it is: http://www.basspro.com/StingRay-XRIII-Hydrofoil-Stabilizers-for-Boat-Motors/product/91124/

If you look in the pic see the red and gray thing under the water. That's a fin. It bolts to the cavitation plate to help planing. They do work at helping get the boat up on plane. As far as the rest of the claims, not usually so much. Their marketing makes them out to be a bolt on performance add on that's the best thing since sliced bread, but most people associate them with a boat that is a dog and under powered.

 

You might be able to get him down some. Not sure if it'll be enough but hey, the worst he can say is no so go ahead and check it out.

 

This is a little high on the price too but you might want to check it out. It looks like it's in very good shape. Bargaining points would be under powered TM, lack of electronics, and that it's 7 years old already.   http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/4483029239.html

 

Edited for link issue

 

I see what your talking about now, I'll be sure to keep on the look out for those.

 

That tracker looks to be in very good shape, I'm sure I could get him down a little bit, according to NADA book value on it would be $6900. Other than the price that looks like a very solid boat. I'm definitely going to talk to the guy and see about going to look at it.

[WIGuide]

I see what your talking about now, I'll be sure to keep on the look out for those.

 

That tracker looks to be in very good shape, I'm sure I could get him down a little bit, according to NADA book value on it would be $6900. Other than the price that looks like a very solid boat. I'm definitely going to talk to the guy and see about going to look at it.

NADA tends to be on the low side of retail, but it never hurts to let him know that number. I'd say somewhere in the mid 7's would be a decent buy.

[jhoffman]

Do yourself a favor and go look at the price of a new motor. Think about shelling that out of your bank account when it doesnt run how you want it. Do you know what a brand new even 60hp motor goes for these days? $7k! Now think about wanting a new 150 or 200 on the back. Outboards generally are built really well and will give a long long service life if taken care of.

[FlipSide]

Do yourself a favor and go look at the price of a new motor. Think about shelling that out of your bank account when it doesnt run how you want it. Do you know what a brand new even 60hp motor goes for these days? $7k! Now think about wanting a new 150 or 200 on the back. Outboards generally are built really well and will give a long long service life if taken care of.

I looked that up thinking I could save some money by finding a boat with a bad motor and just buying one. Found out pretty quick my pockets don't go that deep lol

[FlipSide]

NADA tends to be on the low side of retail, but it never hurts to let him know that number. I'd say somewhere in the mid 7's would be a decent buy.

Guy sent me more pics and is suppose to be sending more here in a bit. Looks really clean. How do I post them here from my android?

[FlipSide]

http://carbondale.craigslist.org/boa/4449342425.html

What do you guys think about this. I talked to the guy and I feel like I may be able to talk him down a bit and have some money left over for a few upgrades

[slonezp]

That's probably the most reasonably priced boat you've posted. One thing to take note of. It could be the pics, it could be the boat. It looks like the hull has never been cleaned. Not necessarily a bad thing but it's a sign that maybe it wasn't taken care of. I urge you to have the motor checked professionally.  

[FlipSide]

That's probably the most reasonably priced boat you've posted. One thing to take note of. It could be the pics, it could be the boat. It looks like the hull has never been cleaned. Not necessarily a bad thing but it's a sign that maybe it wasn't taken care of. I urge you to have the motor checked professionally.

I'm going to look at it on Saturday. I'm taking my father in law. No professional but he knows quite a bit about them. Gonna have him check it out. Gonna take it out on the water and see how it runs. The guy said the motor was just serviced and had new spark plugs put on.

[Hubtech]

+1 for Tracker as a first.  I just purchased my Grandfathers 94 TX17 and it's perfect for what I wanted.  Only has a Merc 40 on it which is a little slow, but it gets me going around 27.  Rated up to a 70 horse, may upgrade if i have spare change laying around.  anywho, love the boat, good big deck front and back, I like that pt 17 you posted.

[WIGuide]

That one looks a little rougher but that's not saying it's bad, but you can tell it wasn't taken care of as well at least cosmetically. As far as the boats go, there are trade offs to both. The 04 is older, not as well taken care of, and at least in my opinion, the layout isn't as good and it's not that much cheaper. The 07 has a smaller Motor, TM, and a cheaper locator. If I had to choose between the two, I know which one I'd be looking at, but it really comes down to which is a better option for you. Also, remember these are not the only two boats out there, and if the deal is not right, the deal is not right. Boat prices should be going down slightly as the summer goes on and will be cheapest in the fall/winter months. 

 

If you want to post pictures I think you have to upload them to an image hosting site. I know imgur has a good smart phone app that you can upload them on there and then post the link to the pics on here.