Ideas On A New Boat Under 20K

[plural_of_fant]

The boat was garage kept. I'm not sure I agree with saltwater rotting more slowly.the deck was certainly not encapsulated in fiberglass. The boat was bought used. Perhaps it had already been redecked and was done poorly. All I know I've seen a lot of trackers/Lund's/alumacraft deep v multi species boats used in saltwater deteriorate rather quickly. And I know some of these people take good care of their toys.

[lmoore]

Saltwater rots wood more slowly because rot is caused by a fungus, and the salt kills the fungus. that doesn't mean it won't rot when exposed to saltwater, but it takes much longer as the rot spores won't spread as quickly.

There are other problems that saltwater can cause to wood, but rot is typically not one of them.

[Thornback]

I have owned a 2005 Bass Tracker Special Edition 175 with 60 Merc 4-stroke EFI. I usually fish at least twice a month, always fresh water. In ten years neither the boat or motor have ever been in a shop for repair. I changed the water pump impeller once myself. I would buy another BT without hesitation. The other day I saw a new 2013 17' Alumacraft with 70 Yamaha 4-stroke, with trailer, at a dealer marked down to $16,500. I was considering trading for it but they sold it. You might want to look for a new leftover 2013 or later look for a leftover 2014.

[retiredbosn]

New boat operator? Do yourself a favor and take a boating class. Contact your local coast guard auxiliary, some states like VA are making this mandatory. I know VA offers the course online. Secondly any salt water is going to play havoc on a freshwater engine same with trolling motors, make sure whatever you buy is rated for saltwater use, if you plan on going on the intracoastal waterway. A v-hull will pay off with a better ride and more stable platform when fishing coastal waters. Also living in Florida and buying used you need to be able to tell if the boat was used on saltwater. Buying boats can be tricky so do allot of research, good luck.

[blongfishing]

Both boats are excellent! As a striper fishermen I like the skiff. The tracker is a bassier boat. Really either is a fine boat and will look GREAT on the water!!

[Nailbender8usmc]

I can only give my experience and opinion here, so here goes... I had a 1995 Bass Tracker 18' Tournament Pro with a 40hp Merc for years, never had a single problem with it. The only reason I got rid of it was because I wanted something faster and a bit smoother on the water. I replaced it with a 2014 Bass Tracker PT175txw, I did order several upgrades however. I upgraded to the 75hp Optimax, she gets me to 42 if I'm by myself, if I have another person, she will run 40 all day long. The ride is incredibly smooth, no more beating you death in choppy water with all the spray. I absolutely love this new boat! I also upgraded it to a 24 volt system, added a three bank Minn Kota charger, I added a Hot Foot throttle, I added a bow mounted Hummingbird, I added a Hydrowave unit to the bow also. As far as the front deck livewell, I use mine as  a cooler. For those really hot days here in NC, it sure is nice to grab an ice cold drink after several hours on the water. The original (intended) floor cooler is where I store all of my ropes. Tracker Marine customer service to me personally has been nothing short of exceptional. Lastly, I would like to add that the fuel consumption has been a very pleasant surprise, this baby really sips the fuel even after a full day of making long runs at over 5000 rpms, I still have a lot fuel left in the tank. I would definitely recommend Bass Tracker to anyone, I know this is only my two cents but based on my experience with the brand, it is where I choose to put my pennies. Good luck with your search. 

[Sam]

Art, ask around before you make the purchase.

 

I will PM you the name of a wonderful guy who is giving up bass fishing and he has his boat on the market for around $16,000.

 

Another guy I know in the greater Richmond, Virginia area will be putting his boat on the market as he is upgrading and he told me he wants around $18,000.

 

Check around for some bass clubs in your area or both of the federations and give them a call or send an email.  There are a lot of guys in B.A.S.S. and FLW selling their boats this winter and you can get some good deals.

 

You will do better with a private sale, money wise, than if you went to a dealer.

 

But don't let that stop you from checking with some boat dealers in your area. Some take boats on consignment and the owners want them sold and you may get a great deal.

 

Whatever you do, have the motor's compression checked out by a certified mechanic that represents the motor's brand.  This is critical.  Other things you can do include, but are not limited to:

1.  Check all lines for cracks and have the owner replace the ones that need replacing.

2.  Get the motor's computer printout and have a certified mechanic tell you if the motor has been abused and if it has been serviced as per the manufacturer's requirements.

3.  Find out if the motor still has a warranty and how many hours the motor has on it.

4.  Check all compartments, especially the live well.

5.  Look at the carpet. Needs replacement or repair?

6.  Go under the trailer and look for rust or damage and always check out the three tires for wear and tear and dry rot.

7.  Find out if the boat was garaged or left out in the open.

 

There are too many other questions to ask but you get the drift.

 

Be sure to post pics of what you get.

 

Happy New Year!