Looking at a boat

[Crowseye]

I'm looking at a 1989 bass tracker 1600tf with a 90 hp Johnson on it they are asking $1800 for it and say everything works great. My main concern is the gel coat on it. Is this something that is repairable/ is it going to harm the boat in its current state or does something need to done right away. Want to know what I'd be getting into

[warrior1]

to say everything works great should be proven and don't just take their word.  Not sure how much money you want to put in a 1989 boat but to re-do the paint could be a pretty penny.  Although I am not a painter, I would think that if you were going to do something with the Gel coat you might as well paint it at the same time.  If everything does work and you just want to fish without doing anything is another thing as well. 

Is the whole boat like that?

[Crowseye]

From what I can tell in the photos it's just the top. Which makes me believe it was left outside for more than one season. Which could mean some issues with the transom and other things that could rot. I think I may have talked/researched my way out of this one. 

Stinks because I've always wanted a bass boat and this had potential. Might be a good project for somebody....not a guy with a 1 year old lol

[GetJigginWithIt]

If you look, you can most likely find a tin in good shape for $1800. 

[WIGuide]

The gel coat is definitely got on that boat. Although it doesn't look pretty, it doesn't effect the structural integrity. It does however take a ton of value out of the boat so pay accordingly. X2 on the don't take the guys word that everything works, go try it out and find out for yourself. 

[Crowseye]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm going to continue looking I'm not in any rush. This has been a successful first post for me and I look forward to seeing what else this site has to offer.

[Fishes in trees]

I'd be much more concerned about the transom on that boat compared to the gel coat.

[warrior1]

3 hours ago, GetJigginWithIt said:

If you look, you can most likely find a tin in good shape for $1800. 

although my tin was a little more than that, I agree that for the money a tin is a great place to start.  I've seen a lot of posts from guys that got a great tin starter boat in that price range.  How much do you fish now?  A good way to get a lot of lake time and not have the costs associated with a boat, is to join your local bass club.

Good luck 

[Crowseye]

3 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

I'd be much more concerned about the transom on that boat compared to the gel coat.

I am but the boat is an hour away from me so I was just going off what I could see in the pics and was definitely going to inspect the transom on arrival. 

2 hours ago, warrior1 said:

although my tin was a little more than that, I agree that for the money a tin is a great place to start.  I've seen a lot of posts from guys that got a great tin starter boat in that price range.  How much do you fish now?  A good way to get a lot of lake time and not have the costs associated with a boat, is to join your local bass club.

Good luck 

I fish quite a bit and I have access to boats since my father owns 4....different fishing styles (bigger fishing boat, Jon boat, canoe, kayak). I'm keeping my eyes open as I would like to have a boat for myself but am in no hurry. Just saw this boat and it caught my eye. Just wanted to ask some question about fiberglass before I drove an hour to look at it.