Crack transom

[Andrew Shelton]

I am looking for a boat to buy and I found an 88 bass tracker with a 150 Johnson motor for $2500. Only problem is a cracked transom. How much would it cost to fix and is it worth it or should I stay clear away from it. Thank you.

[Avalonjohn44]

Walk away, for $2500 you can find a newer boat with an uncracked transom easy on craigslist. Take whatever you find to a service mechanic.

[Andrew Shelton]

Thanks. I just started looking and have yet to find something newer than a 90 for less than $4000 but hopefully my luck will change. Boats are getting more exspensive with the water high everywhere in Texas right now.

[cfalco]

Dont walk away run, I buy and rebuild boats for spare cash.  Even with a totally rotted floor I have never paid more then 1k and that is if the motor runs.

Dont know where you live but here in the Dallas Tx area with 4k you can get a great bass boat.   And for 2500 you can get a okay one.

 

 

[Way2slow]

I thought the 88 Tracker was aluminum?

If it is, what size boat is it to have a 150 on it?

Sounds like it might be over weighted and over powered for the transom.

If aluminum, it can be welded, but it most likely has a plywood reinforcement that needs to be replaced.  To do that will most likely require some cutting a welding. 

If it is a glass boat, it can cost $500 in materials if you think you have the skills and tools and several thousand to pay someone to do it right.   However, that does not account for any hidden work that will probably be required.  Needless to say, totally not worth paying someone to repair it.

[WIGuide]

15 hours ago, Way2slow said:

I thought the 88 Tracker was aluminum?

Tracker had both aluminum and fiberglass boats in 88. I believe they were made in 86-90. That's when Nitro was acquired.