neatoneto Posted January 15, 2017 Posted January 15, 2017 Hey all I am looking to make a purchase on a bass boat of some sort. I will be mainly fishing calm small/medium sized lakes and will be going multiple times a week. I would like something small and easy to work with. My budget is $12k out the door. I am very interested in the 2017/16 Tracker Pro 160 with either a 25hp or 40hp. Unfortunately new they are out of my budget including taxes and fees since I will be paying cash. I have also seen a 2001 Nitro and 2004 Triton fiberglass bass boat from dealers in my area for around $5-9k. They looked in good shape BUT I am very hesitant to buy a 10-15 year old boat as my first boat. I am fine with a 25-40hp range for an aluminum boat since I'm used to going out on our buddy's 20hp deep v from 1980's. Any sugguestions? Quote
Ski213 Posted January 15, 2017 Posted January 15, 2017 Just based on what you're describing I'd go with a newer used aluminum boat that's outfitted with what you'll actually use if you're wanting something that's ready to fish. If you're okay with doing some work yourself then a new, blank aluminum hull and trailer might be something to look at. You can add the outboard and accessories yourself. You can build decks, etc as you need. I've seen this work for several friends over the years. Just make sure you do your homework when picking the hull. Its just my opnion but although there'd be nothing wrong with buying an older, solid glass boat, if I were looking to do what you're taking about I'd be looking at aluminum only. Whether new or used. 1 Quote
Super User fishnkamp Posted January 15, 2017 Super User Posted January 15, 2017 I sent you a personal message. You have a very good budget and there are lots of boats available to choose from. To find the right one may take a little while, but good boats are out there. If you want easy to use. For small to mid size lakes do not go too small. With your budget you should be able to get a 17.5 to 19 foot aluminum with a 50-90 hp outboard or perhaps more. Personally I have owned multiple aluminum bass boats and several fiberglass rocket ships. The 18 to 19 foot aluminium boats offer some good storage, fishability and performance. Here is what I run. What part of the country are you located? 2 Quote
neatoneto Posted January 15, 2017 Author Posted January 15, 2017 Wow thanks for the replies guys! I'm in Western Connecticut. It does sound like aluminum is the way for me in terms of price and functionality. Glass boats are great but it would be WAY more than what I need. I'm a little hesitant on the used Tracker Pro 16 with a 25hp not because its a small engine for me but because of the resale value. It sounds like most people would want at least the 40hp motor on it. I think the 25hp would be fine for me Quote
Super User slonezp Posted January 15, 2017 Super User Posted January 15, 2017 If you want to buy new, Alumacraft has both bass boats and v bottom boats in your price range. Another option is to by a 16-17ft jon and outfit it yourself 1 Quote
Super User fishnkamp Posted January 15, 2017 Super User Posted January 15, 2017 Check out a few of these used boats in Craigslist. http://newlondon.craigslist.org/boa/5920644375.html http://newhaven.craigslist.org/boa/5934238226.html Quote
Super User fishnkamp Posted January 15, 2017 Super User Posted January 15, 2017 Here is another one. Now this is much newer and a bit farther away but it is coming from a Tracker dealer also. There might be some wiggle room on the price or maybe you can bargain for any changes or options etc. http://foxborough.trackerboatcenter.com/boats/detail.cfm?boatID=6049275 I think any of the two Trackers may fit your needs pretty well. The newer one having a 4 stroke might be nicer but I would have to look at both real good. Quote
neatoneto Posted January 15, 2017 Author Posted January 15, 2017 @fishnkamp thanks again for your help sir. It's funny you sent me the first two because I have been in contact with both and will be checking out the blue tracker this week. I think a used aluminum bass boat with a 40hp+ within the last 10 years will be my go to. I will keep you posted! Quote
Super User webertime Posted January 15, 2017 Super User Posted January 15, 2017 Tons of boats in a 4 hour radius of you: http://vermont.craigslist.org/boa/5960569279.html http://vermont.craigslist.org/boa/5955806935.html http://vermont.craigslist.org/boa/5945148449.html http://vermont.craigslist.org/boa/5913549536.html. Steal! http://vermont.craigslist.org/boa/5858204454.html 1 Quote
Wurming67 Posted January 16, 2017 Posted January 16, 2017 I bought an older boat and it enabled me to get Fiberglass and a bigger boater very glad I did it makes a huge difference on ride and comfort had it thoroughly checked out by a marine mechanic just my. 02 cents 1 Quote
neatoneto Posted January 18, 2017 Author Posted January 18, 2017 http://westernmass.craigslist.org/boa/5939912684.html the hunt is still on guys. The 2013 Tracker Pro 175txw in Foxborough, MA has a deposit on it but they will keep me posted. I really like the 2015 Pro 160 that's in my area but it only has a 25hp and if I'm dishing out close to 10k I want it to be a good investment. Above is a link for a 1991 389t Javelin fiberglass boat with a 150johnson faststrike. Now it is almost a 30yr old boat but I hear very good information on this combo. Plus for $4500 it would be a very nice setup with nice electronics too. I'd figure I would put in an extra $1-2k to get everything in tiptop shape and have a great boat. please advise, thanks! Quote
Super User fishnkamp Posted January 18, 2017 Super User Posted January 18, 2017 Check this one out.It might be a scam since there is a towel over the license tag but if I was looking for a boat I would check this one out. The Ranger R-80 were good boats. http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/5960797566.html 1 Quote
RHuff Posted January 22, 2017 Posted January 22, 2017 I got my aluminum Triton with a 50hp for $5,200 garage kept and less than 20 hours used. When you see the right deal you will know it! 3 Quote
neatoneto Posted January 22, 2017 Author Posted January 22, 2017 On 1/18/2017 at 11:19 AM, fishnkamp said: Check this one out.It might be a scam since there is a towel over the license tag but if I was looking for a boat I would check this one out. The Ranger R-80 were good boats. http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/5960797566.html Just contacted this seller. Boat seems in great shape. Is this a fair price for a 98 r80? 9 hours ago, RHuff said: I got my aluminum Triton with a 50hp for $5,200 garage kept and less than 20 hours used. When you see the right deal you will know it! Very nice find! How and where did you find that? Quote
RHuff Posted January 22, 2017 Posted January 22, 2017 I found it by word of mouth. I was searching dealers with in a 100 mile radius and this boat was in garage no more than 2 miles away from my house.. All i had to do was service it, clean it really good, and replace the cranking and trolling batteries. In one day I had this boat show room ready. Quote
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