Inspecting what would be my first boat tomorrow.

[TheRodFather]

Hey fellas, as the title states, I'm going to check out what may be my first boat tomorrow.  It is an 06 Bass Tracker Pro Team 190TX with a 90 Mercury Optimax.  Guy says its never been in salt, and that the motor has low run hours because they beat the bank with it most of the time.  I'm not a fool, but I do get a good feeling about this guy.  Retired husband and wife, garage kept it's whole life, boat is pristine looking. 

 

Was looking for suggestions of things to look for.  From the look of the pictures it is in excellent shape.  I don't own a compression tester, but I could pick one up if it's absolutely necessary.

 

http://chambersburg.craigslist.org/boa/5981177650.html

[Jm526]

I would highly recommend to test compression, it is a must. Most likely it will be fine but if it's not, you will have to rebuild the power head. Not fun for you or your wallet. Also major things to check is transom, soft spots on deck and I always like to search the boat and motor on google to see if anyone has problems with something about the boat. Good luck tomorrow and hope everything turns out good. 

[samwise2u]

Take it to a marine mechanic. Then take it out for a spin.

[slonezp]

I think it's priced high and you're also going to want to have the fuel lines checked if they ran ethanol fuel. If the lines have started to break down, the carbs may need some work.

[TheRodFather]

1 minute ago, slonezp said:

I think it's priced high and you're also going to want to have the fuel lines checked if they ran ethanol fuel. If the lines have started to break down, the carbs may need some work.

 

Interesting, the NADA puts it at 9100 for "good" condition, what would you recommend paying for it?

[slonezp]

$7-$7500

[TheRodFather]

Ok, well I will certainly give that a shot, the 175s are going for 9500 around here.

[slonezp]

8 minutes ago, TheRodFather said:

Ok, well I will certainly give that a shot, the 175s are going for 9500 around here.

Maybe it's the market. When you ran the numbers thru NADA, did you include the options? Electronics and trolling motor are out dated. That looks like an ELPTO motor which is carbuerated rather than injected. At 11 years old, you may need trailer tires, and a set of batteries as well

[TheRodFather]

Ok, I will check those things, the add states brand new batteries as of this week.  You lost me on the ELPTO, can you elaborate on that series of motor?

 

Things to check so far:

 

Tires for dryrot/treadlife

Compression

Batteries

Transom

Soft deck spots

Fuel lines for cracks

 

[slonezp]

ELPTO is the model of the Mercury motor. Nothing you need to worry about.  

[TheRodFather]

Looks like the ELPTO is carbeurated VS the Optimax is DFI?

[S. Sass]

I noticed the ad stated " Pa title in hand for both the boat and trailer." I know different states do things different but Texas requires the motor title as well. If he was the original owner you might want to check on that title as well in the event you sell one day and someone from another state that requires it may be interested.    

[TheRodFather]

Ok, I haven't seen mention in any of the adds I have seen where the motor title is mentioned, I will check that out, thanks.

[fishnkamp]

There is no motor title in PA. If you enlarge the photos the engine has the "Opti Max" label on the front of the Hood so I would believe the add that it is in deed an Opti rather than carbed! As for the price he is correct that the prices are holding pretty high for those boats in PA.  Before you go tomorrow take a look at this at Lakeside Marine in Harrisburg PA. I know the owners at this dealership.If you decide to talk to them contact me and I will give my name to drop, I have sent quite a few friends up and she has always taken care of them.  I have not seen this boat personally.

http://www.lakesidemarinepa.com/index.php?view=inventory&viewid=816

[TheRodFather]

1 minute ago, fishnkamp said:

There is no motor title in PA. If you enlarge the photos the engine has the "Opti Max" label on the front of the Hood so I would believe the add that it is in deed an Opti rather than carbed! As for the price he is correct that the prices are holding pretty high for those boats in PA.  Before you go tomorrow take a look at this at Lakeside Marine in Harrisburg PA. I know the owners at this dealership.If you decide to talk to them contact me and I will give my name to drop, I have sent quite a few friends up and she has always taken care of them.  I have not seen this boat personally.

http://www.lakesidemarinepa.com/index.php?view=inventory&viewid=816

 

Thank you for the clarification!  I'm not so sure I am going to want to get into a glass boat though.  I would be using this boat on the Susquehanna, obviously staying away from the shallow areas.  I would certainly be exploring other lakes, but the Susqy is literally only a mile from my house.

 

Was this outboard available on this model year?  Meaning, could this be a re-power with a newer motor than the hull?

 

[fishnkamp]

No it is probably original. Optis have been around since 1997ish, I could have chosen one for my 1998 ProCraft.

Look here also

http://www.readingboatworks.com/pre-owned/aluminum 

Reading boat works has a good looking Alumacraft  Pro 175

[TheRodFather]

That is nice! If i can't get the Tracker down in price a good bit, that might be the one.

[slonezp]

1 hour ago, fishnkamp said:

 If you enlarge the photos the engine has the "Opti Max" label on the front of the Hood so I would believe the add that it is in deed an Opti rather than carbed!

Good catch

[Further North]

 

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Does this mean you bought it?