1983 Bass Tracker Tournament tx17

[DnaDProBassShops]

I'm looking to get some more experienced opinions on a possible purchase for me.

Like the title says.. The boat is a 1983 Bass Tracker tournament tx17, it has a 1990 tracker bunk style trailer. 80hp mercury(Max'd out for this boat)outboard with hydrolic tilt and steering, it has the original trolling motor, 3 batteries only like a year and a half old, 2 gas tanks, 2 oars, 3 life jackets, Brand new transom, new trailer lights, comes with boat cover and tarp. He said the motor runs, batteries just need to be charged, no leaks. The floor decking is solid,and is pretty much good to go.

He was asking 1800 the only reason hes sellin it is because he has no where to store it.. i offered him 1200 and he agreed on that price.

So what do you guys think? A good first bass boat?

[mossyoak]

If you dont buy that boat then let me know and i will. Happy fishing and pm me if you dont get the boat

[cart7t]

On your first trip to the lake, resist the urge to go blasting off into the sunset and drive around the boat ramp area for a little while.  Those early trackers were known to leak, some bad.  You wouldn't want to get too far from the trailer if the boat would start to take on a lot of water. 

[Grey Wolf]

  Quote

On your first trip to the lake, resist the urge to go blasting off into the sunset and drive around the boat ramp area for a little while. Those early trackers were known to leak, some bad. You wouldn't want to get too far from the trailer if the boat would start to take on a lot of water.

Great advice.

[Long Mike]

Don't even think about buying that boat until you see the motor running; either on ear muffs or preferably during a test drive.

[Olebiker]

I have a 1984 Bass Tracker Tournament TX that is still watertight.  Put it in the water and test it before you buy it, though.

[MichBassMan]

Listen to the motor running, then look for leaks. It's a good deal if everything passes inspection.

[DnaDProBassShops]

Thanks everyone for the great advice! If i end up getting the boat ill take some pictures and post them up!

[fishfordollars]

Why was the transom replaced? Have you had the motor, boat, and trailer checked by a qualified mechanic(Not an auto mechanic either)? If you don't do these things then you deserve what ever you get.

Did you check the paperwork to see if it's in line? Doubt it. You better do your homework else you got a basket case that you will end up totting to the scrap yard.

$1,200.00 ain't a deal if it's crap.

[junebugmn]

x-2 on the check for leak's! I had a 89 pro-17, bought it from the dealer, he said it didn't leak yeah right Gilligan > the hull filled half full first time out :-?he ended up getting all the rivet's on thebottom of the hull welded, it still leaked, but not as much! by this time the season was almost over!!! Good luck! Junebugman p.s. I bought another one this one is tight as a tick's butt!! LOL!

[Rio Maverick]

You offered and he accepted, sounds like it is yours.

In 90 I purchased new 89 Tracker TF1800 w/ 110 Evi and still use it and like it. I fish heavy cover so the boat has some marks, but it is still a sound fiberglass boat. Its not real fast 43, but it gets me there.

Good fishing.

[DnaDProBassShops]

From reading some of your opinions, I kind of shied away from gettin the boat. He didnt really cooperate with taking the boat out for a test run to check everything. Another thing is that 80HP merc, I dont really want that big of a motor on it (since its max'd out). So I dont know if the 80HP will beat on the transom, maybe thats why it had to get replaced in the first place?

[dablaw1]

I bought a 83 tracker 18" myself this year to hunt this winter out of..It has a 50 merc same year..Guy wanted 1,200, I gave him 1,000 for it..Pretty rough but motor ran good on muffs in Feb when I bought it and it was cold that day..

So 1,000 for the rig

700.00 for Doug Meyer to redo all the leaky rivets with ss bolts, and recarpet and new lids for everything,new floor and front deck. Back deck is aluminum.

Trolling motor- 75 bucks on Craiglist. Tracker model Motor Guide foot control.

Had the motor gone through from top to bottom 300 bucks.New water pump,plugs,seals, the works.Runs like a new one.

2 new interstate batteries 100 bucks(traded in old ones)

New (on ebay) super sixty in the box..Can't beat em..Mounted on the console. 40.00

New HB LCR 4id mounted on front deck 60 bucks

4 new seats from wal-mart 300.00 total.

new bow and stern light sockets 30 bucks

Rewired the whole boat myself and installed fuse block with master switch, all new rocker switches. around 50 bucks for everything..had the wire and some other parts for this.

New livewell aerator pump 30 bucks

rod saver straps for rods,trolling motor,batteries and bow and stern lights.(BPS on sale for 6 bucks a set) 18 bucks total

Refinished and painted the console(All metal) and what little metal on the inside, and entire outside of boat. less than 100 bucks

Mounted all new transducers on stern and on Trolling motor(Came with units)

Cleaned out 6 gallon fuel tank and new hose,bulb,and fuel line ends.(free..extras came with boat)

Recarpeted bunks on trailer.. extra carpet leftover.

Still need to paint trailer and repack bearings and/or replace but seem good now..

Total for entire redo ...around 2,800 give or take...

If you get it right and do alot yourself you can have a great boat for cheap..I can sell this boat all day long in the spring here around KY lake for 3,500 or more..Especially when the trailer is painted..By the time I redo the trailer and add LED lights I'm probably looking at 3,000 total..And you get a little satisfaction out of watching it come together..

Will be a great fishing boat for a couple years till I get a new Bass Boat and will be a great duck hunting boat as well..

I painted it sand color and the carpet is sand as well..

Hope this helps to make people realize what can be done if you shop around..I'm happy with the litle ole boat..

[dablaw1]

I forgot to post that I think this is a decent deal on the rig...The motor would bring that around here with power trim.

I'd wanna hear it run with muffs at least..Go ahead and plan on spending another 1,000 to get the things you'll find later fixed...that way your not slammed unexpectedly..Just my opinion..You could always trade down in motor size...Mines just got a 50 merc and I'm happy..