Older boat more amenities OR newer boat

[Evan P]

Hello all. Need help deciding on a couple of boats.

 

First up is a 2002 Fisher pro hawk 1860 w/ 115 merc 4-stroke. Has 80lb ultrex, big livewells, tons of storage.

 

Second (and third, etc.) is I have been looking at Bass Tracker 175TWX’s. Most have 60hp and edge trolling motor.

One in particular I have found is 2015 175TF model, 45lb edge and 60hp merc. Needs some cleaning but otherwise nice boat. This is listed about $1000 more than the fisher.

 

The second tracker is a TWX, edge and 75hp 2012. $2500 more than fisher.

 

The third is a 2014 TWX, 60hp and edge. $2500 more than fisher.

 

So, do I choose the older boat that has everything I need, better layout, faster boat, ultrex with spot lock, etc., or continue to look for a tracker that’s a bit newer for longevity purposes.

 

It’s a toss up, as I’d probably look to buy a new/different boat once I’m done graduate school. 
 

thanks

[airshot]

Condition and how it has been maintained is everything !!!  No matter what the age....unless the age is excessive.  My own boat is a 1992 that I just bought last summer.  It has been a garage queen its whole life, looks like new and previous owner has all reciepts for maintenence....could care less when its birthday is, as it is still a like new boat!!!  

    In your case, which boat suits you best, which is in best condition...mechanical not how pretty !!!  Only you can decide, but whichever you decide, how about some pics !!!

[casts_by_fly]

Are you going to end with an ultrex/spot lock, live imaging, etc?  You can always upgrade accessories.  Buy the hull, motor, and condition. You can’t change a layout.

[gulfcaptain]

Need to find what you want. If the first fits your needs great. But if it's just because of the few upgrades, nope. Find what you want. Make it your own. Bought a 99 Champion. It was the boat I wanted. Since 2016, new motor,  trolling motor, carpet, charger, electronics (upgrading again), and some trailer repairs. All in all it's the boat I wanted,  not what I settled for. Find what you want and make it yours. 

[Susky River Rat]

If you never owned a boat it’s hard to say what you’d like layout wise. The area I fish and what I thought I wanted have completely changed from 2019 to now. Hence why I want to get in a new boat the end of this year. If the fisher has the lay out you want and the trolling motor I think it’s a no brainer as long as it’s in good condition. A 45 edge is terrible. You’ll be looking at $200 in bats or more and $1800 plus to get an 80 thrust with spot lock. I am sure you can find deals on things but just something to think about. 

[WRB]

The older 2002 Fisher Pro 1860 boat comes in V hull and a Mod V hull, which are you looking at? Are all the other OB’s Merc 4 strokes?

If you like the Fisher boat layout and TM etc have engine checked out by a mechanic.

Tom

 

[TnRiver46]

You’ll definitely wanna see them in person first but as long as nothing is rotten, I’d go with the 115 4 stroke package ! 

[Catt]

12 hours ago, Evan P said:

So, do I choose the older boat that has everything I need, better layout, faster boat, ultrex with spot lock, etc.,

 

Keep the $2,500 in your pocket.

[Bankc]

Used boats are just like used cars.  They're always a gamble.  It could be rotted beyond repair (or beyond being worth the cost of repair).  Or it could be good as new, only much cheaper.  

 

See if the guy with the used boat will take you out in it, or let you borrow it for a day.  That'll let you know a bit about how it runs and if it needs any major repairs up front.  Better still, take along someone who knows boats and get their opinion.  If it all checks out, that's the direction I'd lean.  

[gim]

The condition and age of the outboard would be the most significant item for me.  The smaller, newer outboards are going to use a lot less fuel too.  Just my 2 cents

[TOXIC]

There’s no right answer but if it were me I would evaluate each boat on its own.  Big items in my mind are durability, quality of build, engine condition, trailer condition, manufacturer.  As for graphs, upgraded trolling motor, etc, you can add those piecemeal as budget allows.  If you are going to keep the boat long term is also a consideration as to manufacturer and build quality.  The big motor is paramount.  Those would be the first 2 things I would look at.  As for a personal example, I looked at a lot of boats before I bought mine.  All used.  I focused on manufacturer quality and I am still running a 2005 model.  I have upgraded the troller a couple of times but I do not have an ultrex or any spot lock capability.  That will come in a future upgrade.  I do not have the latest and greatest in electronics, I run gen 2 with side and down scan.  I have a 2 stroke with 500 hours.  Out of everything I would like to have a 4 stroke but for my needs, my setup works just fine.  I have added a center seat step/storage box, went from a motor guide to an minnkota fortrex troller and powerpoles.

[@reelChris]

I don't know Fisher, but everything on the smaller Trackers is the bare minimum necessary to function - engine, electronics, live well, TM, trailer, lights, switches, paint quality, wiring, seat foam, carpet etc.  

 

The storage compartments are usually not water tight - bilge water will migrate into them - and the only thing that holds the lids shut is the friction between the carpet on the lid and the carpet on the deck.  Buy a smaller tracker and by next season you'll be jonesing for the bigger motor, 80lb ultrex, big livewells, and tons of storage the Fisher supposedly has.  

[shawn woodward]

l bought the fisher that you were looking at. this guy took very good care of this boat. every switch and bulb works motor is flawless but im still doing oil, impeller, and lower unit and fuel filter for piece of mind. he was a flooring guy so all of the carpets and hatch covers are a couple years old, even added an extra storage on unused space in the bow. got the boat for 10500

[GaryH]

6 hours ago, shawn woodward said:

l bought the fisher that you were looking at. this guy took very good care of this boat. every switch and bulb works motor is flawless but im still doing oil, impeller, and lower unit and fuel filter for piece of mind. he was a flooring guy so all of the carpets and hatch covers are a couple years old, even added an extra storage on unused space in the bow. got the boat for 10500

Congrats