Questions on a used Bass Tracker
One last question about buying a used Bass Tracker...Locally I've found a 1993 17 TX. The decking is in good shape but it's
clearly been stored outside with no cover. The plastic on the switch and the
throttle are faded from black to gray. The plastic bumper guard all around
the outside of the boat is about worthless but the hull looks to be in good
shape. It's got a 60hp engine that appears to be in good shape. This is _perfect_
for me. 25hp is too little but goingg 3-35mph is just fine. The carpet is just fine. It's not new but it's not torn or faded that I can
tell. I'd need to replace all the screws as they all show rust. Some of the
lid latches are cracked. The front part of the plastic drivers console is a
little cracked near the windshield. It's mainly just cosmetic but it can be
seen. It's got a 30lbs trolling motor that looks original. I currently have a 14'
Lowe with a 36lbs motor that is about right for that boat. From what I've
read, the 30lbs is really too weak for this boat. I don't fight wind often
but do want the boat to move quickly using the trolling motor (you know how
it is, you always see that perfect spot just 50 yard away). Only 1 fish finder. I looked up NADA on the boat; Low Retail is $2270 and average is $2730 (for
a 40hp engine, this boat has a 60hp). The dealer is asking $4000. I live in
Florida. I like the boat as it needs some work but it's things I can do. I'd
much rather pay a little less for a boat in rough condition and then work on
it to set it up correctly for bass fishing (the last owner ran the fish
finder wires on top of the deck through floor baseboard tubing... what are
some people thinking). I'm thinking about offering $2700 for the boat as it
is. I might go to $3000. But I can't see going much higher then average
retail as it's clearly not in average condition. I've also seen too many
Bass Trackers going for about $3200 on ebay which have the same layout but
are around 1995-1997 models. I've posted the two pictures on the boat that I have:
http://www.tampawebpages.com/BassTracker.jpg
http://www.tampawebpages.com/BassTracker2.jpg (The pictures make the boat look perfect. It's not) You think this is a good offer? I've had next to no experience with how much
a boat dealer will knock off their asking price. You all know what You've
seen bass Trackers sell for and their conditions. What do you think? |
Todd
Mar 26
2005
|
| >You think this is a good offer?
I can't tell how good the trailer/trailer lights/and tires are, but
that should also be a consideration. If all is OK here, I would not
buy for over $2200. And (obviously) you need to take the rig for a
test drive to see if the motors, batteries, and running gear are OK.
Be sure to check the bilge and live well pumps and running lights.
Little things can make a BIG difference! Sorry if I have only stated the obvious, but I have seen fishing
buddies "stuck" when they bought rigs which looked good but had
expensive problems. Check EVERYTHING out before making an offer. Guy A
Ripley, TN |
Guy
Mar 26
|
| Caution Todd, a boat that's been neglected is bound to have LOTS of
suprises... Warren |
go-bassn
Mar 26
|
| Also Todd, be aware that those carpets were once black as night... WW |
go-bassn
Mar 26
|
| Will do. I'm just a little thrown by the price they have listed. I mean, the
boat is in below average condition and the average retail is $1300 less then
their list price. I could see them jacking the list price up a few
hundred... but $1300? I think I'll give the boat a good going over with a friend. $2200 seems a
bit low for a boat at a dealer but I agree with you and will probably offer
$2500 and see what they say. I took the price difference between a 40hp and
60hp engine and it was about $200. Adding this to the low retail puts it at
about $2500. Also, this is 1/2 way between low and average retail. |
Todd
Mar 27
|
| Understood. Still, as long as the engine does not blow up, I think I can
handle most anything else. I'm really looking for a boat for a lower price
that I might be able to put some elbow grease into. It's just the dealer
listing it at $4000 that is throwing me off. A $2500 offer seems to low for
them to take. But that is really what it's worth. No? |
Todd
Mar 27
|
| >>>news:Z4KdnZj5hfGJlNvfRVn-gQ@rcn.net... |
Dan
Mar 26
|
| They were gray. I have this same boat. Does this have power trim? It Does
look pretty good. Note that it is a rivit boat though. When you take it out
for a ride lift open the back hatch and make sure there is no water in the
bottom. Also dont just drive it for a short distance. Run it hard for
about 5 miles. I really like the one I have. The trailer isnt original.
$3000 isnt too much if is the boat your looking for. |
Kevin
Mar 27
|
| Walk on to the lot with the check all ready written and say here it is = |
Dr.
Mar 27
|
| It has power trim. The dealer just turned the engine over (no water) and it
sounded pretty strong. While the pictures make the boat look good, it is a
little rough. The plastic bumper guard on the outside of the boat is all cut
up, missing in sections, and in one spot has a small piece of duct tape
holding it on. I'm thinking, it takes some abuse to hack up a bumper guard
all the way around a boat. Also, all the switchs and throttle are fsded gray
and all the deck screws are rusted. This makes it obvious that it was stored
outside with no cover. Adding this up makes me think the trailer is a
replacement as it was in poor condition. The trailer is metal and would not
have held up as well as the aluminum boat (again, if not well maintained). You know what I was really looking for (but did not fully realize it)...
people to tell me that I should not be offering more then the boat is worth.
I want to get rid of my old boat and buy a bigger boat. I've been busting my
butt for about 6 months now to be in a position where I can do this. I find
myself not wanting to pass up on any boat that comes my way and this one is
5 mins from my house. As everyone has mentioned, if the dealer is not
reasonable, I'll walk away. |
Todd
Mar 27
|
| Walk on to the lot with the check all ready written and say here it is take
it or leave it. He’ll take it more likely then not. And there is always a
better deal down the road. It is clear he wants to rip off you or someone
else. Richard G. <plain text, please> I agree 100% about walking all around on the floor. The wooden floor will be
the first to rot on the boat. I had a prior fiberglass boat where the floor
started to crack. This was in the area where water pooled. I just got done
replaceing the wooden floor in the boat I'm going to be selling. Yup, with everyone's posts about offering no more then average retail, I'll
stick to my plan and offer no more. As I mentioned in another post, I just
have a hard time walking away from buying a boat that is so convenient (I've
been looking at boats 500 miles away and this one is 5 mins from my house). |
Todd
Mar 27
|
| If you are really interested I would find out from tracker if any parts are
avaiable if you want to restore at least some of the boat parts
IMO I would walk away from it,if the outside is that rough then I wouldnt
trust the engine |
Chris
Mar 27
|
| Put it in the water and run it for abit. I wouldnt buy it unless I ran the
engine in he water |
Chris
Mar 27
|
| ***I agree that a 60 hp outboard on this boat should move it pretty well. |
Steve
Mar 27
|
| Don't get to attached to this boat. I fhtey don't take your offer look at
somethignelse. Also... don't buy it if you aren't prepared to spend some
time working on it when you would rather be fishing. Just my .02 |
Bob
Mar 27
|
|
Small quantities of stainless steel screws are quite pricing, but full boxes
are a lot more reasonable. I am sure in different areas it will be
different, but for a convenience type store Lowes has the best selection of
stainless including "contractor packs" which usually contain 25 of an item.
I'll go there if I am in a hurry to get soemthing done. If I need a bunch
of screws thoguh I'll go over to Copperstate Bolt Company. Then I'll buy
what I want in boxes of 100. They are a commercial bulk fastener supplier.
I buy a lot of screws from them for my contracting company, so it really
isn't out of my way anyway. |
Bob
Mar 27
|
| Hi Todd, What I have tried to impress upon those looking for a boat, especially
if it's their first or second boat. Go shopping for a dealer. You want to find a dealer that you feel you can trust. Someone you can
talk to. That has a good service shop and reputation. Preferably not
to far away from where you live. It doesn't matter as much what brand he
carries, because if he is a good dealer he will carry a good brand or
several good brands. Most likely he will trade for decent boats. Talk
to other fisherman. Go to shows and talk to the people there. Talk to
tournament anglers. There are a lot of boats for sale out there. This
is one Tracker in a bunch that have been sold. If it's rough, rest
assured that there is a nice one just waiting to be found. You don't
want to have to spend your time and money having to work on a boat just
to make it usable. You will be money ahead, paying a little more and
getting one in good condition. If a boat is rough, chances are the
steering cables have never been lubed. Not a lot of fun having to
replace the cables. A new water pump is a must. A test drive is a must. Good Luck,
Carlos |
Carlos
Mar 27
|
| Todd |
Dr.
Mar 27
|
| Dealers are there to make a living. I don't deny that. But to say that
there are no trustworthy dealers is wrong. There are dealers that know
the value of a good relationship with their customers and do what they
can to make your experience a good one, at a fair price for everyone.
It's simply a matter of shopping for one. In addition, it this era of hi-tech engines, it helps to have a dealer
with a complete service shop. They will have the tools and knowledge to
diagnose problems that can happen. They will also have the experience
and knowledge to properly set a boat up. Carlos |
Carlos
Mar 27
|
| Sure Todd, that's how marine dealers profit. I'd say the motor is the most
suspect part of that boat buddy. I'd run it & run it hard & long before
buying. Warren |
go-bassn
Mar 27
|
| More than abit on the running - hard & long. On & off the throttle, idle
etc. The works... |
go-bassn
Mar 27
|
| You can get just about any part for this year boat. I even bought fenders
for mine with factory matched paint. This wont be the last deal you will
find . Take you time you will find one you like. |
Kevin
Mar 27
|
| Ok Todd,
Here is exactly what I'd do.
First, are you sure you really like this boat? If yes, proceed.
Go get you a compression tester, they're cheap. And a big flat screwdriver.
Visit the dealer, do a compression test, that little johnrude should have
about 100 psi per cylinder. You're mostly looking for the same number on
each. If ones way different then the other two, it's a gonner. Take your new screwdriver, loosen the bottom screw on the lower unit fill,
check to make sure the lower unit fluid is dark, if it's milky or *ACK*
clear, the seals are bad. Hook it up to the hose and fire it off, of course it should run immediately,
no knocking or hissing sounds. Turn on every switch, make sure they work. Stomp, not gently step on every
part of the floors and decks. If all that checks out, it's still a $2,500 boat. |
Pat
Mar 28
|
