Trials of buying that first boat 2024
Flatrock reply :
I have been looking for a boat for better than 6 mos... I started looking at small puddle jumpers, then realized I would be limited where I could go. So I started looking at Bass Trackers, Alumacraft, Lowe,ect... Most everything on the market is 25-35 yrs old. I have a suspicious nature, why are so many boats at this age for sale ? I missed out on a several super buys because I'm on the road so much due to work. Then I decided, because of this site, that I need to bite the bullet and buy a newer boat, one that I know will be reliable. I mean what is the sense in buying a 25 - 30 yr old boat for 3-4 grand and finding out that the motor is bad... Also most of these guys don't have the titles which limits to whom I can sell to.
So I had this guy offer me a 2016 Lowe for pay off or 12,500 . I looked the the review and fell in love with what I saw... Side note; OK at this point after looking at older boats, these new ones have come a long way... Anyhow, He said it had it had a couple scratches , but it was in good shape and the boat was going to come with everything and some. He did tell me he fish several times a week and hunted from it, so I expected some wear. The boat is in another state. Today he sent me detailed pictures of the hull and the outside of the hull.
Now I believe a man pays for his boat he can use it any way he see's fit... But I never seen a hull so scratched up and gouged, even the port side was all boogered up. I just can't bring myself to pay that kind of money on a boat that looks like its been dragged thru a gravel pit. My heart just sank more and more as I looked at each picture. Needless to say I sent him a note declining his offer. I realize paint is just cosmetic, but I'm anal about my things... not OCD level. I might have been able swallow the bottom of the boat being scratched up, but 6" gouges on the bow and dings and paint chip on the sides was too much... sigh.
On a bright side I did find a 2018 Bass Tracker 175 Team w/ a 75 Merc for 15K , used 4 times (so he says) and its located 40 miles from me. From what I can see, its garage kept and in immaculate condition. I'm not going to make any claims at this point, but I did tell him I wanted to see the boat and talk to him after Christmas... So we'll see.
Buying a boat should not be this hard...
Dirtyeggroll reply :
On 12/25/2018 at 12:25 PM, Flatrock said:
Buying a boat should not be this hard...
Find a couple of dealers. You may pay a little more but most reputable dealers will triage out all of the junk and get any used boat up to date on maintenance.
Many times dealers will sell used boats on consignment with a mark-up for potential fixes a boat might need once they really start digging into it when an interested buyer comes along. If the boat doesn’t need much work, the price will come down immediately. A lot of times the markup price will include new batteries and water pumps. Things that typically need replaced after a few years or so.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/25/2018 at 12:25 PM, Flatrock said:Buying a boat should not be this hard...
Buy a new rig.
You know what you're getting ~ Unused.
Still challenging but not nearly as 'Hard'.
Good Luck and here's a decision matrix to help make it 'easier'
A-Jay
TnRiver46 reply :
The Hull matters not, all the importance lies inside the cowling. Or at least the expensive importance...........
serioisly though, I have been burned on some Craig’s list deals. The most important thing is a test drive/fish. Launch the boat before you buy it, pretty easy to tell if it leaks. Then put the hammer down, a lot of boats run great in a barrel full of water but put them under a load and they go half $&@.
Then you have the matter of a transom. They are a pain to replace for a regular joe like me. I have done it but it will take up all your free time
for a weekend or 3. To see if transom is rotten, grab the skeg of the motor and shake it up and down while watching the transom. If it wiggles and it’s made of wood, you will need to replace the wood . If the whole boat and trailer shakes instead of the transom then you are good to go
Jig Man reply :
If you are in an area where they have boat shows, take one in. Lots of dealers are willing to give some very good deals at boat shows on new and used products.
slonezp reply :
If the scratches are cosmetic you can put a wrap on the boat for a grand or so. Im looking at the pics on my phone and best i can tell, it appears that the scratches on the bottom are from beaching the boat and scratches on the side are dock rash.
Flatrock reply :
On 12/26/2018 at 11:34 PM, slonezp said:If the scratches are cosmetic you can put a wrap on the boat for a grand or so. Im looking at the pics on my phone and best i can tell, it appears that the scratches on the bottom are from beaching the boat and scratches on the side are dock rash.
Yes there are thing I could do, but would you spend 13 grand for a 2 yr old boat that is this beat up ? I'm sorry I can't.
I'm going to take a look at this boat tomorrow
2018 BT Pro 175 Team w/75 Merc aprox 20 hrs
A-Jay reply :
On 12/27/2018 at 10:22 AM, Flatrock said:Yes there are thing I could do, but would you spend 13 grand for a 2 yr old boat that is this beat up ? I'm sorry I can't.
I'm going to take a look at this boat tomorrow
2018 BT Pro 175 Team w/75 Merc aprox 20 hrs
Good Luck -
That rig should still have some serious warranty life left.
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
On 12/27/2018 at 10:22 AM, Flatrock said:Yes there are thing I could do, but would you spend 13 grand for a 2 yr old boat that is this beat up ? I'm sorry I can't.
I'm going to take a look at this boat tomorrow
2018 BT Pro 175 Team w/75 Merc aprox 20 hrs
Beat up and cosmetic imperfections are 2 different things in my mind. It doesn't look as if there are deep gouges or anything that could compromise the boats seaworthiness. Maybe I am different than most as I feel a boat is a merely a tool to hunt and catch fish.
Flatrock reply :
Its a done deal... Made him an offer, he accepted. (YaY)
Its been a long yr searching but I'm very pleased with this deal... for my 1st boat.
I realize some are rolling their eyes because its not a $60,000 Triton fiberglass boat, but I think I can suffer thru it.. LOL
slonezp reply :
On 12/28/2018 at 10:10 AM, Flatrock said:Its a done deal... Made him an offer, he accepted. (YaY)
Its been a long yr searching but I'm very pleased with this deal... for my 1st boat.
I realize some are rolling their eyes because its not a $60,000 Triton fiberglass boat, but I think I can suffer thru it.. LOL
Congrats...but nobody cares it's not a $60k Triton...until you start winning tournaments.
Flatrock reply :
I'm confused about my boat... already. Its supposed to be a 2018 175 Pro Team but comparing specs... the boat and storage compartments, BT site shows its a 2019 175 TRW Tournament. Am I missing something ? Could have Bass T put a 2019 deck spec in 2018 ?
slonezp reply :
Anything's possible depending on what time of year it was made.
Flatrock reply :
As crazy as this all may be, but judging by the storage configuration (Dual rod boxes)... and talking to the Bass Pro tracker salesman this morning, this boat is a early 2019 model and not a 2018. He also told me that the front deck is all Aluminum on the 2019 models... I think I have stumbled on a once in a life time cherry deal
Goldstar225 reply :
I tend to agree. When I saw the middle passenger seat I thought it was a 2019. Have you seen the boat in person or just photos?
Flatrock reply :
On 12/30/2018 at 9:01 PM, Goldstar225 said:I tend to agree. When I saw the middle passenger seat I thought it was a 2019. Have you seen the boat in person or just photos?
Yes I have seen the boat, struck a deal and shook hands. I questioned the yr model when I noticed it had dual rod boxes. I was supposed to pick the boat up Yesterday but the guy was sick with some stomach bug, so now I'm supposed to pick the boat up Thursday, I hope.
flyfisher reply :
On 12/31/2018 at 3:06 AM, Flatrock said:Yes I have seen the boat, struck a deal and shook hands. I questioned the yr model when I noticed it had dual rod boxes. I was supposed to pick the boat up Yesterday but the guy was sick with some stomach bug, so now I'm supposed to pick the boat up Thursday, I hope.
stomach bug or no stomach bug it doesn't take much to sign over a title and accept some money lol
slonezp reply :
On 12/31/2018 at 3:47 AM, flyfisher said:stomach bug or no stomach bug it doesn't take much to sign over a title and accept some money lol
Yeah, but I'd sure hate to get the Hershey squirts as a sidebar to buying a boat. It would be difficult to get the stains out of the boat carpet.
flyfisher reply :
On 12/31/2018 at 6:52 AM, slonezp said:Yeah, but I'd sure hate to get the Hershey squirts as a sidebar to buying a boat. It would be difficult to get the stains out of the boat carpet.
Valid point....
12poundbass reply :
If you are getting an early 2019 Tracker 175 TXW with a 75hp for $15k or less then you're getting a major steal. I'm a glass half full guy, but something seems off to me and seems too good to be true. The stomach bug is plausible but seems coincidently timed for him. This boat should be closer or over $20k. Hopefully it really works in your favor because that's a hell of a deal and the 19's look sweet, but I have my apprehensions. Good luck!
Flatrock reply :
On 12/31/2018 at 10:39 AM, 12poundbass said:If you are getting an early 2019 Tracker 175 TXW with a 75hp for $15k or less then you're getting a major steal. I'm a glass half full guy, but something seems off to me and seems too good to be true. The stomach bug is plausible but seems coincidently timed for him. This boat should be closer or over $20k. Hopefully it really works in your favor because that's a hell of a deal and the 19's look sweet, but I have my apprehensions. Good luck!
I get you and I'd be lying if changing his mind didn't cross my mind. He told me he paid 20K and he is the one that stated what he wanted... I offered money down and he refused, we shook hand a couple times over our deal.... I'm of the older generation, a hand shake is worth more then a piece of paper. He understood I had to arrange finances in order to buy the boat.
But knowing that the stomach bug is going around and the fact that he works in the medical field, I'd say its very likely. So I'd say he was sick, I wouldn't want to be on the lake, never mind in a moving car if I was hurling at both ends. Besides I requested that we take it out on the lake before I handed a check... I mean you don't buy a used car without taking it around the block. So all I can do is wait a few more days and hope he is a man of his word.
12poundbass reply :
On 12/31/2018 at 9:47 PM, Flatrock said:
I get you and I'd be lying if changing his mind didn't cross my mind. He told me he paid 20K and he is the one that stated what he wanted... I offered money down and he refused, we shook hand a couple times over our deal.... I'm of the older generation, a hand shake is worth more then a piece of paper. He understood I had to arrange finances in order to buy the boat.
But knowing that the stomach bug is going around and the fact that he works in the medical field, I'd say its very likely. So I'd say he was sick, I wouldn't want to be on the lake, never mind in a moving car if I was hurling at both ends. Besides I requested that we take it out on the lake before I handed a check... I mean you don't buy a used car without taking it around the block. So all I can do is wait a few more days and hope he is a man of his word.
I'm not from the older generation, but from and live in fairly rural community so a hand shake is all it takes most time here. It sounds like you're getting a once in a lifetime deal on your boat! Go buy a lotto ticket. Can't wait to see the end result! ????
Boomstick reply :
On 12/26/2018 at 11:34 PM, slonezp said:If the scratches are cosmetic you can put a wrap on the boat for a grand or so. Im looking at the pics on my phone and best i can tell, it appears that the scratches on the bottom are from beaching the boat and scratches on the side are dock rash.
Here you go. You will be the envy of every other angler on the lake!
12poundbass reply :
On 12/31/2018 at 11:34 PM, Boomstick said:
Here you go. You will be the envy of every other angler on the lake!
That would look good on @slonezp's Lund! Better yet My Little Pony.
slonezp reply :
On 12/31/2018 at 11:40 PM, 12poundbass said:That would look good on @slonezp's Lund! Better yet My Little Pony.
If the price is right I can be bought
Flatrock reply :
If I wrapped anything in a pink Kitty wrap... The guys I know would never let me live it down. However I would be willing to be a Minion 
12poundbass reply :
On 1/1/2019 at 12:12 AM, slonezp said:If the price is right I can be bought
$20 isn't hard to come by buddy!
Boomstick reply :
On 1/1/2019 at 12:19 AM, Flatrock said:If I wrapped anything in a pink Kitty wrap... The guys I know would never let me live it down. However I would be willing to be a Minion
I have a guitar playing friend who plays metal and painted one of his guitars very similar to this boat wrap.
slonezp reply :
On 1/1/2019 at 12:20 AM, 12poundbass said:$20 isn't hard to come by buddy!
I'm a tad more expensive than that
Log Catcher reply :
On 1/1/2019 at 12:20 AM, 12poundbass said:$20 isn't hard to come by buddy!
You better take a good look at what your getting before handing over the money.
Flatrock reply :
On 1/1/2019 at 1:15 AM, slonezp said:I'm a tad more expensive than that
So your say you ain't cheap but can be had... ???? LOL
slonezp reply :
Everyone has their price. Mine's more than 20.00
Flatrock reply :
.
Goldstar225 reply :
Just touching base to see if the deal for your boat went through? Good luck.
12poundbass reply :
On 1/5/2019 at 1:44 AM, Goldstar225 said:Just touching base to see if the deal for your boat went through? Good luck.
Yup I'm wondering too. Hoping so 'cause that's a fine boat and a steal of a price.
Flatrock reply :
I'd like to report that I did finalized the deal this morning at a Waffle House over breakfast.. I'm now the owner of a 2019 Bass Tracker 175 Pro Team TXW 
Russ E reply :
Congratulations.
No better way to seal the deal than raising your cholesterol a few points at a waffle house.
Flatrock reply :
On 1/5/2019 at 9:24 AM, Russ E said:Congratulations.
No better way to seal the deal than raising your cholesterol a few points at a waffle house.
I do like scattered, covered and smothered ????
12poundbass reply :
Awesome! You sit got a deal of a lifetime! Go buy a lotto ticket! Congrats enjoy the new boat!
slonezp reply :
and no Hershey squirts..... Congrats on the new rig!!!!
Flatrock reply :
On 1/5/2019 at 10:23 AM, 12poundbass said:Awesome! You sit got a deal of a lifetime! Go buy a lotto ticket! Congrats enjoy the new boat!
I might just do that..
A-Jay reply :
Congratulations on your New Rig !
A-Jay
Goldstar225 reply :
Congratulations! Heck of a deal on a darn good boat that will serve you well for many years. Now go get that thing wet.
JLBBass reply :
On 1/5/2019 at 9:11 AM, Flatrock said:I'd like to report that I did finalized the deal this morning at a Waffle House over breakfast.. I'm now the owner of a 2019 Bass Tracker 175 Pro Team TXW
AWESOME!!!
Flatrock reply :
On 1/11/2019 at 1:11 AM, Goldstar225 said:Congratulations! Heck of a deal on a darn good boat that will serve you well for many years. Now go get that thing wet.
Yes I have, twice... However This last time (Monday) the winds picked up to 20-30 mph late afternoon and I had to cross the lake. Lets just say that things got very interesting for a while with 3' swells and heavy chop. This boat did very well, even though I got soaked... I just couldn't get away from the splashing and spray. .. wind chills was dropping like a sinker and was in the 50's with me only wearing a med shirt. I was sure glad when I found my cove where I launched... I was the last one off the lake too that day. All I can say is... Come one calm 60* days... LOL
RHuff reply :
Way to go Flatrock! I still remember the feeling I had when I pulled out with my first boat - a 2008 Triton Aluminum. Even though mine was in excellent condition too when I picked it up and handed off the check, I still spent two days cleaning and organizing it because I was just so proud that it was MINE and paid for.
Flatrock reply :
On 1/11/2019 at 2:21 AM, RHuff said:
Way to go Flatrock! I still remember the feeling I had when I pulled out with my first boat - a 2008 Triton Aluminum. Even though mine was in excellent condition too when I picked it up and handed off the check, I still spent two days cleaning and organizing it because I was just so proud that it was MINE and paid for.
Thanks man... I never thought I'd get a new (used 2019) never mind a boat of this caliber even though its Bass Tracker. Going from no boat all my life to this... To me its as good as any $80,000 boat ????
12poundbass reply :
On 1/11/2019 at 10:02 AM, Flatrock said:
Thanks man... I never thought I'd get a new (used 2019) never mind a boat of this caliber even though its Bass Tracker. Going from no boat all my life to this... To me its as good as any $80,000 boat ????
Don't let some get in your head with "even though it's a Tracker". Trackers are quality boats made for the average Joe like you and me. Some knocked it because of the wood deck, those people don't understand wood and how it decays. Some knock them because the price is on the lower end, that's because Johnny Morris knows where his bread and butter is (you and I). There's better boats out there with more options and better quality absolutely! At the end of the day you're on the water just like the rest of us and it's a good quality boat! I looked and looked for a Tracker all summer and fall. I didn't find what I wanted. Then just before I threw in the towel for the winter I just happened to find my G3. That's the only reason I don't have a Tracker at this point.
That boat will last you the rest of your life and then some. ????
Flatrock reply :
On 1/11/2019 at 11:26 PM, 12poundbass said:Don't let some get in your head with "even though it's a Tracker". Trackers are quality boats made for the average Joe like you and me. Some knocked it because of the wood deck, those people don't understand wood and how it decays. Some knock them because the price is on the lower end, that's because Johnny Morris knows where his bread and butter is (you and I). There's better boats out there with more options and better quality absolutely! At the end of the day you're on the water just like the rest of us and it's a good quality boat! I looked and looked for a Tracker all summer and fall. I didn't find what I wanted. Then just before I threw in the towel for the winter I just happened to find my G3. That's the only reason I don't have a Tracker at this point.
That boat will last you the rest of your life and then some. ????
I was told that the front deck on the 2019 are aluminum now by the salesman and that they are looking at eventually making them all aluminum in time. How true that is I don't know. But I am glad to hear the front deck is all metal.
I get throwing in the towel.. I was just about to do the same thing when I found this one.
Goldstar225 reply :
On 1/11/2019 at 10:02 AM, Flatrock said:
Thanks man... I never thought I'd get a new (used 2019) never mind a boat of this caliber even though its Bass Tracker. Going from no boat all my life to this... To me its as good as any $80,000 boat ????
Despite some naysayers, don't be hanging your head that "it's only a bass tracker". My current boat is a 2018 Tracker PT190 which I bought after carefully considering other brands. My last boat was a 1987 Tracker TX17. 30+ years on the water and now serving it's new owner. I don't share the concerns of the wood deck. The wood on mine lasted 27 years before I felt the need to replace it and then only the front 6" of the front deck was bad. Like any boat, take care of it and it will last you a long time.
related Bass Boats Canoes Kayaks topic
previous topic
most viewed Bass Boats Canoes Kayaks topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.