Thoughts on mid 80's Tracker w/ Mariner motor?

[fir3hawk]

Just got off the phone with an older gerntleman selling a mid-80's tracker. He seemed pretty honest about the boat and everything seemed to check out. He recently rewired the boat and replaced the "middle" carpet by the console. Clean titles, runs good. He is also willing to drive 45 minutes to do a lake test for me but it probably wouldn't be this weekend due to Easter. Thinking about driving out (3 hrs) to look at it in his driveway and put a deposit down on it. Priced around $3k. Thoughts?

Anything to look for during inspection? Are the mid 80's Mariners made by Mercury or Yamaha? The motor is the same year as the boat.

 

[Texasmark]

What's the guy's phone number and where's it located?

 

[fir3hawk]

What's the guy's phone number and where's it located?

Good luck, I leave at 6:30am to look at it.

 

[Faztbullet]

That's the 4 cylinder Merc mota..... good price.

 

[Georgesalmon]

That 4 cyl 45hp might be one of the best motors Merc ever made. Merc called it the "classic 50"

 

[Texasmark]

That 4 cyl 45hp might be one of the best motors Merc ever made. Merc called it the "classic 50"

Well it was. It started out back in the late '30's. Check out the site for the full story: http://www.leeroysramblings.com/history_of_mercury_outboards.html.

Still the same 4 cyl design from the original 4 cyl 25 hp Hurricane with a few modernizations, thru prop exhaust for one, different sheet metal and castings. To be a classic you have to be a classic and this surely is.

Now about that telephone number and address........................

 

[fir3hawk]

Glad to hear great reviews! The boat was in fantastic shape and pretty much exactly as advertised. Lake test came out good and we came to a deal. Drove out at 6:30am and met him at 10am. Left around 1pm and got home by 4. Definitely a long day (360 miles) but well worth it. He was asking $3200 but I tried for $3000 and we agreed at $3100. Beautiful boat and I cant wait to get her out on the lake.

 

[fir3hawk]

Glad to hear great reviews! The boat was in fantastic shape and pretty much exactly as advertised. Lake test came out good and we came to a deal. Drove out at 6:30am and met him at 10am. Left around 1pm and got home by 4. Definitely a long day (360 miles) but well worth it. He was asking $3200 but I tried for $3000 and we agreed at $3100. Beautiful boat and I cant wait to get her out on the lake.

 

[Texasmark]

You snatched that beauty right out from under my nose.......GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!! GRIN

Glad you made the deal and were ready to buy when you got there. Great deals come by every now and then and when they do you gotta be ready to pounce on it. However the haggling was the best part. Usually when buying something used, if the seller doesn't want to haggle, heck, I loose interest.

Enjoy your prize.

Mark