Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

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roscoe

roscoe

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Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Not a lot to go wrong with a well buit tin boat.

I would look for a 10 to 12 year old one, either without a motor, or an under powered rig.
You should be able to pick it up for a song in this economy.

Then I would go buy the new motor with the warranty.

Selling the under powered motor separately should bring decent money.



http://appleton.craigslist.org/boa/2258585106.html



http://appleton.craigslist.org/boa/2258455586.html
 
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Bunk47

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Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

I recently purchased a 20yr old 17 ft Tracker Pro w/40hp. I gave about $2000 for it but knowing it was a 1 owner boat & taken care of. The advantage of buying used is that it came with a locator, 2 anchors w/cranks, boat bumpers, life jackets, compass, and an extra rod rack, & 44 lb thrust bow mount minkota w/ new battery. The one surprise I noticed was it also had a flasher mounted in dash, just a little bonus I guess.The trailer also had a new spare tire & tongue jack w/ wheel. So far so good with welds rivets etc. The only thing I can say about the 1 you posted is like the other guys mentioned it may be a little underpowered. I wish you well & hope you find what you're looking for . :)
 
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rvolkers

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Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

i recently bought a 1995 tracker bass pro! with a 25hp merc - i paid $2400 - the boat is in great shape except will need new deck carpet and a plywood patch around the rear seat - it came with everything i needed to get on the water and fish! - i bought the boat because of the shape of the engine (IT WAS LIKE NEW)! i was very concerned about the fact it only had a 25 hp motor! TILL I GOT it on the water - the boat is light and 25hp gets around VERY GOOD! the boat rides smooth - and has all the speed i need to go out fishing! -- if this is your first boat as mine was I THINK YOU CAN NOT GO WRONG WITH A TRACKER! and if you want to save some $'s there are plenty of sweet used trackers to be had! as i said mine came with25 HP merc - trailor - trolling motor - 3 good batteries - fish finders - bumpers - life jackets - bilge pump - live well - anchor - ETC!
 
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canuckjgc

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Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Two big concerns here:

1) 20hp is woefully underpowered, those planing / speed numbers are way out. I have a 16' Lund with a 40hp and I wouldn't go any lower. Hit some wind, some rough water and a couple of guys and you will curse that 20hp. Simply not worth it, and don't talk yourself into it.

2) If that boat is pushing your budget, you'll end up going way over budget buying safety equipment, gear, fish finder, gps, rod holders, etc. etc. It doesn't sound like much but it all adds up fast.

Seriously, buy used. With patience, you can find a very lightly used boat a few years old and save a ton of money, and put that money towards the gear you'll want for the boat, and a bunch of preventive maintenance.

It's pretty easy to buy a good used boat. My method is to "buy the owner" first. Nice house, mowed lawn, covered or garaged boat, no garbage in or around the boat, no non-functioning aspects to the boat, and your chances of getting a well maintained boat are great (vs that uncovered boat in the yard filled with fir needles and leaves and water and empty coffee cups and beer cans, or junk and dirt all over).
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

OP hasn't been back to this thread since March.
 
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