Buying first fishing boat

[MTFishGuy]

Am looking for feedback on a possible purchase of a new fishing boat. Am looking at a 2000 Tracker Pro Guide 16, with a 50 HP engine. I will be using the boat to fish on reservoirs in SE Montana. Anyone out there have good or bad experiences with Tracker and perhaps this specific model? Advice is appreciated.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Buying first fishing boat

The boat should be ok, they have improved quite a bit over the years.<br /><br />What motor is on there?<br />If it has the Tracker name, you will have to get a serial number and model number to identify the motor.<br />The used Mariner, Evinrude, Johnson, and Force engines, and put the Tracker name on.<br /><br />Definitely get a long test drive, and make sure the tilt and trim are working properly.<br /><br />I have heard of a lot of troubles with the livewell pumps, which is minor, but a pain in the ...<br /><br />Assume the batteries are shot, unless they are new, and assume the motor wasn't serviced properly. Get it checked out by a mechanic after your long test drive. Lower unit, charging system, etc.

 

[MTFishGuy]

Re: Buying first fishing boat

The motor is a new 2002 50 hp Mercury installed on the 2000 boat and trailer. Why do you recommend assuming no maintenance?

 

[KCook]

Re: Buying first fishing boat

Nice boat for two fishermen. For the whole family you might want something bigger. My Tracker was nothing to brag about, but not a hopeless wreck either. Generally Tracker gives you good bang-for-the-buck. So do numerous other aluminum brands.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[roscoe]

Re: Buying first fishing boat

Assume no maintenance because you have no proof that it was done, maybe someones word, but they are trying to sell you something.<br /><br />It also puts you in the right frame of mind to do the maintenance yourself, right after you buy it. Fuel filter, plugs, lower unit oil, etc. Then you will KNOW it was done.<br /><br />If it is a new motor, assume it hasn't been broken in yet. Follow the breakin procedure.<br /><br />I looked at a boat today. Guy said it was at the dealer for maintenance in fall, and that he had it out on the river last week. Well, after checking it out, I knew better. <br /><br />(grease free steering cable rusted in place, l/u drain screw stripped and leaking, power trim fluid low, fishline around propeller, paint peeling off powerhead, EMPTY oil tank, he had no plug for the boat, two cells in the battery were half empty and terminals corroded, he didn't have time to mess around taking it out on the water, but swore everything was perfect)<br /><br />Did I give him an earfull. But spring is here, and he'll probably get someone to take his word for it.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Buying first fishing boat

MTFishGuy <br />My buddy just bought a new Pro Guide 16 with a 60hp Merc. He's been thru 3 tanks of fuel(about 100 gals). and he is in like with it. Would like to be able to go alittle faster, think just over 30mph...maybe a new prop would help. Comparing the cost of the tracker to the others, it's a bargain...just a Thought

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Buying first fishing boat

Roscoe is right on,<br /><br />Some people's idea of maintainance is they didn't sink the boat.. Always assume the worst and have all aspects you don't understand check by qualified personal b4 putting any money down.. <br /><br />Example: I consider indoor winter storage maintainance. No UV exposure and no wind affecting support load or trailer position. No sand blowing on the hull from the sand trucks, etc. Others may believe that leaving the plug in is a good idea. Well it isn't. You have to make your evaluation on the product and not the owners word. Not that he isn't being truthful in his own mind, but he just may be niave to the realities of boat ownership....<br /><br />Good luck

 

[MTFishGuy]

Re: Buying first fishing boat

Thanks for the advice and recommendations.