buying used bass boat.. need help

[scottyisback44]

So Im in the market for a nice newer used bass boat. I need some input from those that have been down this road. Im intersted in a 05 bass tracker with a 90 hp merc. Is there any advantages or disadvantages over aluminum or fiberglass? The boat im looking at is a 19 ft. Is the 90 hp big enough for a 19 fter? Also looked at a nitro with a 60 hp 16 ft. Not sure which way I want to go... Need input!!

 

[airshot]

Re: buying used bass boat.. need help

It all depends on what you want to do with the boat, and where you will be boating. Glass boats look very sleek, able to be very creative with design and a really good one will last a lifetime. A cheap one uses a wood substructure and is very prone to rot and expensive to repair.
Aluminium boats are not as glamorous, more standard design, much lighter in weight which saves fuel but gives a rougher ride in chop. Alum boats have little wood in them and if it does rot is fairly easy to replace so a longer life can be expected if maintained. It will take more HP for a glass boat which in turn uses more fuel but gives a smoother ride in chop. I have had both in my 50 yrs on the water, because I am very conservative I choose alum boats now. I enjoy the fuel savings, gets me on the water more. I am not inerested in a 50 mph boat just a good fishing vessel. Many years back I happen to hit a submerged object in my alum hull boat. The bottom was caved in tremendously, but we all made it back to the dock safely at a very slow speed, and the boat took on no water. When the insurance arrived to survey the boat his first comment was...be glad it was not a glass boat as it would have shattered and sunk. That statement assured me that I would always own an alum boat. Just my two cents.. What ever you buy, spend the extra and get a marine survey, it will save you more than it costs.

Airshot

 

[crossroads123]

Re: buying used bass boat.. need help

Make it two votes for aluminum. I have also been boating for 40+ years and have owned both. I enjoy my lite wt boat and easy towing, and launching by myself. I fish normally smaller lakes and rivers and she works great. If you fish large waters are planning fish/family outings or just like the flash buy the glass. If you want to fish, are concered about tow wt, and want to get in the water the cheapest and easiest go metal.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: buying used bass boat.. need help

I would go with the Tracker with the 90. Being aluminum a 90 should push you along well. I had a 17 BT with a 70hp and it was fast. I like the Tracker...for what it is, it's a good boat. Water test it if you can and watch for leaks. Some aluminum have issues. If it has a plate on the transom, be wary. If you can have a boat mechanic check everything before you buy, I recommend it. You can never go wrong with that unless you really know boats.

 

[scottyisback44]

Re: buying used bass boat.. need help

Ok very good points. I do plan on fishing some small local tournaments. I haul with a chevy trailblazer. It pulls my 5000 lb camper ok so Im sure a metal boat should pull easily. My next concern is how stable are they ro fish out of? Specifically the 05 pt185. I mainly fish with my 13 year old son. He would get up on the front of my current boat and fish of the closed bow. My current boat is a mid 70s glastron.. I guess I just worry about the stability to stand on...

 

[scottyisback44]

Re: buying used bass boat.. need help

Its for sale at a dealer so Im hoping its been gone through and checked. Secondlu what is a marine survey?

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: buying used bass boat.. need help

A marine survey is what the dealer "should" do, but not always the case. Basically they go over everything from a mechanical and safety perspective. The boat in question should be plenty stable. My 17' BT was fine and I am a big guy.


Have fun!!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: buying used bass boat.. need help

If the Tracker has been kept in out of the weather you are talking about 7 years of age and a lot can't necessarily go wrong. Other thing is boat mfgrs have "come clean" knowing that the soft wood they used for stringers and plywood decks and transoms were a problem over the years and a lot have gone to plastics for everything to prevent the problems. Question is, which mfgr, how much, and when.

I have an alum 17' boat with no wood in it. The transom and deck are made of alum as is the whole structure. I have a 90 on it and turning a 21-24P prop, depending on what I'm doing, It runs out really well. A nice combination. It is light and easily towed and manuevered by hand either on land or in the water is easy. I think the Tracker alum boats are a well built boat.

On ride quality, yes they are light and yes that can cause rough running at times. Knowing your boat and how to control it in varying conditions mitigates a lot of that. That boat engine combo can be operated in a lot of different waters successfully and not beat you to death.....just have to learn what works.

If you chose the glass, and it was protected, that shouldn't be a hull rot problem either regardless of how it was built. Boats with the bad rot you see on here are 20,30,40, years old.

HTH,
Mark

 

[airshot]

Re: buying used bass boat.. need help

Its for sale at a dealer so Im hoping its been gone through and checked. Secondlu what is a marine survey?

They are independent contractors that do a complete survey on a boat and give you a written report on its condition. More reputable one also give a warranty that covers anything they may have missed. Generally you are looking at 200 bucks give or take but money well spent as they can pin point any future problem areas then you can decide whether the investment is right for you or not. Unless you are well versed in "boats" get a professional.

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