New boat! Well, new "used" boat!

nathan104

Seaman
Joined
Oct 1, 2006
Messages
52
I recently sold my small bass boat as I am moving out of Arkansas next month to a house we bought on Lake Fork in Texas. I had a 1981 Tidecraft spitfire with a 1984 85hp suzuki. The outboard had the reverse gears stripped so it wouldnt go into reverse. I used it for a year like that but decided I wanted something bigger to use on Lake Fork. So, I sold it for $2000.

Ive been on the look out for a 90's model Ranger or Stratos but could not find what I wanted at the right price. Man, used boats are expensive. Well I came across a boat on Craigslist in TX that I went ahead and jumped on. And its a Tidecraft Spitfire! Basically, the same set up I just sold. This one however is 10 years newer being a 1991 and it has a 1991 88hp Johnson on it. It seems to be in perfect condition and was only $2500. The $500 extra was well worth the newer boat.

So, I guess I have yet again put off my upgrade into a bigger boat as the Tidecraft spitfire is 15 1/2 ft. One day I will get a 18-20 footer with a 150-200 on it but I think the little spitfire will do me fine on Lake Fork for awhile seeing as it will be just me fishing 90% of the time. I havent run this one yet, but my old one with the 85 hp suzuki ran at 55mph. They are good little boats.

Does anyone know anything about the reliability of the 1991 88 hp Johnson's? I was told that they were designated as 88's even though they had more power than that for some reason. Not sure if what I was told is accurate or not.

Here is what she looks like. I will not be moved until the first of July so I have to wait til then to put her on Lake Fork and take a shot at those big bass. I can't wait though.

bEfmjD05AvKdFonB2mHADndaa4jr.jpg


tidecraftboatfront.jpg


tidecraftboatrear.jpg
 

Gary H NC

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
8,972
Re: New boat! Well, new "used" boat!

Looks like a great deal for 2500.Congrats! I think you will love that engine..:)
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: New boat! Well, new "used" boat!

Great motor. Enjoy it.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: New boat! Well, new "used" boat!

i have the 1988 88 spl. it's the 90 hp without the vro. great engine, godd match up with the boat. if possible see if you can upgrade to trolling motor to the wireless control and get rid of the crap on the floor. i have the W45 wireless and it's great, as i can control it from anywhere in the boat.
 
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