Ok guys so Im looking at buying my first boat i just got real serious into bass fishing last year. And I came across a 2007 bass tracker 175 for $9,800 a friend of mine says thats a bunch of money for a boat but i dont see it that way am I wrong do you guys have any recomendations for a first bass boat that I could occasionally bow fish off.
That's a bit high for that boat, IMHO. A quick Google search shows quite a few newer 175's for less than that asking price. My first "bass boat" was a 16 foot Lund with a 40 horse Merc that I completely renovated with my own casting decks, livewells, rod boxes, etc. I found it used and paid $2500 for it, at the time. It was was mine, paid for, and I pulled it all over Wisconsin (where I was living at the time) and had a blast exploring water and learning to catch bass.
My suggestion is not to over-extend yourself on the boat but, instead, buy a good affordable fishing platform from which to learn. There are a lot of great aluminum boats out there that fit that bill and won't break the bank. Get a good trolling motor, good rods and reels, decent electronics, and just fish out of your own boat for a year. If this 175 is that platform, so much the better. I do think you can find a better price, though.
I'm so happy to see you on here asking before buying one. Just the opposite of what I did. I knew nothing about bass boats and just bought the first one that came along in my price range. I joined this site later. My one big advise to you is don't rush. There are so many boats out there for sale it can get very confusing. I might even advise you to wait a year. Ride in other peoples boats. Listen to what they like and don't like about them. Keep your eyes open for just the right boat. Many of the guys on here have found fantastic deals on really nice used boats. Use what they tell you, but pick your own boat. As I said though, don't hurry.
Thanks guys i fished out of some other boats last summer and kind of got an idea what i want I would love a fiberglass boat but their not cheap and i wouldnt mind bow fishing out of it occasionally is there any brands that are better to look at?
Most of them now use at least .100" gauge aluminum, but some of the older Tracker's used a thinner gauge. If I were, personally, going to buy an aluminum boat, outside of finding a sweet deal on Ranger's RT series boats I would buy an Alumacraft (here's a used one on another site, as an example (http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boats4sale.htm) - scroll down to the Alumacraft section ). They use a heavier gauge aluminum (.102") than most of the other MFR's and they've been making really good welded boats for a long time. Their Mod-V 1860 is laid out really well and their 17.5' pro series boats are really nice aluminum bass boats. You can also find a lot of them used in the Great Lakes states, as they are a really popular brand in MN and WI. If you're willing to drive to pick up the boat, you can find some sweet deals out there.
Whats your price range
$10,000 max!
Quote from: Wolfie729 on February 23, 2014, 09:31:18 PM
$10,000 max!
You can get a nice fiberglass boat for that...
I paid 10k for mine. 96 pro craft, 210 dual pro
20'6"
2003 merc 225 with 9 hours on the motor, I still had to break it in
Take into consideration. Your a first time boat owner. Get something that you can handle and afford. You will be fishing by yourself at times. Get something that is easy to lounch, tows nice and is sea worthy. As long as your safely on the water.It's all good!
All very good advice from everyone who has posted so far. I started out five years ago with a 1987 Mirrorcraft with a 30 HP Evinrude ($1,800). I built and installed floors, casting decks, livewells, and storage bins. It was a great boat to learn both bass fishing and overall boat handling with. After several years, and when my confidence was up a bit more, I sold the boat for about $500 more than I had paid for it, and purchased a barely used 2002 Javelin with a 90 HP Johnson. I am so glad that I started out with a cheap aluminum boat before I switched to a glass boat with a higher hp motor. Either way, take the time to look and make sure to go over whatever boat you purchase with a fine tooth comb.
Would a 17' triton be too small with a 150hp ?
Ok its a 2000 triton 17' with a 125hp 4stroke for $8,000
OK that's a nice boat. Now you need to get in with a small local bass club. You will learn a lot, fishing with a bunch of freindly guys. Most members will point you in the right direction.
So that would be a good starter boat not too small? Anything i should worry about? Wheres a bass group near zeeland MI?
Who has that Triton forsale? I may be interested if you don't get it.
A freind of mines dad i think he has it listed for 8,500
Quote from: Wolfie729 on February 24, 2014, 09:58:43 PM
A freind of mines dad i think he has it listed for 8,500
Is there a link?
Quote from: Wolfie729 on February 24, 2014, 08:11:50 PM
So that would be a good starter boat not too small? Anything i should worry about? Wheres a bass group near zeeland MI?
Not much help on the boat part other then look at hauling to, the heaver the boat the more it cost to tow and refuel. Also what type tow vehicle are you towing with and can it handle the tow load? Lastly are you planning local lakes or big waters too? Glass is better for big waters.
As for a bass club stay away from the big trial groups they are not as open to helping out newbies. As for one in your area stop by the local tackle shop and ask the guy that sells bait he most likely talking to local guy and know of who has a tournament going in your area. It has always been one of my best places to pick up new members when needed tell the bait guys in my area.
Quote from: Kal-Kevin on February 24, 2014, 10:17:39 PM
Quote from: Wolfie729 on February 24, 2014, 08:11:50 PM
So that would be a good starter boat not too small? Anything i should worry about? Wheres a bass group near zeeland MI?
Not much help on the boat part other then look at hauling to, the heaver the boat the more it cost to tow and refuel. Also what type tow vehicle are you towing with and can it handle the tow load? Lastly are you planning local lakes or big waters too? Glass is better for big waters.
As for a bass club stay away from the big trial groups they are not as open to helping out newbies. As for one in your area stop by the local tackle shop and ask the guy that sells bait he most likely talking to local guy and know of who has a tournament going in your area. It has always been one of my best places to pick up new members when needed tell the bait guys in my area.
No he took it of and is planning on reposting it in the spring if you would like pm me and ill get you the number
I have a 2012 chevy half ton pickup with the 5.3
Sorry also mostly small lake
Quote from: Wolfie729 on February 24, 2014, 08:11:50 PM
So that would be a good starter boat not too small? Anything i should worry about? Wheres a bass group near zeeland MI?
I fished a weekend on Barkley out of a 17' Triton with a 125. It was fine. It is a 17' boat so storage and decks are smaller but it did the job. I think that would make a great 1st boat but I would guess that in a couple years you will want to move to something bigger. What type of water do you see yourself primarily fishing? For inland lakes, a 17' glass bassboat is fully capable of doing 95% of what you want to do. If you are planning to fish Great Lakes then you will want to upgrade pretty fast.
I have a 17' tin bassboat and I have fished the hell out of that thing for more than 10 years from waters down to Kentucky Lake up to Grand Traverse Bay. As long as you are smart about big water, the boat will serve your purposes. Good luck.
You can get alot of boat for 10k... Remember when buying an older used boat you are basically buying the motor and the boat is just thrown in...
Take your time and dig around...There are all sorts of "Only driven to church on Sundays" rigs out there you just have to do some searching...
Quote from: Wolfie729 on February 24, 2014, 11:43:08 PM
Sorry also mostly small lake
Now that I see this, that would boat would be a very good choice. Something else I realized is that since you seem relatively new to bassboats you probably don't know what you want to have in a bassboat. Meaning that all of us who have had several boats and fished out of many know that we want a huge front deck, two big rod lockers, tons of storage, a 250 HP, a hotfoot, ect. ect. Kinda like when I take novice fishermen out with me and they say how nice my boat is and I just think about how my boat doesn't have a rod locker, doesn't have enough room for more batteries, is too narrow, ect. ect. Long story short, I think you will be very satisfied in the 17' Triton. LOL- assuming you didn't spend all last summer fishing out of a 21' Ranger.
Quote from: Wolfie729 on February 24, 2014, 08:11:50 PM
So that would be a good starter boat not too small? Anything i should worry about? Wheres a bass group near zeeland MI?
That is a great boat. I have an 18' Triton with a 150 and love it.
Check out www.westmichiganbass.com for some tournaments in your area. We operate a weekend lakeshore series, and 2 inland lake divisions on Monday nights.
There's also a bass club in Wayland. Not sure of anything actually run out of the Zeeland/Holland area since most of the fishable lakes are east of there.
I have a friend, not sure if he's a member on here or not, who has a nice 17 foot Nitro for sale. Not sure what motor, but the pics I saw of it looked pretty nice. I could get you in touch with him if you like.
I started with a 1994 Tracker Tournament TX 17 with a 40 horse Mariner. I paid $2000 for it. I sold it 2 years later for 2400 and bought a 1996 Nitro Savage 884 with a 150 Merc efi. I got that for 5000. I fished it for 2 years until it got hit by a car. I got 6100 from insurance and 2000 from a dealer for the wrecked boat. I then bought my 20 foot Skeeter with a 225 and a lot of cool toys on it. Couldn't be happier. It's just the progression of needs in a fishing boat. Just keep in mind, the bigger the boat, the more the expense of use.
Quote from: Mike S. on February 25, 2014, 03:04:17 PM
I have a friend, not sure if he's a member on here or not, who has a nice 17 foot Nitro for sale. Not sure what motor, but the pics I saw of it looked pretty nice. I could get you in touch with him if you like.
I started with a 1994 Tracker Tournament TX 17 with a 40 horse Mariner. I paid $2000 for it. I sold it 2 years later for 2400 and bought a 1996 Nitro Savage 884 with a 150 Merc efi. I got that for 5000. I fished it for 2 years until it got hit by a car. I got 6100 from insurance and 2000 from a dealer for the wrecked boat. I then bought my 20 foot Skeeter with a 225 and a lot of cool toys on it. Couldn't be happier. It's just the progression of needs in a fishing boat. Just keep in mind, the bigger the boat, the more the expense of use.
Mike you have any details on the Nitro? I am looking for a boat as well
Ya i would like to know more about that nitro
I will get a hold of him this afternoon and get details for you guys.
I would jump on that Triton. Unless its a Honda motor it must be a newer being that its a 4 stroke. And you are pretty much buying the motor. The boat should come second. You wont run over 55mph and you wont be able to run the big water very often. Also, in most 17' boats you cant put a 7' rod in the rod locker.
I have a 17' Ranger now. I would love to upgrade but I have to wait a couple more seasons. But on the flip side. My truck pulls it like its not even there. I can load and unload it by myself in about a minute. And it fits in the third stall of my garage.
Quote from: JerkBate on February 25, 2014, 10:37:56 AM
Quote from: Wolfie729 on February 24, 2014, 11:43:08 PM
Sorry also mostly small lake
Now that I see this, that would boat would be a very good choice. Something else I realized is that since you seem relatively new to bassboats you probably don't know what you want to have in a bassboat. Meaning that all of us who have had several boats and fished out of many know that we want a huge front deck, two big rod lockers, tons of storage, a 250 HP, a hotfoot, ect. ect. Kinda like when I take novice fishermen out with me and they say how nice my boat is and I just think about how my boat doesn't have a rod locker, doesn't have enough room for more batteries, is too narrow, ect. ect. Long story short, I think you will be very satisfied in the 17' Triton. LOL- assuming you didn't spend all last summer fishing out of a 21' Ranger.
Very good point. Back before I owned a boat, I would have done anything to get a small tin boat just so I could get out on the water. Once I got my 87 mirrorcraft, I loved that boat, it was perfect...for the 1st year. Then I started to want a bigger boat, bigger motor, more storage, a rod locker, etc. So after a few years, I decided it was time to upgrade and I purchased the boat I have now. It was bigger, faster, more storage, everything I wanted. It was the best boat...then I marshalled an Elite event and got to ride in a "real bassboat." I then began finding everything little thing wrong with my boat, and very quickly wanted to upgrade again. Fortunatley, I came to my senses and realized that for the "fun fishing" and weekend tournament fishing I do, my boat does everything I want, with the best thing being its fully paid for.
Think about this, you will always want a bigger, better, and newer boat, but to the guy standing on shore fishing as you drive out from the launch, you have a boat he would love to have.
my advice -
1. get a good, used boat. don't buy new - you can get a 1 year old boat for 5-10k less than a new one.
2. get a mechanic/shop to verify compression and get a computer readout (if possible) of the hours on the motor and any codes
3. 18' minimum. 150hp minimum. Once the novelty of a new (to you) boat wears off, you will absolutely wish you had something a little bigger.
4. Do your research - there are many brands out there, they all have their quirks and issues. Bass Boat Central is great place to ask questions and get info about specific hulls
5. Set aside some cash for after the purchase. You will likely want to replace a trolling motor or update electronics, batteries, accessories and what not....
6. Take a test drive - with full livewells and enough weight in the boat to simulate the max load you'd be carrying.
if looking at used boats, i'd personally start with champion and bass cat. Ranger's hold their value very well also. From there get into the more mass produced (tritons, stratos, nitro, etc). I won't start a brand war, but some boats stand the test of time in terms of quality and others don't -I personally wouldn't buy anything made by tracker/nitro if you're in it for the long haul.
We are selling a 1998 Nitro, email me and I will send you info dnlgray23@comcast.net. This boat is all set up and ready to fish tournaments. Newer trolling motor and two newer Hummingbirds, one is a side scan. The lower unit is new. This is the Nitro mentioned above.
I agree 100% with thedude. Especially #2. Get that engine checked out by a mechanic. Older ones can't get read outs but you can always get the compression checked. The good thing with the computer like he said is you can see the hours or faults (overheating etc.). With that price range I would rather have a stratos,triton or nitro with a strong motor than a ranger etc with engine issues. This time of year is also tough cause your not gonna get a test ride. But you might get a good deal. If they wan't to sell it have them meet you at a good shop to check it out.
I don't want to start a heated debate, but what's been peoples experience with nitro? There's a few nice looking ones out there.
my experience owning a tracker is that they pay a very low wage to have low quality parts and components fastened to a hull. The hull i have will last forever, but the fit and finish was severely lacking from the day i drove it off the showroom floor. I think their quality took a big dip in the late 90s (both nitro and tracker) as they really started to mass produce boats in a good economy. From what i've heard the newer rigs are getting better.
That being said, you can get a really good deal on a perfectly good nitro or tracker because there are a lot of them out there. If you find one that has what you want and in your price range, then you might be getting more boat for your money than you would with other brands.
My 96 Nitro was a good boat. I abused it for 3 years, and my partner abused it for 11 years before I bought it. It was 3 years old when he got it, and through my time and his, never an issue. A buddy of mine still has it today, with no issues.
My 94 Tracker got beat to death in the rivers around here before I got it. I thought I beat the rest of life out of it, but the guy I sold it to is still running it 7 years later. My dad bought a brand new TX175 last year. It is a very nice boat. It fishes great, and is wide and comfortable. But, it just doesn't give the ride of a glass boat.
I absolutely love my Skeeter. But, the Nitro is very appealing to me because of pricing. I have kicked around selling my boat to buy a new Nitro. A loaded Z8 for under 40k verses a new Skeeter at 60k plus. But there are differences. There's nothing wrong with any boat if it's what you can afford. There are a ton of used Nitro's out there. As was said, bang for the buck.
My 87 Tracker Pro 170 leaked a little when I got it. Fixed most of it the first year. Drove it pretty hard, bumped a few things in the Grand River with it. Sold it 3 years later for more than I paid for it... still a little leaky. Honestly I hope the guy who bought it sank far from shore, he was a jerk. But knowing that boat... he's still using it today.
I like my 1984 pro guide deep-v 16ft tracker. It's in great shape I get a lot of looks when I'm on the water. It's good on gas. I can handle big water, yet it gos places large boats can't get to. With a 40hp, I can fish all day on 6 gallons or less and it dosen't break the bank. I can handle it by myself in any type of weather. It has deep sides so I will not roll off the boat. There is room on the deck for two guys to fish.It fits in my garage. With gear, motor and boat, I have $3, 000 rapped up in it. I can tow it with my F-150 and I get 23 miles per gallon. I've had it for ten years.I have to tell you if I get a new boat. I'm keeping this one too. Shop around you will find what you want.
my distaste for nitro/tracker isn't in the hull itself. Some of the larger 90s and early 2000's nitros weren't built well enough to stand up to the large HP motors and had top-cap and stress crack issues, but for the most part, i think the hulls are fine.
My issues have always been the details. Very low quality carpet, poor seat designs and thin vinyl material that tears easily. Compartment's that don't drain. half-assed installation of various trim pieces. Accessibility to bilge pumps/aerators and so on. Death by 1000 cuts if you will. They have a very mass produced feel to them.
So the tracker came in I looked at it and decided id wait has a decent on drivers side of the transim and they want $10,000 motor is a 60 4 stroke merc with 68 hrs and am on my way to look at the triton im not completly done considering the tracker just not 100% sure.
isnt a new motor about 100 a horse? a 60 should be 6000 new. skip it
We'll I bought the triton for 8,250$ and couldn't be happier it's spotless showroom condition with a 125 4 stroke mercury I'm just ready for spring!!!!!!
Its a 2000 TR-17 with a motor guide 72lb thrust up front
Quote from: Wolfie729 on March 01, 2014, 06:56:26 PM
We'll I bought the triton for 8,250$ and couldn't be happier it's spotless showroom condition with a 125 4 stroke mercury I'm just ready for spring!!!!!!
Good deal- Congrats! I think that boat is going to perfect for you.
Awesome. Congratulations!
;D ;D
Thanks everybody i appreciate it now that i own it im looking at putting some electronics on it and possibly a power pole any suggestions and is a powerpole worth it? I looked at two 8" hummingbirds for the console and front with gps map sd's and downscan i think it was a 899ci model what are your suggestions and whos the best to install in west michigan?
A good gps map is a must. People are split between bird and lowrance. You should check out raymarine for sure. I want power poles, very convenient, but it's a three thousand dollar anchor.
Only if you get two i just want one
Agree with the GPS map. Humminbird makes a nice unit. I'd invest your money in to good quality electronics, rather than on a power pole or talon, initially. How are the batteries and the trolling motor on the boat? Tires on the trailer? Good cover for the boat? None are as sexy, but you'll use those more than you will the pole, day-in-day out, IMHO.
Tires are good new trolling motor batteries last year right now im looking at humminbird 899ci for the console and a 859di for the front and i have ruled out a power pole but might be considering a hydrowave