Questions on a used Bass Tracker

One last question about buying a used Bass Tracker...

Locally I've found a 1993 17 TX. The decking is in good shape but it's
clearly been stored outside with no cover. The plastic on the switch and the
throttle are faded from black to gray. The plastic bumper guard all around
the outside of the boat is about worthless but the hull looks to be in good
shape.

It's got a 60hp engine that appears to be in good shape. This is _perfect_
for me. 25hp is too little but goingg 3-35mph is just fine.

The carpet is just fine. It's not new but it's not torn or faded that I can
tell. I'd need to replace all the screws as they all show rust. Some of the
lid latches are cracked. The front part of the plastic drivers console is a
little cracked near the windshield. It's mainly just cosmetic but it can be
seen.

It's got a 30lbs trolling motor that looks original. I currently have a 14'
Lowe with a 36lbs motor that is about right for that boat. From what I've
read, the 30lbs is really too weak for this boat. I don't fight wind often
but do want the boat to move quickly using the trolling motor (you know how
it is, you always see that perfect spot just 50 yard away).

Only 1 fish finder.

I looked up NADA on the boat; Low Retail is $2270 and average is $2730 (for
a 40hp engine, this boat has a 60hp). The dealer is asking $4000. I live in
Florida. I like the boat as it needs some work but it's things I can do. I'd
much rather pay a little less for a boat in rough condition and then work on
it to set it up correctly for bass fishing (the last owner ran the fish
finder wires on top of the deck through floor baseboard tubing... what are
some people thinking). I'm thinking about offering $2700 for the boat as it
is. I might go to $3000. But I can't see going much higher then average
retail as it's clearly not in average condition. I've also seen too many
Bass Trackers going for about $3200 on ebay which have the same layout but
are around 1995-1997 models.

I've posted the two pictures on the boat that I have:
http://www.tampawebpages.com/BassTracker.jpg
http://www.tampawebpages.com/BassTracker2.jpg

(The pictures make the boat look perfect. It's not)

You think this is a good offer? I've had next to no experience with how much
a boat dealer will knock off their asking price. You all know what You've
seen bass Trackers sell for and their conditions. What do you think?

On Sat, 26 Mar 2005 19:44:05 GMT, "Todd Copeland"
wrote:


(The pictures make the boat look perfect. It's not)
You think this is a good offer?

I can't tell how good the trailer/trailer lights/and tires are, but
that should also be a consideration. If all is OK here, I would not
buy for over $2200. And (obviously) you need to take the rig for a
test drive to see if the motors, batteries, and running gear are OK.
Be sure to check the bilge and live well pumps and running lights.
Little things can make a BIG difference!

Sorry if I have only stated the obvious, but I have seen fishing
buddies "stuck" when they bought rigs which looked good but had
expensive problems. Check EVERYTHING out before making an offer.


Guy A
Ripley, TN

Caution Todd, a boat that's been neglected is bound to have LOTS of
suprises...

Warren

"Todd Copeland" wrote in message
ink.net...
One last question about buying a used Bass Tracker...

Locally I've found a 1993 17 TX. The decking is in good shape but it's
clearly been stored outside with no cover. The plastic on the switch and
the
throttle are faded from black to gray. The plastic bumper guard all around
the outside of the boat is about worthless but the hull looks to be in
good
shape.

It's got a 60hp engine that appears to be in good shape. This is _perfect_
for me. 25hp is too little but goingg 3-35mph is just fine.

The carpet is just fine. It's not new but it's not torn or faded that I
can
tell. I'd need to replace all the screws as they all show rust. Some of
the
lid latches are cracked. The front part of the plastic drivers console is
a
little cracked near the windshield. It's mainly just cosmetic but it can
be
seen.

It's got a 30lbs trolling motor that looks original. I currently have a
14'
Lowe with a 36lbs motor that is about right for that boat. From what I've
read, the 30lbs is really too weak for this boat. I don't fight wind often
but do want the boat to move quickly using the trolling motor (you know
how
it is, you always see that perfect spot just 50 yard away).

Only 1 fish finder.

I looked up NADA on the boat; Low Retail is $2270 and average is $2730
(for
a 40hp engine, this boat has a 60hp). The dealer is asking $4000. I live
in
Florida. I like the boat as it needs some work but it's things I can do.
I'd
much rather pay a little less for a boat in rough condition and then work
on
it to set it up correctly for bass fishing (the last owner ran the fish
finder wires on top of the deck through floor baseboard tubing... what are
some people thinking). I'm thinking about offering $2700 for the boat as
it
is. I might go to $3000. But I can't see going much higher then average
retail as it's clearly not in average condition. I've also seen too many
Bass Trackers going for about $3200 on ebay which have the same layout but
are around 1995-1997 models.

I've posted the two pictures on the boat that I have:
http://www.tampawebpages.com/BassTracker.jpg
http://www.tampawebpages.com/BassTracker2.jpg

(The pictures make the boat look perfect. It's not)

You think this is a good offer? I've had next to no experience with how
much
a boat dealer will knock off their asking price. You all know what You've
seen bass Trackers sell for and their conditions. What do you think?

Also Todd, be aware that those carpets were once black as night...

WW

"Todd Copeland" wrote in message
ink.net...
One last question about buying a used Bass Tracker...

Locally I've found a 1993 17 TX. The decking is in good shape but it's
clearly been stored outside with no cover. The plastic on the switch and
the
throttle are faded from black to gray. The plastic bumper guard all around
the outside of the boat is about worthless but the hull looks to be in
good
shape.

It's got a 60hp engine that appears to be in good shape. This is _perfect_
for me. 25hp is too little but goingg 3-35mph is just fine.

The carpet is just fine. It's not new but it's not torn or faded that I
can
tell. I'd need to replace all the screws as they all show rust. Some of
the
lid latches are cracked. The front part of the plastic drivers console is
a
little cracked near the windshield. It's mainly just cosmetic but it can
be
seen.

It's got a 30lbs trolling motor that looks original. I currently have a
14'
Lowe with a 36lbs motor that is about right for that boat. From what I've
read, the 30lbs is really too weak for this boat. I don't fight wind often
but do want the boat to move quickly using the trolling motor (you know
how
it is, you always see that perfect spot just 50 yard away).

Only 1 fish finder.

I looked up NADA on the boat; Low Retail is $2270 and average is $2730
(for
a 40hp engine, this boat has a 60hp). The dealer is asking $4000. I live
in
Florida. I like the boat as it needs some work but it's things I can do.
I'd
much rather pay a little less for a boat in rough condition and then work
on
it to set it up correctly for bass fishing (the last owner ran the fish
finder wires on top of the deck through floor baseboard tubing... what are
some people thinking). I'm thinking about offering $2700 for the boat as
it
is. I might go to $3000. But I can't see going much higher then average
retail as it's clearly not in average condition. I've also seen too many
Bass Trackers going for about $3200 on ebay which have the same layout but
are around 1995-1997 models.

I've posted the two pictures on the boat that I have:
http://www.tampawebpages.com/BassTracker.jpg
http://www.tampawebpages.com/BassTracker2.jpg

(The pictures make the boat look perfect. It's not)

You think this is a good offer? I've had next to no experience with how
much
a boat dealer will knock off their asking price. You all know what You've
seen bass Trackers sell for and their conditions. What do you think?

"Guy F. Anderson Sr." wrote in message
...

I can't tell how good the trailer/trailer lights/and tires are, but
that should also be a consideration. If all is OK here, I would not
buy for over $2200. And (obviously) you need to take the rig for a
test drive to see if the motors, batteries, and running gear are OK.
Be sure to check the bilge and live well pumps and running lights.
Little things can make a BIG difference!

Sorry if I have only stated the obvious, but I have seen fishing
buddies "stuck" when they bought rigs which looked good but had
expensive problems. Check EVERYTHING out before making an offer.

Will do. I'm just a little thrown by the price they have listed. I mean, the
boat is in below average condition and the average retail is $1300 less then
their list price. I could see them jacking the list price up a few
hundred... but $1300?

I think I'll give the boat a good going over with a friend. $2200 seems a
bit low for a boat at a dealer but I agree with you and will probably offer
$2500 and see what they say. I took the price difference between a 40hp and
60hp engine and it was about $200. Adding this to the low retail puts it at
about $2500. Also, this is 1/2 way between low and average retail.

"go-bassn" wrote in message
...
Caution Todd, a boat that's been neglected is bound to have LOTS of
suprises...

Understood. Still, as long as the engine does not blow up, I think I can
handle most anything else. I'm really looking for a boat for a lower price
that I might be able to put some elbow grease into. It's just the dealer
listing it at $4000 that is throwing me off. A $2500 offer seems to low for
them to take. But that is really what it's worth. No?

On Sun, 27 Mar 2005 03:05:59 GMT, "Todd Copeland"
sent into the ether:

"go-bassn" wrote in message
...
Caution Todd, a boat that's been neglected is bound to have LOTS of
suprises...

Understood. Still, as long as the engine does not blow up, I think I can
handle most anything else. I'm really looking for a boat for a lower price
that I might be able to put some elbow grease into. It's just the dealer
listing it at $4000 that is throwing me off. A $2500 offer seems to low for
them to take. But that is really what it's worth. No?

Like a car dealer with a used car. Most times it will be way over
what it is worth until the ral hagling starts.
I would have no qualms about offering a dealer 1/2 what they are
asking. Especially if it is cosmetically deficient.

What can thay do but counteroffer or say no?

Remove the x for e-mail reply
www.outdoorfrontiers.com
www.SecretWeaponLures.com
A proud charter member of "PETAF", People for Eating Tasty Animals and Fish!!!

"go-bassn" wrote in message
...
Also Todd, be aware that those carpets were once black as night...

They were gray. I have this same boat. Does this have power trim? It Does
look pretty good. Note that it is a rivit boat though. When you take it out
for a ride lift open the back hatch and make sure there is no water in the
bottom. Also dont just drive it for a short distance. Run it hard for
about 5 miles. I really like the one I have. The trailer isnt original.
$3000 isnt too much if is the boat your looking for.

Good Luck
Kevin

WW

"Todd Copeland" wrote in message
ink.net...
One last question about buying a used Bass Tracker...

Locally I've found a 1993 17 TX. The decking is in good shape but it's
clearly been stored outside with no cover. The plastic on the switch and
the
throttle are faded from black to gray. The plastic bumper guard all
around
the outside of the boat is about worthless but the hull looks to be in
good
shape.

It's got a 60hp engine that appears to be in good shape. This is
_perfect_
for me. 25hp is too little but goingg 3-35mph is just fine.

The carpet is just fine. It's not new but it's not torn or faded that I
can
tell. I'd need to replace all the screws as they all show rust. Some of
the
lid latches are cracked. The front part of the plastic drivers console
is
a
little cracked near the windshield. It's mainly just cosmetic but it can
be
seen.

It's got a 30lbs trolling motor that looks original. I currently have a
14'
Lowe with a 36lbs motor that is about right for that boat. From what
I've
read, the 30lbs is really too weak for this boat. I don't fight wind
often
but do want the boat to move quickly using the trolling motor (you know
how
it is, you always see that perfect spot just 50 yard away).

Only 1 fish finder.

I looked up NADA on the boat; Low Retail is $2270 and average is $2730
(for
a 40hp engine, this boat has a 60hp). The dealer is asking $4000. I live
in
Florida. I like the boat as it needs some work but it's things I can do.
I'd
much rather pay a little less for a boat in rough condition and then
work
on
it to set it up correctly for bass fishing (the last owner ran the fish
finder wires on top of the deck through floor baseboard tubing... what
are
some people thinking). I'm thinking about offering $2700 for the boat as
it
is. I might go to $3000. But I can't see going much higher then average
retail as it's clearly not in average condition. I've also seen too many
Bass Trackers going for about $3200 on ebay which have the same layout
but
are around 1995-1997 models.

I've posted the two pictures on the boat that I have:
http://www.tampawebpages.com/BassTracker.jpg
http://www.tampawebpages.com/BassTracker2.jpg

(The pictures make the boat look perfect. It's not)

You think this is a good offer? I've had next to no experience with how
much
a boat dealer will knock off their asking price. You all know what
You've
seen bass Trackers sell for and their conditions. What do you think?

Walk on to the lot with the check all ready written and say here it is take it or leave it. He’ll take it more likely then not. And there is always a better deal down the road. It is clear he wants to rip off you or someone else. Richard G.





"Todd Copeland" wrote in message ink.net...
One last question about buying a used Bass Tracker...

Locally I've found a 1993 17 TX. The decking is in good shape but it's
clearly been stored outside with no cover. The plastic on the switch and the
throttle are faded from black to gray. The plastic bumper guard all around
the outside of the boat is about worthless but the hull looks to be in good
shape.

It's got a 60hp engine that appears to be in good shape. This is _perfect_
for me. 25hp is too little but goingg 3-35mph is just fine.

The carpet is just fine. It's not new but it's not torn or faded that I can
tell. I'd need to replace all the screws as they all show rust. Some of the
lid latches are cracked. The front part of the plastic drivers console is a
little cracked near the windshield. It's mainly just cosmetic but it can be
seen.

It's got a 30lbs trolling motor that looks original. I currently have a 14'
Lowe with a 36lbs motor that is about right for that boat. From what I've
read, the 30lbs is really too weak for this boat. I don't fight wind often
but do want the boat to move quickly using the trolling motor (you know how
it is, you always see that perfect spot just 50 yard away).

Only 1 fish finder.

I looked up NADA on the boat; Low Retail is $2270 and average is $2730 (for
a 40hp engine, this boat has a 60hp). The dealer is asking $4000. I live in
Florida. I like the boat as it needs some work but it's things I can do. I'd
much rather pay a little less for a boat in rough condition and then work on
it to set it up correctly for bass fishing (the last owner ran the fish
finder wires on top of the deck through floor baseboard tubing... what are
some people thinking). I'm thinking about offering $2700 for the boat as it
is. I might go to $3000. But I can't see going much higher then average
retail as it's clearly not in average condition. I've also seen too many
Bass Trackers going for about $3200 on ebay which have the same layout but
are around 1995-1997 models.

I've posted the two pictures on the boat that I have:
http://www.tampawebpages.com/BassTracker.jpg
http://www.tampawebpages.com/BassTracker2.jpg

(The pictures make the boat look perfect. It's not)

You think this is a good offer? I've had next to no experience with how much
a boat dealer will knock off their asking price. You all know what You've
seen bass Trackers sell for and their conditions. What do you think?

"Kevin" wrote in message
...

They were gray. I have this same boat. Does this have power trim? It Does
look pretty good. Note that it is a rivit boat though. When you take it
out
for a ride lift open the back hatch and make sure there is no water in the
bottom. Also dont just drive it for a short distance. Run it hard for
about 5 miles. I really like the one I have. The trailer isnt original.
$3000 isnt too much if is the boat your looking for.

It has power trim. The dealer just turned the engine over (no water) and it
sounded pretty strong. While the pictures make the boat look good, it is a
little rough. The plastic bumper guard on the outside of the boat is all cut
up, missing in sections, and in one spot has a small piece of duct tape
holding it on. I'm thinking, it takes some abuse to hack up a bumper guard
all the way around a boat. Also, all the switchs and throttle are fsded gray
and all the deck screws are rusted. This makes it obvious that it was stored
outside with no cover. Adding this up makes me think the trailer is a
replacement as it was in poor condition. The trailer is metal and would not
have held up as well as the aluminum boat (again, if not well maintained).

You know what I was really looking for (but did not fully realize it)...
people to tell me that I should not be offering more then the boat is worth.
I want to get rid of my old boat and buy a bigger boat. I've been busting my
butt for about 6 months now to be in a position where I can do this. I find
myself not wanting to pass up on any boat that comes my way and this one is
5 mins from my house. As everyone has mentioned, if the dealer is not
reasonable, I'll walk away.