Fisher_King:

Like Jtex mentioned depends on what condition the boat & motor are in……?

As a perspective first time boat owner you should shop around carefully before jumping into any boat. You def don’t want to purchase something that needs immediate upgrades and maintenance……

Actually, Bass Tracker’s are usually equipped with a 25HP motor. I have a friend with an “ancient” Tracker from the 80′s with a 25 Force Motor. When we go fishing we get about 22-25MPH in his boat. – http://www.trackerboats.com/boat/?boat=3109

However, JTex is correct. It is a bit “under-powered” for the weight of the hull.

Older, used, Bass Trackers are notorious for “slow leaking”. When you take it for a test drive make sure to check the bilge area for any water leaking. A slow leak is not a major issue- BUT- if it does leak you have a issue that you you can use as a “bargaining chip”.

The MOST important issue with any boat is the Motor.

If you are serious about purchasing the boat TAKE IT TO A CERTIFIED OUTBOARD MECHANIC of YOUR CHOICE and have him check it out.

Pay a good mechanic $50-$75 to make sure the compression is right, the water pump isn’t on it’s last leg, and the lower unit hasn’t any issues- $50-$75 is a “drop in the bucket” when you start FIXING the motor you just bought.

In the mean time there are other simpler things you can do to inspect the motor that require no major knowledge.

TAKE the cover off the motor and look closely- Is the motor rusty ? Do the connecting hoses & wires look worn? Is THERE TONS OF OIL all over the motor & case?

If you find ANY of those things (I mentioned above), think twice about this boat………

A motor that’s “slingin’ oil” is having issues; a RUSTY case & old hoses/wires will eventually need replacing at an EXTREME cost to you, (Generally, inboard/outboard mechanic’s charge $50-$100 an hour!!!!!!!!!!- and that is just LABOR!!!!!).

However, like I mentioned before, any issues with the motor or hull can all be bargaining chip’s to lower the ASKING PRICE of the boat………

Other things that can lower the asking price?

1. Carpet is totally trashed.

2. Decking is warped, “soft” or rotting.

3. Trolling motor is broken or has some issue.

4. Dash gage’s don’t work.

5. Bilge pump and livewell pumps don’t work.

To be honest, a Tracker would be a nice first timer boat IF it’s in decent condition.

Just make sure to test drive it, AND get a decent mechanic to “run it through it’s paces” before you make a decision.

Other cheaper options?

Take a look at these:

1. http://duluth.craigslist.org/boa/1374279065.html The fish don’t know the difference between a “duck hunting boat” and a fishing boat. I’ll bet you could get this for around $2200.

2. http://duluth.craigslist.org/boa/1366918329.html Smaller at 14′, this is a nice fishing boat! AND it saves you about $1500!!! Remember, the FISH don’t know what kind or style of boat you own!

3. http://duluth.craigslist.org/boa/1351220946.html

4. http://duluth.craigslist.org/boa/1349877810.html

Any of the above would be fine as a first time fishing boat. Understand, the more “bells & whistles” a boat has, the more can go wrong. If your on a budget, (and can’t afford to fix the broken steering cable, soft decking, Etc) best to get something that is “straight forward” and apply’s the K.I.S.S. principle-

Keep it simple stupid! (lol)

Joke- What do you call a hole in the water that you throw money into? A BOAT! (lol)

Hope this info helped ya? Good luck in your pursuit of a good boat.