Question:
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
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?
Answer:
-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!
- 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.
