Would you buy a brand new 2011 Bass Tracker 175. Or a good used fiberglass boat. Getting ready to purchase a boat not quite sure what I want to get. Want to know what you guys think

good used fiberglass boat,all ready epreciated. just have it checked out by a good mechanic before buying

Glass, nothing wrong with a tracker but I've finally learned my lesson on new. I change cars/boats a lot and you lose your shirt on depreciation buying new. Let someone else take that hit and buy a boat that's a few years old and taken care of.

Agree on the depreciation, aspect.

I think in order to make a good decision on this, you will have to answer these questions 1st.

New but smaller metal type boat:

Can I deal with a boat that will be slower, less stable, rougher riding, less storage, and smaller livewells. Depreciation up front and will not hold resale value like a larger boat.

But, will be brand new, with warranty on boat and motor, and piece of mind of "probably" having several years of no major mechanical meltdowns. Also it will get better fuel economy and will probably not cost very much in minor repairs for the 1st few years.


Older but larger fiberglass boat:

Can I deal with buying a used boat with no way of knowing for sure how the boat has been treated. Has the motor been ragged out, serviced routinely, kept fresh treated gas in it, and made necessary updates to fuel systems etc. Also, the wiring and electrical systems, pumps, and hoses might also be getting ready to be replaced. With an older used boat, you always run the risk of having a major mechanical breakdown. They all will sooner or later, but you have to figure that it will be sooner than later on an older boat. Keep a couple thousand ready for when the day comes.


But, having a faster, smoother riding, more storage, larger livewells, larger fuel tanks and a more stable boat. The boat could have been treated very well and the motor may run for many many years with no problems.


There is no right or wrong answer to these questions. You also have to figure on how you plan to fish. If you are just fun fishing on the weekends then the aluminum may be the better choice for you. If you are looking to fish some larger tournaments on larger lakes, then the fiberglass would probably be the better choice.

I hope this helps you out. I am not trying to be negative on either decision to make, I just think it is a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of each.

I think you should get a used fiberglass boat regardless, especially if it's your first boat. You're going to be able to get a much bigger, much faster, much safer, much more stable etc etc etc boat for the same price as a new Tracker. When you find a boat you're interested in, go over the boat AND trailer with a fine toothed comb, and remember everything the owner says about it. If you ever hear him contradict something he said earlier, point him out on it and ask why he changed his words. Don't be afraid to walk if you think he's trying to pull one over on you, there are always other rigs on the market (especially in the Fall).

Another thing I think is important and overlooked is that older boats give you practice working on them. That sounds like exactly what we don't want, BUT, when you get a fancy newer one, you'll know what to do when that rare malfunction comes up and you'll probably do a better job of fixing/repairing it because you got practice on your older maybe not so pretty/expensive old boat.

There are several good deals on this forum right now even.

There are tons of great deals on these boards right now for good used boats. Heck I just bought one this past Monday!

A good used glass boat is the way to go... You can get some killer deals on some if you keep your eyes open... and plus if its already got a few dings on it you dont have to worry about getting in the back of trees and what not.

What kind of water do you fish? If you fish places like Toledo Bend, Table Rock, Fork, you may want the bigger more stable boat. If its smaller waters and rivers the aluminum would be better. If you go the aluminum route do yourself a favor and check other brands besides tracker out. Lowe, express, G3, alumcraft, etc.

I agree, if you are really wanting aluminum, check out the Xpress line. I owned one and it's an excellent bass platform. Don't know if it's the best aluminum boat out there but it's the best one I've ever been in. I absolutely loved it and should have kept it.


If I were wanting a metal boat, this one would probably be it right now. The price is high but this is the hull/motor I'd want most likely.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2005-Xpress-X19ts-99206986

there is a sweet champion in Garland in front of Fisherman Supply and i was told its a heck of a deal...

I don't own a boat (yet), but I see myself going with a used, glass when the.time comes...hopefully a nice, clean 'Cat..

+1

I would say a good preowned glass boat. That would be better because it would be a boat you could grow into.

I owned a tournament V-18 by tracker before going to a fiberglass boat and I had no complaints with them. Dealing with tracker, upgrade the trolling motor size because they are usually equipped with a 12 volt and not high enough thrust. If you plan on fishing smaller lakes they work great, but I live near texoma, it will make a believer out of you for a more stable and better handling boat.