How long ago was the trailer serviced, i.e. bearings,springs,etc. Have you peaked at the hull (underside) have you looked at the transom-this boat more than likely has wood in it or on it. If sitting outside was it covered? If it wasn't I would steer way clear due to rot in critical places.

Good Luck,
Russ

Fly,

Open the battery box and look at the transom. Does it appear to be dark in color-Brown/Black or dark green. Push on the back of the transom-does it feel soft, does it give. Another way to check is to loosen one bolt on the back of the transom where the motor is connected. Does water come out of the hole?

As far as covered-That concerns me as well. Why? Because condensation builds up tremendously when covered for that long creating moisture in all the boxes and places where you can't immediately see with the naked eye. Especially if it has been covered and parked outside.

I will give you a scenario that might surprise some but not all.

I had a 180 Super Pro Procraft for about 10 years that I sold to Dave Jarrel a club member back in 2000. After he bought it he put a jack plate on it. When he was installing the plate, he noticed water coming out of the bolt holes. He told me about this as I was totally unaware of the wet transom issue. He used the boat-correct me if I am wrong for about 4-1/2 years until he had a large wave hit the boat at Banks lake that cracked the transom right down the middle.

He just sold the boat to a couple of buddies of mine in the boat business who are going to completely strip the boat and refurbish it from top to bottom.

Now here comes the good part of the story:

About three weeks ago I got to see what this boat looked like from the inside out. Meaning they took the top portion of the boat off and removed it. Guess what I saw in absolute amazement? Mold, rotten wood, wood chips, molded foam in pieces,etc., the boat was vertually disentegrating from within.

So all I can say is buyer beware. I now get weary about guys looking at boats that are pre-96 and older due to these issues.

Save the money for a newer boat, one that is made up of composite materials instead of wood. You will not regret it due to the fact that you will save a ton of money in the long run. I personally have had 4 boats in the last 18 years and can honestly say with experience that when you buy that older boat that more than likely you will turn around and sell it to get the boat of your dreams.

Good Luck,
Russ

One word to get away from transom rot Fly "Alluminum". It's makes it easier plus they're good starter boats. Big thing I'm findin out about is motor maintnace. Other than that my boat works fine for me.

I will say it one more time "Alluminum". I guess I'm just tired of having the slowest boat in the club.

Easy fix Russ, Nothin like a good Bilge Pump and a rusty old foldgers can to fix that problem. All playing aside, Tracker started welding their boats in 1995. So Fly if your willing to spend around 6,000 you can find a good welded tracker.