Is this a good first boat?

[Sabo]

I'm looking at trading my harley for a boat. This guy has a 2001 tracker pro deep 16 with a 40 hp Merc on it. Is this a good first fishing boat. It will be mostly me and my 2 kids (6 and 9)?

[leech~~]

I'm looking at trading my harley for a boat. This guy has a 2001 tracker pro deep 16 with a 40 hp Merc on it. Is this a good first fishing boat. It will be mostly me and my 2 kids (6 and 9)?

Any boat that you can get your two kids in that you couldn't ride on your Harley with, is the "right" first boat!

[ranger5333]

What hp is it rated for? Does it have power tilt? You will want both.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

My first boat was a 14' Alumacraft with bench seats!! It had an 18 horse Evinrude that I took my 2 boys fishing in. I loved that boat!! I bought it for me but had the boys in mind when I bought it. I couldn't afford anything else at the time and I will always remember the good times they had running the motor and decideing where to fish. I think that anytime you think of family when making a purchase it will be a good choice. ENJOY!!!!

[20lbSloughShark]

I personally would not sell my harley (unless I had another harley). I think the perfect boat for smaller lakes up to clearwater size is a big/deep 14' and 25 hp motor.

[pinkfloyd4ever]

Any first boat is a great boat. I only wonder if you are not getting under value for your harley, but that's not my decision either

[delcecchi]

That is about a 3 to 5 grand boat to my way of thinking. What is the Harley worth?

[Tom7227]

I guess the answer to your question depends a lot on where you intend to fish. My first boat was a 14 foot rowboat with two seats and a 9.9 on it. It worked perfectly well for the short metro trips I took the kids on. Kids only last an hour or two and couldn't care less what the boat is like. You can pick up a decent boat like this for probably a grand or less this time of the year. If the kids show a strong interest in fishing you may have to get something a bit bigger in a few years but it isn't that important right now IMO.

On the other hand if the boat you mention has nice seats, a floor, and maybe even a live well it will serve you for many years. A 40 hp is enough to get you where you want to go. Maybe not in 30 seconds like some seem important, but you apparently have more time than money right now.

You may not have to sell the bike.

[Jmnhunter]

hey sabo, i have the same boat, a 2000 tracker superguide v16 i picked up this past spring; i really like it, its my 1st big fishing boat; has a 40hp mercury tiller; handles great, can get to 28-29mph with 2 people in the boat; tows nice; not sure what yours is rated to, but i'm assuming its the same as mine which is 40hp, you'll like it; I paid 4800 after taxes through a dealer

[SkunkedAgain]

Yup, that's probably a good fishing boat. My advice always is to not get too nice of a boat at first. Buy old and used because in the first few years we all hit rocks, docks, back the boat into something, add the wrong oil, etc. You'll want to do it on a boat/motor that won't cost thousands to fix and repair.

[Hoffer]

Hmmm

Have you guys looked at boat prices lately?

A 2001 16 foot Tracker with a 40 in any kind of decent shape should be going for at least 5K or more.

If you find one for less than that and in good shape - let me know.

I would be glad to take it off your hands

[motley man]

Better look at what your Harley is worth, compared to a boat, motor & trailer. You can get a boat , motor, trailer for a lot less than a Harley.

[MuleShack]

My FIL has a 2002 Smoker craft 16' deep v with a 40hp merc that he never took out of the garage. Dont ask me why they never used it (probably cause he travels so much).

I saw the purchase agreement and it was like $12K new back in 2002 with no bells or whistles.

So yea depending on condition, maybe 5 or 6K (or less depending on shape of boat and motor).

[delcecchi]

I just looked at the tracker site. The bottom guide SC with a 25 in 12k plus tax and shipping. Up to a 40, add tax and shipping and you are around 14.

The boat in question is 12 years old, has a two-stroke instead of 4, etc.

Yeah, maybe possibly 5 if it is in really good condition.

So, depends on what the Harley is worth.

[Sabo]

Thanks for the advice guys, I have alot to think about. The guy wants $6500.00 for the boat by the way. Has some nice accesories that go with it.

[bassNspear]

i dont think hes out of line at 6500 if the boat is in good shape, and there is some options on it!