My Bass Tracker III Mod 16' *updated 6/24/10*

[Queencitybassman]

I picked up a bass tracker today for a ridiculous price of $450 and although the motor is not running I thought it was a great deal and talked a guy down from $800. I am in the middle of a few projects right now so this one might have to wait until the fall when I have a years worth of work I can put into it because it seems far from being ready to fish. I will be doing things here and there but until I get some of my other projects off and sold this one will be on the back burner. I dont know where to begin on this one so advice is welcome guys..... This was a deal i could not resist I feel like I got a really good deal but what do you guys think..

 

[ncfishin]

Great deal man. I'd be worried it was stolen Dude must have been hard up for the cash.

 

[ober51]

I'd be thrilled - gotta love the big score!

 

[Nevillizer]

Thats a helluva a deal.

 

[Queencitybassman]

I don't think it's stolen the guy seemed pretty honest but how do I find out

 

[albright1695]

QCB That is a great deal!! Only $450!! Well worth the money in my opinion,get that baby running so you can come fish the CNCBA tourneys with us!

 

[cavman138]

wow what a steal. New carpet, new seats, get that motor running and go fishing.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

What size is the motor? Any hope of getting it running?

 

[ncfishin]

I was Joking about stolen, but if it is you'll find out. Even if it isn't stolen, it might be hard to get titles and registrations. Did the guy give you these? Just something to think about. If I was you, and I were presented with the same deal, I would have Jumped on it. Those bass trackers, in worse lookin shape than that one, command at least a G around here. Good job with the deal. I cant wait to see you transform it. four hundred is a good place to start with a solid hull and trailer.

 

[ober51]

If you don't have documentation and can't get it, let me know, I have a way to get it legally for about half of what you paid for the boat. PM me if need be or check out my mod as I went through the process.

 

[mangelcc]

awesome deal nice boat.

 

[Queencitybassman]

Thanks guys im excited to work on it and Ober thanks for the heads up i definitely may need your help with that at some point. Well im out of town fishing some small lakes in the central NC right now but I have been giving it a lot of thought and i think ill sell the mercury 50 hp that comes on it as is and downgrade to a 25-40 hp motor to be more cost efficient.. I think buying a new motor and selling this one as is will be cheaper then taking one to a shop and have them overcharge me. I will keep my mercury controls so I can stick another mercury on there even though I prefer Johnson evinrudes I just dont know anything about steering cables etc... do you think downgrading is a good idea? Also I have seen some pretty good deals on 25-30 hp mercurys that are tiller steer.. how difficult is this to convert to a steering?

 

[270Handiman]

Before swapping motors, see if you can find someone to try to identify the problem with that one. It may be as simple as cleaning out the carbs and such. If that's the case, that would be way cheaper than buying a new motor. Now, if it has lost compression, then that's a different story. As far as downgrading, I wouldn't do it if you can get that motor to run.

A tiller steer would create more problems with that boat. The edge of the rear seat is too far forward to be able to operate the motor. You would have to decrease the size of your rear deck or something.

Just my .02 cents!

 

[Queencitybassman]

I think the guy who sold it said one of the cylinders was blown or something.. i do not know much about motors so i figured it would be easier just getting a fully running motor rather then spending tons on another. And with the tiller steer I was gonna convert into a steering if that is possible?

 

[albright1695]

IF you buy another motor for the tracker I would look more toward a 35 hp or higher. A 25 is a little small for that size boat. Ive talked to some guys that have owned the trackers with console and a 25 hp and they always say it needs more motor.

 

[Queencitybassman]

Well I am not too concerned with a need for speed like some.. I enjoyed the lake just as much going 5 miles compared to 50 its all about putting fish in the boat for me. I am looking at a 40hp Force outboard right now. Correct me if I am wrong but force should be compatible with my mercury controls correct? Also it is possible to convert a tiller steer into a steering?

 

[Queencitybassman]

I am replacing this motor with a 35hp 1986 mercury our a 72 50hp johnson.. What do you guys think they are the same price and both are running

 

[ober51]

I am replacing this motor with a 35hp 1986 mercury our a 72 50hp johnson.. What do you guys think they are the same price and both are running

I'd sacrifice the HP for the years, 16 years is a lot, I think.

 

[Queencitybassman]

I am hoping someone can help me out here.. I have a choice between a 40hp mariner 1984 for my tracker or a or a 30hp johnson 1989.. Both are the same price. the 30 might be small but ive always had johnsons and its newer.. Can anyone tell me about mariners.. ive been told they were solid motors. I need to make the decision by today... anyone?

 

[ncfishin]

I've got a 30 horse Mariner tiller steer on my 16ft. V-hull. I'm pretty sure it's a mid to late 80's model. I've done some research online, and these motors were made in Japan by Yamaha. I haven't had any problems out of mine. It's good on gas, and scoots my boat pretty good. That being said, this is my first boat, other than a ten foot jon. First outboard though. There are many more guys on here that have experience with both I'm sure. But I got no complaints or trouble out of mine. Hope this helps.