2008 Explorer 18 worth?

[Aggie]

Has a 2009 Mercury Opti 115 with just what came standard as far as I can tell. Garage kept and looks really nice. Anything specific I need to look for, seems from my search leaf springs are prone to breaking. On the motor can you get a read out on the hours?

[AreTheyBiting]

if I remember correctly the Explorer boats were entry level boats priced to attract first time buyers
The accessories were kept to a minimum to keep the price low
If I was looking to buy one I would make sure they had all of the bells and whistles I need in a boat
also price it against a top of the line model of the same year
That way you will know if the deal is right for you

[Tritonal186]

The Explorer 18 is just a down graded revision of the TR186. It does not have all the bells and whistles that the TR186 has but it's a good starter boat. You can get the motor's hours at a Mercury service shop. I believe its only rated for a 115, where the TR186 is rated for a 150.

[Erc1105]

if I remember correctly the Explorer boats were entry level boats priced to attract first time buyers
The accessories were kept to a minimum to keep the price low
If I was looking to buy one I would make sure they had all of the bells and whistles I need in a boat
also price it against a top of the line model of the same year
That way you will know if the deal is right for you

I own a 2008 Triton Explorer18 with a 115 Optimax. I would agree that this boat was designed for first time boat owners. I was a first time boat owner 6 years ago and this boat fit my budget. It is stripped down - no bells or whistles. However, at the price at bought it at I was able to pay it off in three years. So I am able to add a few bells and whistles.......For my situation with a wife and two daughters I would never be out on the water enough to justify a $50,000 boat sitting my garage with a big monthly payment. Now, I have a paid off boat with a Hummingbird 7 Helix G2N and a new Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor - Added this year. Next year I plan to save a little and get a power pole. It is a great boat for your average Joe fisherman.

I will say this about the Optimax motor. Even after sitting in the garage for 3 months in the winter. She starts up on the first crank - everytime!

[Erc1105]

I own a 2008 Triton Explorer18 with a 115 Optimax. I would agree that this boat was designed for first time boat owners. I was a first time boat owner 6 years ago and this boat fit my budget. It is stripped down - no bells or whistles. However, at the price at bought it at I was able to pay it off in three years. So I am able to add a few bells and whistles.......For my situation with a wife and two daughters I would never be out on the water enough to justify a $50,000 boat sitting my garage with a big monthly payment. Now, I have a paid off boat with a Hummingbird 7 Helix G2N and a new Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor - Added this year. Next year I plan to save a little and get a power pole. It is a great boat for your average Joe fisherman.

I will say this about the Optimax motor. Even after sitting in the garage for 3 months in the winter. She starts up on the first crank - everytime!

For reference - I bought my 2008 Triton Explorer with a 115 Optimax six years ago for $10,500.

[berudd]

The Explorer 18 is just a down graded revision of the TR186. It does not have all the bells and whistles that the TR186 has but it's a good starter boat. You can get the motor's hours at a Mercury service shop. I believe its only rated for a 115, where the TR186 is rated for a 150.

I had a 2008 TR186 and it was rated for a 175 but had a 150. It was a great boat. Only reason I got rid of it is because I wanted a bigger boat. I had no issues with the trailer right up until the wheel came of on I95 (was my fault not the trailers). That said, I would not have been happy with it if it only had a 115. With a 115 you'll have to run WOT to run at the speed I cruised at with a 150. Also, if you put a bunch of gear, two guys and full up the livewells it will be slow getting on plane. JMO.