96 392xt

[chrissv]

Hi all - new to the bass boat world and saw a 96 392xt within my budget. Any feedback on the boat? Its a 96 392xt with a 2006 merc.

[ericm]

It's 19'-3" and a great riding hull. The 392 would be a dual console model. It was introduced in late 1990 as the 392-V and was rebranded "XT" later in the mid-90's as a value package. I fished with a guy that had a 391 / 200 Merc and he was able to get 70 out of it on a regular basis. The 392 doesn't have any set back and really needs a 6" jack plate. Most of these models came on a dual axle trailer although they were available on a heavy-duty single axle 4,500 lb trailer.

Hope this helps.

[JoePA]

The 392 is an excellent model and one of my favorite 300 series boats. As Eric mentioned it is a high 60's boat with a 200. Mine came from the factory with a 10" plate but there are many with 6" and 8" plates that run the same numbers. The Mercs on that rig like a tempest but I found that a trophy worked better and gave me everything better numbers across the board. Solid boat, Excellent fishing platform and a decent riding boat.

[BemisBasser]

Have a friend with one. Great boat, if all checks out mechanically and structurally, i would not hesitate. They are fantastic boats.

[chrissv]

Thanks everyone. Now I just have to see if the boat is worth the asking price. The boat is a 96 with a 2005 merc efi under 250 hrs. Comes with 112lb ultrex and a helix 10 and 9 mega imaging. Everything works on the boat with no tears on the seat and a extended deck box. There is however a few stress cracks here and there with the gel coat peeling on some area. Is this worth 10k?

[ericm]

Thanks everyone. Now I just have to see if the boat is worth the asking price. The boat is a 96 with a 2005 merc efi under 250 hrs. Comes with 112lb ultrex and a helix 10 and 9 mega imaging. Everything works on the boat with no tears on the seat and a extended deck box. There is however a few stress cracks here and there with the gel coat peeling on some area. Is this worth 10k?

Incidental gel coat cracks are not a big deal but the Ranger factory gel coat doesn't typically "peel". Make sure the boat hasn't been clear-coated by the owner. That's a nightmare.

[chrissv]

Do you know if the 392 have wood in them and if the transom is wood?

[ericm]

Do you know if the 392 have wood in them and if the transom is wood?

It would have he fiberglass pultruded transom and stringers with fiberglass encased plywood decks. It's a well built boat that fishes like a dock.

[chrissv]

It would have he fiberglass pultruded transom and stringers with fiberglass encased plywood decks. It's a well built boat that fishes like a dock.

thanks. Do you know if it is recommended to add on power poles?

[paulrodbender]

I really don't see why not. I know of a few 300 series with poles and no issues but maybe loosing just a little on the top end and/or hole shot.

[twitch]

Poles shouldn't be a problem but like stated above check that peeling situation that should not be happening with gelcoat...stress cracks are not a biggie unless there are too many and deep.Those boats are great fishing platforms and run well with at least a 200 and a jackplate. Have it checked by a reputable dealer before pulling the trigger post some pics if you can

[Coyoteprinter]

If you buy it and you don't care for the bicycle seat, I'll buy it from you!

[H2O_Fowl]

Don’t even consider if it’s peeling. It’s been clear coated and it’s just a matter of time before the entire boat does it. Hard pass for me.