Need advice on buying used Triton tx18

[smallbass]

I've found a 2016 Triton tx18 for about $23,000. The boat is pristine and has 115 four strike Merc (not the Pro XS) with about 10 hours. The motor concerns me because I have no idea if it was broken in correctly, or what issues it may have from sitting so long. A dealer has this boat on consignment.

[tcesni]

Seems like a decent price. If it’s at a dealer they should be able to run a read out on the number of hours at WOT, etc. Buying a used boat is always a bit of a crap shoot, I recently bought a 2018 RT188 and put it in the water for the first time yesterday. Everything worked!

[n2ratfishin]

Agreed the dealer should be able to give you a readout of the hours and tell you if it's still in the break in mode. My 2017 Merc 4S has been flawless.

[lakeouachita]

With only 10 hours I bet the motor is fine. I doubt if it was ran that little that it was abused.

I have a 2017 and love it. It’s a solid boat. Enjoy!

[FloridaFlyer]

If I am wrong, someone can correct me....

But I think that boat was made in the Ranger aluminum plant in Flippin before JM bought Ranger and moved the plant up to where Tracker is made.

If that is the case, the Triton is the same as the RT188 except the console and seats and trailer were different. I think the basic hull is the same and they painted and put the decals on for which boat you bought. I would not have a problem buying and owning the boat at all if everything checks out. Sounds like a good price for it too.....if the motor and everything checks. Do not buy a used outboard without having a good tech look it over is my advice that I cannot stress enough. It is a good boat/motor combo.

[javjoe]

I'd have no concerns about the motor myself. If you really want the boat I'd jump on it now before it's gone

[Lowerider58]

I have a 2015 Triton TX with that motor. I bought it in December 2015 and it’s been a great fishing rig. Aside from a faulty trim unit that was replaced under warranty and a loose connector on the cannon plug for the wiring harness it’s been perfect. I think I’ve got about 200 hours on it now.
Like Florida Flier says it’s the same hull as a RT188 Ranger.

[FloridaFlyer]

I'd have no concerns about the motor myself. If you really want the boat I'd jump on it now before it's gone

There are some people down here that would absolutely love to see you walk in looking for a boat.

[javjoe]

There are some people down here that would absolutely love to see you walk in looking for a boat.

I wouldn't buy a used motor without it checked first. I was referring to the low hour concern.

[tcesni]

If I am wrong, someone can correct me....

But I think that boat was made in the Ranger aluminum plant in Flippin before JM bought Ranger and moved the plant up to where Tracker is made.

If that is the case, the Triton is the same as the RT188 except the console and seats and trailer were different. I think the basic hull is the same and they painted and put the decals on for which boat you bought. I would not have a problem buying and owning the boat at all if everything checks out. Sounds like a good price for it too.....if the motor and everything checks. Do not buy a used outboard without having a good tech look it over is my advice that I cannot stress enough. It is a good boat/motor combo.

You are correct on all points.