New (used) Tracker 175 TF, what should I check?

[AJ B]

Hello everyone. I need a little help. I found a 2017 175 TF locally-purchased in August 2016 and now for sale. I think the price is decent. All original with cover and 60 Merc. Checked it out and I don't see a mark on it. Before I lay down the dough I asked the current owner if we could put it in the water to make sure everything is operational (and it doesn't sink). She doesn't know anything about boats (it was her late husband's boat). Anyway, other than starting the motor and checking the bilge/pumps, what else do you recommend I look at closely?
Thanks in advance.

[Sharp1C]

I would start by finding out husbands name, then looking for an obituary online. I hate to be that way but a lot of scammers out there. I would lay underneath and check for any damages. Also, if it has any aftermarket electrical items, look at the wiring and make sure it is not hacked up. If all that looks good and you found an Obit I would say you are GTG.

[AJ B]

That is a great idea about the obit. Yes, for every legit boat for sale on Craigslist, there is a scam. I checked--sure enough the obit is online pictures and all. Thank you.

[Obsessed]

Sounds like you found a diamond in the rough so to speak. Good deal. Those are hard to come by.

Check title is going to be okay since he died. We bought a car and it was supposed to be okay for them to sign off on after the ladies mother passed. Ended up sending the title back to another state and they had to get another title because they have to title it into their name now, not just sign it because they are executor of the state. The title has to be re-issued into the heir's name. This was in Missouri, they said they thought it was like that in all state now.

[WileyW]

I would run it down to a Merc shop and have them pull the engine hours for you. Being so new, you need to make sure the engine has completed its break-in period, and if not, you will need to be the one finishing it off.

[Obsessed]

I would run it down to a Merc shop and have them pull the engine hours for you. Being so new, you need to make sure the engine has completed its break-in period, and if not, you will need to be the one finishing it off.

Very good thinking here!

[AJ B]

More great advice thanks. I'll check on local title transfer process. The warranty transfer with Tracker is a hassle. Dealer inspection then application. I wanted to have the warranty inspection before purchase but it takes too long because of the backlog. I'll ask the 'inspector' about the hours. But I feel like I should re-break it in anyway at first although it sounds like when talking to her that he was an experienced boat owner. Only 55 when he died makes you think. We agreed on 13K with Tracker ratchet cover is a good buy.
We're going to take it to the lake with her to make sure everything is in order.

[WileyW]

That is a great buy. I was in pretty similar circumstances when I bought my boat. The owner, also in his mid-50's, drowned while fishing in Tennessee, but out of a different boat.
The warranty transferred to me with just a small amount of paperwork I had to mail to them, no inspection. The transfer paperwork for mine was in with the warranty paperwork and owners manuals. Same with the Mercury warranty. A couple of phone calls and some paperwork and I was done. None of the electronics, including the trolling motor will transfer.

[AJ B]

Thanks Wiley I'll ask about that. BPS gave me the phone number for Tracker direct for the warranty info. I'll see if we can forgo the inspection. Cheers.

[AJ B]

Thanks for all the help fellas. I wasn't able to put it in the water due to wind and rain at lake Meade here in Vegas. But I put it thru the ringer in her driveway. Started up in 2 seconds with good water stream out the back. Lower unit oil was pure. I added 12 gallons of fuel and the Star Tron. Got a spare tire for the trailer and all the fluids to change from bass pro plus hub grease (Checked the hub temps after a 14 mile tow (84 degrees). My Kia Sorento does just fine with it. Works harder on the hill tho.



It was towed all the way from Texas but the tires look pretty new (radials on trackers now thank goodness). There's not a scratch or stain on it anywhere. Paperwork shows it was bought 6 months ago for 19k with tax and the poor guy died 4 months ago--so sad. I paid 13 for it including the custom cover she got for the towing from Texas. She didn't have any serious buyers.


Now I just have to deal with the warranty transfer and the DMV etc but I'm very happy and glad the angst is over (as long as she floats of course).

[WileyW]

Congrats of the purchase and the outstanding deal. Great looking rig. I am sure you will enjoy it. As you personalize it, make sure you post photos. We love photos on here.

[Transom]

Sounds like you got a good deal. With a smaller tow vehicle I think that boat will serve you well.

[AJ B]

I sure will. I put it on windy lake Meade today for a few hours. Rides way better and drier than my early 90s tracker. No leaks and that engine is quiet, and fast enough for me for sure. I'm going to fish out of it as is for a little while. The trolling motor does the job, but I had one of the first minn Kota autopilots when they came out so now I'm spoiled. I'm thinking a terrova 24v would serve me well.

[mrc.in.wi]

Thanks for all the help fellas. I wasn't able to put it in the water due to wind and rain at lake Meade here in Vegas. But I put it thru the ringer in her driveway. Started up in 2 seconds with good water stream out the back. Lower unit oil was pure. I added 12 gallons of fuel and the Star Tron. Got a spare tire for the trailer and all the fluids to change from bass pro plus hub grease (Checked the hub temps after a 14 mile tow (84 degrees). My Kia Sorento does just fine with it. Works harder on the hill tho.



It was towed all the way from Texas but the tires look pretty new (radials on trackers now thank goodness). There's not a scratch or stain on it anywhere. Paperwork shows it was bought 6 months ago for 19k with tax and the poor guy died 4 months ago--so sad. I paid 13 for it including the custom cover she got for the towing from Texas. She didn't have any serious buyers.


Now I just have to deal with the warranty transfer and the DMV etc but I'm very happy and glad the angst is over (as long as she floats of course).

Love the blue color. You'll love that boat. 175 is a solid boat

[93ls1rx7]

I really like the TF layout so congrats. Have you considered trying to recess the TM pedal? That was the only negative to me on the TF boats otherwise I like them a lot more than the TXW boats

[AJ B]

I know what you mean about the pedal. It's a little awkward but for me that's because of the thick cable--I really did get spoiled with that old trolling motor with just a flexible electric cord. I think an adjustable post with a seat slider will make it more ergonomic and I do believe I will eventually get the terrova or ulterra so I'll wait until I see how that is.
I kind of miss the peg style pedestals--these have the click type, which is more stable but less available but still ok.

[BoilermakerRT178]

Sad for the previous owner and family but happy for you. Consider it a win win where you probably relieved her of an asset that needed to be liquidated and an item that was a reminder of his absence.

You got a great deal. Put it to good use and remember how blessed we are to be alive and have what we have.

[Reeltuff]

Nice!

[WileyW]

Very well said, Boilermaker.

[tjsellsfords]

I agree with Boilermaker, glad to see another Blue Tin, blue is making a comeback! Congratulations!