bassfisher444

What kind of water would require a fiberglass boat?

What do I look for when I inspect the engine? I am an auto mechanic but I don't have much experience with outboard motors.

I am looking for a 17-19 foot bass boat, to replace my 1981 16 ft Tracker with a 10 hp motor on it. I want at least a 75 hp motor, and preferably an aluminum boat since I often fish real shallow water, but I might get a fiberglass depending on what kind of deal I can get, I would like to stay under a 10K budget. I have found 3 boats that I would like to go look at soon. The first one is an 04 Triton tr186 with a 150hp Mercury XR6, Lowrance hds9 and hook7 units, and a Minnkota Terrova that's still under warranty for $9500. The second one is a 2000 Procraft 185 with a Mercury 150hp XR6, Humminbird 899, and 859 units, and a 24v Motorguide X5 for $9000. The third one is a 2010 Bass Tracker 175 TXW with a 90 hp Mercury Optimax, Motorguide trolling motor, the electronics are unspecified but it has 2 units looking at the pictures, its listed for $9500. I haven't seen any of them in person yet but going by the pictures all three look to be in good shape. I am leaning towards the Tracker since it is the newest and it is aluminum, I know Triton is a well known brand, I haven't heard much about Procraft. I have very little experience with boats other than the one I have now, any advice is appreciated.