I think I found a decent deal on a used boat, but want some unbiased third-party opinions from knowledgeable people (that's you guys!).  Here's the deal....

A guy is selling a 2005 Tracker PT 175 Coastal Edition with a Mercury 50hp 2-stroke.  He is including an 82-lb thrust Motorguide digital foot-steer TM (that he just added to the boat last year), a Lowrance 37x depthfinder, paddle, anchor, lifejackets, all USCG-required safety gear, boat cover, and a galvanized trailer with swing-away tongue.  It belonged to his dad who sadly passed away last year.  He says his dad only used it a few times and kept it covered and parked in his garage so it still looks as new as the day it was bought.  Less than 10 hours total runtime on the motor.  Asking price is $9,500.00.  Seems like a good deal to me, but was looking for confirmation from some of you more knowledgeable and experienced boaters out there.  

Does anyone have any experience with Tracker's boat line?  What do ya'll think?  I've seen the boat in person, and it looks to be in good shape.  Anything I should check out or be aware of?  If I buy it, this will be my first boat.

I think taht is a good deal.

I just bought a new Tracker after years of fishing wth a buddy that has one. We fished it hard for years and he took care of it. Long story the boat was 6 years old and was like new

BUY IT!  TODAY!  That boat is almost brand-new.  A new PT175 will set you back over $14,000.

Eventhough the boat has seen little use, the depreciation clock has always been ticking.  The asking price is at the top of what a dealership would use as a starter.  You may want to look it up in the nada guides before you make the plunge.

I don't know if this will help, but i bought a 1987 Tracker Tournament TX-17 in 1994 and still have it today.

Sure, i've replaced carpets, switches, plugs, etc., but it still has the 60hp Mariner that came on it.

Just a thought; ask the seller if you can use it for a day and take it and use it; run the crap out of it and see how it performs.

Still not convinced, spend a few dollars on a investment and take it to a boat shop IN A DIFFERENT CITY and see what they think about it.

Small price for a 'should-be' long-term relationship.

Check MOTOR,MOTOR,MOTOR.......,but that's just me...

You got excellent advice above.  Run it yourself, take it to a mechanic, and check the NADA guides for price.  Boat prices should be way down.  The money you spend on having a mechanic check it will be well spent.  And don't forget - buying the boat is just the start; be prepared to keep spending on it.

I have a tracker TX-175 and I love it. I agree with the above advice. Yes it has only 10 hours on it but, does it only have 10 hours because of gremlins or bugs that keep it from running or cranking?Check it out.

I ran a Tracker for 3 years and it was a very nice boat.  The only reason I got rid of it was because I upgraded to a fiberglass boat.

check for mice--just my 2 cents

have a 2005 tracker PTX 175 with a 25merc on it and love it great boat, can get places my other boat can't and is easy to tow.

and great TM, I wish I ahd that one my boat. I only have 45# and the 82 tour is what I want to install. just to let you know that TM is worth almost a grand itself. I would say good price. Buy it.

I didn't know they made a costal package. what does the carpet come snap in and out?

I would jump on it.  I am still running a 1984 Bass Tracker Tournament TX with a 2006 50 hp 2 stroke.  It runs about 34 mph WOT but would do better with a different prop.

I wouldn't worry about depreciation and resale value unless you plan to upgrade in the next few years.

Trackers are built well and will serve you for years.

Suggestions:

1.  Get a compression check on the motor.

2.  Make sure the well bilge pumps work.

3.  Look at hull for dinks or imperfections that may cause future problems.

4.  Check out battery cables.

5.  Have trailer wheels and trailer checked out.

6.  Grab that boat and have some fun!!!

You can upgrade your Tracker and have a great boat that can go places that fiberglass boats cannot go.

Although not a high priced boat, it will keep you dry; allow you to fish as you want; and be very safe while fishing.

Go for it!!!!  

Thanks for ALL of the advice, guys. I met the seller and took it for a test spin yesterday. Everything on the boat appeard to be in mint or near mint condition aside from just a few dings or surface scratches here and there. The motor cranked on the first turn and ran like a dream wide open for several minutes. And that trolling motor is da bomb! On high speed setting, it is so powerful that it will literally throw you out of the seat if you turn too hard too fast.

After the "sea trial", I offered the guy $8700 and the deal was done. The only bad part of the deal is that it is supposed to storm today on my first day of boat ownership.

I didn't know they made a costal package. what does the carpet come snap in and out?

There isn't any carpet in this boat except inside the storage lockers. The floorboard and casting decks are coated with a thick textured vinyl to make a solid surface. The vinyl coating dampens the noise similarly to carpet (maybe not as good as carpet), but should make for easy clean-up and low maintenance.