Hello all. I am in the market for my first bass boat. Ideally I would like to keep it under 4k. I have been checking craigslist and ebay regularly. Craigslist seems the way to go thus far. Any other places I should be looking into? Any recommendations in that price range. From reading other posts it appears as though many recommend trackers. I am finding a lot of rangers from the mid 80's. Would that be a good fit? I aslo see a lot of Winners. Anything in particular to look out for when buying a used boat? I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Here are three that I am looking at

1989 18' Bass Tracker/Tracker Marine 1800 TF. 110 Evinrude motor, 2005 18' galvanized trailer, 55lb Motorguide trolling motor, on-board battery charger, Eagle depth finder on bow, Flasher on console, 1 butt seat & 2 pedestal seats, 27 gal gas, Good condition. Great Starter Boat. $3,900 OBO

1986 Ranger 370 V (18') powered by a 1993 150HP Johnson Faststrike. 1983 Ranger trail trailor. Motor Guide Brute Trolling motor. Includes cover, extra prop, anchor, motor toter, two lifejackets, and some fishing equipment. Suggested list price is $7,887.00. Selling for $4,200.00. Cash or paypal

Winner. This boat is in great condition, I have add many upgrades to the boat that it is ready to fish now, it has 3 new batteries, no damage, new skeg, seats are in good condition, it comes with two depth finders, 1 up front and one on the driver column, hot foot throttle, the motor runs great 60 -65 mph, several storage areas, new bilge pumps, new aerators, and I also added a pump in/out aerator,74lbs trolling motor I am also adding a casting deck to the boat also, almost complete now gives the boat about 5 to 6 feet more space up front, the boat comes with two tarps, the boat also has a jackplate on it. $4700

any thoughts???

I'd personally go for the Tracker. It's tried and true and the aluminum is very forgiving for those unsuspecting sandbars that many first time boat owners encounter. (I'm speaking from experience here. lol)

Why? I fished many times off an 88 Ranger 350v with a 150 johnson. The boat rode like a wagon! It was great while fishing but the ride killed you getting there. The Johnson is a very strong motor but I believe most of those years had power head troubles.

My wifes uncle has an 89 Winner and if I didn't know any better it's almost identical to the Rangers of the same generation with all the same issues.

The Tracker is way overpriced.  NADA lists that boat and motor at $2000 and a newer trailer doesn't make that much difference.  The 1993 Johnson Fastrike, same motor as my Evinrude Intruder, was one of the best 2 cycle carbuerated motors ever made.  IMO the Ranger is the way to go.  I think for a $4000 budget you can get into a good boat.

The Ranger does sound like a nice boat and it's a great boat for a first time owner. Just have the outboard checked out before you decide to stroke a check. If it checks out I say go for it. The other place to look is boattrader.com. There are several nice boats on there for the price range you're looking in. Just go on and refine your search to bass boats, zip code, and price range. Depends on how far you'd travel also. Good luck! Enjoy your boat!

For a used boat, if the fiberglass checks out ok and the condition is good keep it on the list but the most important piece as I see it is the motor. You can spend as much on the fix for the motor if it goes bad that the boat. I would consider the aluminum boat due to longevity and ease of use if your hit something ( and we all did as new boaters) its no big deal. Also the aluminum is lighter. Be extra careful with the motor, have it checked out. The rule of thumb is with a 2 stroke is if it starts and idol's for a fair amount of time then you have a good motor.Definitely have the motor checked out by a wrench or bring him with you to see the boat. Also look at NADA to check price.

I am leaning towards the ranger. I am bringing a mechanic out tommorow to check it out.

I would look at the ranger, even though I like aluminum more.  The tracker is way overpriced, but looking for a different one would be a good choice.  The ranger should be a good boat, but remember to always get the motor checked out by a reputable mechanic.

The Tracker 1800 TF was a fiberglass bass boat not aluminum.  It was pre-Nitro days for Bass Pro Shops.  

Yeah the 1800 TF's are fiberglass, I personally own one.  And i enjoy fishing with it.  The only drawback was when i bought it i noticed it sat a litlte low inthe water and i found out why when I pulled hte carpet back.  It had a lot fo water saoked foam and wood in it.  Supposable these baots have ALOT of wood in them from what I hear but i dont know how much wood boats in that error normally had.  Mine now runs a solid 73 mph on GPs with a johnson 150gt, but that was after taking all the waterlogged foam and wood out and replacing with new foam and alucobond for the floors.  Took alot of weight out.

The livewells are a little small it seems in mine, but thats not a big deal.. And i love the tilt steering on the helm..   I dont know if the ranger has it or not.

 But follow your heart and your pocketbook, and happy fishing.

(would post a pic but i havent posted 10 things yet..  Was searching for posts where other people had the 1800tf;s and found this one.  Must be a rare boat or one thats not really talked about.  )

And to add i bought mine for 2k, but no fully equipped like that one.  No trolly and only factory depth.  Ranger sounds like a better bang for the buck but maybe they would come off the tracker.  Its got more room it seems by pics i googled up..  

The motor checked out. So time to make an offer on the Ranger! Thanks for the help.

My gut feel is that the Ranger is the right choice. See if the guy will tak you for a ride. You are putting youself in a relativly high performance boat and he could help you with the launch, ride and rec overy. Also is your town vehicule capable of pulling the weight?

Good luck.

My gut is saying the same. I have a buddy w/ a nitro who will assist me in learning the ropes. I must admit the boat is quite intimidating. I have Toyota truck which is rated for 5000lbs. So I should be fine in that department.

I now own a RANGER!!!

I found my first boat(Stratos) while taking my girlfriend to yard sales in residential neighborhoods. So keep your eyes open where ever you go. I actually found my second and now boat going to a mom & pop bait shop to look for some lures. It was for sale by the owners son so i got a good deal! Just goes to show man.

I now own a RANGER!!!

Congrats man, post up some pics

picked her up tonight...i don't think im sleepin tonight!!!