Recently got offered a family members boat, I know it has low hours and has never been ran very hard, 99% of the time he crappie fishes in a pond we both fish which is about 15 acres and doesn't have any stumps to do damage. Transom shows no signs of damage.

Carpet is in good shape, seats are stained but no tears. Bilge pump, live well, etc all work. He said the motor sometimes seems to lose some power after running for some time but cranks and runs fine initially, sounds like fuel filter to me. 40hp merc 4 stroke.

Only has 2d sonar that it came with, both bow and console. I'd probably upgrade that eventually. Boat has always been stored in an enclosed shelter.

Any input appreciated.

I would compare it to boats listed in your area that are “for sale” to get an idea of comparative pricing. Boats are always subjective to what it worth to you, but prices vary widely depending on condition, equipment and accessories.

That price is on the high end for that model and age of boat. You could be looking at a cylinder issue. I for sure would have a compression test run before I let go of any money.

I bought a Tracker with a 40 which was supposed to have no issues. Within a month or so one of the cylinders shot craps.

After looking for a couple of months to replace my blown up 16' tin bass boat I found a 2005 Tracker PT175 with a 50 2 stroke. The engine had a problem but the compression was good. I had the carburetors gone through and tuned up and it's running great. If it's in as good condition as you say and will be satisfied going 25mph top speed, go for it.

That'd be a fair price around here.

I would say that’s a decent price for the boat. Mabye try and get them to 5k flat.

If you’d buy this boat and there was motor issues you may end up out close to what a new boat would be. Boats are made to run pretty much open and up on plane. The gentle use in this probably more of a hindrance. Less maintenance gets done because it’s not used much.

Bought it and took it out for the first time, quick 2 hours test run. Got a little slime on the carpet.

Everything works as far as electronics, LiveWell, bilge, lights etc. I'm pretty happy with the layout and the amount of room I have to move. Big improvement over a 14' Jon with just the trolling motor for the bigger lakes.

Only problem.

The motor does cut off every once in a while, when you're idling occasionally, never above idle. but mostly when throttling down after running. Pretty much what he described. It runs fine at speed and gets a little over 30mph. First thing I plan to do is change the fuel filters but before I order those does anyone have any suggestions as to what else to check. Compression check came back good and it's running well at speed so I'm hoping it's a minor issue.

If you have a good outboard mechanic handy I'd also have them give it a once over, clean it up, tune it up, and be good. You could try a thing here or a thing there and it probably just needs a good clean and tune. A mechanic will be the shortcut to getting it done once and right. Past that, since it is a new to you, I'd replace the fuel filters, lines, and fittings so you know the progeny on them. Pinholes and cracks will kill you for keeping the lines air tight. I'd also run some fuel stabilizer and carb cleaner through the tank that you have now until it's gone. Again, safety for what you don't know.

I agree with @casts_by_fly , get it tuned up with new filters. Additionally if the issue persists check the ECU (electronic control module). With heat sink at low speeds it could be causing a cut out from over heating. I have had it happen!