1988 Bass Tracker Project

[Mr. Ross]

I just picked up a 1988 Tracker 17 Magna with a 70 Merc. The rig has been stored for years, used to belong to a good friend and has perhaps 30 hours total on her. I noticed a small area of the deck just aft of the rise for the bow platform is a bit spongy, thinking it could be a joint there or some dry rot since it has been kept inside for so long. Given that this boat is like new I may want to remove the floor and fix the spot at some point in the future.

I realize that these boats are not high end and it's fairly obvious as I clean and check out components such as storage compartments, wiring and plumbing.

Appears as though it can be done without too much trouble over the winter. I attached a picture of the inside of the engine to show how clean it is, more to come. I'm in the process of replacing the oil and fuel lines as they are dry rotted. She pumps strong but am also going to replace the water impeller. I drained the fuel tank and was quite surprised that the gas was in pretty good shape after nine years. I'm mixing it with fresh and using it in my mowers.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 1988 Bass Tracker Project

When I bought my Lund it also had a soft spot in the decking. I fished it like that for the 1st season and the beginning of the 2nd. Finally got so soft I had to do something. Only took a weekend and about $175.00 to replace the whole deck and recarpet. When I pulled up the decking I was quite suprised to see that all the original foam was dry and still in excellant condition! So I left it alone.

 

[Mr. Ross]

Re: 1988 Bass Tracker Project

I believe this one will prove the same way, it is an inside storage boat so no water ever really had a chance to sit. I soaked it good this weekend with the power washer and the carpet machine so it is a bit wet now but the 100 degree sun is drying it up quickly. Lund has always been a high-end boat has it not?

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 1988 Bass Tracker Project

Looks very good for it's age! You scored well.

The Lund was neglected when I found it. Had been sitting outside uncovered for who knows how long. But then I practically stole it as my brother states.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 1988 Bass Tracker Project

That's a sweet lookin' rig Ross and she should me a fine fishin' machine.

It doesn't hurt a thing to give them a good scrubbing, just raise the bow up as high as it will go afterwards and make sure the bilge plug is pulled and don't cover her up until she's completely dry.

 

[Mr. Ross]

Re: 1988 Bass Tracker Project

Thanks for the tips, scrubbed yesterday!!

Is the book price normally somewhat accurate on these? It belonged to my lifelong friend so I did not want to haggle him but I know they are only around $9,000 when new with a 40 horse. Cost me book price but I figured that is for normal use whereas this was almost never used, has no hours.

 

[Mr. Ross]

Re: 1988 Bass Tracker Project

Tonight I ripped that tiny little bilge apart, all that foam and little room reminds me of my old 17' Whaler from a couple decades ago. I removed that POS too small bilge pump, the live well pump and both plastic thru-hull fittings. Can't believe even in the late 80s boats were built with plastic fittings below the water line, connected to crappy plastic hoses and no seacocks to shut down when they break. Unbelievable!

The discharge hose for the bilge pump is that cheap corrugated plastic stuff and it's foamed into place under the deck. I don't see any method to pull another one through and up to the discharge fitting, I can't even get to that fitting without tearing half the boat apart. So that will need to wait until I get serious with upgrades over the winter. I had to drill the bracket out of the bilge that holds the pump, both the bracket and the base were riveted to in place

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 1988 Bass Tracker Project

Is the book price normally somewhat accurate on these? It belonged to my lifelong friend so I did not want to haggle him but I know they are only around $9,000 when new with a 40 horse. Cost me book price but I figured that is for normal use whereas this was almost never used, has no hours.

As long as you are happy with it and your friend is happy then really what difference does it make. Not worth losing a lifelong friend over a boat deal. People ask all the time, "what's this worth?". The only true answer is that it's only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. I once bought an item that I new was over priced but I also knew that there weren't many around and I really wanted one for a long time so I paid the price. Yes I was happy I did.