Time to get a new (used) boat, deal or no deal?

[ah_long]

Hi guys, looking at used boats right now and I have decided to do some cross border shopping from the US.

I have came across this and wondering yay or nay.

1999 Triton TR-17 Dual Console
Evinrude 115 FICHT w/ SS Prop
24V 70lb motorguide trolling
Crappy fish finder @ bow
Flasher @ console
Hull is in very good condition
Engine runs great (to my understanding, the FICHT issues only affect the bigger V6 but not the 90 and 115)

$7300

[5bites]

I don't know what the boat market is like around you but that seems a little high for the year. I Have owned a tr-17 about 8 years ago and it was a good boat. Traded it 5 months later on a tr21 I had been drooling over. Anyway I think I paid 9900 for mine back then. I have seen some decent 20-21 footers around here and on texasfishingforum.com for 8000-10000 in the 98ish year range.

Also I'm scared of fichts no matter what size. My advice is to spend a couple more grand on a bigger boat. Clean ones are out there.

[ah_long]

the problem is, I'm in Canada.. bass boats are already a rare breed up here and unfortunately I won't have access to boats from Texas or the southern US.

I do realize the price is on the high side judging from the NADA guide, but I just can't seem to locate anything reasonable that's accessible...

Oh,and I'm trying to stay under 18ft

[5bites]

I see. That would make thing trickier. If you aren't afraid of the price then why not? Like I said before I'm not a ficht fan but at the same time it's lived 12 years. IMO the best triton boats were made prior to 2001. You should have a 50+mph ride and as long as you don't go in rough water you'll be fine. Try and talk them down then put the extra money on a humminbird si.

[ah_long]

i talked them down from 7995 to 7300. They'll be handling all the paperwork for me and they will be paying for the temp plate on the trailer.

It's probably not the cheapest out there, but I think it's fair considering my circumstances.

Anything I should know about these lil tritons? any trouble spots?

[5bites]

Nope good boats. Check out bassboatcentral.com for more bass boat info.

[NJ Jigman]

have been fishing a 99 tr 18 for 11 yrs and have never had a problem. some stress fractures in the gel coat started forming a yr or two ago. The trailer is a piece though, rusted threw, fenders fallen off on road. can't say anything about the motor we have a 150 merc efi and the thing has been flawless for the duration. fast too, 67mph, 69 on gps, good luck. price does seem a little high considering the year and motor.

[ah_long]

the boat was in really bad condition when I saw it

Ended up with a 1999 Ranger R61 in pristine condition w/ a 50hp johnson

Right now it's in the shop getting a 2004 115 optimax along with a 5.5" CMC Jackplate on it...

By the start of next season, I should have a mercmonitor, HDS8 @ console, HDS7 @ Bow, LSS-1, trolling pedal foot well installed..