possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

I have been on a search for an 18' for some time now, and one has finally come up in my area. I went to look at the boat last night, and have a few questions. First off, the hull itself is in good shape for its age, no ground up keel, serious gouges or scratches. The gelcoat is faded, but will buff back nicely. The transom *feels* solid. I did not put a crazy amount of force on the motor to see if the transom would flex, but it felt good. All previous holes have been sealed up as needed. Once inside, the floor has soft spots that run to fore and aft on the left and right side of the stringers. The fuel tank has had work done to it before, so it will probably get replaced once the deck comes up.

Once I got under the boat, I noticed some cracks that ran along the hull at the steps. These are bigger than hairline/stress cracks, but not so big they're making voids in the hull. They run a good length of the hull, I would say the entire flat length before they start to make the turn up to the bow. Could this be stringer separation? I looked through every possible hatch to look at the stringers but it was hard to see much of anything. Everything looked as if it was structurally sound.

This is the first seacraft if have ever looked at that didn't have bottom paint, so I could really see what was going on with the bottom. I'm just trying to figure out if what I can see on the outside correlates to damage I cannot see on the inside. A new deck/tank/rewire doesn't bother me, but the cracks along the hull length seemed to be an area of concern. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Alex.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

Alex-I have had an 89 18 and I just bought an 88 18, and my family owns a 1987 18. The 89 had bottom paint, so I couldn't inspect the steps. The 1988 18 does have those gelcoat cracks. Mine are not structural(I think that minimal water intrusion in those cracks below the water line can eventually allow the gelcoat to have a more pronounced cracked appearance). In fact, after inspecting the rest of the boat, there are a few signs that the gelcoat is either both too thick and/or it cured a bit fast which causes those cracks. After 21/22 years, a structural issue would have caused a more serious issue by now. Can you take a picture? Also all 3 transoms I have seen have been very strong. What motor has been on there?

By the way, the 1987 18 is a totally different boat when it comes to it's fiberglass layup schedule. It is waaay overbuilt. Great boat, but because of the extra material in the hull, cap, deck,console,ect. the boat actually does not handle a full load of people as well and also heavier motors as well.

A rebuilt Potter 18 would be the best blend of the 3 IF the new materials didn't add considerable weight. Potter's reputation as an excellent boat builder is well deserved.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

The motor is a Johnson 150. As I understand, the Tracker Seacrafts already do have a higher deck in place. Do you think I will need to make the deck even higher? If anything, I was planning on going right on top of the existing deck lip (2" or whatever the skillsaw leaves) which would only raise the deck the thickness of the new deck. Think this is too little? The motor will probably be sold for a newer v4 carb. 2 stroke, but I dont think the weight difference is much.

I will only fish this boat with myself and another person 99% of the time. I plan on keeping the tank the same size, even with bad 2 stroke mileage, I will still be well within my range of normal fishing. I dont pack for vacation when I head out so all things considered, I believe I'll be alright weight wise?

Im going to go look at the boat again soon. Ill take some pictures of the area of concern.
thanks for the help so far.


On a side note, whats the lowest you can get any of those 18's you own to plane out at in rough conditions? I'm sure tabs help, but this boat doesn't have any.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

I have never heard that the decks were raised on the Tracker 18's and it has never come up on CSC since 2002. I would not raise the deck and you mentioned you were not planning to do it. If you have a V-4 Carbed going on it, then no need to raise the deck. I have no serious water issues, just the normal wet feet when my scupper flaps are not sealing properly with alot of weight in the stern. The 150 Johnny is a good motor, you may want to see how you like it. My Dad's 18 had a Johnson 150 and it went about 47. Gas mileage was bad though and weight was more. My boat planes at 12 mph. For weight and CG (balance) I specifically searched out a Tracker 18 with a 130 Yamaha. The Tracker 18's are well balanced and usually do not need a transom and major rehab. What is the asking price?

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

I believe I have read information wrong. The lighter layup of the tracker boats led me to believe the fact that there was less scupper issues was due to a raised deck - not an overall weight reduction. Wet feet dont bother me so keeping the deck level seems like a good idea. The lower unit on the motor needs repair and there's over 1700hours based on the hour meter. I don't think the motor is worth much to me anymore. The owner wants 3700. The aluminum trailer is worth keeping but the leafs and tires will need to be replaced. No electronics of any value. Have you moved the fuel tank forward at all in any of your 18's? Is the boat balanced enough with everything as is? (v4 carbed motor, console and tank in same position with 2 batteries in the console)
Thanks,
-alex

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

I have gotten away with not replacing a fuel tank. My current 18 has a new tank - 45 gallons. The old tanks are 47 gallons on the Trackers. I would not change anything for weight distribution with a V4 carbed motor going on there. You will be very satisfied with its CG.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

I have a 175 Johnson on my 18. It is a 20" shaft. It gets scary with following seas. May not have this engine much longer. Have a cylinder with low compression, but I have 5 more to get me where I'm going!!!! Looking at maybe finding a newer 130 or so and raising the transom 5". If I the transom raised to accomodate a 25" motor, the scuppers would still work somtimes, but I would feel more secure.

I fished on a newer 20 this last weekend. It is a bass pro boat. I think around an 2005. The bilge pump outlet is below the water line most of the time. It makes water like no tomorrow.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

2 other thoughts.....$3700 is slightly high if the lower unit needs immediate repair and the trailer needs immediate work. I sold my old 89 18 for 3,000 to forum member harryhood. It had a useable alum trailer and the 130 Yam needed serious work. It had decent electronics, bimini, and cushions. $700 isn't much difference though.

You really don't need trim tabs unless you can't move someone to rebalance the boat.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

I feel the same on the price. The trailer will probably get me home, but I wouldn't have much more faith in a single axle trailer until some work is done to it. We will see if he accepts my offer. If I end up getting the boat, trim tabs wont come unless I come across a deal.

Thanks for the input so far.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

easiest way to price rigs like this is break the deal apart - motor in current condition on the used market - trailer the same and you are left with a cost for the hull.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

Yea, this site is a great way to learn what a boat's real value is.....
Depending on whether its a total restore, turn key or in between you can break it down like Dixon said. One thing I have noticed, the higher priced boats many times actually can be the better deal when you factor in the cost of a cheaper boat that needs replacement power, new transom, T-Top, ect.. Oh, and I almost forgot, the biggest mistake I see on here is when a guy decides to put too much weight on the back of a SC with a heavy new motor after spending major money on a restore.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

Greno, i had an 05 20 with a 200 hpdi and never had water, my bilge discharged up by the rubrail though im not sure what difference that would make..i would even wash it down in the water and it drained,but im like a buck-eighty so maybe that had something to do with it..now have an 85 being rebuilt and has yet to splash,kinda hoping waters not too much of an issue

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

Just picked up the boat this afternoon. Ideally, I would like to find a lower unit for the 150 that's on there now and run it for the summer, and come winter time, replace the deck. Needs tilt/trim rebuild which I am not looking forward to - probably took 8 hours to remove the tilt pins on a 40hp I recently did. Ended up coming with cushions for the console and raised deck area, along with a new head unit and speakers. Used bimini looks good also (besides the plastic mount I already broke) Ill post some photos later. Appreciate the advice so far. Plenty more questions to come.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

alexh
where are you located? I have a 25" left hand 1990 Johnson 150 that might work for parts.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

Im in Va. I've been keeping an eye out on CL. Something should come up relatively quickly.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=359907

The link above claims that any 1979-1991 lower unit will work, but there are changes in gear ratios with 150hp vs 200hp motors.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

Here are some photos of the boat
http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/...6/ae9074c2.jpg
I removed the Tracker SEACRAFT logo from both sides, and I plan on removing the lower boot stripe as well.
http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/...6/f5a35f38.jpg
Hit one side with 3m buffing compound and it came out pretty good. The lettering where the company name is raised. I will probably wetsand it to try to get rid of it.
http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/...6/783f0cc9.jpg
Transom is solid, all holes have been patched appropriately so thats nice to see.
http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/...6/758c5f17.jpg
http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/...6/a3353cd1.jpg

Hatch has been added by a previous owner. There's some shoddy glass-work underneath - not sure what they were trying to repair. Can anyone tell me the distance from the front of the console to the step up? I have a feeling the console has been moved forward but I am not positive.

The last two photos show some damage that will be addressed in the winter when the boat is torn down.
http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/...6/1d73bb6f.jpg
http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/...6/e2ce380e.jpg

Currently I am trying to find a local shop to redo the rear seals on the lower unit. I plan on putting in a new bilge pump and a handheld VHF so I can hit the water for the rest of the summer.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

Alex-
Nice looking 89. Good luck getting her going for the rest of the Summer. When you get her in the water, please take pictures of the water line toward the stern. That 150 will push the boat well.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

Snookerd-
Will definitely get more pictures this weekend when its in the water. The tank is full so I am also interested in seeing how she sits in the water. Apparently the lower unit has some real seal issues, but last night I changed the lower unit oil thinking it was going to be milky, and it came out just as clean as it went in. That still not to say that water is/isn't leaking in. I haven't submerged the lower unit yet, but I do know no oil is leaking out.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

Very nice!!!! Noticed the engine controls are backwards, interesting, normally the hanle is on the inside with the trim/tilt button worked by the thumb. Good luck!!

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

The binnacle is aftermarket. There are trim controls on both sides of the top handle. The only issue is there is no thottle advance - no lever or button to depress to throttle up. I haven't figured out how to cold start it yet without taking the engine cover off and slightly opening the throttle. Once its warmed up its fine.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

If you need a new one let me know, I've got one I can sell cheap. It's with built in key start and safety switch.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

You probably already tried this but can you pull the handle out to the side while in neutral or depress the black circle at the base of the handle?

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

I have not tried to pull the handle out. The circle at the base of the handle does not engage/disengage anything. From the online manuals to models similar to this one (morse) it seems like moving the arm out does allow for throttle advance. Ill give it a try once I get home.
Thanks!

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

Should be able to pull the handle out and disengage it if there are no other means.

Re: possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.
 

I have an old binnacle as well. Cheap.

Newer 96-98 is nicely done with the new harness.

BRP Stroker`s are sweet as well.
Did I say sweet? :o

Cheers,
GFS

First run.
 

Got the bilge pump working again and ran new hose and took the boat out this weekend for a short run. Didn't want to run it too long due to the previous owner saying the lower unit seals leaked. Idled around for 10 min and then went for a run. Hit 43mph on the gps with just me and a full tank of gas. There was definitely more speed to gain if the water was flat and I could trim it out more. The binnacle hits the console @ WOT also. I need to take the carb cover off and see if the plates are opening all the way. Came back and put the boat on the lift to check the LU oil and it was fine. Still need to get the Lower unit pressure tested to see if its ok.



Ive added the only two pics I could get of it sitting in the water. Water does come in through the scuppers if I stand in the corner, but that's expected.

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/...6/0cb0774c.jpg

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/...6/0176b03c.jpg

Re: First run.
 

Alex-Great waterline shots! Just as I thought.......lightweight 2 stroke 150 with a well balanced Tracker 18SF. The boat's waterline is better than a SeaCraft Industries 87 18 with a 150 Johnson. Besides gas usage, that is a good power/weight combo.

Re: First run.
 

Yesterday I took the carb cover off and advanced the throttle as far as it would go. The butterflies are not horizontal, and there was some binding with the linkage that ties all three carbs together. I looked at an exploded view online and found the linkage was installed upside down. Quick fix. I'm still hoping to get 50mph out of the motor.

On a side note, the boat was sitting outside the past couple weeks with the plug in, and we have had some pretty short but serious downpours recently (tidewater Virginia area). I turned on the bilge and it ran nonstop, enough to fill up a 32 gal trash can and then maybe another 10 gal into another one until it stopped. Is this from rainwater, or has the boat been holding water? I tilted the trailer up pretty high with the forklift to make sure all the water was out. The water came out like watered down iced tea color- dont know how long it takes water to get stained, but If its more than a few weeks then I can assume the boats been holding water for awhile.

Hope to take it out this weekend to see what I can get from the motor. Ill post my results.]
Thanks,
Alex.

Re: First run.
 

Thaty'll slow you down a bit. 42 gallons x 8 lbs per gallon = 336 lbs of extra weight

The boat is a Tracker marine, and for a few years they used plywood in the stringers to shape them , I know '87 and '88, not sure about after that. If the boat has held water previously so that the wood in the stringers is already breaking down, then just a couple of days of holding water will stain the water.

Having drained it, make sure your bilge pump works on automatic, and put it back in the water for a day and see if it once again is holding water. Remember that every place the gelcoat is breached is a potential water intake site. One of the most common (and most commonly overlooked) places for water intrusion is the lower outboard motor mounting bolts.