possible purchase - 1989 18' Few questions.

alexh · #1 06-14-2011, 10:31 AM

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.

Snookerd · #2 06-14-2011, 11:13 AM

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.

alexh · #3 06-14-2011, 12:34 PM

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.

Snookerd · #4 06-14-2011, 01:25 PM

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?

alexh · #5 06-14-2011, 02:03 PM

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

Snookerd · #6 06-14-2011, 02:10 PM

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.

Snookerd · #7 06-14-2011, 02:50 PM

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.