Two used boats, two very different plans. On one side is the 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass Boat at USD 3,850.00, a complete freshwater bass package. On the other is the 1989 Proline Boat at USD 1,500.00, a non-running project with a long to-do list. If you are shopping for boats and personal watercraft with a limited budget, the real decision is not which one costs less. It is whether you want to spend your next weekends fishing or fixing.
Quick verdict
Quick verdict: The Bass Tracker is the more practical buy for anyone who wants to get on the water soon. It pairs an aluminum hull with a complete outboard setup, and it has been kept garaged with normal use. The Proline is the cheaper entry point, but it is a true fixer-upper: expect a substantial to-do list before the boat will run.
At a glance
| Feature | 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 | 1989 Proline Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Asking price | USD 3,850.00 | USD 1,500.00 |
| Price bar | ||
| Condition listed | Used | Used |
| Powertrain status | 50 hp Mercury outboard | 1980 engine, turns over; wiring and fuel system need attention |
Where each product wins
The 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 wins when you want a complete package. It comes with the motor and trailer included, plus a trolling motor, and it has been kept garaged with normal use. You pay more up front, but you avoid a long repair list before your first trip.
The 1989 Proline Boat wins on entry cost and project potential. It is the lower-cost way into boat ownership, and the remaining work is clear enough to plan around. That makes it attractive if you have the time and tools to handle the repairs yourself.
Product notes
2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass Boat
The Bass Tracker is the pick for a buyer who values a complete setup over a low starting price. The package pairs a boat, motor, and trailer from 2005, with a 50 hp oil-injected Mercury outboard that has very low hours and a 70-lb-thrust 24-volt trolling motor. The aluminum hull is a practical choice for freshwater bass fishing, and the 11-20 gallon fuel capacity should cover a long day of running between spots. The main limitation is the higher asking price: you are paying for the full package, not a low-cost project. If your goal is to fish sooner rather than spend weekends on repairs, this is the safer, more direct choice.
1989 Proline Boat
The Proline is a prime candidate for a buyer who wants a lower upfront cost and a hands-on project. The boat is non-running and needs wiring and more; the 1980 engine turns over, but the fuel system and wiring still need to be checked out. That means the boat cannot be launched immediately, and the project list will likely include electrical work, fuel-line attention, and other repairs you discover once you start digging in. The upside is the lower list price, which gives you a smaller cash outlay and room in your budget for parts and tools. If you prefer hands-on projects and don't mind a boat that sits in the driveway until it's finished, the Proline is the more affordable starting point.
Final choice by use case
If you want to fish this season, the 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 is the clear pick: it is a complete bass package with everything you need to launch sooner. If you want to learn boat repair and keep your cash outlay low, the 1989 Proline Boat is the better project, with a repair list you can tackle at your own pace. Choose the Bass Tracker for convenience; choose the Proline if you are ready to put in the work.
