Choosing a used boat can feel like a fork in the water. Do you want a focused fishing platform that gets you to your spot early, or a more open boat that can carry family and friends? The 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass Boat and the 2015 Carolina Skiff Boat answer that question differently. One is a purpose-built bass rig; the other is an open, people-friendly skiff. Their price tags make the choice even clearer.
Quick verdict
If your boating days revolve around fishing and you want to keep the initial cost down, the 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass Boat is the practical pick. It comes at $3,850 with much of what you need for a day on the water. The 2015 Carolina Skiff Boat, at $10,000, offers a roomier layout. The two boats sit at different ends of the used-boat price scale, so the right call comes down to whether you prioritize fishing-specific features or passenger space.
At a glance
| Feature | 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 | 2015 Carolina Skiff |
| Listed price | $3,850.00 | $10,000.00 |
| Price indicator | | |
| Boat type | Bass | Skiff |
| Model year | 2005 | 2015 |
| Trailer | Included | Included with bill of sale |
| Condition | Used | Used |
Where each product wins
- 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass Boat: The ready-to-fish option. The outboard and trolling motor are already in place, so you can spend less time buying add-ons and more time on the water. It is set up to be fishing-ready the day you bring it home.
- 2015 Carolina Skiff Boat: The better pick for passenger space. It holds up to eight people, has a front fishing engine, and is the newer of the two boats. The open layout gives you flexibility for family trips.
Product notes
2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass Boat
This is a complete fishing package: a 50 hp oil-injected Mercury outboard, a 70 lb thrust 24-volt trolling motor, and a trailer. The aluminum hull keeps it light and the gas engine is ready for a day of casting. For buyers who want to get on the water without sourcing parts and add-ons separately, this Bass Tracker is a strong fit. The trade-off is its age. Being the older model in this pair, it carries more years of potential wear, even if it was kept in a garage. You are buying an older rig, so factor in a thorough look-over before you commit.
2015 Carolina Skiff Boat
This skiff is the roomier choice, with space for up to eight people and a front fishing engine so it can handle both recreation and angling. The 2015 model year makes it the newer of the two boats, and it comes with a new battery and a greased steering column. The main limitation is its cost, which sits well above the Bass Tracker. If your priority is carrying extra passengers and having a more recent boat, this is the pick, but you will pay more for that space and newer model year.
Final choice by use case
- Choose the 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass Boat if you want a dedicated fishing rig that is ready to go and easier on your wallet.
- Choose the 2015 Carolina Skiff Boat if you want passenger room and are willing to spend more.
