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3.5HP Outboard Motor vs 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175: Which Boating Buy Fits Your Plan?

A brand-new 3.5HP outboard for dinghies costs $176.62, while a 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 bass boat with trailer is $3,850. Here's how to decide which boating purchase matches your needs.

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

In the boats and personal watercraft world, you're choosing between two very different ways to get on the water. One is a compact outboard motor for dinghies and small fishing boats, priced at $176.62. The other is a Bass Tracker PT-175, a complete bass boat package, priced at $3,850. The decision isn't about which is 'better' overall; it's about which matches the boating you actually plan to do.

Quick Verdict

If you need to add power to a small boat you already own, the outboard motor is the simple way to go. If you want a full fishing platform with all the essentials, the Bass Tracker PT-175 is the complete package. The trade-off is simple: hundreds of dollars versus thousands, and a motor versus a whole rig.

Price and Specs at a Glance

Feature3.5HP Outboard Motor2005 Bass Tracker PT-175
PriceUSD 176.62 USD 3,850.00
What you get3.5 HP 2-stroke outboard, manual startBass boat, 50 hp Mercury outboard, 70 lb. trolling motor, trailer
ConditionNewUsed
FuelRegular gas with 35:1 mixGas, 11-20 gallon fuel capacity
Best forDinghies and small fishing boatsBass fishing on lakes and rivers

Where Each Product Wins

Where the 3.5HP Outboard Wins

The outboard motor wins on price and straightforward operation. If you already own a small craft that needs power, this is the most direct route to getting it moving. The setup is simple, and you won't need to manage a large electrical system.

Where the Bass Tracker PT-175 Wins

The Bass Tracker wins when you need a complete, self-contained fishing boat. It arrives as a full package, so you can hit the water without tracking down separate gear. The boat is set up for a day of fishing, with enough power and range for lake trips. For an angler who wants to launch and fish right away, this eliminates the guesswork.

Product Notes

3.5HP 2 Stroke Gas Outboard Motor Manual Start For Dinghy Small Fishing Boat

3.5HP 2 Stroke Gas Outboard Motor Manual Start For Dinghy Small Fishing Boat

This motor brings a lot of simplicity to a small craft. It's a new 3.5 horsepower, two-stroke outboard with CDI ignition and manual starting, so there's no battery or electric starter to maintain. The included water pump impeller, fuel mixing bottle, starter, and funnel make the initial setup straightforward. For someone who already has a dinghy or a small fishing boat, this is a plug-and-play way to motor around calm water at speeds in the neighborhood of 12 km/h. The main limitation is that it's just the outboard: you still need a boat to attach it to. The modest horsepower also means you'll want to stay on smaller bodies of water rather than open, rough conditions. If that fits your use case, the motor is an easy, straightforward choice.

2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass Boat

2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass Boat

This used 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 is the full fishing package. You get the aluminum-hulled bass boat, a 50 hp oil-injected Mercury outboard, a 70 lb. thrust 24-volt trolling motor, and a trailer, all together. The 11-20 gallon fuel capacity gives you range for a day on the lake, and the single outboard setup keeps things straightforward. The reason to choose this boat is completeness: once it's hitched to your vehicle, you can launch, troll, and fish without buying separate components. The limitation is that it's a used 2005 boat with normal wear already on it, so you're buying a rig with history rather than something brand new. This is a decision for someone ready to own a real boat and manage a trailer, rather than just a motor.

Final Choice by Use Case

Choose the outboard motor if you already have a small boat that needs power and you want a simple way to motor it. It's also a good match if you have limited storage space and want a motor intended for small craft.

Choose the Bass Tracker PT-175 if you want to drive to a lake, launch, and spend the day bass fishing. It's built for anglers who want a complete, ready-to-launch rig.

Products in this article
3.5HP 2 Stroke Gas Outboard Motor Manual StartUSD 176.62View on eBay2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass BoatUSD 3,850.00View on eBay
3.5HP 2 Stroke Gas Outboard Motor Manual StartUSD 176.62View on eBay2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass BoatUSD 3,850.00View on eBay

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