Choosing between a small outboard motor and a full bass boat is a question of scope, not just budget. A motor is only useful if you have a hull to mount it to; a boat package is the entire setup. This head-to-head compares a new manual-start 3.5HP gas outboard with a used 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 aluminum bass boat, helping you align your choice with the boat you already own or the one you want to launch.
Quick Verdict
Pick the 3.5HP outboard if you already have a compact fishing boat or dinghy and need a simple, inexpensive way to make it move. Pick the 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 if you want a complete bass fishing rig with an outboard, a trailer, and a trolling motor in one used package.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | 3.5HP Outboard | 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $177.76 | $3,850.00 |
| Condition | New | Used |
| What's included | Motor, water pump impeller, starter, funnel, fuel mixing bottle | Boat, motor, trailer, trolling motor |
| Propulsion | 3.5 hp manual-start 2-stroke | 50 hp outboard plus 70 lb thrust trolling motor |
Where Each Product Wins
- The 3.5HP outboard wins on portability and simplicity. It is compact, manual-start, and uses CDI ignition. The included funnel and mixing bottle make the 35:1 fuel-oil mix easier to handle.
- The Bass Tracker wins on being a complete package. The aluminum hull, the outboard, the trailer, and a 70 lb. thrust trolling motor are all included, so you don't have to source separate components.
Product Notes
3.5HP 2 Stroke Gas Outboard Motor Manual Start
This new outboard is priced at $177.76, which makes it the lower-priced option in this comparison. It generates 2.5kW (3.5hp) and is specified for a speed of 12 km/h with four people. The manual-start pull cord and CDI system keep the setup straightforward. Included in the price are a water pump impeller, starter, funnel, and fuel mixing bottle, so you have the basic accessories. The main limitation is that it is only the motor. You still need a hull to mount it on, and you must observe the 35:1 fuel-to-oil ratio and the 4000-5000 rpm full throttle range. This powerhead is not a complete boat, so it only makes sense when you already have a dinghy or small fishing craft.
2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass Boat
The 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 is listed at $3,850 and includes a single outboard, a trailer, and a 70 lb. thrust 24-volt trolling motor. The aluminum hull and 11-20 gallon fuel capacity are part of the package, and the boat, motor, and trailer are all from 2005, with the seller noting it was always garaged. The motor is described as a 50 hp oil-injected Mercury with very low hours. The main drawback is the price, which is substantially higher than the outboard alone. It is also a used boat, so it shows normal wear for its age. If you want a complete bass fishing rig in one purchase, this package gives you the necessary components without assembling them yourself.
Final Choice by Use Case
If your budget is limited and your boat already exists, the 3.5HP outboard motor is the honest, cost-effective route. If you are starting from scratch and want to go bass fishing without assembling a boat, motor, trailer, and trolling motor separately, the 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 is the complete solution.
