When you're shopping for boats personal watercraft, you might be weighing two very different ways to get on the water: a compact outboard motor that can push a small dinghy or fishing boat, or a complete used bass boat with its own motor and trailer. The 3.5HP 2 Stroke Gas Outboard Motor and the 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass Boat sit at opposite ends of the boating spectrum, both in purpose and in price. Your decision comes down to what you already own, how you plan to fish, and how much you want to invest.
Quick Verdict
If you already have a small dinghy or lightweight fishing boat and need a portable, affordable power source, the 3.5HP outboard is the straightforward choice. If you're ready for a full bass fishing setup that includes a boat, motor, and trailer, the 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 is the complete package. The right pick depends entirely on whether you're starting from an existing boat or from scratch.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | 3.5HP Outboard | 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $157.77 | $3,850.00 |
| Condition | New | Used |
| Type | 2-stroke outboard motor | Bass boat with single outboard |
| Key details | Manual start, 35:1 fuel/oil ratio, 40cm adjustment rod | Aluminum hull, 11-20 gal fuel capacity, trailer included, 50 hp Mercury outboard, trolling motor |
Where Each Product Wins
The 3.5HP outboard wins for boaters who already own a small craft and want an affordable power source. The Bass Tracker PT-175 wins for anglers who want a complete fishing rig with motor and trailer in one purchase.
Product Notes
3.5HP 2 Stroke Gas Outboard Motor
At its listed price of $157.77, this outboard is a low-cost way to turn a dinghy or small fishing boat into a powered craft. The 2-stroke engine uses a 35:1 fuel-to-oil ratio and has a CDI ignition system with manual start, so you don't need an electric starter or battery. The adjustment rod length of 40cm/15.75in and engine height of 16cm/6.30in give some positioning flexibility. It's rated at 3.5 HP and can reach about 12km/h with four people, which suits modest trips on calm water. The main limitation is that it's not designed for larger boats or heavy loads, so keep your expectations in line with its compact size.
2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 Bass Boat
This used package is listed at $3,850. It includes the boat, a 50 hp oil-injected Mercury outboard, and a trailer, all from 2005. The aluminum hull is a good fit for bass fishing, and the fuel capacity of 11-20 gallons gives you range for a day on the water. The listing also mentions a 70 lb. thrust 24-volt trolling motor, so you have separate power for slow presentations. The boat has been garaged and shows normal use, but as a 2005 model, it's a used boat that will need regular maintenance. If you're not prepared to care for a 2005 outboard, this may not be the right purchase.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the 3.5HP outboard if you already own a small boat and want to add power without a big investment. Choose the 2005 Bass Tracker PT-175 if you're looking for a complete bass fishing rig with a trailer and are comfortable with a used boat. For budget-conscious dinghy owners, the outboard is the practical route. For anglers who want to step up to a full-size bass boat, the PT-175 delivers the package.
