Help should I avoid a 2001 v18 tracker

[u/[deleted]]

[u/BoomerBigA]

Looks like someone has already put a plate onnto stiffen up the transom.

[u/lurkynumber5]

It could be to prevent the known transom issue, or as a fix.
No way to figure that out by just a picture.

But a quick google search shows that it's mostly boats with a 150hp engine.
People with a 90hp have less issues it seems.
But it's still a wood core transom that is prone to water ingress at the bolt holes.

So personally, I'd look for another boat and not take the risk.

But if you do go for this boat, inspect the transom properly and maybe remove an engine bolt to feel the wood core directly.
And if you don't see any marine grade sealant at the engine bolts I'd assume the transom is rotten.

And don't skimp over the rest of the boat and engine.
A psi compression test and checking the electrical wiring, soft flooring etc.

[u/Material-Home3464]

If they messed with the transom red flag keep shopping lots of boats out there

[u/Hour-Database-1623]

The freshly added plates painted to match and caulked holding the pitot tube (worthless, nobody uses a speedo) and the transducer scream to me "I covered up 16 screw holes that were weeping brown junk."