1997 Nitro 185 Sport

[Jonathan Crow]

I am going to look at a 97 Nitro 185 Sport boat today to buy. Mostly I am wanting a boat to bass and crappie fish out of, but I would like to be able to take the family out tubing some too. Are there certain things I need to be sure to check out on this boat?



Thanks

Jonathan

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

What motor? Approx hours? Maintenance records? Check all of the usual, get the motor compression checked, transom, decking, hull (including bottom) and make sure all the functions work. Check out the trailer as well. Plan on a water test if everything else checks out.



TOXIC

 

[Jonathan Crow]

It has a 115 mercury on it. The guy that has it says he has all the records for the past 8 years. We are planning on doing a water test.

 

[Ed Haugh]

I hope everything checks out on the boat. I just bought a 1999, same model, a little over a month ago. A perfect match for what you plan to do. See link.



That being said, aside from the usual stuff, I can't think of anything special about a 185 Sport to check into.



AH, wait! The trailer. The surge brakes on my trailer do NOT work despite the fact I was told they did. I did not check that before purchase (dummy) and got home to find the brake fluid down considerably and the wheels spin freely (when trailer jacked-up). I'm hoping I simply need to adjust the shoes. Heck, I hope it has shoes now that I think about it...
https://picasaweb.google.com/110992241692461420856/Nitro?authkey=Gv1sRgCIvlhM_30IfsMA#

 

[Jonathan Crow]

Thanks for all of the info. Man, I hope the one I am going to check out looks as clean as yours does. What would be a good price for mine if everything checks out on it? I think he is asking $5,000 for it but he said any reasonable offer will be accepted.

 

[Ed Haugh]

According to nada.com, the average retail for a 1997 Nitro 185 is $4,810. Add options and the value increases quickly. I'd say $5,000 is pretty good. I paid $7,200 for mine, but as you mentioned, it is very clean and has a slightly larger motor.



Tell us how that water test goes!