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Old 04-05-10, 05:18 PM   #1
Titanty
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Default 18' Astro w/Mercury 150 XR4

I think I found a real good deal on a bass boat, it is a 1989 Astro 18' with a Mercury 150HP XR4 motor.
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Do you think it is a good deal at $1,200.00- $1,500.00?



I never owned a boat (been on a few) and figured this size would be a good starter, just not sure about the age and price.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


Also, any questions that I should ask would be usefull too.
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Old 04-05-10, 06:55 PM   #2
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I would make sure you take it out on the water before you buy it if at all possible.
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Old 04-05-10, 08:11 PM   #3
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Also take it to a marine shop and get a compression check on the motor. Turn on everything so as to make sure all the gauges and bilges and stuff work. Check the lights on the trailer too. Take it out on the water and run it like you stole it.If the owner objects..walk away my friend.
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Old 04-05-10, 08:52 PM   #4
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Looks like it was taken good care off. Like other have said the main thing is to have the motor checked for compression and get a run on it if not on the water then with the muffs.
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Old 04-06-10, 06:50 AM   #5
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Certainly LOOKS like a great boat for the money
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Old 04-06-10, 08:06 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nmanley View Post
Looks like it was taken good care off. Like other have said the main thing is to have the motor checked for compression and get a run on it if not on the water then with the muffs.
absolutely. Even though it'll cost a few bucks, it's cheaper than buying and finding out later that there's an issue.
Wish I had done that with my first boat, but I was young and stupid.

I'm older now
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Old 04-06-10, 04:33 PM   #7
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If it runs good and everything works sounds like a good deal haven't seen a astro in awhile there sharp boats hope it works out for ya.
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Old 04-06-10, 04:38 PM   #8
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the surface of a boat is kinda like the surface of the water...the REST of the story takes some diving in to. don't be afraid to look in,under and through every inch of it. and a compression test is a must. and, running on muffs in the yard does NOT count as a test!
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Old 04-07-10, 10:44 AM   #9
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Well, I bought it for $1200, and can return if the shop gives a bad report on a check out.

Let the fun begin...tire blew out on the way home and it is sitting 4-5 blocks from my house.
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Old 04-07-10, 11:01 AM   #10
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Good luck! We expect a full report and pics of bass
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Old 04-07-10, 11:21 AM   #11
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Quote:
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Good luck! We expect a full report and pics of bass
I expect to do a lot of learning as far as catching Bass. My main fishing style is fly rods for steelheads in the Erie tribs and a few eyes in the lake.
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Old 04-07-10, 11:45 AM   #12
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Quote:
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I expect to do a lot of learning as far as catching Bass. My main fishing style is fly rods for steelheads in the Erie tribs and a few eyes in the lake.

I can only think of 2 things, right off the top of my head, that are fun to learn.
Bass fishing is one of em.
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Old 04-07-10, 03:08 PM   #13
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Any one have a trailer that was made for and came with an Astro boat?

The one I just bought has 235/75-15's.

Many people have commented to me that they are an odd size and may not be what was intended for the trailer.

What sizes do you have?
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Old 04-07-10, 06:53 PM   #14
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If it runs the motor was worth that,as for the tires I run 15 s,they may be comenting as to them not being trailer tires(car tires),still suitable short hauls.
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Old 04-08-10, 07:19 AM   #15
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If it runs the motor was worth that,as for the tires I run 15 s,they may be comenting as to them not being trailer tires(car tires),still suitable short hauls.
What is the width of you tires?

Appearently the 235 part of the tire size is the odd part.
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Old 04-08-10, 07:46 AM   #16
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I don't run radials on my Ranger trailer. Good friend owns a tire shop and has seen a couple of radial tires blow and take your fender with it. At least if I have a flat I don't want to replace a fender too.
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Old 04-08-10, 06:40 PM   #17
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WOW 235/75/15 that is a big tire for a boat trailer. Outer Diameter is a little over 30 inches. A more suitable tire for a trailer is a 225/75R15 or a 215/75R15 for your money you cant beat a Carlisle Radial trailer in a 6 or 8 Ply. If money isnt a Option go with the Goodyear Maronthons. As far as Radial over Bias. Bias tires get flats spots on them if your boat is parked over a extended period of time. As far as blow outs a cap is a cap rather it be on a Radial or Bias so if your cap separates from your casing you are gonna lose a fender rather you are running a Radial or a Bias.

Best of luck with your new boat

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Old 04-08-10, 10:41 PM   #18
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I will be changing the tires to 225's. I bought a basic trailer wheel with a 225 bias tire to get the boat home (needed one for a spare anyways) and my dad has two 225 radials at his house that I will be putting on the good wheels.

Don't really want to mix the radials and bias tire but since it's the spare I believe it will be OK.
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Old 04-09-10, 01:02 PM   #19
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Something I didn't see mentioned is tha boat itself (stringers, floor, and transom). It needs ta be checked out really well. If tha motor goes south, its an easy fix but if tha boat breaks its not so easy..............
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Old 05-15-10, 05:35 PM   #20
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Well guys she ran good and the boat shop said that the compression was really good...just an exhaust leak. That didn't bother me untill I was laoding on the trailer. When I lifted the motor black mess dumped everywhere...
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Old 05-15-10, 10:37 PM   #21
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ROFL Titan.....not laughing at ya, but with ya, man. God, the learning curve is great with boats.

Between all the bumps, bruises, and swear words, is some real fun.
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Old 05-15-10, 11:21 PM   #22
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Hope ya got lots of checks pal. getting her right will take a few of em. But once oyu get her right.........................sweeeeeeeeeetttttttt t.
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Old 05-16-10, 11:07 AM   #23
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Titanty:
Back in January I purchased a 18' Ebbtide DynaTrak 179 w. a 150 HP Yamaha. It had a tandem axle trailer and had been sitting for 7 - 8 years. I paid a $1000 for it, not knowing what I was getting into, except I knew after inspection it was going to need some work.

I had to rewire the motor because mice had eaten the wiring off. I am restoring the boat.

I have spent about $1000.00 in the process, but everything has turned out great. The motor after decarbing has compression of 115# on all six cyls. and runs great.

I am in the final stages, and she will be taking to the lake soon. Don't be afraid, just be thorough and do a little as you go along.
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Old 05-16-10, 03:21 PM   #24
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Safebet....that is looking great.
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Old 05-16-10, 07:10 PM   #25
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Thank you. It has been a lot of work, but I think it will be well worth it. I will have a nice boat and no payments.
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