2004 Triton TR 186 - Damaged KeelGuard

BassNewbie64 · December 30, 2024, 12:45:03 PM

Hello Everyone, I just joined not too long ago and have a question. Over the weekend I went and looked at my first Bass Boat. I took a friend that has been in the BaSS World alot longer than I. The overall boat is in good condition except we noticed the Keel Guard tearing away what looks to be like the hull hit something. If you blow up the pictures I've attached, I believe you can see fiberglass, but I'm not sure. Please give me your opinion or what I should do regarding the Marine Dealership, or should I run for the hills

. Thanking everyone in advance!

BassNewbie64 · December 30, 2024, 01:16:19 PM

This is the boat I'm considering purchasing.

Bud Kennedy · December 30, 2024, 02:05:16 PM

The TR 186 is a good boat but you have a ticking time bomb on the back. That Evinrude motor will be problematic due to its age and the fact they are no longer available. It would be my suggestion for you to keep looking for something with a more current motor in the Mercury line or perhaps Suzuki motors.

Mike Cork · January 09, 2025, 07:24:56 AM

Keel Guards can start to peel off if improperly installed. Part of the install procedure is to sand the glass so that the adhesive stills well. From the photo I can't tell if the glass is just sanded or damaged. It could simply be a case of the protector peeling and they used a sealant to try and get it to stick back.

I am with Bud about the Evinrude. One can argue that an older motor is probably a good one and you won't have trouble, however these motors were a lot of trouble and as Bud mentioned the company is no longer and there are very few mechanics to work on them and no parts to fix issues with.

Unless the price is just unbelievably low I'd keep looking.

BassNewbie64 · January 09, 2025, 11:33:02 AM

Thanks everyone for the information and support, I've decided to go in another direction

Mike Cork · January 12, 2025, 08:39:11 AM

What did you find? We are always looking for some fresh boat-porn to look at

Donald Garner · January 13, 2025, 11:02:46 AM

Mike,

He bought a 2000 Stratos Vindicator

He hasn't posted any pictures of it yet. All the ones I've seen had those big 200 HP Johnsons on the transom.

Mike Cork · January 17, 2025, 10:41:56 AM

Thanks Don... I almost bought a Vindicator back in the early 90's it's an amazing platform.

Donald Garner · January 17, 2025, 10:48:14 AM

Quote from: Mike Cork on January 17, 2025, 10:41:56 AMThanks Don... I almost bought a Vindicator back in the early 90's it's an amazing platform.

I looked at them too when I shopping around. I never could find one with a dual console. If I'd found with a dual console I would of bought it instead of my 285 PRO XL.