Hi Folks I am looking at buys a new Aluminum boat. I was looking at Bass Tracker, Triton and G3. Any opinions on these boats or other boats? Thanks!

Triton then the g3 on those brands look at alumacraft as well

I like my Lowe -all aluminum

I really like xpress when it comes to aluminum boats.

I have an 2006 Xpress X-17 that I just got and love it, great boat and really moves with a 90hp Yamaha on the back.

I have a G3 that I really like and plan to keep for a while, but if I ever sell, I'll look seriously at the Xpress.

Ok Im looking at the Xpress and they seem to come with Yamaha's. Are Yamaha's any good? I have always been told Mercury is the way to go. The Tritons come with Merc's.

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Be sure and check out War Eagle boats. This company was founded by
the same family that built DuraCraft boats. They know how to build
a bullet proof aluminum boat.

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I have an 1968 alumacraft and it still floats as if it was new.. Or so I assume, I wasn't born yet, but none the less it was a well build boat!

Ok here are the boat manufacturers I have listed.
Triton
Lowe
Alumacraft
G3
Xpress
War Eagle
Polar Kraft

Any others I should look into? I noticed none of you guys recommended Tracker. Are they no good?

Weldbuilt. Best boat for the money. You can call them and they will custom build your boat any way you want it.

From the research I have done it's a toss up between the Triton and the Xpress. Question is, do I want a Merc or a Yamaha? It's been my experience and word of mouth that Merc is the better motor. If so it's gonna be the Triton. If I find out that a Yamaha is a sound machine it may be the Xpress.

I've never owned one myself but I would never buy a boat or recommend that somebody else buy a boat from BPS. I've only known 4 guys who have bought from them but every single one of them has had nothing but trouble with their boats.

Truth is, most all of the boats you have listed are good boats. There is a reason Tracker isn't listed among them. You need to look at which manufacturer gets you closest to exactly what you are looking for. Weldcraft, Alumacraft, G3, Polar Kraft and Express are all boats that I considered and I eventually settled on the Alumacraft. Not because it was any better or worse than the others, but because it was the best value and fit.

And Yamaha is known for making very sound motors.

Thanks for all the feedback. This is good info!

War Eagle to me is the best aluminum. Xpress is not far behind; however, the War Eagle performs a little better.

I would like to hear the BPs/Tracker boat problems.My store sells a lot of the Pro Teams al. boats and we have very little customer concerns. I think we sold 40 or so in 2011 and maintained a 97.3 customer service score. The true measure is warranty claims and we only had a 4% to total sales claim rate in 2011 down from 16% in 2009. I think this shows an improvement at the plant with regard to QC.I'm not sure that the problem is the boat but most likly the dealer which results in the customers overall preseption regarding the brand/boat. I would like to hear true stories in my ongoing effort to improve the brand.Please be honest and if there is something I can do to fix someones situation I'll try.Gary 512 250 9000.

Sorry, I'm not trying to jack your request but felt that this would be a good place to hear the truth. Good luck with your new boat purchase.

War Eagle--- One of if not the best alum. boat built.

I dont know where the bad rap for the tracker brand comes from. I have a pro deep v-17 with 90hp mercury, going on for 2 yrs now. I have had 0 issues, unless u include me losing the standpipe for the livewell overfill fitting. it runs great, doesnt take on water, and provdes a very stable platform for fishing. it is a little tough to run trot lines out of, but with some front deck mods i can run a 25 hook line in very short while. it is also a dry ride, huge 25 gallon livewell, and plenty of dry storage. plus i can pull the kids on a tube when the lakes arent so shallow. id give them a look too. ymmv
doc

Ok, there is one positive for Tracker so feel free to tell the good aswell as the bad I would like to hear it all. Thanks.

Are you talking a bass boat or Jonboat? I have a 1648 lowe Big Jon that I got used. Its a great boat, mine is a 1984 but they still have the same exact boat at cabelas. Welded seams and riveted seats and braces. Tracker makes a good boat but in a regular jonboat you can get a little better one for a few bucks more.

Ok, guys where are the comments? I expected more comments and all I have seen is one positive. Let it rip. I would like to hear the good , bad and ugly. If you or your friend has had a bad boat experience with a Tracker now is your time to speak. I would like to know how you feel.

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On an aluminum boat I would look for build quality
and excellent engineering. I would be looking for
these elements in it's construction.

1. All welded construction

2. All metal, heavy duty transom

3. Heavy gauge aluminum. 0.100" minimum.

4. Highly reinforced where the hull meets the
transom. This area is vulnerable to cupping
if you strike underwater obstructions like stumps, etc.
There should be some extra longitudinal struts here.

5. Reinforced lower rear corners of transom where it
meets the hull. This area is also vulnerable to strikes.

6. 12 to 15 degree deadrise on hull.

7. Modified-V bow


My DuraCraft has all of these features. Even though I
don't use this boat much in rivers the Arkansas boys
that built this boat made it to run rivers every day for years
and years. To be able to run over stumps and take it.
That's what you want. The DuraCraft brand no longer exists,
but the Ward family that built DuraCraft now builds War Eagle.

Then look at "features" like seat placement, storage, center
or side console, sonar, etc, etc.

dxr

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Tracker aluminum #1 selling bass boat for 31 years.

All welded construction.

All metal transom with longitudinal and latteral heavy duty supports.

Extra wide,all welded.100 aluminum vee.

Welded in longitudinal full length stringer system from transom to bow.

Box-beam,corner braced all aluminium transom.


20 degree dead rise.

Power trac transom, offers engine set back which allows faster planning with less hp.

Welded drain channels in storage compartments to keep things dry.

If you need more I can provide it.

IMHO people tend to shy away from Tracker because they are notorious for being under powered. I've considered purchasing one once and that was what turned me off. Of course we are talking used here, buying new well if you buy one under powered that's your own fault. I have noticed that Tracker/Nitro has made a great effort in improving their quality at a reasonable price especially in their fiberglass boats.