I’m looking for some input on boats. I’ve had a tracker 175 for over ten years. I’m ready for something bigger that handles the Texas winds better and has a dry ride. Preferably 18-19 foot so that I can still store it in my garage. All opinions and advice is welcome!

I guess the most important question would be, new or used?

Three things I'll tell ya....all learned from experience here in East Texas.
1.The wind is going to blow...
Fiberglass handles it much better, in fact it will surprise you.
2. My 18' BassCat Sabre has a fast, nimble feel. Tows great, keeps all aboard dry (even in rough water), with a flipping deck fishes two big dudes just fine. Stores in my garage on a slight angle with room to spare. Could use longer rod lockers, but I keep them on the deck.
3. Look around hard....this is the time of year to buy.
Good luck!

I will likely buy new since I will probably trade my old boat in rather than dealing with the hassle of trying to sell it.

Aluminum or fiberglass?

Fiberglass

Go with a fiberglass boat.

I can certainly understand not wanting to deal with selling the boat yourself. But you will get a LOT more for it if you do. I talked to a local big name dealer a few years ago about trading in the bass boat and the center console boats I had. I was going to downsize to one boat and I figured I could use the trade in money for a good down payment on a new boat. They offered me $10K for both boats. I said "no way" and sold them both myself. By selling them both, I made $7K more. I sold both boats to the 1st people that saw them.

Yea sounds about the same as trading a car. I guess it’ll depend on what they offer me.

I think a lot of it has to do with way more high school anglers that there are a lot of folks buying boats now and most can't afford new. Sell your boat yourself. Then buy a good brand name used fiberglass.

I just sold a boat and was going to go the trade in route. I was offered 8k by the first dealer I called. I ended up turning down several 19k offers right off the bat. It took me a little bit longer, but I ended up getting 21k.

It is a little more of a hassle having to show your boat a few times, but the money difference is pretty crazy.

I’d get the biggest one you can fit it in your garage. I had a Bass Cat Sabre before I bought my current Eyra. Great boat, 18 feet long, had the flipping deck which helped a lot. I sold it right after I listed it and bought my current Eyra, it’s 20 feet long and barely fits in my garage, literally a 1/2” clearance with the motor trimmed just right. It’s my favorite boat and I plan to get another one in a couple of years.

There are some great deals right now on used boats, especially with 2 strokes. I’m currently trying to sell my 17 Eyra and the market is slow. Unless you are set on a 4 stroke the deals seem to be on 2 strokes that are just a couple of years old.

I have a 2006 tracker proteam 175 I don’t see there being much of a demand for it ...?

I’d think you could sell it easily if priced decent.

You never know....put it out there and if it doesn't sell you can always trade it in. Everyone has their favorite boat but you just have to look at them all and pick the one that suits you best. I think all brands are well made these days. To me the advantage of buying new is peace of mind as far as warranties but you will pay more for that peace of mind. I'll put a plug in for Phoenix but like I said....everyone has their favorites. Good luck to ya!