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Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats #14292960 02/22/22 10:26 PM
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Strat-a-Caster Offline OP
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Need some help with knowing some potential pros and cons of each? What do you love? What do you hate? What do you suggest?

Budget is about 32-39K.

Requirements are as follows:
1. Aluminum
2. 115 HP
3. 19-20'
4. Upgraded trolling to Ultrex
5. No passenger console

Just trying to learn more here.

Last edited by Strat-a-Caster; 02/22/22 10:30 PM.
Moritz Chevrolet - 9101 Camp Bowie W Blvd, Fort Worth, TX - Monte Coon (817) 696-2003
Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14292986 02/22/22 10:38 PM
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SC-001 Offline
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Ask Ken Smith once he does a youtube review on them, which at this point seem like NEVER. Been waiting for the next tin boat review for while now.

Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14293014 02/22/22 10:52 PM
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Texan Til I Die Online Content
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I've been looking at aluminum rigs myself, although I'm looking at something with a minimum of 150 on the back. Here's my ranking of those brands you listed.

Vexus
Ranger
Express
Tracker (personally I'm out on Tracker)


"If ever time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." - Samuel Adams
Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14293023 02/22/22 10:58 PM
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The Netstretcher Online Content
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If you want a 115hp I’d be looking at the 18’ boats. I wouldn’t be happy with a 115 on a boat rated for a 200-250.

Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14293033 02/22/22 11:07 PM
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bockscar Offline
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dont go tracker. love my old tin can....but ive seen too many "cracked transom" posts in the tracker groups for the newer rigs. If you are on facebook i suggest doing that...joining the groups for each make. Do some scrolling in there to hear the common gripes, or positives and maybe post some questions. Angrier people make more noise of course, but you should still get good insights in those groups.

Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14293179 02/23/22 12:16 AM
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ogles824 (aka Lakewaydr50) Online Content
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Out of all those brands I've only owned the Tracker, a lot of folks bad mouth them but they are a lot tougher than you'd think. I used mine; a TX17Pro, on Fork and it took a beating, I was a lot younger back then and drove it in a storm like a jet ski, kneeling slightly and holding on to the steering wheel. It got completely airborne; prop out of the water, on more than one occasion and hit hard when it came down and nothing gave, it held up.


2012 ZX200 Skeeter
2012 Yamaha 200 SHO

Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Proud student of the Pro Staffer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzwF72B2F2w&t=14s
Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14293277 02/23/22 01:11 AM
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Topwater2 Online Content
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My 2012 Tracker was two years out of warranty when the bow started cracking wide open. They took it back, stripped it, rebuilt it, reinforced it, and apologized for the lack of craftsmanship. I'll keep it until I die, hope that isn't anytime soon.


FishKen
Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14293371 02/23/22 02:29 AM
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the skipper Offline
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Your limiting yourself to just 4 brands? Lowe, Crestliner, avid, and g3 all make well built tin rigs. The g3 is pretty dang nice and so is the Crestliner

Last edited by the skipper; 02/23/22 04:12 PM.
Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: the skipper] #14293440 02/23/22 03:15 AM
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ogles824 (aka Lakewaydr50) Online Content
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Originally Posted by the skipper
Your limiting yourself to just 4 brands? Lowe, Crestline, avid, and g3 all make well built tin rigs. The g3 is pretty dang nice and so is the creatliner
These too......


2012 ZX200 Skeeter
2012 Yamaha 200 SHO

Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Proud student of the Pro Staffer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzwF72B2F2w&t=14s
Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14293540 02/23/22 05:54 AM
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Esnow74 Offline
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Only fished from a tracker for aluminum but have seen Ranger, Vexus, G3 and express at boat shows and I really like the Vexus more than the others. I have been drawn to them for a few years and may soon have one built (assuming they have everything eek )

Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14293549 02/23/22 07:53 AM
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Brian Muirhead Offline
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Looking at what the pros are running, I see a lot of Xpress boats on tour these days. I have one that I have had since 1997 and if I could afford a new boat I would get another one. Mine is 18.5’ with a 150hp merc.


WEAR YOUR FLIPPIN LIFE JACKET
Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14321411 03/21/22 05:33 AM
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Esnow74 Offline
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Reviving this
Have seen some cracked Vexus posts, not sure if the problem still exists. Looked at a few this weekend and they are set up very well but a little digging and found the crack issues. It sounds like their service is great but sending back a boat after a year or less with a cracked hull sounds unappealing.

Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14321414 03/21/22 05:46 AM
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Douglas J Online Content
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Gator Trax and a few other "brands" build a lot better boats than any you've listed.


#MFGA
Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14321444 03/21/22 10:59 AM
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ToasterWEyes Offline
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I’ve got the Xpress X19. Great boat, really enjoy it. It’s my 3rd Xpress. I’ve had an H56 (18’), an X21, now the current X19.
As stated above, I wouldn’t recommend a 115 HP. I’d change that to a 150 HP minimum.


It's only a good cast if you catch a fish...
Personal Best: 11.62 lbs
Re: Tracker, Ranger, Express, Vexus Boats [Re: Strat-a-Caster] #14321502 03/21/22 12:44 PM
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kscatman76 Offline
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You better take a hard look at Avid's also. They are new and really really nice I have a couple friends running them and loving them and the price on them is great in my opinion.

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