I'm considering getting a Tracker, around 18/19 foot. I do bass fishing and some open water fishing for sandbass, but never really would go out if winds reach 15mph+ because I don't enjoy fighting the trolling motor. My previous platform was an 18-foot fiberglass Ranger, which allowed me to stand and maneuver around the deck with no problems. Would a Tracker allow the same in 5mph, or 10mph winds? I don't know as I have never been in one. This is the critical factor in deciding whether to get a Tracker, or go with the old reliable fiberglass.

Thanks.

The lighter the hull the more wind and water conditions push it around

The beam width will affect the roll, but wider boats compromise on ride.

Just remember every thing on a boat is some manner of compromise. To get something you have to give up something else.

I've fished from a 18' G3 for many years and you'll be good with winds 10 mph and under....

IIRC, my last boat was almost 3,000 pounds, whereas some of these Trackers I'm looking at weigh as little as 1,000 pounds. My last one was pretty solid- solid enough for me, unless the winds got up to 15mph or so. It just seems like I'm asking for trouble if I knock off that much weight and expect to stand upright, comfortably and securely, for a full day of fishing.

I have a 2017 Ranger RT188, I bought it new with a MK Maxxum and can say the 80 pound Ultrex was the best addition in years. The Ultrex will turn you into the wind or current, but you can move anywhere in the boat to cast without fear of getting blown off your spot. My biggest complaint is they are wet riding in big water. Total weight at a truck scale loaded on the way to the lake is 2700 pounds. They are fairly light weight rigs.

I would think an 18' Tracker is plenty stable for open water fishing in <15mph winds, but my boat is a 14' V-hull (which is plenty stable for me) so I may have a different perspective than others here.

I would not want to be in that boat in 15 mph winds on some of our lakes, but that’s just me. I’d want a glass boat.

This whole talk should have been stopped right away.

I want to stand and fish out of an aluminum tracker just like my big glass rig.

No. Was the right answer to start with.

Are there other iron boats you can?
Yes

Want a big aluminum? It won’t be a tracker.
Scandy White builds what you’re asking for
Or look for
Boatright
Empire
Express

Any one of those build far superior hulls.
I sold trackers. I would never buy one.
Merry Christmas

I’ve got a Tracker Pro Team 190 TX. I don’t usually go out in high wind just because it makes it hard to fish. However, I’ve been caught out a few times in 20-25 mph winds leading fronts moving in. I am 100% confident and secure in my boat. It has never taken on any lake water (rain…yes). My top speed is 43 mph so I can plane ff one all but the roughest water. It’s no Ranger but it has the features I want, Definitely is the price point I could afford, and gets me where I want to go. The roughest water I’ve been in was the first time I put it in the water and had to cross the lake to get to my boathouse. Waves too big to get on top of so I just rode them as safely as I could. Still did not take on any water. People can rag on them all they want but I’ve spent over 6 decades on the water and I am absolutely pleased with this one. If you are under power in any weather in any boat and are not wearing your PFD and kill switch…Just my opinion based on my experience.

The tracker will perform fine- but not nearly as good as your old Ranger. People fish out of trackers all the time and they don’t all spontaneously combust or flip over. You’ve got to decide what’s important to you- if you have the money I’d stick with the glass but nothing wrong with the tracker- just never forget you usually always get what you pay for..

I'm happy with my Tracker. I bought a PT 175 in 2002 and kept it for ten years, no issues. Sold it and bought the 190 in 2012 and its been flawless. My stability issues are wakeboard boats by the dozens churning up the lake or running right next to you just to pizz you off, I hate them things!! I upgraded my TM so wind is not an issue.