Me and the Wifey are in the looks for a boat without killing the bank acct. As far as price goes, Bass Tracker seems to be in our budgeting. If anyone out there that has a Tracker please share your likes/dislikes on it. I'd like to know what to expect from it before i dish out the money.

Thanks,

Richard

had a tx 17 for 15 years, good boat just not big enough for me. i think they are a welded hull now which is good cause mine was riveted, leaked like a siv!, but all in all a good boat.u just have to be smart about where you go as far as rough water. had mine in a few places that i really shouldn't have been but came through it ok


ps. the trailor was a piece of junk, dont know how they build them now but the rectangular tubing they used to make them with was paper thin and rusted out pretty quick.

I have an 88 Bass Tracker. It is from back when they still made finerglass bass boats. It has been a great boat. Tracker is generally considered one of the less expensive brands but if you take care of them they will last for a long time. I think the motor is as important as the boat. What are you looking for, new, used, approx size, motor?

hoggwild, take a look at lowe boats as well. All in all a nicer boat IMO.

Paul, we are leaning towards a new one, but if a excellent shape used one pops up I will have to consider it. What Im wanting is something big enough to take my wifey and kiddos. We do alot of catfishin, crappie, whites, and since ive gone to fairfield i will be going there. im looking at something roomy enough so i dont have all my junk everywhere, and fast enough to pull the kiddos on a tube.

i have a tracker and i like it. like metioned above the wind will beat you and if your not carful might sink you. its a great starter boat, and thats what it is for me. im starting to grow out of it and will soon be looking for new boat geared for more competitive bass fishing. also if you like fishing in stumps and rocks an aluminum boat is hard to beat. i have dents all under my boat and not a crack. im sure i just jinx'ed myself with that one.

yeah we do alot of fishing at Gibbons Creek...mucho stumps. we mainly fish like i mentioned, gibbons, somerville and livingston.

i have had a tracker since 96 and love it. only bad thing about trackers are they put motorguide trolloing motors on them and I hate them. just me thougth you may like them

Then don't get any kind of bass boat. They have no space. Get a more traditional runabout hull. Tracker(Bass Pro), Lowes(Cabelas) and Lund have them. I think G# may also make them. The Tracker welded hull is fine. It's the rest of the stuff they skimp on that's a PITA. I had one and sold it after a few months back in 2004. Maybe it was just a lemon.

im not looking into buying a bass boat...nor will i buy a bass boat. i dont consider trackers bass boats. im just looking for something that is nice, looks nice on the water and gets me where i need to be on the water safely...

I just purchased my first bass boat about 4 months ago, a Tracker Pro Team 170 with a 50hp Mercury. This was my life long dream and it finally came through. I got it from the BPS in Grapevine and the guys there were superb. The guy that did the delivery (John) also works in the parts dept. and could not have been better. I had graduated up from little 2 man bass buster jobs to 14' Jon boats. I am very pleased with my Tracker. The 50hp OBM is plenty for me (32mph max).

When I purchased mine they were also giving away gift cards with each purchase. I qualified for a $500 card for the size I boat I got and I also qualified for an additional $300 card for being retired military (they don't advertise that one much, but I saw it on line and they honored it). With my gift cards I arranged for a few accessories: I moved the Lowrance FF that comes on the console of the boat up front to the TM and purchased an additional FF (Eagle) to go on the console. I also had them install an onboard 2 bank charger. With the rest of the dough I equipped myself with some much needed tackle of different variety.

One added detail. The primary reason I was really able to get this rig was because of the break-away trailer tongue. Best idea they ever came up with because with my motor down I am able to back the boat straight in my standard size garage and close the door with about 4-5" to spare. This allows my wife to still get her car in on the other side. Otherwise, I would still be in the Jon boat cause I couldn't leave a boat outside.

Sorry this is so long, but I hope it helps out. I realize it's true about being a little rough when the wind gets up, but that's ok. After living for the dream as long as I have, I'm ok with getting off the water at that point or just hide out in a cove for awhile. Good luck to you.

How long is the waiting period from the time you purchase to the time its yours?? or is there a "waiting" period??

I went in on a Sunday afternoon, made the sale and did the application. I believe it was the next day I had an approval. Unfortunately, I had to wait another day or so because of my add ons, getting away from work and their delivery coordination. I was VERY anxious, but OMG what an experience it was for me. On the wall, in their delivery bay they have written something like; "Making dreams come true for over a quarter of a century" (or something like that anyway). Sure made mine come true!

Go with the deep V hull tracker or lowe.

have you looked at xpress boats? i got one this spring and have absolutely loved. It has 2 rod boxes, fiberglass console, big livewells, storage compartments, swing away tongue, and i was surprised at how well it handles rough water for a smaller boat. Not trying to bash tracker by any means but i looked at many of the aluminum bass boats and fished out of both a tracker and xpress before purchasing. for me the xpress fished better. so you might check them out.

Now you've got me all pumped up, I could go buy right now!!

I have a 2008 Tracker 175 TXW.I love my boat. I have a 50hp but wish I would have gotten the 75. Boat rides really well and you can get into some real skinny water. I did have to update the trolling motor. Wish I would have done it when I purchased the boat would have just upped my payment a few bucks. I recently upgraded to a 70lb Minn Kota Maxxum with variable speed. Huge difference with the 24 volt. Real stable deck. I recommend it for the money plus you dont feel so bad when you get a scratch. Takes waves pretty well too. Oh yeah, I went in filled out app on a Sunday and got a call back the next day. I picked my boat up the next weekend.

Yes, the Xpress Boats are nice too. But for me... I just had to have a Tracker! Sorta like the Chevy-Ford like or dislike thing maybe.

yes i think you are right. When it comes down to it its really just personal preference. both are extremely well made

Lowe is pretty decent, widest small aluminum boat out there with tons of storage.

I've had a Tracker 175 since 2002. I fish for fun and don't need the biggest, baddest, top of the line rig.

Pros:
1) Price. I paid cash for mine so I had a certain amount I was willing to spend, so it fit my budget.
2) It fits in my garage. That was one of the things I was looking for. I broke out the tape measure at BPS to make sure.
3) I don't have to worry about scratching the hull. I've had mine in the nastiest thorn bushes that Falcon has. Sounds like fingers on a chalkboard. Not a problem. There's no place that I won't try to get into.

Cons
1) There's very little room in the bilge area. Mine has a 20 gallon gas tank and there's not much room left over. I had to replace my livewell pump and almost had to stand on my head to reach it. The trolling motor battery is up under the back platform. It's hard to drag out and put back in. Accessability in the bilge area will be on my list for my next boat. I've looked at other Tracker models and some bilge areas are worse than mine. I wouldn't buy them because of that.
2) Open water & big waves. It's not made for that. You gotta be careful not to get caught in big water when the wind is blowing. I've been in the wrong place at the wrong time several times and it's not fun.
3) BPS service. They're really good at selling boats. Not good at servicing them. First time I called to get mine in for servicing, they said to call back in a few months, November or December. Even then, they said to bring it in but they would have to "work me in".

One recommendation I would have is to get as much horsepower as you can. Mine's rated for a 75 and I've got a 40 on it. Wish I had more.

From what you said about pulling a tube and the kids on board you might look at a deep v Tracker. Rides a little better and safer if you have small kids. The deep V models handle rough water much better. Good luck on your search. Make sure to post some pics when you get it.

Tracker V hull 18

Go with the Deep V style boat. I have a Tracker Targa and really like it. Handles rough water very well and is great for kiddos with the high sides.

I was looking at the bass tracker pro 16, but ended up buying
an alumacraft angler, The aluminum is thicker .102 compared to
.90 on the tracker, also there is no wood in the transom and the
decks are all aluminum. There is lots of room in the center and
the console is also aluminum not plastic like the trackers.
The alumacraft is also NMMA certified unlike the tracker. It
also is painted, the trackers will tarnish. Check them out
its all welded and built like a tank.

I have a Tracker V-18 All-Fish they don't make them anymore but you can still get the bass version with the same deep V hull, it takes large waves very well, My wife and I are very happy with it.

i have a tx 170 and love it
the only problem is i wish i had a bigger motor when i go to bigger lakes
you can get a 5 or 6 year full warranty for about 500 and change the oil yourself so there's almost no cost to maintenance
it's better than my old 73 stick steer with a 50 hp which is fiberglass and scratches like no ones business and expensive to maintain.

I bought a 2006 175TXW new a couple years ago. I love it. I did the same as undercover and put in a 70lbs thrust 24V system the trolling motor that came with it would not let me fight the winds on Choke for very long. Besides that just watch out for the nasty weather.

I don't want to be the only one to bash tracker or BPS but I feel the need to be honest about my 04 Tracker
When I first picked it up from BPS the trolling motor direction indicator was broken, the guy from BPS noticed it but didn't tell me I needed to get it fixed or fix it while I was there. It was my first boat so I didn't know.
Two years later the hull got four 2" cracks in a row on the hull and it had to be sent to missouri to be repaired, it came back three months later with a crushed livewell hose so the boat would fill with water when the livewell got full,the trolling motor was never tightened back down and the the fish finder would turn on and off because they put the fuse block back in the boat torn up and I had to replace it. I called BPS and fin and feather to get a wiring diagram and both told they weren't available but they would be happy fix my wiring issues. Tracker was able to e-mail it too me in about ten minutes.
The boat is 4 years old now and I've already redone the carpet because it started coming up.
The hull warranty is out and it has a couple more cracks in the hull.

just my.02

I had a 17ft used Tracker as my 1st boat and it worked out well. Pretty similar comments to most folks on here. You should consider what size lake you will be fishing most often - - for a smaller lake the non-V hull is probably OK, but be careful once the wind picks up because the ride will be rough/wet and and the boat will take a pounding. If you'll fish bigger water semi-regularly go with the V-hull for better rough water handling and get as big an engine as you can afford to be able to get around a bit quicker (better for tubing as well). They're pretty nimble for fishing in timber or shallows and you don't need as big a tow vehicle either. Check that the rod storage is to your liking as well. Good luck!

Yeah I never brought my boat back to BPS and just took care of all the faults my own.

I'll never buy another tracker period, They fixed the hull but broke more stuff. So I had to fix it after getting it back after 3 months of no fishing while making payments.

That was my first boat and I caught alot of fish out of it. Just got small for open water. Believe it or not when I lived on Texoma in 80-82 it was perfect. That was before the Corp closed all of the boat ramps. I could find a ramp in calm water some where on there. I enjoyed mine. Have you thought about a used Xpress maybe in an X-17. 96" beam and handles rough water better. PM me if interested.

Sounds like u need to go with a deep V or a center console. I have a 99 175 and luv it. But to fish comfortable it's better to just have 3 people on board n thats including urself. In ur case i would go with a deep V, more room to move around and also safer for the kidos then a bass boat. Very easy to fall off a bass boat if not careful.

I bought a 2008 175TXW in 2-08. I have had it in alot of lakes in Texas and in Arkansas. I have not had any issues with the boat other than ones I have caused. I have been on Fork in rough weather (40MPH winds) and as long as you are careful and know what you are doing, the boat takes the rough water well.

I have the 50 Merc on my boat, and it is OK. 30MPH max, but I only use about 10 gallons of gas on a 3 day fishing trip. The 75 Merc would be a better option if you are fishing big lakes.

I upgraded my TM to a 70# Minnkota 24volt. Much better, the 46# motor that came with it will not work in anything other than calm water.

I also put a 797SI Humminbird unit on my console and moved the stock sonar to the TM.

The new hull provides a dry ride, and is very solid. I would make the same purchase again if I had the decision to make again.

I have a 2005 pro Crappie 175. Good hull, cheap everything else. I will be selling it this winter so I can upgrade.

i have a 2008 tracker 190 with the 90 hp. (19'8") cant complain about anything so far.
Fished many tourneys with it, it will run jut about 49mph before the rev limiter comes on. I plan on putting the jackplate and the other prop on it. It has a tendency to run bow high at low speeds, but comes on plane quick and runs very smooth on pad.

The tri hull takes on rough water very well, (TX3Bass Tourney Grapevine February)30+ winds.
Ive had it on Fork as well (April 18 Hail storm) and it held its own.

I also own a 89 model tournament V17, no problems with it either.

I do plan on selling mine next year and doing the big purchase of something like a Ranger Basscat etc.. only because i want a bigger boat and more motor. I have no complaints at all. I bought it new at Travis Boating in Lewisville, i was scared to death to buy it at Walllyworld BPS.

I looked for 2 months before I decided on a Fisher Pro Hawk. Its aluminum with a 90 Mercury. Handles rough water and its hull is like a bass boat with lots of compartments. The trackers seemed smaller and pushed the water unlike mine that jumps out the hole and hits 40 in 15 seconds. Just my $.02.

I purchased an 08 Tracker TX170 with the Mercury 50HP. Perfect size for small lakes. Wife didn't like it much. She felt it was too small. Tried fishing with 3 out of it. Definately too small for that. Run about 32mph. Run all day without worry about gas cost. No problems... Had to sell it for house remodel this summer. So back in older Ebbtide now for fishing. At least no payments...