I am thinking very seriously about buying a Bass Tracker boat this month. I am caught between the less expensive pro16 with the standard 25 hp or the proteam 175 with a 50 hp. I would mostly just be fishing with my son on weekends nothing over the top, so is spending the extra 7k to get the PT175 worth it. I am worried about the stability of the 16'. Since this would be my first boat, I would like your thoughts or advice. Is the equipment on the "ready to fish boat" good enough for the weekend fisherman? What are the pros-cons 2 stroke vs. 4stroke? YOUR THOUGHTS......

Thanks

Bassfan, welcome to TFF. A couple of thoughts and I am sure you will get a lot more input.

The Pro 16 with the 25 is going to be slow. A 25 on a 14 foot boat is good, not sure what max on that boat is, but you will not be happy.

The PT175 with a 50 will move a bit faster and will handle a little rougher water, and be a lot more stable.

In regards to the 2 stroke/4 stroke discussion, there are a lot more knowledgeable people around than me.

As to the standard equipment, I would think it will be good for the weekend fisherman. If a depth finder is not on the front you can always add one later. Nice to have when on the trolling motor.

One thing about the first boat, you will find things on it as you use it that you will like and dislike. I went from aluminum to glass 3 years ago and have not looked back.

Two other places with lots of info on Tracker boats are the Nitroowners board and over on Bass Boat Central. Do lots of research and if you can get out in one on the water do so.

Good luck to you and the son as you venture forth.

I would go with the Proteam175. The 4 stroke I think will get you better gas milage than the 2 stroke and will have less exhaust polution.

if you dont care about speed or fishing great big water then i would go with the 16 i had one a few years back and there gret littel baots the 25 horse gets great gas milege can forever on a tank of fuel but the 175 is a good boat as well they both have there pros and cons but if your not a avid fisherman and just want a good boat for little money to fish with your kids i would go with the 16 and save the extra 7k for fishing

IMO you should get the Pro Team with the larger motor. It's a little more stable. It will still be underpowered. I would also get the 4 stroke. It's a little heavier, but I still like the 4 stroke. Get the sonar on the front while you're at it as well as an on board two bank charger(for two batteries). If you're financing, these items will only raise your payment by less than a few cents per month. If you're paying cash, they're still really worth it.

Thanks a bunch for your comments so far, they are helpful and appreciated. Do you ever find good deals on used boats in this class, maybe more bang for the buck? I have been lookin in the common spots (craigs list, forums, ebay, etc...) for a while and it seems like Trackers hold thier value pretty well. Since I am not 100% on boats should I just stick with NEW?

If you want more bang for your buck, used is the way to go. Buy as much boat as you can afford that will fit your fishing needs. All boats depreciate pretty rapidly, its just the nature, and the current economy doesn�t help. If you buy a used boat, look at the TFF and local dealers, or even ones within a drive, but when you find one you like, have it checked out by a mechanic or someone else you trust. I am sure that you can get some good recommendations on the forum for the person to us in your area.

If I were you, I would buy a used fiberglass boat. They are much better than Tracker boats. They handle rough water better, go faster, and fish better. They are a much more stable platform and therefore safer on the water. I had a 17ft Tracker for my first boat and then sold it and bought a used 19ft Basscat Pantera II. The difference is greater than night and day. The Basscat is much more stable, goes twice as fast, and handles on the water like no other. Plus, my Basscat was CHEAPER than my tracker. You get more boat with a fiberglass model, and I believe it would be a better choice. Do your homework and find out what's best for you. There are plenty of good used fiberglass rigs out there that are cheaper than a new Tracker. Good luck with everything.

I speak from experience as one who buys cheap used (well used junk) do a compression check on the motor. I didn't and forked over $600 for a piece of old junk. Don't look for the cheapest, oldest boat you can find cause it ain't no bargain.
Don't get more boat than you need and don't pay more than you can afford.
I bought a brand new 20'x8' pontoon boat thinking the family would meet me at the lake and we would all good fishing on week ends. I had the boat for 2 years and ended up selling it because the "family" went out maybe 3 or 4 times; the boat proved to be way to hard for one old man to handle for fishing. I sold it for a pittance so some one else could get some use out of it.

There is a 2007 Tracker for sale in the "for sale" forum.

If you are "worried" about the 16, then by all means get the 175.

Life's too short.......

Welcome aboard! I"d go with a used glass boat,17ft or larger more stable and enough hp to get you off the lake in bad weather.

I just purchased my first bass boat last Spring, 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 w/2 people). The Capt'n Wings (previous posted) is right on about getting all the extras if you're financing and rolling it all in your note. Mine was very affordable and the finance folks were great as well.

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 Fish Finder 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.

Welcome to TFF. This is a great site with a bunch of super guys that I have learned a lot from. I hope this advice is helpful from someone who was "in-your-shoes" once. Good luck to you.

the tracker is a good boat for the weekend angler. i bought mine for the same reason. soon after i bought it i decided i needed to fish tourneys and it worked fine for that as well. i added a bigger trolling motor and a front depth finder and i was set. it is so easy to load an unload by yourself. i have to 50 4 stroke and it is very good on gas. my partner bought a 21' skeeter now my boat stays parked in the driveway. send me a pm if your in the dfw area and want a test ride i will be on vacation next week and i am sure it will be on the water a few days.

You are over looking the PT 170 TX. That's the one to get. Get the 50 horsepower 2 stroke. DO NOT GET AN UNDERPOWERED BOAT ! You will lose any initial savings on resale of an underpowered boat and the underpowered boat will not be enjoyable to use. Prefer alumininum on used boats. It's easier to spot hull damage on aluminium. Look for a used one and get an on water demonstration of any boat, new or used, you buy. Stand on the front deck and see if it is stable enough for your purposes. Do get a boat dealer to check the boat and motor before you buy. Good Luck. The 175 would be the only other small Tracker to consider.