Bassfan-- I went through the same delima when I purchased my first and only boat 15 years ago. For safety, I chose to go with fiber glass boat. I bought the 1995 R-70 Ranger with a 115 Merc.

If you are fishing with your son, you want stability. I also, purchased the Ranger, because it will not sink. I am thinking about selling my boat if you want to come look at it.

Tracker boats are good, and the tin boats have incredible resale value. No on e can tell you what is perfect for you, because wqe all have our own opinions. Glass boats are also typically heavier and require a little more gas when towing. Its up to you just buy a boat and get out on the water as soon as possible. Life is too short.

Trackers make for a great boat. I have owned one and my dad has owned two. I started out with a used Tracker and recently upgraded to a fiberglass, but sometimes I miss having my old boat. It's easy to tow and great on gas. I would recommend going with the Pro Team 175 over the smaller boat because of stability along with room and storage. Two fish finders and a onboard battery bank charger is a must. Good luck and congrats on seeking your first boat. It's a great feeling.

I have run a 16 ft. Basstracker aluminum, with a 50 HP 2 cylinder, since 2004. Very happy with it. Even if you get the 16 ft., you'll be glad if you get a 50hp motor. The extra speed is nice, but the way it helps you back off the trailer and drive back on is where you'll really be glad to have it. Also get the hydraulic trim feature (probably standard on 50hp), which is a big plus for shallow water. The decision between aluminum and fiberglass comes down to the need for stability - fiberglass is heavier and more stable in wind and rough water. I'm retired and can pick my days, so it's not a big deal for me. But I would not want to fish on real windy days in my 16 ft. boat. I don't know how much more stable the 17.5 would be.

Thank you all for your comments! I appreciate it.

You need to get all the boat you can afford without going overboard on your fishing needs. If the bigger aluminum boat is in your budget I would apply that amount of money and start looking at 1-3 year old fiberglass boats. With a little looking I think you will be shocked at how much more boat you can get, and most likely the motor will still have warranty.

I really looked for my first boat and ended up with a boat that was barely a year old, had 4 years of warranty and was almost 20k less than what it would of been new. Fiberglass boats are a TON more stable and that really needs to be factored in if you are going to be fising with your son.

In the end you are the only one that knows what you can spend and what will work. However, it sounds like this is your first boat and you are a little unsure. If thats the case whether you go tin or glass I would buy used. If you look back in a year and regret your decision you are going to take a BEATING selling a boat you bought new.

I got my Tracker PT 175 three years ago and I have no regrets. It's got the 60 hp 4 stroke and is awesome on gas. I am 6'1" and my bro is 6'3" and we fosh tournaments in it. Yeah, it gets small quick and you are not gonna beat anybody to a fishin hole but it is stable and handles rough water surprisingly well. As mentioned above, check em all out.

Bassfan.
1st of all, welcome to the forum. Look at the following boat, i believe it would suit you and your son good for a weekend fisher, I know its not a tracker, but ive been on several G3 and they are great boats. Plus it seems to be rigged out well and ready to go,

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4359357/1

The Pro 16 is 3" shorter than the 175 TX, 11" narrower beam, and 6" narrower bottom. The real difference in these 2 boats is the max HP. The pro 16 max is 30 HP. The 7k difference sent me to the Pro 16 with the 30 HP 4 stroke. I added 2 batteries and an Eagle 320 fish finder on the front deck. This boat runs about 25 mph @ 3/4 throttle and sips fuel. The stability is fine as long as you pay attention and do not put yourself into a bad situation. I fish Gvine a lot and have not had any issues with it. I just cannot go when the wind is 20 mph or fish in the mouth of the marinas during the summer. Neither of those things are fun to fish in for a child anyway.

I hope this helps.

Tight lines
Wade

WOW, I would look at that used G-3.

Better recheck those dimensions

you are correct the dimensions I quoted are for the 170 not the 175. sorry for the confusion. The pro 16 is still a very good platform for a weekend angler.

BassFan - There is a poster on this board named Bazztex. He owns an Express aluminum boat and is on the pro staff for West Boats who sell Xpress aluminum boats. Why don't you send him a PM and pick his brain. He is very knowledgeable about aluminum boats and can answer your questions honestly and also probably get you a good deal on one at West Boats.

Bassfan, I had sent you a personal message earlier but not sure you saw it. I have a 2008 Tracker 175 TXW with a 50hp Mercury and a 70lb thrust Minn Kota Maxuum that i am trying to get rid of down here in Houston. Let me know if you are interested. I am asking $10,000 and can send you or anyone else some pictures if interested. Motor has approximately 50 hours on it and I just added a Merc Stainless Steel Prop along when I had it tuned up 2 weeks ago. Nice boat and ingreat condition.

undercover- I have responded to your PM.

Thanks again to all on TFF for your thoughts and advice, you guys are a class act. Thanks for helping out the newbee!