I've been window shopping around online for a new boat... And I was on the Tracker site. Their "Pro16" which is appears to be a fully equipped fishing boat is going around $7900 but their "Grizzly 1448" which is basically an aluminum Jon boat... with no features... and the exact same motor is about the same price. Don't understand. Seems like one is way over priced or the other is way under priced.
Does anyone know anything about the Pro16 model? It really looks like a great value but Is it junk? I haven't stepped foot in a brand new boat since I was kid and I realize there could be something I'm missing... Id post links or pics but I don't want it to seem like I'm advertising or something. Anybody out there, though, with any knowledge, I'd like to hear from you.

PM _Scooter_, he got the Pro16 last year. I fished out of the boat with him and thought it wasn't a bad boat at all. While it does seem small when you're looking at it, I didn't find it to be an issue with the two of us fishing out of it.

The Grizzly is a top of the line Jon boat meaning heavier aluminum is used in its design. I read on the THF of duck hunters slamming the Grizzly for poor craftsmanship. Boudreaux, of THF, defended the boat and said while he did need to get a spot weld, it was taken care of and no worries since.

The price on the Grizzly seems high to me. I'd probably need to shop around a bit because for a boat, motor, and trailer I believe you could do better on price if you stick with a basic model like the Grizzly.

For $7900, you could buy a nice used boat. Let someone else take the depreciation cost from buying a new boat.

+1

Especially on a Tracker

My guess is and a haven't checked into it is that the Pro16 is a riveted boat. I've used a grizzly 16x48 for years. Doesn't have the fit/finish of say a war eagle. On mine the floor over the ribs is pop riveted in place. Every now and then I have to replace one. The hull though is full welded. We have put it through hell in the stump infested rivers and lakes of east texas and it's held together well. Don't get me started on small merc outboards though.

+2

I just worry about buying used because I'm not that savvy with repairs and mechanical trouble shooting. I've heard from a lot of people and kind of agree that a boat in a lot of ways is a hole you through money into, in some ways. I understand the depreciation aspect... I just feel like a new boat and motor is generally more reliable for the first 2 or 3 years. Isn't that the case? Especially for someone not all that experienced?

You got my curiousity up, so I looked at the Pro16 and Grizzly on the Tracker website. Both have all welded hulls, but the Grizzly hull thickness is .100, vs .090 for the Pro16. On the question of new vs used, I went thru the same delima last year. I ended up buying a used boat and trailer and a new motor. For a cost of approx $3300, I put together a 14ft fiberglass boat, deep and wide, carpet, pedestal seats, matching factory trailer, 2008 Yamaha 25 hp, tiller, elec start. Added 2 batteries trolling motor, depth finder and used after-market t&t, so total now about $3800. I found almost all of it on eBay.

I've owned boats all my life....Jon Boats to Bay Boats, Aluminum & Fiberglass. Currently we operate three boats...all 22' Center Consoles Fiberglass. Two are Used and one is new.

I'd recommend you look for a Used Boat for the reasons others mentioned....Depreciation. Have a Marine Repairman check out the Combustion and Lower Unit on the motor.

Just an opinion, but there's no use in paying the $'s for a new boat unless you just want new. Get a whole lot more boat and motor by going late model used. There's a ton of good deals out there now with the way the economy is.

Good Luck!

Buying used is not that bad. When I bought mine, I took a compression guage with me to check the engine. I asked for previous maintenance records. Tap on the transom to see if it is weak or rotten. Walk the floors. Lake test it. When you find a boat you want, have it inspected by a reputable mechanic. Best $150 you will ever spend before you buy.

Above all else, make sure the seller has both boat and motor titles in hand, before you hand over the money.

Just my 02, I have a 2004 Tracker Pro Crappie 16, have never had a problem with it and have run it into all kinds of stuff. I really like it.

i just bought used...bought a 2002 and got if for less than half price of new....plus a lot of extra electronics were thrown in because they were added by the owner.

You do need to have the motor checked out, but if it is cared for, you can save a lot of money and get more boat than you could have if bought new.

In my example I got a 60hp Yamaha instead of a 40hp Merc which the new boat would have had.

Excellent choice on the 60 Yamaha! Just make sure you use Yamaha oil....

I learned a valuable lesson from my father at a young age, Never trust a Mercury farther than your willing to paddle...

To this day he still calls them Overpriced Anchors....

Please...at least look at some boats other than the Tracker. New or used. Just don't limit yourself to Tracker while shopping.

amen , find a nice clean express with a yamaha on the back