Specifically the bass trackers, how big or rough of water do you guys feel comfortable fishing in and running in? This may be the best route for my first boat but I don't want to sacrifice running across a lake or fishing offshore structure come tournament time.

Thanks guys

What lakes are you fishing would be good info to know some lakes get way worse than others. If you are thinking about offshore structure and running in bad weather you need to get the biggest boat you can afford imo. Lets get some more info about where you are thinking about fishing tournaments and how often and you will get more info or what people think you need. Ultimately the decision is yours and the boat needs to be something you are comfortable fishing and driving in bad weather that also fits your budget.

Amistad, falcon, choke, belton, canyon, Travis, and LBJ mainly. Calavaras and braunig also

I'm not saying you couldn't do it in a aluminum boat with the lakes you listed I think you need a big aluminum boat though xpress would get my vote on aluminum, or a used glass boat in the same price range.

If you go with a tracker, max the engine out and get the biggest one they have. I would look for a good X21 or X19 Xpress if you plan on doing T's. Better layout and performance than the tracker.

im not a big bass tracker fan but that new 19footer was really impressive looking

That's a tall order to fish those BIG lakes in an aluminum, unless like Brad said, it's a 21 foot Xpress. I guess you could always fish coves out of the wind, but from what I understand, you can have 4-5 footers on some of those lakes

My old boat was a 17' bass tracker. Had it out when a rouge storm blew in. I was on the wrong side of Tawakoni with 30+ mph winds. Had to take it slow through the worst part of the lake, but I made it back ok, I like to think it was because of my superior driving skills lol. Waves were about 4', those boats will handle a lot more than most people think. That being said on those big lakes you would be better off with a glass boat. That was I have now and love it.

If you want a good rough water alum boat you would be better off with a Lund or G3 deep vee high sided boat...they are built for rough water...comfy too...

Ive been in all three mentioned here. My opinion is trackers are at the bottom of the list, then G3, and Xpress the best of the aluminum world, unless you get a custom built 3/16" rig. But those are as expensive as a fiberglass rig unless you find a used one like I did.

The tracker seemed to twist when hitting waves, the G3 was solid but just couldnt compare with the xpress. The g3 was 18'6 and the xpress was the 19' model so they pretty closely matched as for size.

Was looking at the xpress pretty heavily until I found my broadhead. Best prices were from H&H in Crowley La, but that might be too far a drive for you.


G

+1 on the Lund.

Just found this. Doubt its what ya have in mind but I sure think its a cool one.

http://www.louisianasportsman.com/lpca/i...d&id=516490

G

I run a 2011 G3 Eagle 190 with a 150 HPDI. I fish from Ross Barnett to most of the Tennessee River lakes and have never felt I could not navigate safely. In a aluminum boat though, you must make good decisions in how and where to drive your boat. When I sell this boat and buy newer, I will go with the same boat.

If you plan to fish tournaments on lakes, my advice is buy a used glass boat. The glass will offer a better ride and overall better fishing experience. If you choose aluminum, then go with a big boat.

I'm on my 3rd tracker and have had no problems with any of them. Went from 16ft to 18ft bass boats and had the 18 in some pretty bad stuff with no worries. It's all in how u drive it depending on conditions. U can take the biggest boat and have a bad day if u operate it unsafe. With that being said the longer the boat the better the ride and don't under power it.
Tracker has a bad name and a lot of bad reviews and so does the other aluminum boat manufactures. Tracker has more because there are a lot more of them being sold.
I just upgraded to 2072 center console and love it, had it on Amistad a few weeks ago and it was rough but the boat did great.
All of mine have been in rough water and there tough boats.