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

During Spring Break I was on Caddo and running across the lake in 25-35 MPH wind, just trim down a little and cut the waves and you'll stay dry. Now fishing in those winds was impossible even with a 24V TM, found some cover fast! The nature of aluminum.... I have a Ranger Rt188 BTW

I am sure the new tracker hulls are much better than the ones from the late 80s and early 90s. My Grandfather had a pro 17 that I inherited and was great for lakes under at best 2,000 acres. The lakes around dfw lake grapevine, lavin, ray hubbard, ray Roberts were all guaranteed to get went if the wind was blowing. I would get soaked all the time which is fine when it summer but not in the spring when it is always blowing 15 to 20. You can't beat fiberglass. My grandfather paid $8k brand new including tax. 1988 tracker with 35 hp. Inflation is a terrible thing. I digress. I recommend a used fiberglass boat for the price of one of those new trackers. Something with good electronics (gps with down and side imaging) and trolling motor 36 volt but nothing less than 24 volt. If bass pro will give you a test drive. I recommend garland since that will be your best bet for rough water test drive. Ray hubbar seems to always be rolling. I currently have the boat that is my forum handle. Good luck and I am just being honest and it is only my opinion.

They are what they are junk, the quality sucks, most if not all are underpowered.
You wouldn't catch me in a bass tracker and rough water them two things don't go together.
You'll sacrifice everything with them then some and more when you go to sale it.
For the price of a new bass tracker many many good used boats are out there.

i like tin boats and I own one but, over the years, Bass Tracker isn't one I'd chose. They have (marginally) improved.

Jeremy:
I agree with you. I also got rid of my tin can in favor of the Stratos 175. It is still light but handles the water much better than an aluminum boat. Just my opinion; but for the price of an aluminum boat you can get an entry level (or Old Man's)fiberglass boat for the same price as an aluminum one.

I ran a 19 foot Xpress for ten years. The boat could handle any water that a glass bass boat of the same size could handle. The problem with aluminum is that with continuous use in rough water the aluminum will eventually fatigue.

I started out with aluminum boats and haven't looked back. I recently bought a 2004 tracker PT 185 with a 24v 80 trolling motor, and it handles great. Last weekend, we fished offshore on AH in 30mph winds on the main lake and was able to hold are place reasonably well. Granted, AH is small compared to other resevoirs, but the main lake can get to rocking pretty good on the windy days. I wouldn't even go there with my last aluminum boat.

Hull designs are pretty good on the modern tin rigs. I fished out of aluminum for years that being said in wind blown sun baked Texas I think glass is better, well at least glass with a good v in the hull design. Only thing I would add if you do go aluminum look into investing in a good trolling motor, something that will be long enough and strong enough to hold in the wind.I know I would have loved the I pilot anchor option on my old aluminum rig.

Two ways to go with Alum boats first if all you fish is real stumpy lakes like Toledo a big Xpress is the way to go. Next if you have a big bass boat it is nice to have a back water boat for those way back hard to reach places and small lakes. Those I like to keep light and simple 1548 hull 100ga. Tiller 25 hp and 12 v troller on bow. Jungle boat

V-18 takes ruff water. Guided out of one for 10 years on Roberts.

I have a G3 1966 DLX it's awesome. I will definitely be looking at an Express as well.

Been running an Xpress X19 for 10+ years. Unless Tracker has improved their hull design and you want to be able to run in rough water I would consider looking at Xpress or some of the other tin boats. I live in Arkansas but fish Fork several times per year and have had my share of rough water. As long as you can head straight into bad water you can stay dry but cross waves will get you wet. Have had some rollers where I couldn't run fast but had to keep the front end up as the 19' wouldn't bridge them.

If you are going to fish tournaments, then you need to seriously consider a used glass boat. To my way of thinking, an aluminum boat is made for those that are recreationally fishing where if the water starts getting bad, you get off the lake, or better yet, don't get on it. I have a BC Pantera IV with a 200 Merc that I am giving some serious consideration to selling and downsizing to an aluminum boat, in anticipation of retiring on Rayburn. The theory being the aluminum boat is much easier for someone who is older to handle on their own. If it looks like the weather is not going to be so hot, I'm just not going out.

I have a 19' crestliner that fishes great. Wind & rough water is not my friend in it. I've been in some rough water and it's no fun. Your gonna get wet wet & beat to death. I just can't see the 30k plus for a fishing boat.