First Boat, Tracker 2024

born2fish94 reply :

I am a senior in highschool and i'm workin 40 hours each week to save for my first boat. i have decided that for me at the time an aluminum is the way to go. I wont be fishing alot of tournaments so speed and things are not a big difference. ive been fishing every weekend on tournaments as a co angler. This boat is going to be my "learning boat". I want to learn alot on the water and become good with what i have before i spend the big bucks. I am set on buying a brand new Tracker boat. im stuck however between a 165, 170 or a 175 tracker. i know that the the bigger i go the better the storage and deckroom. But the affordability of the 165 attracts me. because im putting a set amount of each paycheck aside each month until i get a down payment big enough for half of the boat price. My patience sucks so i know that i can get the 165 a faster. and then i can put higher quality electronics on it. I'm just asking for everyones advice. I am all ears and want nothing to do but learn.

topwaterrob reply :

My personal advice would be to buy a used boat to "learn" with.... Trackers are pretty expensive boats and are great boats, but if it's not what you see yourself using in a few years then get something affordable that will allow you to fish & learn while still putting money away for the big boat. I tore up my first boat which happened to be a used tracker while learning the do's and dont's. Some may disagree but thats my 2 cents.....

Sam reply :

Sent PM

Sun Fish reply :

I also originally wanted a new Tracker Pro Team 175 last summer but ended up going used and very glad I did. You can get a much nicer boat for half the price of a new tracker. Even after buying a new tracker your going to immediately want to upgrade the trolling motor and fish finders which can cost an additional $3000 or more depending what you want. I purchased a 1995 18' Nitro glass boat over the summer with a 115 Merc on the back for $4500. I spent an additional $2000 on upgrading it's electronics and TM and now have a awesome bass boat Just make sure you have a mechanic check any used boat out before buying it.

Nitrofreak reply :

On 3/8/2013 at 6:47 PM, topwaterrob said:
My personal advice would be to buy a used boat to "learn" with.... Trackers are pretty expensive boats and are great boats, but if it's not what you see yourself using in a few years then get something affordable that will allow you to fish & learn while still putting money away for the big boat. I tore up my first boat which happened to be a used tracker while learning the do's and dont's. Some may disagree but thats my 2 cents.....

I would not disagree with this post, it's a good option if you take into account the upgraded electronics you wish to have, with this option you can start off with everything you want for the same money or even less depending on what electronics your thinking of.

Searching for a good used boat may take some time, but it may be time well spent, especially if you find that little bit bigger boat for half the cost of a new Tracker, the money that you can possibly save here can be put toward that new boat in the future and you won't have to start saving all over again.

I applaud the fact that you are working so hard to get things right, it's getting exciting for you to get that boat I know, but keep saving and keep looking around while your working toward your goal, it never hurts to look and be open minded.

Your going about this the right way, take your time and get as much boat for your hard earned bucks as you can, used or new don't settle for less than what you already know you want in your first boat.

Good luck and be safe !!!

BrettD reply :

If its your first boat I would buy used let someone else put the first scratches on it. That way when you put a scratch or dent it you wont feel bad because it will just be another scratch. You also get the most for your dollar when you buy boats around 2 years old.

TrapperJ reply :

My very first boat before my new tracker was a used 20' fiberglass Port Star with a 150 HP, just remember not all boats are as perfect as the seller claims. I had to have some work done on my engine, but not terrible it could have been much worse. Plus when i was your age i had more spare time, so i was able to work and upgrade small things i could do my self. Cleaning it up, added new seats, installed new carpet. I was able to fish out of it like it was but when i wasnt fishing i wanted to improve my new toy best i knew how.

I seriously considered buy another used boat before purchasing my new 175 tracker, but remember sometimes buying used means buying someone elses problems, so do your research and investigate on that used boat like you were Sherlock Holmes. This is what pushed me to by new was that with a wife and kid, my free time will be spent fishing, instead of working on a boat.

I like the 165 cause at that point you get a lockable rod box, but for $500 more you might as well go up to the 170 and get 6" more boat, and on that note i dont understand why they have the two models 165 and 170 that are really that similar. You get a 40HP engine which runs and estimated 34-36. That size of boat I'm not a Trolling motor expert but I'd bet you would be fine with the 12 volt 45lb thrust. Plus they give a $500 giftcard and you could use that to either upgrade the trolling motor or put a nicer fish finder on the bow.

Again though thats a $13,000+ purchase, when i have seen some decent boats out there on the used market for $3000-5000 that would be bigger. Lots of options to weigh for yourself. But going used for your first boat is really a great idea, cause when you ding, scuff or scrap that used boat it wont hurt near as bad. hehe Look at dealers selling used boats too, at least "I think" they are supposed to have mechanics that give them a good once over job to fix and repair what needs to be done. Just remember they got to make money too so they might not be the cheapest price out there on used.

J Francho reply :

I'd be looking at Xpress or G3 before Tracker.

BrettD reply :

On 3/9/2013 at 12:05 AM, J Francho said:
I'd be looking at Xpress or G3 before Tracker.

+1 all aluminum decks with the xpress trackers have wood decks. Xpress's also tend to have a wider beam atleast on the 18's

trailer reply :

PM sent.

born2fish94 reply :

thanks so much guys! the reason im sticking with buying it new is because of the 5 year warranty and with my luck i know something will happen with the motor. and i also want aluminum because they sniff gas. and Nitrofreak thank you for encouraging me on my hard work. the way i see it "if it aint hard it aint worth doing" i just need some insight on whether to go with the 170, 165 or 175

BrettD reply :

If you plan on fishing by yourself the majority of the time the 165 probably would be fine. If you fish with someone frequently get the biggest boat you can afford.

jhoffman reply :

the 170 is a very bare bones setup

Koofy Smacker reply :

I would honestly hold out for the 175. Not only do you get a bigger boat and a LOT more storage, but you get a standard 60hp with it as well. On the 165 and 170 the storage will be a nightmare. Think about the stuff you should have with you at all times (anchor, rope, pliers, screwdriver, throwable device, 2 lifejackets, running lights, rain gear, registration and permits, paddle, bailing device). This includes no tackle at all. In my boat I have one whole storage compartment dedicated to this stuff and I have a rod locker and a storage unit left over for tackle and rods. I vote to keep saving and get something youll love for a long time and not be wishing you had waited a year down the road.

born2fish94 reply :

im starting to think that the 175 is the way to go

Dogman65 reply :

I just bought a 2013 tracker 175. When I orginally started looking I was pretty set on the 170. I don't really need a large fast bassboat but I did want to be sure I had enough room to comfortably fish out of it and have enough storage and stability to keep me happy. I really think that "enough" is pretty subjective. My advice would be to go spend some time looking at all three. Get in the boats, sit behind the wheel and spend some time on the front and rear casting decks, get up from behind the wheel and walk to both, then walk from front to back. Open all the compartments while your at it. In other words simulate actual use on the water so you have the best idea of whats "enough" for you. After doing all of that I decided the 175 was a better choice for me. Also the smaller the boat the less stable among those three models, and if you have a buddy don't forget they will be moving around too.

I am back in the boat owner's club after 10 years out of it. I've had used (got burnt), and a couple new glass bassboats. Without doubt the glass boats are very nice but aluminum is "enough" for me. I think all three of those are good boats so I have no idea which is right for you. Many folks fish out of a johnboat and all three of those models are a step up from that. It's really a choice you have to make after you've educated yourself on them as best you can. One nice thing about all three is that at least in my area the resale is really good so when you eventually move on to something else you should be ok selling it.

Used vs new is again a personal choice. There are benefits (cost) and risks (inherited problems). That is another personal choice you have to make...just be sure to have any used boat checked by a marine mechanic that you trust, and take a test ride.

Hope this helps.

ww2farmer reply :

I bought a new 170 in 2007, at the time I "thought" it was all I needed, and in reality at the time it was.........huge upgrade over my Pelican bass raider. But..... It's cramped, small and slow. I have recently begun saving for a 175....which is what I should have bought in the first place. To be fair to my 170.........it has been a good boat. I have had no problems with it that were not my own doing. I just want something with a little more room, and I have looked the 175 over quite a few times in person, everything is easier to work on, and get to than on my 170. Things like bilge/live well pumps, batteries, etc.... has more storage, bigger decks, a few more features that the 170 does not have.

slonezp reply :

On 3/9/2013 at 11:27 AM, ww2farmer said:
I bought a new 170 in 2007, at the time I "thought" it was all I needed, and in reality at the time it was.........huge upgrade over my Pelican bass raider. But..... It's cramped, small and slow. I have recently begun saving for a 175....which is what I should have bought in the first place. To be fair to my 170.........it has been a good boat. I have had no problems with it that were not my own doing. I just want something with a little more room, and I have looked the 175 over quite a few times in person, everything is easier to work on, and get to than on my 170. Things like bilge/live well pumps, batteries, etc.... has more storage, bigger decks, a few more features that the 170 does not have.

Agreed. My last boat which was my second boat was 17' I fished tourneys out of it for 8 years. 8 years ago it was plenty of boat. Today, not so much. As your fishing addiction grows, so will your needs. My advice to you is buy what you can afford without giving up absolute necessities. You're going to grow out of it eventualy anyway. You will however have developed years worth of experience which will benefit you when you are ready to make the "big" purchase. You also have an asset to sel or pass on to someone who will be going thru what you are now.

Shewillbemine reply :

My first boat was/is a 175 deep V. My thought process was similar to yours: buy an aluminum, relatively lower priced boat to make mistakes on. I didn't want a used boat because my lack of knowledge about them and didn't want something without warranty or "Oh I didn't tell you about THAT issue?" from the previous owner.

The 175 is a great fit for me because I fish both lakes and the ocean. I don't feel unsafe but as with all aluminum boats, it will get pushed easier in the wind. If you're fishing mainly lakes that don't have severe weather too often, the 165 should be just fine.

I won't let your age form my suggestion: if you've got the money to buy what you want, so be it.

born2fish94 reply :

On 3/9/2013 at 1:47 PM, Shewillbemine said:

My first boat was/is a 175 deep V. My thought process was similar to yours: buy an aluminum, relatively lower priced boat to make mistakes on. I didn't want a used boat because my lack of knowledge about them and didn't want something without warranty or "Oh I didn't tell you about THAT issue?" from the previous owner.

The 175 is a great fit for me because I fish both lakes and the ocean. I don't feel unsafe but as with all aluminum boats, it will get pushed easier in the wind. If you're fishing mainly lakes that don't have severe weather too often, the 165 should be just fine.

I won't let your age form my suggestion: if you've got the money to buy what you want, so be it.

Thanks, alot of people think "hes young he doesnt know anything" ive been working since i was old enough to work and just in fact paid off my truck that i found and paid for the whole thing myself. My dad makes a very good living, but the reason he makes me pay for stuff like that is because he believes it will teach me the value of hard work and how to have a successful living myself and i cant thank him enough for that. I went to bass pro today and sat in the 165 and it just didnt feel right, way too small and not near enough storage for all my tackle. i then sat in the 175 and it just felt perfect it had enough room for all my stuff and more. Its definitely what im going to get. its gonna take a couple months more to get it than i had planned, probablyy around december is when ill have the money but it really is gonna be worth it and be oh so sweet when i take her on the water for the first time.

Sam reply :

On 3/9/2013 at 6:18 AM, born2fish94 said:
im starting to think that the 175 is the way to go

X2.

Larger the boat the more stable it is and enjoyable to fish.

Dogman65 reply :

On 3/9/2013 at 2:46 PM, born2fish94 said:

i

Thanks, alot of people think "hes young he doesnt know anything" ive been working since i was old enough to work and just in fact paid off my truck that i found and paid for the whole thing myself. My dad makes a very good living, but the reason he makes me pay for stuff like that is because he believes it will teach me the value of hard work and how to have a successful living myself and i cant thank him enough for that. I went to bass pro today and sat in the 165 and it just didnt feel right, way too small and not near enough storage for all my tackle. i then sat in the 175 and it just felt perfect it had enough room for all my stuff and more. Its definitely what im going to get. its gonna take a couple months more to get it than i had planned, probablyy around december is when ill have the money but it really is gonna be worth it and be oh so sweet when i take her on the water for the first time.

Waiting a little more to get what you know you want is always a good idea. When I bought my first boat (used) I got burned because I was in a hurry and didn't know much about boats....I wanted a decent boat and traded it within a couple months for a new boat. Well it was not near enough and I pretty much knew it but bought it anyway because I wanted a boat NOW. That was a mistake. I lost money on the used boat trading it, then lost money on the new small boat trading up a year later on something that would work for me. Sold that last boat 10 years ago after having it for several years just due to not having time to fish. When I bought the 175 this month I spent alot of time being sure about what I wanted. Took it out yesterday for the first time and I'm very happy with the choice I made.

Sounds like your dad is doing a good job. Lessons like that stay with you forever.

trailer reply :

On 3/9/2013 at 2:46 PM, born2fish94 said:

i

Thanks, alot of people think "hes young he doesnt know anything" ive been working since i was old enough to work and just in fact paid off my truck that i found and paid for the whole thing myself. My dad makes a very good living, but the reason he makes me pay for stuff like that is because he believes it will teach me the value of hard work and how to have a successful living myself and i cant thank him enough for that. I went to bass pro today and sat in the 165 and it just didnt feel right, way too small and not near enough storage for all my tackle. i then sat in the 175 and it just felt perfect it had enough room for all my stuff and more. Its definitely what im going to get. its gonna take a couple months more to get it than i had planned, probablyy around december is when ill have the money but it really is gonna be worth it and be oh so sweet when i take her on the water for the first time.

HOLY COW! Would you please teach the rest of the dead-beats of America what work ethic is?

Kudos for your hard work and realizing it at such a young age.

Gotfishyfingers? reply :

Warranties are transferable. I would suggest not to buy new as well. Also consider looking at other brand aluminum boats before you buy.

jhoffman reply :

On 3/10/2013 at 11:15 AM, Gotfishyfingers? said:
Warranties are transferable. I would suggest not to buy new as well. Also consider looking at other brand aluminum boats before you buy.

I agree, if I was slapn the money down for a NEW aluminum it would be an xpress

Gotfishyfingers? reply :

I just did a search on craigslist for bass boats in your area ( Mont. Al). Search key words "bass boat" & "Aluminum" in the boat section. There are some decent looking boats for under 10,000.00. Also, there are some new boats for not a bad price either. Check it out!

Dave P reply :

I fish a lot out of a 175 and it's been a good boat for us. The only time it gets tight is times like now when you have heavy clothes to take off and stow when it starts warming up.

RyneB reply :

On 3/9/2013 at 2:37 AM, Koofy Smacker said:
I would honestly hold out for the 175. Not only do you get a bigger boat and a LOT more storage, but you get a standard 60hp with it as well. On the 165 and 170 the storage will be a nightmare. Think about the stuff you should have with you at all times (anchor, rope, pliers, screwdriver, throwable device, 2 lifejackets, running lights, rain gear, registration and permits, paddle, bailing device). This includes no tackle at all. In my boat I have one whole storage compartment dedicated to this stuff and I have a rod locker and a storage unit left over for tackle and rods. I vote to keep saving and get something youll love for a long time and not be wishing you had waited a year down the road.

exactly what he said.

born2fish94 reply :

well guys today i drove to southside alabma because it was my off day and looked at some g3 boats. man those things are nice! i like the 176 quite a bit and i like the fact that it comes in a vinyl too. im leaning towards the G3 brand now, it seemed better pricing and better quality

Koofy Smacker reply :

On 3/12/2013 at 11:37 AM, born2fish94 said:
well guys today i drove to southside alabma because it was my off day and looked at some g3 boats. man those things are nice! i like the 176 quite a bit and i like the fact that it comes in a vinyl too. im leaning towards the G3 brand now, it seemed better pricing and better quality

If you want to see any pics of my 175 Id be more than willing to post some up and show how I have it set up to see how you like it

born2fish94 reply :

On 3/12/2013 at 11:50 AM, Koofy Smacker said:
If you want to see any pics of my 175 Id be more than willing to post some up and show how I have it set up to see how you like it

id love that man you can pm them to me! i was looking at the 176 vinyl though. vinyl is definitely the way i wanna go. because even though i will be primarily bass fishing i will be doing some jugging for fish frys, and we bowfish alot down here so it would be easier to clean up

Koofy Smacker reply :

ill get some to you sometime in the next few days. its supposed to pour rain here tomorrow so the cover probably wont come off. Ive seen the vinyl 176 before. Pretty neat setup and cleanup is a breeze with them.

born2fish94 reply :

On 3/12/2013 at 12:09 PM, Koofy Smacker said:
ill get some to you sometime in the next few days. its supposed to pour rain here tomorrow so the cover probably wont come off. Ive seen the vinyl 176 before. Pretty neat setup and cleanup is a breeze with them.

yea it rained all the way down here in bama really bad today. but there was no lightning so me and buddy went out and slaughtered some spotted bass on white spinnerbaits. cant beat a spinner bait in the rain!

slonezp reply :

Check out the Lowe Stinger while your at it. Ranger has also introduced a tin line for 2013 http://www.rangeraluminum.com/ Triton, Crestliner, Sea Ark, Xtreme, Xpress, to name a few more.

james 14 reply :

What do your grades look like working 40 hours a week?

I applaud you for putting in the work for what you want and I'm going agree with those who tell you to buy a used boat instead of a new one. I can sympathize with the desire for a warranty but you're essentially paying double and, therefore, going into debt just to get a piece of paper that you will likely never use in any capacity to justify the difference you paid. Take that extra money you'd be paying to go new and put it into upgrades and set some aside in a reserve fund. If the motor does die you have money to fix it. If the motor doesn't die you have money for whatever else life may bring your way...and being only a senior in high school life has only just started.

Sam reply :

Born, I picked up my Tracker power poles today and just brought them home.

Will install them next week when the weather clears up.

Can't wait to use them.

You can do anything with a Tracker!

TrapperJ reply :

I fished out of a two man boat for the last few years, to me there is just something about being on the water vs fishing from the bank, even if its a 8'10" Bass Tracker with a 27lb thrust hand controlled trolling motor.

Some of the best advice I got was go climb in some boats, walk around, sit in the seats, open compartments etc. Vision what your routine is in that boat, have I got enough space to be comfortable? This is what i did at the Tulsa Boat show since lots of models were on display all at once.

born2fish94 reply :

On 3/13/2013 at 11:37 PM, james 14 said:

What do your grades look like working 40 hours a week?

I applaud you for putting in the work for what you want and I'm going agree with those who tell you to buy a used boat instead of a new one. I can sympathize with the desire for a warranty but you're essentially paying double and, therefore, going into debt just to get a piece of paper that you will likely never use in any capacity to justify the difference you paid. Take that extra money you'd be paying to go new and put it into upgrades and set some aside in a reserve fund. If the motor does die you have money to fix it. If the motor doesn't die you have money for whatever else life may bring your way...and being only a senior in high school life has only just started.

i actually just got my report card today and had all a's and b's. but yes i understand that exactly and it makes alot of since. but i have now decided i definitely want the 176 G3 vinyl. and im not sure if i can find one used for sale

Crookedneck reply :

_{Keep working for what you want. A couple words of advice. When it comes time to put your boat together. 1.) make sure you have enough storage for what you plan on doing. If you plan on fishing tournaments and you are planning on having a partner, make sure it has room for at least one compartment for your partner. 2.) Don't skimp on the trolling motor. Get the biggest trolling motor you can afford. If you are going to go with a 17' - 17.5' I recommend at least a 65-80 # thrust. Some people will say it is over kill for an aluminum boat. One day you'll need it and it will keep you on spot when it counts.}

_{Good luck with the purchase. I too would recommend keeping your eye open for a used boat. You might get lucky and find a killer deal. If not, then buy new.}

Koofy Smacker reply :

On 3/14/2013 at 1:00 PM, Crookedneck said:

_{Keep working for what you want. A couple words of advice. When it comes time to put your boat together. 1.) make sure you have enough storage for what you plan on doing. If you plan on fishing tournaments and you are planning on having a partner, make sure it has room for at least one compartment for your partner. 2.) Don't skimp on the trolling motor. Get the biggest trolling motor you can afford. If you are going to go with a 17' - 17.5' I recommend at least a 65-80 # thrust. Some people will say it is over kill for an aluminum boat. One day you'll need it and it will keep you on spot when it counts.}

_{Good luck with the purchase. I too would recommend keeping your eye open for a used boat. You might get lucky and find a killer deal. If not, then buy new.}

When I bought mine it had a 40 on the front. Thought it was fine. Then I got stuck on the down wind side of a lake with a dying battery on a windy day... That spurred me to put in two batteries in parallel. By the end of the year I said screw it and got a 70 maxxum on the front off a fellow member and have been happy ever since!

Sam reply :

Go for it!

Send pics of the boat.

Dave P reply :

The one we fish out of has an 80. There are times where it doesn't feel big enough.

born2fish94 reply :

i just looked on the internet for the g3 176 vinyl (thats exactly what i want) and i was able to find some good used ones a whole lot cheaper, i dont have the money yet but im sure i can find some when i do

Oldplug reply :

Well if you can get a good used one 18 ft or better with a lot of freeboard I would suggest that. I have a lot of rough water experience both from storms and excessive cruiser traffic. To go out into either situation in a 16 to 17 ft shallow metal metal bass boat like a tracker is nothing but dangerous. I have had several boats. I would advise you to learn with something different. Even a calm lake can turn into a raging ocean in a storm. And if you are going to fish where there are heavy boats like cruisers and cigarette boats you can be swamped like slapping a fly with a swatter.

JellyMan reply :

Find a used 175 Pro Team.

That's what I'm looking to do in the future.

158

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