Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW vs Crestliner VT 17 vs Lowe Stinger 175 2024

NorthernBasser reply :

As some may know, I'm in the market for my first 'real' boat. I wanted to stay used, and around $7,000. The the more I think about it, I may just go new (or a year or 2 old). I apologize for making another thread, but I wanted this one to be specific in hopes that people with these boats-or have had experience with them- will chime in.

So it's 3 mod-V's. I'd love to hear opinions on all/any of them. Is one better than the other, etc.

https://www.trackerboats.com/boat/?boat=4307

https://www.crestliner.com/vt/vt-17/

https://www.loweboats.com/stinger-bass-boats/stinger-175/

I saw a Lowe at Cabela's yesterday (thinking it was a 2007 model) marked down to $15,500, which seemed like a good price. Tho I don't know how Lowe stacks up to the other 2 brands. Also, every storage compartment I opened had water inside (it was outside). Are these compartments in these boats not sealed?

Thanks a ton for any info you can provide. This is harder than picking out a birthday present for your lady.

LoweStinger reply :

Lowe is a very good quality built boat and Bass Tracker will be more of a budget quality boat. I have owned many Bass Trackers and a few Lowe's being my current boat. The Lowe is all aluminum " No plywood on deck " and just built so much better compared to the Bass Tracker.

RUSS9999 reply :

I have a 2002 Lowe 180W. All the storage on it would get water in them when I got it. With just a little work, I can now fish in the rain with out water getting in them.

Goldstar225 reply :

While I don't dispute the quality of the Lowe or Crestliner I keep hearing the same old line about the wood in tracker. Neglect any boat and it won't last. My last tracker (a 1987 TX17) was 27 years old before the wood needed to be replaced. Not a hard job and the majority of the wood was still in fine shape. I had no hesitation in purchasing my 2018 PT 190, wood and all and I'm quite pleased with it.

NorthernBasser , look at the layout of each boat to select the one that works for you. there are really no bad boats out there. Bass Tracker is a best seller for a reason and it's not just about price, although that is a factor.

NorthernBasser reply :

Thanks for the replied guys. Yeah, I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever I get. Especially since I have nothing now.

What's your thoughts on the recessed area for the trolling motor foot control? I hear it's much more comfortable that way. But at the same time, I'm told since the cubby holes are only so big, you can't fit certain pedals in it, like the Minn Kota i-pilot.

Also, a friend told me upgrade to at least a 70lb/24v thrust trolling motor. Is that necessary? Is 45 and 55lb pretty insufficient?

Goldstar225 reply :

IMO the recessed tray is desirable but not critical. I upgraded to a 24V 70# trolling motor, but an 80# wouldn't be excessive. More power if needed and longer run times with the two batteries. My nephew has a PT 190 with the Minn Kota Terrova. He tells me that his foot pedal does not fit in the recess. Before I selected my trolling motor I looked to see if I could install a larger tray. I could but it would involve cutting into two rod tubes. I wasn't willing to since rod storage was big on my want to have list.

LoweStinger reply :

I personally don't like the tray setup because it would limit me on how I could use it while fishing to one side, I like to have the ability to move the pedal where I need it. 55 # is plenty for these boats but if you fish on a real windy days you would wish you had more because these boats are like a paper cup on top of the water and get blown all over the place quickly !

Yakalong reply :

As stated above, any of these boats are great boats as long as you take care of it. As for the recessed tray it would not be a deal breaker if the boat didn't have it. The 24v trolling motor is a must, you can't have to much power. Good luck with your search

J Francho reply :

Crestliner > Lowe > Tracker. I ran no less than a 24v 80 lb. on my 17' and 18' aluminum boats.

NorthernBasser reply :

On 4/2/2018 at 8:40 PM, LoweStinger said:

I personally don't like the tray setup because it would limit me on how I could use it while fishing to one side, I like to have the ability to move the pedal where I need it.

Never thought of that. But you can still take the pedal out and move it around, right?

And I do like the mod-v. But like you said, I am worried about how easily the slightest bit of wind may blow it around.

I wish you could test drive new boats like you can cars.

J Francho reply :

On 4/2/2018 at 11:04 PM, NorthernBasser said:

I wish you could test drive new boats like you can cars.

Have you asked the dealer for a test drive?

NorthernBasser reply :

On 4/2/2018 at 11:46 PM, J Francho said:

Have you asked the dealer for a test drive?

I have not. I didn't even think it was an option, from what some people have told me.

J Francho reply :

You should be able to test drive before spending that much. Most places up here are on the water, or close to water.

RUSS9999 reply :

I think the 12 volt 55lb is all you need. My 2002 Lowe 180W is 17' 10'' 86'' beam rated for a 150 have a 90 on it, 2 batteries 10 speeds Trolling Motor and all most never get over the second speed. It takes a lot of wind to turn it up to the 4th speed. At the end of a 8 hour day I have 75% or more left in the batteries. I like moving my foot control from right to left

LoweStinger reply :

@northern basserI don't want to scare you off with the wind thing because its really not that bad, I was just talking about extreme conditions, but any aluminum boat will still move around more than a glass boat with the wind just keep that in mind. Fishing isn't all that enjoyable with big wind anyway so its not like you will encounter it very often.

Phil B reply :

It's all a matter of opinion. Which is better Ford or Chevy?

I have a Lowe 170 with 80 hp evinrude. 45 lb thrust trolling motor. If I get another, it's gonna be a Lowe. That's my humble opinion.

Further North reply :

On 4/2/2018 at 9:48 PM, J Francho said:

Crestliner > Lowe > Tracker. I ran no less than a 24v 80 lb. on my 17' and 18' aluminum boats.

I would rate them the same way, and agree 100% on the trolling motor.

(I run a 36 volt, 112# TM on my 18 1/2' Crestliner, but I'm nuts...)

NorthernBasser reply :

Thanks again all!

What's your thoughts on this rig? Good deal? Not so much? I like that I wouldn't have to upgrade the trolling motor.

https://madison.craigslist.org/boa/d/2004-bass-tracker-pt-175/6550050801.html

Now, I have a really dumb question. Does boat color matter to fish? Meaning, in clearer water, are they more likely to be spooked by a brighter colored boat? I've read before that this can be the case, but I just don't know. And if so, is it more the color of the bottom of the boat that's actually in the water. or can the color outside the water affect it too (asking because this particular boat id red, but has silver hull).

je1946 reply :

Just adding my 2 cents to the post in regard to the TM. I would definitely go with a 24V TM. You can never have too much TM, and for a few hundred more it's well worth the investment. I have a 12V 55 on my older deep V and by the end of the day with steady 15-20 mph breeze i'm going no where. I'm replacing it this spring to a 24V 80 and never looking back. Lesson learned.

NorthernBasser reply :

So, regarding that 2004 Tracker I posted in my last post, in this article it mentions that the 75HP outboard is pretty heavy (375lbs).

http://www.trackerboats.com/pressroommedia/pdfs/215_bwblightfantastic.pdf

From the article:

On the other hand, the OptiMax 75 is a heavy outboard, and when it’s on the transom of a light hull such as the PT175, it tends to make the boat sit a lot more bow-high when the trolling motor is down — and to be quite trim sensitive when the boat is running at speed. One tick too much on the trim switch and the bow begins porpoising.

You think this is really a big deal? Looking at the pic in the article, does the bow seem higher than usual with the trolling motor down?

Thanks again guys. I know I'm being a headache with all these questions.

J Francho reply :

That boat seems a little overpriced.

je1946 reply :

On 4/3/2018 at 12:33 PM, NorthernBasser said:

So, regarding that 2004 Tracker I posted in my last post, in this article it mentions that the 75HP outboard is pretty heavy (375lbs).

http://www.trackerboats.com/pressroommedia/pdfs/215_bwblightfantastic.pdf

From the article:

On the other hand, the OptiMax 75 is a heavy outboard, and when it’s on the transom of a light hull such as the PT175, it tends to make the boat sit a lot more bow-high when the trolling motor is down — and to be quite trim sensitive when the boat is running at speed. One tick too much on the trim switch and the bow begins porpoising.

You think this is really a big deal? Looking at the pic in the article, does the bow seem higher than usual with the trolling motor down?

Thanks again guys. I know I'm being a headache with all these questions.

Only way to find out is to take it for a test ride. If I'm not fimiliar or sure of a boat I'm buying I wouldn't buy it without taking it for a test run. Tons of boats around used and new, take your time and be sure because your going to own it.

Goldstar225 reply :

I agree that the boat is a bit over priced, at least for my area, don't know about your region. The 75 HP is a plus but I would have it checked out by a marine mechanic. My brother has a 2005 model of that boat. His only complaint is that it has a 50 on it. He paid $8000.00 for it five years ago.

LoweStinger reply :

Bass Trackers naturally sit high in the front and low in the back, I have had 165 175 185 models and they all sat the same. As for the boat price, It May seem a Little high but take into consideration this,

1: Has upgraded 75hp optimax motor, A big $$ plus, They normally come with 50 hp. standard them years.

2: Has upgraded Trolling motor $$ plus

3: Has upgraded electronics $$ plus x2

4: The biggest thing of all is the condition is mint for that year !!! Means he took care of it and has little use !

5: Also consider supply and demand, and you don't find them well kept like that to often complete with all the upgrades.

It really does look like a great boat and I would be all over it if I was looking for a used aluminum bass boat because of everything I listed, You wont have to put anything into it !! I'm sure you could work him down a little but its still worth it IMO.

J Francho reply :

I bought my Bullet 21XDC with a Merc Racing 2.5L w/ a sporty and a Trophy+ prop for $8500.

The Tracker is in nice shape, but it's not worth $8000.

LoweStinger reply :

@J Francho I do understand what you are saying but You are comparing apples to oranges here though, Aluminum bass boats keep a high value because they are in more demand to the average weekend guy. In my area at least they are like gold around here if under 10K, soon as one comes up its gone and most of them are beat up..

J Francho reply :

My 2005 18' Xpress H18 with a Mercury 115, upgraded Garmin electronics, blinker trim, HotFoot, air ride bike seats, etc. was $6500, FIVE YEARS AGO. Please tell me why that Tracker is such a good deal? It's a 15 year old, entry level boat, made by robots with thin aluminum. They're a value packed starter boat. The boat in the craigslist ad is overpriced.

12poundbass reply :

I think the seller of the Tracker is trying to get his money back on what he paid for the TM and electronics several years ago. I don't know if boat add ons are like vehicle add ons but you don't get nearly as much back as you have invested into the extras. I do agree that the 75hp is a big plus and does add a little value since most are 50 or 60 but I'd say $6k maybe $6500 if fair. I wouldn't hesitate paying $6500 for it.

J Francho reply :

Those graphs are almost 10 years old.

12poundbass reply :

On 4/3/2018 at 9:48 PM, J Francho said:

Those graphs are almost 10 years old.

My point exactly. That's the only thing I can come up with for why it might be that much is because he's trying to get full retail back on old electronics.

I have a small dealer by me who was trying to sell a '13 175TXW with a 24v on it only had a 50 on the back and he wanted $19k for it! You can buy a brand new one with a 60 and a 12v for just over $19k out the door. Needless to say it sat forever out at the road uncovered for almost a year.

LoweStinger reply :

I didn't mean to get a argument going here LOL

12poundbass reply :

On 4/3/2018 at 11:01 PM, LoweStinger said:

I didn't mean to get a argument going here LOL

Lol there's no argument, just a friendly debate/difference of opinions which both are good things from time to time. ????

J Francho reply :

On 4/3/2018 at 11:01 PM, LoweStinger said:

I didn't mean to get a argument going here LOL

On 4/3/2018 at 11:03 PM, 12poundbass said:

Lol there's no argument, just a friendly debate/difference of opinions which both are good things from time to time. ????

No argument, man.

Just friendly debate, and trying to help the OP get the best deal/right boat.

All about da bass reply :

On 4/3/2018 at 11:51 AM, NorthernBasser said:

Thanks again all!

What's your thoughts on this rig? Good deal? Not so much? I like that I wouldn't have to upgrade the trolling motor.

https://madison.craigslist.org/boa/d/2004-bass-tracker-pt-175/6550050801.html

Now, I have a really dumb question. Does boat color matter to fish? Meaning, in clearer water, are they more likely to be spooked by a brighter colored boat? I've read before that this can be the case, but I just don't know. And if so, is it more the color of the bottom of the boat that's actually in the water. or can the color outside the water affect it too (asking because this particular boat id red, but has silver hull).

Sweet ride man, I actually had one very similar to that one before I bought my fiberglass boat. It ran great and still going. I sold it to a friend of mine and he takes care of it and he still able to fish tournaments with it, no issues. Good trolling motor from what I can see and it's a good starter fish finder. That's the same one I had before I bough a few helix's. Good luck on your boat. Hope you get what you want.

RUSS9999 reply :

On 4/3/2018 at 9:30 PM, J Francho said:

My 2005 18' Xpress H18 with a Mercury 115, upgraded Garmin electronics, blinker trim, HotFoot, air ride bike seats, etc. was $6500, FIVE YEARS AGO. Please tell me why that Tracker is such a good deal? It's a 15 year old, entry level boat, made by robots with thin aluminum. They're a value packed starter boat. The boat in the craigslist ad is overpriced.

Here in north Mo. you would have given $8500 or more for the Xpress H18 and $6500 or less for the bullet 21XDC The 2005 Tracker $7500 or more

RUSS9999 reply :

On 4/3/2018 at 11:49 PM, RUSS9999 said:

Here in north Mo. you would have given $8500 or more for the Xpress H18 and $6500 or less for the bullet 21XDC The 2005 Tracker $7500 or more

Take the 115 off the H18 and put a 90 on it, then it would be $10,000

J Francho reply :

Well, that doesn't make sense at all, but then again, I've never shopped for a boat in Missouri. Why would a boat that has an underrated motor sell for more than one with the maximum. Let alone, then sell for less than a much lower quality hull. And why on earth would a high performance glass boat, with a hand built motor running at over 260 hp sell for even less than the Tracker. None of this makes any sense in normal used boat market conditions. Either there's some special circumstances, some excuse not revealed, you're pulling my chain, or you are just a huge fan of Tracker. It's pretty easy to go up to any national used boat site and check out used prices.

38 Super Fan reply :

On 4/3/2018 at 9:23 PM, LoweStinger said:

@J Francho I do understand what you are saying but You are comparing apples to oranges here though, Aluminum bass boats keep a high value because they are in more demand to the average weekend guy. In my area at least they are like gold around here if under 10K, soon as one comes up its gone and most of them are beat up..

Tracker boats hold their value surprisingly well around here too. I was looking at an 06 Tracker 190 w115 Merc locally for $11k several months ago. Heck, it wasn't even in very good shape. But that's pretty much the going rate on them around here.

You can get a way better deal on a used glass boat. (here anyway) I ended up giving $11k for an 04 Skeeter 190 that was in excellent shape with low hours.

RUSS9999 reply :

On 4/4/2018 at 1:29 AM, J Francho said:

Well, that doesn't make sense at all, but then again, I've never shopped for a boat in Missouri. Why would a boat that has an underrated motor sell for more than one with the maximum. Let alone, then sell for less than a much lower quality hull. And why on earth would a high performance glass boat, with a hand built motor running at over 260 hp sell for even less than the Tracker. None of this makes any sense in normal used boat market conditions. Either there's some special circumstances, some excuse not revealed, you're pulling my chain, or you are just a huge fan of Tracker. It's pretty easy to go up to any national used boat site and check out used prices.

North Mo. has a lot of little lakes that or 10hp, one that is 90ph. That H18 is gold with a 90 on it. With the 115 they would take 115 off the hood and but 90 on it and hope they didn't get a 200$ fine. Anything with a 60 to 90hp is what they all are looking for. No I am not a Tracker fane, did have a flat bottom 83 Tracker Tx with a 75 that I sold for $4400 ''not much of a boat'' now have a Lowe 180W with a 90 that I made a 2 day trip for

J Francho reply :

On 4/4/2018 at 2:29 AM, RUSS9999 said:

North Mo. has a lot of little lakes that or 10hp, one that is 90ph. That H18 is gold with a 90 on it. With the 115 they would take 115 off the hood and but 90 on it and hope they didn't get a 200$ fine. Anything with a 60 to 90hp is what they all are looking for. No I am not a Tracker fane, did have a flat bottom 83 Tracker Tx with a 75 that I sold for $4400 ''not much of a boat'' now have a Lowe 180W with a 90 that I made a 2 day trip for

I knew there were mitigating/hidden circumstances. Keep in mind, the OP is in Wisconsin and doesn't have these restrictions. Please tailor your responses and advice accordingly. Holding back pertinent info doesn't make your advice better, and clouds the thread with advice that may not apply.

On 4/4/2018 at 2:24 AM, 38 Super Fan said:

You can get a way better deal on a used glass boat. (here anyway) I ended up giving $11k for an 04 Skeeter 190 that was in excellent shape with low hours.

A lot times, southern glass boats sell a little cheaper because the impression is they're used year round, and well, in the sun all day. That's why my Bullet was so cheap. It was a Memphis boat.

RUSS9999 reply :

On 4/4/2018 at 2:35 AM, J Francho said:

I knew there were mitigating/hidden circumstances. Keep in mind, the OP is in Wisconsin and doesn't have these restrictions. Please tailor your responses and advice accordingly. Holding back pertinent info doesn't make your advice better, and clouds the thread with advice that may not apply.

A lot times, southern glass boats sell a little cheaper because the impression is they're used year round, and well, in the sun all day. That's why my Bullet was so cheap. It was a Memphis boat.

Sorry, guess I was of no help. In South Mo it would be different. The Bullet would bring a lot more and The X18 would need a 150 on it and so would my Lowe 180W. So yes I don't know if $8000 is to much for the 2005 Tracker where he is at.

J Francho reply :

On 4/4/2018 at 3:07 AM, RUSS9999 said:

Sorry, guess I was of no help.

A lot of people look and don't comment on these types of threads. Maybe some people in your area caught a tidbit they can use.

Further North reply :

On 4/3/2018 at 12:33 PM, NorthernBasser said:

So, regarding that 2004 Tracker I posted in my last post, in this article it mentions that the 75HP outboard is pretty heavy (375lbs).

http://www.trackerboats.com/pressroommedia/pdfs/215_bwblightfantastic.pdf

From the article:

On the other hand, the OptiMax 75 is a heavy outboard, and when it’s on the transom of a light hull such as the PT175, it tends to make the boat sit a lot more bow-high when the trolling motor is down — and to be quite trim sensitive when the boat is running at speed. One tick too much on the trim switch and the bow begins porpoising.

You think this is really a big deal? Looking at the pic in the article, does the bow seem higher than usual with the trolling motor down?

Thanks again guys. I know I'm being a headache with all these questions.

If I had to pick between that Tracker and the Crestliner Fish Hawks you were looking at last week, I'd pick the Crestliners every time.

More versatile for the water I fish, which is a lot like the water you fish, I am guessing...since we are only a couple hours apart.

...if that Opti 75 weights that much...yeah, that seems heavy to me. A Suzki DF140 weighs 410...

...there's a 2011 Tracker just like that up in the Twin Cities for a grand more...so put me in the "overpriced" boat with @J Francho

Yeah, pun intended....

Further North reply :

On 4/3/2018 at 11:51 AM, NorthernBasser said:

Now, I have a really dumb question. Does boat color matter to fish? Meaning, in clearer water, are they more likely to be spooked by a brighter colored boat? I've read before that this can be the case, but I just don't know. And if so, is it more the color of the bottom of the boat that's actually in the water. or can the color outside the water affect it too (asking because this particular boat id red, but has silver hull).

Short answer: No.

NorthernBasser reply :

A usual, great stuff guys. I love this place. Thanks.

I think I really need to figure out if I want a deep V or a mod V, and then go from there.

38 Super Fan reply :

On 4/4/2018 at 2:35 AM, J Francho said:

A lot times, southern glass boats sell a little cheaper because the impression is they're used year round, and well, in the sun all day. That's why my Bullet was so cheap. It was a Memphis boat.

Don't sell yourself short, you've gotta be a pretty smart shopper. I've looked at quite a few Bullets for sale, and it's rare to find a cheap one.

NorthernBasser reply :

On 4/4/2018 at 7:19 AM, Further North said:

If I had to pick between that Tracker and the Crestliner Fish Hawks you were looking at last week, I'd pick the Crestliners every time.

More versatile for the water I fish, which is a lot like the water you fish, I am guessing...since we are only a couple hours apart.

Yeah, I think the one (or 2) things that I like about the mod V is the more flush casting decks, and the fact that I can get in shallower water with ease.

But I'm totally aware of the pro's for the deeper V's as well.

My head is spinnnnning.

J Francho reply :

On 4/4/2018 at 9:06 AM, NorthernBasser said:

My head is spinnnnning.

I'm with you. My budget is a little bigger than yours, and I'm so tempted to go with a another "bass boat" even though what I really need is a deep-v with an open cockpit and front deck. I want to fish typical largemouth bass slakes, Great Lakes and Oneida smallmouth, as well as get back to trolling for trout and salmon occasionally. That calls for a deep-v, but man, $40-50K can get you a sweet bass boat.

LoweStinger reply :

On 4/4/2018 at 9:09 PM, J Francho said:

I'm so tempted to go with a another "bass boat" even though what I really need is a deep-v with an open cockpit and front deck.

You need a Lund Pro-V Bass boat then, has the best of both worlds !

J Francho reply :

On 4/5/2018 at 12:14 AM, LoweStinger said:

You need a Lund Pro-V Bass boat then, has the best of both worlds !

It's a little out of my range. I also feel like I want to get one that fits our limited HP/length (10/17') lakes as well. That allows a huge budget for Electronics, kicker TM, bow TM, shallow anchors, etc. I can't seem to outfit a Pro-V Bass 1875 for less than $60.

A-Jay reply :

On 4/5/2018 at 1:17 AM, J Francho said:

It's a little out of my range. I also feel like I want to get one that fits our limited HP/length (10/17') lakes as well. That allows a huge budget for Electronics, kicker TM, bow TM, shallow anchors, etc. I can't seem to outfit a Pro-V Bass 1875 for less than $60.

Although there's not much I don't like about it - trolling for trout/salmon while do-able, might be more work than fun. (unless you rigged it right - I don't do it so mine clearly is not).

Also J - Get something Crazy Good - you deserve it and you ain't getting any younger man . . .

:smiley:

A-Jay

J Francho reply :

I've had Michelle looking at boats with me.... Once we figure out our combined financial situation, as well as any new *career paths*, the search will get much more serious.

A-Jay reply :

On 4/5/2018 at 2:36 AM, J Francho said:

I've had Michelle looking at boats with me.... Once we figure out our combined financial situation, as well as any new *career paths*, the search will get much more serious.

Best of luck to you Both ~

But you don't need it.

A-Jay

Further North reply :

On 4/5/2018 at 1:17 AM, J Francho said:

It's a little out of my range. I also feel like I want to get one that fits our limited HP/length (10/17') lakes as well. That allows a huge budget for Electronics, kicker TM, bow TM, shallow anchors, etc. I can't seem to outfit a Pro-V Bass 1875 for less than $60.

You've looked at the Crestliner Bass Hawks?

J Francho reply :

On 4/5/2018 at 10:34 AM, Further North said:

You've looked at the Crestliner Bass Hawks?

Yes, and for the same reasons of layout and length, it's probably not a good fit. I need a boat that can accommodate a kicker, has an open floor plan, front casting deck, able to be set for trolling, be less than 17' and set up for trolling for trout and salmon, as well as the typical LMB and SMB fishing I do. I fish Ontario and Erie frequently, so I'd prefer something that can handle big water. It's looking like a Pro Guide 1675. Comes in around $45-50 rigged the way I want.

12poundbass reply :

On 4/5/2018 at 8:20 PM, J Francho said:

Yes, and for the same reasons of layout and length, it's probably not a good fit. I need a boat that can accommodate a kicker, has an open floor plan, front casting deck, able to be set for trolling, be less than 17' and set up for trolling for trout and salmon, as well as the typical LMB and SMB fishing I do. I fish Ontario and Erie frequently, so I'd prefer something that can handle big water. It's looking like a Pro Guide 1675. Comes in around $45-50 rigged the way I want.

Maybe Vexus will have what you want in the near future. ????

J Francho reply :

I doubt that. None of those guys are known for deep-v designs. Lund is.

Swbass15 reply :

Just reading through and having looked at tin boats one thing I found is people have financed the living hell out of them. Low like payments little down payment means they are upside down and trying to recover that cost. Maybe that’s my local area here and our economics but has seemed to effect boat prices here.

J Francho reply :

I generally pay cash for my boats. This one will be finance, though. Probably the last boat I'll buy. As far upside down, or right side up, I just consider it an add on to the eventual lake house we'll be getting.

12poundbass reply :

On 4/5/2018 at 8:53 PM, J Francho said:

I generally pay cash for my boats. This one will be finance, though. Probably the last boat I'll buy. As far upside down, or right side up, I just consider it an add on to the eventual lake house we'll be getting.

I don't follow boat manufacturers too closely so I don't know, but are there even any v and deep-v manufacturers in the south. Seems like most are up here and most if not all bass boats are made down south.

J Francho reply :

Almost all the glass boat builders have a deep - V multi species line. Ranger, Triton, Nitro, Stratos, etc.

12poundbass reply :

On 4/5/2018 at 9:41 PM, J Francho said:

Almost all the glass boat builders have a deep - V multi species line. Ranger, Triton, Nitro, Stratos, etc.

See I told you I didn't know crap! ????

J Francho reply :

On 4/5/2018 at 9:45 PM, 12poundbass said:

See I told you I didn't know crap! ????

Bah, don't sweat it, unless you're buying. I've been doing the research for a couple years now. I've had a semi-v rowboat with a 8hp, then a 15' V with a 50 tiller, then a 17' V with a 50 tiller, then an 18' mod-v/hyperlift Xpress aluminum bass boat with a 115, then a 22' glass bass boat with a Merc Racing 2.5 V6. I pretty much have tried all the options.

Another boat to look for, for the OP is a Tuffy. The X-170 is one of the few glass boats I'd consider. They made up north, and designed for our waters.

http://www.tuffyboats.com/boats.asp?class=10

LoweStinger reply :

On 4/5/2018 at 10:02 PM, J Francho said:

Bah, don't sweat it, unless you're buying. I've been doing the research for a couple years now. I've had a semi-v rowboat with a 8hp, then a 15' V with a 50 tiller, then a 17' V with a 50 tiller, then an 18' mod-v/hyperlift Xpress aluminum bass boat with a 115, then a 22' glass bass boat with a Merc Racing 2.5 V6. I pretty much have tried all the options.

Another boat to look for, for the OP is a Tuffy. The X-170 is one of the few glass boats I'd consider. They made up north, and designed for our waters.

http://www.tuffyboats.com/boats.asp?class=10

Have you looked at the Nitro ZV18 ?

J Francho reply :

I've looked at them. It's too big for restricted waters, and Nitro is nowhere near my list potential brands.

Further North reply :

On 4/5/2018 at 8:20 PM, J Francho said:

Yes, and for the same reasons of layout and length, it's probably not a good fit. I need a boat that can accommodate a kicker, has an open floor plan, front casting deck, able to be set for trolling, be less than 17' and set up for trolling for trout and salmon, as well as the typical LMB and SMB fishing I do. I fish Ontario and Erie frequently, so I'd prefer something that can handle big water. It's looking like a Pro Guide 1675. Comes in around $45-50 rigged the way I want.

Good choice.

I'm glad I don't have to work within the constraints you've got.

I had a 1750 for a while and it was just a little to small for me.

J Francho reply :

Console or tiller? That's why I'm looking at tiller - space. I fished out of my buddy's Rebel 1675 XS tiller. He put an 18" extension on the front deck, and three of us fished comfortably, so long as we didn't bring too many rods each. The Pro Guide line has ton's more rod storage. I'm totally comfortable with the tiller configuration. I'm tempted to go up to the 1850, and just fish those restricted lakes from my kayak. That's a lot more boat for just around $5K more.

Anyway, sorry OP for making this all about me, lol. Hopefully there's good info for you as well.

Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW vs Crestliner VT 17 vs Lowe Stinger 175 2024

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