Tracker Boats

[roybuoy]

my friend has a tracker like the one you are looking at,good all around crappie boat

[Charger]

All I fish for is crappie. I do like the tracker crappie boat, except it is so narrow. Not sure I would like that. Theres a lot more room to move around on the 18.
It will be a bit before I can afford one, just trying to get a few comments on the Tracker line. I know where I fish, it seems 2 out of 5 boats on the lake are Trackers.

[whizkids]

I personally like a lower platform for crappie fishing. The boat you are looking at seems to be a bass boat, which suits some anglers quite well for a variety of species. CP had some excelent points, especially on packaged horse power. As to quality? USE the NADA website to look at used values. How well a rig holds it's value is one good indicator of angler confidence in the quality.

[CrappiePappy]

I liked the Tracker Crappie outfit, as well .... but, like you, I didn't much care for the narrowness of it. Now, if it had been built with a wider transom, been able to carry a motor bigger than a 75hp, and had a modified V hull .... I'd have bought one a couple of years ago ... even with a Merc on it. But, after looking around and finding the G3 & Xpress lines of boats, and finding their prices to be competitive with a comparable Tracker & hp -- I sort of bumped Trackers to the bottom of the list ... even though the tracker dealer is <30mins away (and I've known the family owners for 30+ years), and the other two dealers are 1.5hrs away (one way).
I've fished out of my buddy's TX17 for years ... he has a 50hp Merc on it. It struggles with more than 2 people & gear. And it doesn't get very good gas milage - even with just the two of us (estimated @ a little over 2mpg). It's rated for an 80hp (older, riveted model). The flat bottom allows it to draft in very shallow water - but, also allows the wind to push you around easily, too. It's a rough ride in choppy water, and it rocks easily in boat wakes or when one angler moves around in the boat. Then again, it IS a aluminum boat ... that's just some of the tradeoffs you make, when getting aluminum.

I can't tell you that a G3 or Xpress are "better" ... cause I've never had either one, nor fished from either one. I just like the layout, specs, and the motors they come with, better (Yamaha). I'm in the market for a new boat, myself. And I've looked at Tracker, G3, Xpress, Lowe, Crestliner, Lund, and Alumaweld. For my purposes ... G3 & Xpress seem to have more in line with what I'm looking for. We may fish totally different, and on different types of water bodies ... so, bare that in mind. I just wanted to make sure you understood that the dealers rep and service are as important as price or brand. And it is very important that you get what you want, within your price range. And that you are aware of "sales gimmicks/tactics" that can leave you with less boat/motor than you really need. Shop around - take your time - study up on the options (and how that affects the end price) .... you'll be glad you did. ........ luck2ya .......cp

[CrappieHead]

If I was in the new boat market for a Crappie fishing boat I would have to look really hard at the newly redesigned line of Lowe Boats. I have never been a big fan of Lowes Boats but for 2006 they are leading the pack in my mind.

STINGER 175
7° WIDETRAC MOD-V CRAPPIE
Designed to crappie fishing specifications, this super-wide 85" wide hull is one of the most stable fishing platforms available - all while running and handling better with smaller outboards. The 175's deck provides a huge 20 cu ft of storage, an extra-long 9'-6" rod locker, plus two 23 gallon divided livewell/baitwell combos featuring super-reliable Flow-Rite® plumbing & timers to satisfy the most dedicated crappie angler

Standard pre-rigged package includes your choice of outboard* (up to 75 hp), Motor Guide® FW46FB trolling motor, Navman® 4430 Fishfinder with temp, choice of two color coordinated exterior/interior schemes, full Teleflex® instrumentation, 13 gallon built-in gas tank with in-dash gauge, TufDeck™ aluminum decks and floor liner, 16 oz. stain resistant carpet and a painted bunk trailer w/ swing tongue.

Length 17’5" (5.31m)
Beam 85" (2.16m)
Bottom Width 60" (1.52m)
Side Depth 21" (.53m)
Transom Height 20" (.50m)
Person Cap. Wt. 550 (4) (249kg)
Approx. Hull Wt. 1,110 (503kg)
Max. Wt. Cap 1,010 (458kg)
Max. HP Cap. 75 (56kw)
Hull Gauge .100 (2.5mm)
Fuel Capacity 13 gal. (49L)
Pkg. Length (Tongue In) 20’8" (6.3m)

[Charger]

Hey that Lowe boat looks good. I like the fact it has a livewell in front and back.
Yes it seems I have alot more research to do. Thanks for all the comments.
Decisions decisions!

[CrappieHead]

Hey that Lowe boat looks good. I like the fact it has a livewell in front and back.
Yes it seems I have alot more research to do. Thanks for all the comments.
Decisions decisions!

I like several things about this boat. The lower front casting deck, the 3 pedestal seat holes in the front deck and lots of storage space. The wider boat, and the long rod box.

[Mo'nBack]

Hey that Lowe boat looks good. I like the fact it has a livewell in front and back.

I bought mine in 2002 and it is the first I've owned with a livewell. It's in the back and I won't buy another one without one in the front. Lot more handier.

[frank lawhead]

i Bought A Lowe 170wv In June ...ran It Till Oct In Il. ,brought It To Fl. In Oct And Fish
A 27,000 -shallow Lake [wind Blows Al The Time] It Gives A Dry Smooth Ride ...
it Would Be Hard To Find A Better Crappie Boat For The Money ....90 Hp. Merc.pushes It 38-40

[Charger]

So compared to a Tracker, how much price difference is there?