Where to Start Back (Boat Question)

[deltarat]

I have a 04 Tracker 175 with no issues.

[DockShootinJack]

When it comes to comfort walking around, I like a center console with a railing over the console. When it gets choppy or windy it’s nice to have that to grab onto.

That will be my next one. Aluminum, wide and probably 20 foot long.

[FishingTheMidsouth]

The biggest issue IMHO with Tracker is that they can cost more than the competition. Here's the reasoning:
Cheap, underpowered trolling motor, cheap fish finders, underpowered main motor.

While you can spend more and get a bigger motor, but the trolling motor and low end depth finders are already installed and are often aren't worth much on the used market. Once you've paid to replace those items, you're out a few grand easily.

The draw is that price point, but unless you're willing to settle, that price point is gone quickly.

Sent from my BE2025 using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[skeetbum]

A very good point. I see lots of the new trackers with the base package. I’m not a boat snob that has to have the very best and be better than my neighbor. But put an undersized TM on the front of any boat in a good wind and you’ll be going home. I went down that path in the past and replacing the TM with one up to the task with an auto pilot (I pilot was another $500) took all of $1500 at that time. Then add electronics and batteries and charger and the wallet starts to whimper for a little mercy. I’m not beating on just tracker, others do it also. My point is to go into this with eyes wide open and be patient. There’s good boats on the used market, and looking is kinda fun too. Good luck in your search and holler if we can help. Hope you find one that you’ll keep for a long time with a smile on your face.

[BuckeyeCrappie]

That will be my next one. Aluminum, wide and probably 20 foot long.

Me too. Definitely a boat with a had railing.

[KMack]

https://vicsboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1995-Ranger-Fisherman-Mercury-150-XRi-99K-16.jp

I think this model would be atop my short list.

[catfishtoon]

I picked up a 8 yr old tracker recently. After the 1200 dollar trolling motor and the 2300 im fixing to spend on electronics, im still less than half of the price of a new base model of the same size.

[Oldnslow]

After 35 years in big glass boats, I downsized for crappie fishing to an Xpress XP7, 17 ft., 70 hp Yamaha 4 stroke. very wide, can fish two up front easy, or one in the back. Not a hot rod with the 70, but almost 40 mph with two on board. This was $18,500 in 2018. Wife and I are very happy with it. Good performance, trims easily, works great with 24 volt, 80# trolling motor. And catches lots of east Texas crappie!

[claytonsdad]

I picked up a 8 yr old tracker recently. After the 1200 dollar trolling motor and the 2300 im fixing to spend on electronics, im still less than half of the price of a new base model of the same size.

That brings up another question. With all the advances in electronics, would a guy be better off to spend a little less on the boat and more on the trolling motor and electronics? I've been thinking about that recently.

Sent from my SM-A102U using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[CrappiePappy]

That brings up another question. With all the advances in electronics, would a guy be better off to spend a little less on the boat and more on the trolling motor and electronics? I've been thinking about that recently.

Sent from my SM-A102U using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

My opinion says ... the boat gets you from point A to Point B, so as long as it's safe & comfy for the waters you fish, then what it costs is secondary. The TM & electronics are what puts & keeps you on the fish. So, if you can swing it, then I think you're headed in the right direction.