Boat Savvy

[IAKid52]

HELP! Somebody/Anybody. I am in the process of picking out a boat (used) for the upcoming season. I haven't had a boat for quite some time and am overwhelmed at all the brands and models that are on the market today. Currently I have my eyes on a couple of what I think are pretty nice boats. One is a 2005 Tracker Crappie Pro 175 w/60 Merc. Has all the toys. The other is a 2002 Bass Tracker Pro Deep V-16. This too has all the toys and a 60 Merc. I need some pro's and con's, if any, related to these two models. Will be fishing smaller local lakes here in Eastern IA., but also will be making trips to the bigger lakes in Missouri, KY/TN and MN/WS. I know these are two totally different styles of boats but feel either one would fill my needs. They are both sweet looking boats and have been taken well care of. I do realize that Trackers aren't quite the same as a Lund or Alumacraft boat, but money dictates. So any of you fishin buds that are knowledgeable in this area, please chime in. Any strenghts or weeknesses about these Tracker models, will be appreciated.

[mmaveal]

I have a 1993 Tracker tournament pro 17 semi-V hull with a 60 HP Johnson, 30# bow mount trolling motor. I bought it for $1600 about 10 years ago and it has been great ever since. I did have the motor gone through a few years after I bought it just to make sure it was in top notch shape. I added a rear mount 40# MinnKota because my wife and I like the quiet on small lakes. It sat in a guys garage for 7 years unused before I bought it. for a 21 year old boat it is great.

[Cray]

That pro crappie is a well laid out boat for fishing. The deepV a little tight on front for me. I would think if you don't do a lot of fishing on bigger rough water then the pro crappie is best bet.

[IAKid52]

Thanks for the helpful feedback. Will be going to see the Tracker 175 in person this weekend. Sounds like a great boat.

[bdunn3]

I would lean towards the bigger boat. More space. Good luck on your search!!!

[IAKid52]

Ended up going with the 2005 Tracker Pro Crappie 175. This is gonna be a great boat. Had to drive all the way up to Stevens Pt. WS. from Cedar Rapids, IA. to pick it up though. Has the 60hp Merc 4Stroke, a Humminbird 797c2i and a Humminbird 788c, MinnKota IPilot and a swing away tongue on the trailer so everything fits nice and neat in the garage. All I have to do now is find the Slabs.

[bdunn3]

Sounds awesome!! Good luck fishing with your new digs!!!

[IAKid52]

Thanks Slabmaster II. Wish I had some of the knowledge that you and your crappie hunting buddies have. Have much to learn.