Bass Tracker boats

[ibanezfoo]

[Irishfisher]

They are good boats. But, they are entry level bass boats. The company goal was to make them the most affordable to the consumer, and they have. They are still the most affordable new aluminum bass boat despite inflation.

I have owned two in the past. First, I owned a used 1987 V-17. It was a great little boat that did what I needed it to do. But, I do a lot of slow trolling for white bass and I got tired of all the smoke from the 60hp 2-stroke motor. So, in 2002, I replaced it with a used 2000 Pro Team 175, with a 50hp 4-stroke. I loved that boat and used until last summer. Even though I kept it garaged, it was starting to show it's age (upholstery cracking and carpet wearing out).

Last summer I started searching for a replacement boat. I was looking at the Tracker PRO TEAM 175 and the Ranger RT178. I was having a hard time finding used boats for sale and the used boat prices were rather inflated and close to new boat prices. So, I was leaning toward new. I looked at both boats and found both to be satisfactory for my needs. The craftsmanship on the Ranger was clearly superior and the price was only slightly higher. In the end, I found a 2020 Ranger RT178 with minimal hours for an excellent deal. It is clearly a step up from the Trackers

I guess the bottom line is I would recommend a Bass Tracker. They served me well for about 25 years.

[ibanezfoo]

Thank you for that. I genuinely appreciate you sharing your experience. The only boat we’ve had was a 20’ speed boat with a big ol’ engine way back in the day. I don’t know a ton about the bass boat world. The Nitros were nice but not triple the price or more if the little Tracker nice. Trying to decide if the Tracker is $200 a month nice…

[G-forceJunkie]

IF your not sure, buy a used one, use it a season, and then sell it for not much less than you paid for it. Cheap way to try before dropping alot of money and depriciation on a new boat.

[SonofWWIIDI]

A friend has one and has been pretty happy with it overall.

IIRC, there were some minor new vehicle crap that needed some attention, but it’s generally been decent boat. I’ve fished on it enough times to say they seem pretty solid.

[theduracellbigd]

They have been making them a long time so that should tell you something. If they produced junk, they would not stay in business. I had an old 87 Sea Nymph aluminum bass boat, 17 foot side console , front and rear pedestal seats, semi v, with a Mercury 60hp. Very similar to Bass Trackers. I loved that boat. I had the old foot operated trolling motor. 2 stroke engine. It fished two guys comfortably. The four strokes, and newer trolling motors are nice upgrades with today's boats.
Go for it.

[the_tunaman]

They are great - my first bass boat was a Pro Team 175 I bought new in 2005. It served me well on the So Cal lakes and let me decide whether I wanted to commit to the sport and lifestyle.

I finally decided I needed a bigger, faster boat when I launched at the south ramp at Oroville and made my way to the north end, and got lapped by every bigger boat on the way I ended up trading it in on my Ranger Z20.

They are well designed and well built, and a very good value IMHO.

[JagerDog]

Haven't owned one, but fished a few. If they fit your fishing style, they're a decent value. I'm more an ocean guy so need a different shape hull and layout.

[ibanezfoo]

Well, finally got the boat. Thanks for the input. 2023 Pro Team 175 TF. 60hp motor for a little better gas usage and we dont really need to go faster than 30-35 anyway. Ended up getting new as our roof project was under budget by a bit so the boat budget got bigger. Looked at used but honestly for as old as they were they were basically asking list price for when that year was new. 10 years old, no warranty or anything. Half of them didn't have titles for everything (in TX we have to have boat, motor, and trailer titles). So I said screw it buy once cry once.

[Irishfisher]

You won't regret it. They are good boats. If possible, keep it garaged. The carpet and upholstery will last longer.

[Tunis]

I've got a '99 Tracker PT185 and have no regrets, however I did get it super cheap from a buddy. It had a 75hp 2-stroke and got tired of dealing with cold starts and repowered with a 115 mercury 4-stroke and she cranks over everytime. The thing I like about a used boat is that I don't have to worry about banging up the hull, it's pretty much a beater that gets me on the water.

Anyways, congrats on the new boat! I see you're in Wimberly...I'm in New Braufels! Howdy Neighbor!

Tight lines!!!

[sealocan]

I have owned a bunch of boats in my lifetime but none of that bass fishing boat style.

It looks good to me especially in that nice racing dark red color.
I think you made the right decision to buy new because everyone with used vehicles of any type it's asking too much right nowand when you mention your state requires everything to have a title, it's a no-brainer.

Congratulations on your new boat!

When do we all schedule the Calguns group boating?

[ibanezfoo]

I've got a '99 Tracker PT185 and have no regrets, however I did get it super cheap from a buddy. It had a 75hp 2-stroke and got tired of dealing with cold starts and repowered with a 115 mercury 4-stroke and she cranks over everytime. The thing I like about a used boat is that I don't have to worry about banging up the hull, it's pretty much a beater that gets me on the water.

Anyways, congrats on the new boat! I see you're in Wimberly...I'm in New Braufels! Howdy Neighbor!

Tight lines!!!

I bought the boat from the New Braunfels Tracker dealer. Good folks in there. One thing I did not want was a 2 stroke. Loud, pain in the *** to start, oil? I don?t have patience for that. I?m like 20 mins from Canyon Lake so I?ll probably be there most of the time, if I can find an open ramp. The lake is about 15? low from what I understand.

Got the TF instead of the TXW as it’s gunnels are a little higher, the seats are a lot better, and the live wells are a little different. Works more for a generic fishing boat rather than tailored just for bass.

[ibanezfoo]

I have owned a bunch of boats in my lifetime but none of that bass fishing boat style.

It looks good to me especially in that nice racing dark red color.
I think you made the right decision to buy new because everyone with used vehicles of any type it's asking too much right nowand when you mention your state requires everything to have a title, it's a no-brainer.

Congratulations on your new boat!

When do we all schedule the Calguns group boating?

Thanks! Never had a bass boat either. Family had a semi V hot rod jet boat with a big 460 in it way way back in the day. I loved that thing and I?m hoping my kid will love this one like I did. He’s the one that pressured me into getting it. Jump up and down in it and rolling all over “dad get this one! I love it! It’s the best boat ever!” Telling the sales guy “yeah we want this one, we’ll take it”. Today he wrote me a list of names for the boat. Haha

[FJ40 CRUZR]

Congrats…

B reak
O ut
A nother
T housand

Welcome to the club….