2002 tracker targa 18

[vin1ver]

Hello I am new to this board and need a little help. I am going to look at the 2002 tracker targa 18 next week it has a 2002 Mercury fourstroke. Is this motor going to be enough to move this boat along. I've ever had a fourstroke out board.??????? Can any one give me some insight on what they think about this setup..Also any ideas about top speed ??? I will be using this boat in fresh and salt water. Does anyone own one and how well do they take the waves. All my boats have been fiberglass.....<br />Thanks, Vin

 

[roscoe]

Re: 2002 tracker targa 18

??? what hp is the motor?<br /><br />??? What is the max hp rating for the boat?<br /><br />If you are close to max hp for the boat, you should be ok.<br /><br />If you are only at 60-70% of max hp, you will not be happy. It is a heavy boat, and should ride pretty well, but it needs more hp than the 90 that many came with. 130hp+ is what I would want.<br /><br />Nothing is better than a test drive (mandatory).<br />Load the boat up with 3 friends to simulate the load you will have when loaded with gear. Then go run it hard for 30 minutes or more.<br /><br />No test drive, no purchase!!!

 

[vin1ver]

Re: 2002 tracker targa 18

Sorry I forgot the HP it's 2002 75 fourstroke Mercury.

 

[imported_JD__]

Re: 2002 tracker targa 18

Vin,<br />At the Tracker site the smallest recommended engine for the Targa is a 90 w/estimated speed of 35-36 mph. It would surprise me if the boat would even plane out with a 75, especially with a couple of fishermen and a full tank of gas. The Targa weighs 1,550 pounds! I've owned 3 Tracker boats (not a Targa), one had their minimum suggested engine. I got minimum performance. Unless you really enjoy putting around, I'd look elsewhere. <br />JD

 

[vin1ver]

Re: 2002 tracker targa 18

Thanks for your help, the dealer told me since it was a four stroke it was more powerful ?????I am also looking at a brand new left over 2003 tracker tundra 18wt with a 115 elpto motor and trailer. The dealer told me he would sell it to me for $21,000.00. What would you offer the dealer for this boat and trailer???????<br />I looked it up in NADA and high retail is $15,950.00 which would be used price...<br />I don't know what the make up is on this boat..<br />Any thought's<br />Thanks Vin

 

[imported_JD__]

Re: 2002 tracker targa 18

Vin,<br />More powerful than what? I would be extra cautious considering he was trying to sell you a boat with a sub-standard engine size. I'll bet that if you could get the '03 Tundra for $15,900 then used it for 6 months you couldn't get over 13k for it if you decided to sell. <br />Fact: I purchased a new Tracker Tournament V-18 in August '02 and have taken excellent care of it, the boat has been garaged/covered. I initially upgraded from a 75(standard)to 115 engine, dual battery charger, 24 volt trolling motor, 3 batteries, factory cover, etc. Tax & all close to 17K. I've been trying to sell the boat since October 0f '03 and haven't used it since. Can't find a buyer @ $12,500. I feel Tracker makes a good boat for the money but from my experience, I'll never buy another new one. They really depreciate, all boats do for that matter.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 2002 tracker targa 18

Hp is hp, 75hp is 75hp. Sure there are slight powerband difference between a 4 stroke and a 2 stroke, but the end result is the same.<br /><br />Tracker has been selling under powered boat packages for many years. As a result, they perform poorly and resale value of all Tracker boats has suffered.<br /><br />You need to look at lighter boats, or much bigger engines. You might want to look for a 1,2, or 3 year old used one, with an appropriate size motor.<br />You need to get as close to the max rating as you can.<br /><br />As an example, my 16' boat is rated for 75hp.(I have a 70 on it)<br /><br />It weighs 700#+, plus motor, gas, batteries, driver (me), and weighs in at 1350#. It does ok, but not great. Now add 2 friends, a cooler, and gear, 1800#, and it struggles.

 

[imported_JD__]

Re: 2002 tracker targa 18

Vin <br />I'm not against Tracker, I still own and enjoy using one. I bought a used '03 Avalanche, sold the 115 Merc and mounted a new Johnson 140 4-stroke, serves my purposes well. I just don't like their marketing strategy. They advertise an inexpensive price and make it sound like a great deal but by the time you put a decent size engine on the boat, a "usable" locater, 24 volt trolling motor and batteries you're 4-6K or more above the advertised price. Don't forget about shipping, dealer prep & tax. I feel Roscoe gave you good advice.<br />JD

 

[JB]

Re: 2002 tracker targa 18

Tracker is infamous for offering underpowered packages in order to advertise a low package price.<br /><br />I consider bare minimum HP to be 70% of the rated max hp. On a boat as heavy as the Tundra I think you may need the recommended 90hp to get satisfactory performance and rated max hp to get quick performance.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[SingleShot]

Re: 2002 tracker targa 18

I'm running a 03 tundra with 125 and it performs well runs in the low 40's with gas, buddy, and full live well. I would sure haggle with the price. I know Tracker says their nationaly advertise and tell you this is the price. But 21K for a left over is nuts. I didn't pay that much in 03. The BPS by me had a 21' dual console 200 horse for 26K that was a left over. I'm sure its gone now. I feel the 125 is min for this boat. Don't be afraid to ask, if you dont like what you hear go elswhere. You can only spend it once.<br />JK