70hp

[Texasmark]

40 horses wouldn't get you very far very fast with 2 people in a 15' 400# moulded fiberglass boat....aka 1960's vintage glass boats of that size and accompanying engines. BTDT

Power the boat with the recommended max rated HP and be done with it. The money you spend on the difference will be long gone probably never to return.......what you will have, is with you till.......as you enjoy it, rather than .....what a dog.......the memory of what it cost you will be a distant past memory......rather than a !@#$%^&*() why did I buy this thing?

 

[ahicks]

Re: 40 hp on a 15' boat. Back in the 60's, I learned how to ski behind an ugly OD green 15' fiberglass Wards boat powered by a 40 hp Sea King...... and had a blast!

Point being, power is relative. That said, rarely will you ever down size. Get used to a 70, and a 50 on a similar boat might get boring quickly....

 

[Scott Danforth]

My ex father-in-law's 40hp 'rude on a 17 foot aluminum forester will pull tubers all day long, a little hard to get my butt out of water on skiis, however it did it. then again, I learned to ski behind a 12' row boat with a 15hp as a kid, however I must have 100#s more on my girth now.

the same 40hp on the same 17' boat will also do high 20's with people on board and 30 with just me.... 40hp is more than enough to get to a fishing spot.

 

[CNT]

40hp is more than enough to get to a fishing spot.

Yes, I know that. However, I would be using this boat more on with "recreationally" with friends and family, than for fishing. So, speed would be more of the picture here. At same time, if they want to do "fishing", then we would be already sitting on a "fishing boat". Often, when they want to "play" fishing, they want to do it for like an hour or so, then go home.

For me, alone, would use it for fishing and recreation. Again, I don't fish on lakes, I am the river guy. Perhaps by having a bigger boat (such as 17', etc), I may start more on lakes?

Trackers are tinny equivalent of Bayliners​

:lalala: and :ambivalence: and :suspicious:
I am going to be watching you...

 

[kjdunne]

Trackers are tinny equivalent of Bayliners

op2:
For what it's worth...I had that model Tracker DV-17 w/ a 40 hp Tracker Evinrude, 1989 model. Bought it in 1995 from a guy who did not take very good care of it and fished it hard in Raritan Bay, NJ. I kept it for 15 tears, replaced the transom, decks, carpet over time. Replaced the pedestal seats with 2 - 96 qt coolers in the cockpit, kept the pedestal in the bow. I ran that thing all over Barnegat Bay, and in the ocean when it was calm. Taught my kids & their friends to fish and crab in it, water skiing and tubing too. We had a blast in that boat. It was cheap to run and easy to trailer. I kept it clean and tarp covered outside. Finally sold the boat and trailer to buy bigger, kept the motor for a future small fishing boat. All in all, I can't say anything bad about that boat. It required maintenance and repairs as they all do but served us well and was an affordable means to get my family on the water. As far as I know, it's still running around south Jersey. I'll bet there are some Bayliner owners who have had good times on their boats, too! :joyous:

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Simply put Crackers errrr Trackers are the Lada of boats. I wouldn't put a penny into one.

 

[GA_Boater]

Just remember guys - One persons lemon is another persons cherry.

 

[Captain Caveman]

CNT - welcome to the forums from another (former) Milwaukeean. You're asking a lot of good questions which is a great sign. Keep them coming.

My first question is where do you plan to boat? Based on the sizes you are looking at, I hope there are no plans for using in Lake Michigan. My second question is about your boating experience. You don't need to answer, but based on your penchant for speed and (my perception) of a novice boater, I would suggest that your Year 1 boat is at that 40hp range. You will get good speed when by yourself or within one other person. You need to learn boat control and safety first. I fear that you may be the next Al Czervik from Caddyshack!

I don't mean this in a bad way. I too like speed but have learned as I aged to do so safely and that boats are not great places to exercise it. My first boat in my 20s was a 14ft with a 5hp motor. I upgraded to a narrow mid-80s Fisher boat. It came with a 25hp that I eventually upgraded to a 35hp Evinrude. Years later, I finally boat my one and only new boat, a 2008 Alumacraft with a 90hp Suzuki. It goes PLENTY fast for me and rarely sees full throttle unless the conditions allow and I'm clear of others.

It sounds like you are looking for a fishing boat. Correct us if you're looking for a fish & ski, I/O, etc.

To your specific questions, don't be afraid of buying a Tracker if you find a good deal. That just means that you can easily sell it when you're done. In the midwest, Lunds and Alumacrafts are big sellers in the midwest. I see lots of Smokercrafts and other boats that do just fine on most inland lakes. Think about what you want to do with the boat to get a feel for which layout will work best. Owning a few cheap boats like I did gave me a good appreciation for what I wanted. Plus I never lost money on a boat. I just sold them for pretty much what I paid.

Motors can have issues. Do some good searches on the forums here and other places regarding motors. Some of the oil-injected motors are known for problems. You can convert those to pre-mixed gas/oil if desired. You get a better power-to-weight ratio out of 2-stroke motors. Some of us like the smell better too! However, the 4-strokes can be deadly quiet and pollute less - you are lubricating with oil instead of burning oil for lubrication.

Someone else had some good advice. Don't put the cart before the horse about motors. Find the right boat and use the motor that comes with it. In a year or two, you can save up some more cash to buy the motor that you really want.

Good luck.

 

[racerone]

??----How does " burning oil " do its lubrication ??

 

[JimS123]

Simply put Crackers errrr Trackers are the Lada of boats. I wouldn't put a penny into one.

What's a LADA?

 

[JimS123]

??----How does " burning oil " do its lubrication ??

Suggest you read up on 2-stroke internal combustion engine technology. (maybe it's semantics)

 

[CNT]

Aye aye Captain. BTW, that picture, was that in Titanic movie?

As for me (and wish my house too), safety is first. I do woodworking for hobby. I used to be a gas station mechanic (those were good ol' days). I worked as (rough and drywall) Carpentry too. Yeap, I still have all ten fingers. I have experienced varies boating for many years, including driving skiers.

As of now, I have a 2-stroke 15HP Mercury (with electric starter), just bought it few months ago, just because. So, I got a 15HP, without a boat, yet. I am looking for a jon boat or a milk jug boat, that will be my main fishing boat, in RIVERS. It's going to be a one-man boat for me, with second seat in the garage.

I am also looking for more of a recreational boat, for family and friends. My wife pictures that would be a fiberglass speed boat (as I call those). As you would know, 4 winns are the most popular (high sought after) in SE Wisconsin. We had a Bayliner as well (it was my BIL that really want it, I didn't want it, but we both paid half/half together, used it for 2 years, he realized how much work and time in fixing it). Anyways, I don't feel in wanting a speed boat. It's somewhat limited (seating placement), most are without carpet (meaning slippery), and other things, along being overall more expensive. So, that's where the ~17' fishing boat comes in. It must have a helm, can have people in those boats (some even go up to 6 people), and if we wanting to go fishing, then we have a fishing boat right there.

I know, most time we don't use full throttle. But, when we can, boy that's nice. As for Lake Michigan, no, but MAYBE when the water is calm, like a fireworks night by Summerfest.

I am still open mind... just hope not to make experienced mistakes.

Aye aye Captain.

 

[JimS123]

Boy, lots of excess capital around here, and I guess I fit the mold as well.....LOL. I don't buy used, I meticulously maintain and boating is everything. But its the HP debate that makes me laugh.

As a kid we upped from a 7.5 HP to a full 10 and I thought I was in heaven. As a teenager with MY first boat (actually the first 2) a 25 HP on a 400 pound 15 footer put me at the best on the block. In later years on one of them I actually changed it to an 18 because the 25 was squirrely.

I used to fish with a friend who always had the biggest engine the boat would allow. He only at 2 speeds in his boats - off and WOT. A boatride with him was bloody knuckles every time.

I admit in my old years I have put on the biggest motor possible, but actually we hardly ever go above 1/2 throttle.

Boating is supposed to be a fun FAMILY sport. It's not only the destination but how much fun you have along the way.

At this stage in my life i certainly wouldn't buy a Tracker, but if I were looking for a first boat I wouldn't turn my nose down on it. One has to realize that when it comes to selling it there will be a loss, but the true value is how much fun you have along the way.

 

[racerone]

Well----Oil that coats the parts is doing the job of lubricating !!-----Oil that is " burning " is doing nothing other that providing a wee bit of power.----And I am quite well versed on 2 stroke technology.-----In my opinion the lubrication of 2 stroke engines is not well understood by many folks. !-----Lubrication oil goes into the conventional 2 stroke via the fuel.-----On a direct injected 2 stroke the computer looks after putting the oil where it is needed.

 

[mr 88]

To answer your pedestal seat question , no , they do not wobble if the deck they are bolted to is solid. Highly doubt you will ever get 6 adults on it , if you read the max capacity it states 6 people /900 lbs then it states 1325 lbs person motor gear. Motor is coming in at 200lbs /12 gallons of gas 100 lbs , anchor/ lines/ preservers/fishing gear/beverages ect add another 100 min. Batteries 100 lbs all these weights are aprox and will vary . So in reality your left with about 800 lbs or 4 adults max. Now the hull is rated for 70 Hp and a rule of thumb is to have a engine at least 65% of rating which should put you at 45 hp if my math is correct. Now I did say do not put the horse before the carriage but after re-reading your original post and what you want to do with it , if it was me I would move on from this boat. Then start looking for a at least a 19' boat with a 125+ hp or a I/O with a V-6 or V8.powering it.

 

[CNT]

In all honesty, I can understand and trust you guys that I should turn my face when I see a Tracker. But, this one particular Tracker I saw (on CL, not at physical), this one has "perfect" design and layout (see post #5 for photos).

* has a low step to the front platform (no climbing on a ladder)
* large "non-obstacle" layout (can walk across the boat at ease)
* four pedestals/seating in the back (can seat in "circle" and chat)
* the side storage is wide enough to seat as well
* the rail of the boat is wide (and carpeted)
* capable of up to 70HP (which is pretty good)
* has a helm
* lights

At least I did my homework and look around. I don't see a Lund or other boats that have this layout (in used range of $2K to $3k, actually prefer under $2K), in the late 90's (even in brand new ones, almost no room to dance). Granted, I am not interested in a platoon (yes, they are growing popular today, and capable of much more HP). Even I have been on varies boats (and yachts), I haven't actually bought and own a boat myself. So, it's new experience for me, in a way.

Like I said, I am still looking around. It's not that easy since most are hours drive away. If you could find me a boat with a layout like this one, please show me (again, granted, what/how you see things may be different than mine). I am in the 50's, so I wouldn't be in position in buy/sell so quickly (even I still tend to anyways). I just want to buy a nice boat and enjoy it for years to come (and without having to FORD it "Fix Or Repair Daily" or paint it). My 2010 GMC is now showing rust on rear fenders, but I know once I rid this truck, I will not be able to buy another CREW CAB (I have always want a crew cab, finally got it 5 years ago, now it's paid for, 130K already). I kept getting wrong lottery tickets.

 

[Scott Danforth]

What's a LADA?

a Russian version of a citroen 2CV..... literally a russian made french car......

 

[Scott Danforth]

In all honesty, I can understand and trust you guys that I should turn my face when I see a Tracker. .

Dad bought a Bass Tracker III new in May of 1984, factory direct (he placed the order Winter of 1983) . he sold the old Mirrocraft shortly after he bought it. we must have put about 1200-1500 hours on it fishing the Menominee river, Lake Winnebago, the Fox River, and about 400 various lakes in the midwest. It went to lake Erie a few times

wasnt a bad boat, wasnt a great boat. It was an OK boat that we fished the crap out of. he kept it for about 10-12 years, then sold about a year or two after he bought the Avanti in about 1994. He then sold me the Avanti about 2004 when he down-sized to just the 14' boat with a 12hp Gale when he sold the place on the Bay in Door County and just fished the Menomonee (across the street from his place). Dad brought the 14' and Gale down to me about 6 years ago since he hadnt gone fishing from it since 2007

I restored the Avanti, used it to fish Lake Michigan, and to boat all around the state. sold it in August 2007, bought the Sea Ray in March 2008, ran that until spring of 2011 when i bought the Cruisers.....

Trackers are an entry level boat, just like Bayliner. Nothing wrong with that. Just dont expect the fit and finish of a Lowe or a Lund

maybe a step or two above a Lada, more like a Kia

 

[JimS123]

a rule of thumb is to have a engine at least 65% of rating.

Wow, that's a new one.

I've heard 60, 70, 75, etc., but never 65%. I guess it must be an opinion, and not cast in stone.

 

[JimS123]

To answer your pedestal seat question , no , they do not wobble if the deck they are bolted to is solid.

Another opinion.

I had the opportunity to ride in a brand spanking new boat that had dual pedestal seats and they both wobbled. I'm pretty sure that the deck was quite solid. With an out-the-door price of $96,000.00 I sure hope it was solid.