Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

[Bigkat650]

Hello all, its been quite a while since I was last on here. First, I want to thank you for reading my post and helping me out any way you can.

I have been recently looking at potentially purchasing my first boat. I have weighed all my needs and wants out, and what I have determined the best option for me is a small bass boat. I am not looking for a fixer-upper, nor am I looking to have to constantly be sinking money into a boat-- so I believe I want all new equipment (no used boat/motor). Something where I know what has been done with it, something I can take care of.

So the budget I have is very modest, I'm thinking not much more then $10k. All I have found in this price range is this boat: http://www.trackerboats.com/boat/?boat=3318

Being that this is new for 2011, I cannot find any reviews for this boat. I heard through hear-say that Tracker Boats are currently having troubles with their rivets leaking? It sounded like a rumor, but I wanted to ask if anyone else has heard this.

Other then the lack of reviews for this boat, it seems like a really solid deal... 20hp motor, trolling motor, small live well, some storage, trailer, all brand new for $10k--seems like a great deal. Problem is, I cannot find anything to compare it to. Is their other options for brand new boats that will have all these options around the $10k mark?


All I am looking to do is recreation fish on smaller lakes and perhaps rivers, nothing fancy, but I want something a bit more then a canoe/small jon boat.

Any help on either this boat or other comparable boats would be great!! Thanks all!!

 

[Bigkat650]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Actually this is my first post... I was not aware that I joined but never posted. I will go to the welcome board, and introduce myself. I still thank you all for any help on this subject.

 

[cribber]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Can't go wrong with that one since it's a 2011 you've got full warranties for the boat and motor. Every boat needs it's maintenance including riveted tinnies.
Sweet looking rig and have seen these out on our local lakes. Get the dealer to throw in a Boater's Safety Course too. Saved me coin on my boaters insurance!!!

 

[Bigkat650]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Can't go wrong with that one since it's a 2011 you've got full warranties for the boat and motor. Every boat needs it's maintenance including riveted tinnies.
Sweet looking rig and have seen these out on our local lakes. Get the dealer to throw in a Boater's Safety Course too. Saved me coin on my boaters insurance!!!

Thats a great idea! I never thought of doing the course, however it may be required by state law here in NY, im not sure--I have to look into it. I know you have to take the course for Jet Ski's though.

Yea as far as the boat goes, it seems to be an excellent deal. I just wish I had at least one other option in my price range for a new boat. It doesn't have to be a better option (and I kinda doubt it will be), I just feel more comfortable having the ability to compare and contrast between brands/models. It seems petty im sure, I just want to know I'm getting the most bang for my buck, and I need more then one option to make sure I am haha.

 

[JB]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

This forum is about fresh water fishing tackle and techniques, Bigcat, not boats.

I will move this to the Boat Topics and Questions forum.

Good luck. .

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

The only issue I have personally with Tracker boats is that the standard setups are invariably underpowered. They install a marginal engine in order to get the price down but very many of those boats quickly end up for sale because of the power issue. Nothing inherently wrong with the boats -- you just need at least one step up in power from what they specify as standard.

 

[1979checkmate]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

looks like a great boat, and Tracker boats are made in the USA, at least some of them are anyway. However, i would try to get a bigger motor. I think you would feel underpowered quite quickly with just a 20.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Bigkat, you'll be very disappointed if you get a decked and floored 16 footer with a 20 horse. I understand speed isn't really a priority for you, but it will be a dog and you'll quickly become frustrated with it. I understand your aversion to acquiring someone else's headache, but I really think you should consider buying something a couple of years old. I don't know where you are since it's not in your profile (hint hint), but around here ten grand will buy one heck of a gently used big john boat; a lot more boat than that Tracker. Please understand I'm not knocking Trackers (I have one myself); it's just that you can do so much better within your budget if you broaden your horizons. Just something to think about. Happy hunting.

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Lowe makes a boat very similar to compete with that one and you can get it with a 40 or 50 hp. I am in the same exact situation and I am about to pull the trigger on that one myself.

 

[Bigkat650]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Thanks for the imput guys. I am from upstate NY, the finger lakes region, so I have plenty of perfect waterways for a boat. I will get to the profile update later tonight, as I am at work right now.

According to their webpage, the 20hp will get up on plane and go about 20-24mph. If that is true, that is enough speed for me. I assume that number is probably inflated a bit. They do offer a 30hp motor for about $1500 more, which I could entertain. This would have to be something I would have to determine on a test drive with the dealer. I plan on using this boat mainly on two bodies of water-- one lake is about 1/2 mile wide, 2 miles long. The other is about 1 mile wide, 9 miles long. There are other lakes much larger which I may be on from time to time, but they tend to get some 3ft+ size waves from time to time (in bad weather/high winds), and may be a bit much for a boat that size.

I am not completely against a gently used fishing boat, I just think for piece of mind I would perfer something new. As everyone tells me, if you want to waste a lot of money--buy a boat... Something I dont think the wife would put up with for long haha. :facepalm:

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

I am not completely against a gently used fishing boat, I just think for piece of mind I would perfer something new. As everyone tells me, if you want to waste a lot of money--buy a boat... Something I dont think the wife would put up with for long haha. :facepalm:

As you may already be aware, BOAT is an acronym: Break Out Another Thousand. Piece of mind is certainly a worthy consideration. Just remember there is more than one way to obtain it; a warranty on a slightly used boat from a dealer's lot for instance.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Ever consider a Crestliner? They make some nice fishing boats...entry level stuff starts at around 9k. I like my father in-laws.....no rivets, all welded construction. You can probably get a really nice used one for 10k that will be bigger than the one your looking at.

 

[BayouRunner]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Try Alweld aluminum boats as an option. Lowe's has some nice boats. Try the iboats boat section. Good luck, happy fishing and happier times on the water.

 

[Bigkat650]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Ever consider a Crestliner? They make some nice fishing boats...entry level stuff starts at around 9k. I like my father in-laws.....no rivets, all welded construction. You can probably get a really nice used one for 10k that will be bigger than the one your looking at.

Thank You for another option! http://www.crestliner.com/kodiak-aluminum-boat/ Looks like another potential option. I like that the live-well is about double the size, and has a slightly larger motor option. With that said, it is about $1500 more-- and does not come equip with a trolling motor, which is approx. another $500. It does look like a slightly nicer quality boot however.

Ultimately I know it is still up in the air, and I am sure I will continue to research to find my best option. I believe its going to come down to checking out the boats in person and test driving my best couple of options. Since the weather is still unboatable in NY, and will continue to be the case for at least another 45 days, I got plenty of time to look at these options as well as gently used preowns or leftover 2010 stock.

If anyone does have any input on either the Tracker boat, the Crestliner, or the Lowe boats--the more info I can gather the better. Also any other options you can think of would be great.

Lastly, I would much prefer a console over a tiller boat, I believe it would fit my specific needs more.


Again, thanks for any and all information. This has already been a great wealth of knowledge and it is much appreciated.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

http://www.alumacraft.com/packages/fisherman-145-cs/

There's a console boat for ya.

 

[Bigkat650]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

http://www.alumacraft.com/packages/fisherman-145-cs/

There's a console boat for ya.

Another great option! I like the 16ft boat rather then the 14ft, but another one right in my wheel house! GREAT job guys, I like that its becoming a much tougher decision, as it allows me to really knit-pick on whats important to me!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

lots of people who buy new boats have boat headaches. I say, if you want reliable, buy one that is four years old. And don't fall for the 20 on a 16" and their planing and speed. Tain't so.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Tracker is an entry level boat and they are know to have some pretty shaky welds so keep that in mind, as you are finding out there are alot of options out there so look for a long time and one of them will jump you.

I also think you should consider a 1-3 year old boat, you get more boat for the same money and they aren't that less reliable.

Alot of reliabiility is maintanence so if you keep up on that you will not have many problems.

 

[DonHof]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

5150abf is right about the welds, do a google search on them. I was all set to buy a Tracker till I read about the welds and all the problems people had. I would look at Alumacraft, lund or any thing that has rivets.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: Looking for a new, small affordable fishing boat (Tracker Boat Maybe?)

Alumacraft also has some other package deals listed on their site. Also not they don't skimp on the horsepower like Tracker does. That 14 ft package I linked to earlier came with a 25 HP. That tracker you mentioned is 16 ft with a 20 HP. Bit of a disparity there.