Thinking about pulling the trigger on one as a lake fishing boat. Anyone have one?

Pros/cons?



Looking to buy new or slightly used.

Underpowered and questionable dealer support. Most I see have the 60HP rigged standard. A over 1000lb bare hull (over 2000lb rigged) with 2 full livewells, full fuel, 2 or 3 people with gear and throw in a couple hundred pounds of wet carpet and you will have to run the piss out of that 60 just to get anywhere. Even the optional max hull rated 75HP is marginal IMHO. That thing needs at least a 90HP or better yet a 115HP.

Sorry, I would keep shopping for something with enough power you don't have to run the piss out of all the time. Better on fuel and the engine will last much longer.

While I agree with the above post about the power these boats run decent with the 60 and quite well with the 75 opti.  Everyone I know that owns one of these newer Trackers is really pleased and the quailty has been very good.  The smooth ride seems to be the biggest selling point with these hulls.  I would not hesitate buying one unless I could find a Lowe or Express for the same price with the same options.  Most all the aluminum boats manufacturers are using the same lower hp ratings now so that is becoming a moot point now.

I've had mine for about a month now (2013 175txw).

Went by the tracker store and will be ordering one on Monday (they didn't have one in stock). Should arrive in 4-6 weeks.



I'm going with the 75 optimax.



I also want a GPS/fish finder combo at the helm station. Will probably use the finder that came with it and move it to the front with a trolling motor transducer mount.



 

Got word yesterday that it arrived at the dealer. Going to pick it up this Saturday.



I'll post some pics and initial review once I get it home and combed over. My wallet is sweating already.

Congrats! When you take it out, note the wide open throttle RPM's (once the break in is complete of course) . With a typical load and trimmed properly, it should turn at or near the top of the recommended RPM range noted on the engine's mounting bracket.
Good luck and don't forget the drain plug!

I went with the 75HP Merc Optimax. Hope to maybe pick it up this afternoon. I have a 4-day weekend next week and will probably take it out then. Can't wait to get it out and get a hook wet.



 

I got my 2013 TF w/ 60hp merc (Coastal Edition) last Monday...damn nice boat, big upgrade over my Pro Team 165 (25HP MERC) that I had since 2001. I have been wanting bigger boat for a few years now.

Took the  boat out last Tuesday for the initial 2 hr break in. This is one smooth riding boat, and after my PT 165 its like being aboard a carrier

During the second hour of operation @ 4500 rpm(3/4 throttle) I was getting 26 mph and @ 5100 rpm  i was getting 32 - 35 mph depending on how I trimmed the motor. I could only go wide open throttle for a minute at a time but it gave me a little taste of future early morning runs to some of my favorite crappie holes.

I have to replace the t/m with a Powerdrive V2 55lb (variable speed ) and add my rod holders (driftmasters t-250) and H-Bird 597ciHD to the front and I will be set to chase crappie. I am also going to add a H-Bird 998siHD at the console.

Going to name the boat "Crappie Attitude".

Not the fastest boat on the lake by any means...but it beats tooling around the lake with a 25 Merc. This one is definitly a keeper...time to add the rod holders and go put some slabs in the livewell.

pics....

I recently sold a Tracker 175TXW w/ 60 motor.  I bought it new in 2007 from the Atlanta BassPro and had it serviced by them yearly.  It was great and not underpowered at all.  But then I used it for fishing not drag racing around the lake like a lunatic.  I was happy with the boat and the Tracker store at BassPro.

The only reason I sold it was because I bought a 31’ travel trailer.  Since I can throw a plastic 4’x8’ boat in the back of the pickup and pull the trailer, the Tracker was no longer needed.

I think you will be happy with a Tracker.

Good looking boat. How do you like the vinyl flooring? I was very close to going with that, but read some reviews that it gets pretty hot in the sun.



I owned a fiberglass center console when I lived in FL. I like how easy it was to clean up. This Tracker will be my first boat with carpet...still not used to the idea. But, we'll see.



UPDATE: I picked it up about a week and a half ago. It looks awesome. Was going to take it out this AM but my youngest boy was up all night with croup. Guess I'll have to take it out next weekend.



I upgraded the fish finder with the Lowrance Elite 5 GPS/Plotter. it uses the same transducer as the stock one, so the only installing I had to do was drill holes for the mount. Took 5 minutes.



I plan on mounting the stock one in the bow, using the trolling motor mount that came with the new one. Win-Win.



Going to Cabela's today for some rods and gear. I'm going out next weekend to hunt some lake trout (I'm not in VA anymore).



I'll try and take some pics and post later today.



Overall, I'm happy with it...just need to float it and get past the motor break-in.
 

The couple of times I have had it out the flooring hasn't gotten to hot so far...I was able to walk barefoot on it. Still remains to be seen how hot  it will get in July in the Gulf.

I will check out the Lowrance Elite 5...didn't know it used the same transducer as the X-PRO 4 that it comes stock with.

I am installin my new T/M tomorrow and will be fishing Tuesday and Wendsday, getting ready for a tournament this weekend.