Now That the trolling motor is settled...

[skintback]

Is there a brand or model boat I should steer clear of? Not a hard core fan of motor brand, except do not want a Force.
Always had aluminum, so I know those, but not an expert on glass boats. I hear the bass guys say they don't like this brand or that model, but not sure why.
Looking at fish/ski 17-18 ft models. Like the windshield for those cold morning rides and the extra seating for when the wife and kids go. And mainly the smoother ride on choppy water. My back is starting to show its age.
Trying to stay in $4000-6000ish range, so looks like mid to late 90s models? Procraft, Javelin, Stratos, and Nitro is what I've seen so far on CL

[sinkermaker]

If you can find an older model Tracker Targa V 18 in good shape buy it. You will get an alum hull plus a windshield for wintertime fishing and seating capacity for 4 to 6. Also has plenty of room for fishing and skiing. I found one last year and I really enjoy fishing out of it.

[TnT]

If you can find an older model Tracker Targa V 18 in good shape buy it. You will get an alum hull plus a windshield for wintertime fishing and seating capacity for 4 to 6. Also has plenty of room for fishing and skiing. I found one last year and I really enjoy fishing out of it.

The Targa Sinkermaker mentioned is a good choice. They stopped making fiberglass Targas in 2000 and anything after 2000 is aluminum. I have a 19 ft aluminum Sylvan and it works great. Stratus makes a good Fish and Ski boat. Also the Polar Craft makes a good boat to fish out of. I have fished out of the 17 ft Nitro and the drivers seat is sorta cramped for room. It's all according to if you want a boat with front and back decks or something more open in the back with no deck. I prefer the open back myself. Here is a pic of my boat with only the driver/passenger seat in it. The front and rear seats I fish out of are not in the boat. The rear seat sits low in the boat and the front has a low deck...Love the windshield and the option of having a bimini top and enclosure....

[skintback]

Does the wind push those deep Vs around? One of my friends has a Fisher crappie model (like the tracker pro crappie) and if the wind is up, it's hard to keep the back end straight. That's why I was afraid of the high sided deep Vs, but I do love how some of them are laid out.

[TnT]

I haven't been in any real bad wind yet, but mine has handled good so far. Although mine is aluminum, it is a heavy boat. I think with the weight and the deep V, the wind has gotta be howling to affect it. I usually just troll with the wind and throw out a wind sock or chains to help control the speed and direction of the boat if the wind gets up that bad...Or go home!! Outlaw 125 has a 17 ft Polar Craft similar to mine and he hasn't had any problems with the wind either.

[Outlaw125]

We are really enjoying our Polar Craft. We was use to fishing in a Fisher Panfish stick steer. The Polar Craft handles great in ruff water. I have noticed that when trolling into the wind it can be difficult, but that comes with alot of boats. We put the wind to our backs and use the trolling motor to keep the boat straight. We are planning to use the boat year around from crappie fishing to tubing. We can sit 4 behind the windshield and 2 people on the bow.

[greenranger]

Like those Spyderlock pole holders...best in the business