Who all fishes or has fished out of the Tracker Pro 175 series boats. Pros, cons, upgrades. All info appreciated!
Thanks,
Pappa
Printable View
Who all fishes or has fished out of the Tracker Pro 175 series boats. Pros, cons, upgrades. All info appreciated!
Thanks,
Pappa
My fishing partner has that exact boat and it is perfect for the style and lakes that we fish. We mostly vertical jig and spiderrig on several different lakes that range from wide open to shallow and stumpy. It is plenty stable for fishing two up front, and the deep V really helps you slide off of obstructions in stumpy areas, instead of getting stuck and doing the ring around the rosie method that comes with having a flat bottom. It also rides smoother and holds better in the wind compared to other metal boats. Just my opinion, but this is the boat that I am looking to buy in a year or two.
I have the pro team 170 tx bought new in 2010 works great for me. I bass fish and long line for crappie with it. Can be tough to handle in the wind, not near as stable as a fiberglass boat. Have left the lake several times because of wind while fiberglass boats keep on fishing. Don't know about two people up front, not much room for two. You will need to upgrade the electronics if you buy new. I also bought terrova trolling motor. Foot controlled minn Kota that came with it was about impossible to troll with while long lining, start turning as soon as you lift your foot. Is great for shallow water and I don't worry much about running into something while trolling. Now that I have the terrova one trolling battery is fine, but with original trolling motor I needed another battery if I was going to be out all day. Live well is ok, storage is good, no problems with trailer or anything on the boat yet. Once I upgraded electronics and trolling motor it's pretty much perfect. I usually fish by myself and occasionally with one other person more than that would be pretty crowded. Although I love it, if I was to do it over again and my garage was big enough I'd buy something like the nitro Z-8. But live in a townhome so boat has to fit in garage or I'd have to store it somewhere.
I have a new Pro Team 175 TXW and am happy with it. Since it's aluminum it will be more affected by wind than the heavier fiberglass boats, but that hasn't been a problem yet. The 60 hp four stroke Mercury runs great and sips fuel. The fish finder and trolling motor are pretty basic, but effective. Very easy to launch and retrieve. Whole package empty weight is 2160 pounds. I have not installed any rod holders yet, so can't comment on that aspect.
Thanks guys!
I have the Tracker Pro Team 16.5 but thought I would add that mine is a 2000 year model, 14 years old, and still has original carpet and seats, I've had no problems with the boat or trailer. I upgraded the motor to a larger size last year, but had no problems with the original one. Good value for the money.
I did change out the TM to a Terrova Ipilot and upgraded the DFs in the past couple of years but only because I wanted more and better options.
I had the same boat (2004). I liked it. No major complaints at all.
I have a 2004 PT 175 w/ a 60 Merc 2s, bought new in '04. Runs 28 + per gps at around 4-4500 rpms, stock prop, do have tiltntrim. I've read/heard where the new paint job the trackers have on the entire hull will add 2-4mph as the paint is slick, so watch out when launching, could slide off the trailer before you're ready for it to. I have the original console seats but replaced the platform seats for comfort. Original carpet still in the boat and no holes, etc. , everything still works as it should, but I have upgraded the electronics (HDS 8 w/ SS at console and HB 788ci on Terrova 55# TM with IP). I longline, pull some cranks but not long since its 12v TM and have not made the effort to install a 2nd TM battery for extended run time, shoot docks, and cast to structure some. It's a good boat, and would consider buying another one when that time comes along. You can get some models with vinyl flooring and the front deck is lower on one model with more seating positions up front as well. The step up to the front deck is getting higher as I age, and with 3 seats at the console, it can make it a little difficult to get to back deck if you have a few years on you. Just something to think about. I fish solo the majority of the time.
Jimp how do you like that 55 lb TM?
I have a 2005 PT 175 w/ 50hp Merc. Ideal for the type fishing my wife and I do. Top speed is 32mph and handles well with two group 31 batteries up front. Upgraded TM this year to a 24v Terrova because we enjoy pulling crankbaits in the summer. The Terrova takes the wind out of the equation (up to 10-15mph) when trolling. The size and layout is also just what we need for single pole jig fishing in the spring around standing timber. We have done a little spider rigging and plan to do more this winter. I can put double seats up front and have adequate room, but none to spare. I would buy the same boat again and have been very pleased.
Hey CP
Just saw this on Craigslist here in Columbia. This is a dealer and their website is listed on the ad. Thought you could use this when comparison shopping (unless you buying a new one).
Or...you can make a trip to SC and I will buy you lunch. :cheers2
2006 Bass Tracker PT175TX powered by a Mercury 60 Four Stroke!
Hey Ray, if I make a trip to SC will you buy me lunch?
Seriously folks, I own a Tracker 175 TXW - love it. I chose the TXW model (the red one) because of the second live/bait well up front, minners in the front and fish in the back. Pulled the I-pilot off the old Tracker to put on the new one, as well as an Elite-5 DSI on the console. The painted surface on the boat is very slick, so be careful. I had them pull off the Optimax and put on a 4 stroke Mercury. Not sure how fast it goes because I don't go fast. Tracker is the biggest bang for the buck. Let us know if you have any more questions.
You bet Randy. Just give me a holler and we will have us a BBQ Buffay or however WB spells it. :ThumbsUp:
Only way it could be better would be to have 2 TM batts for extended trolling time. 55#'s is good for my boat and styles of fishing. The 55 will pull the boat for longlining all day long, but when you go 1.5mph or better, it drains the battery in a 2-3 hrs. I have considered installing a 2nd TM battery but not sure it would be of any benefit for me as I only fish 4-6 hrs on most trips. Top speed on 10 is 2.2mph or a bit more for short bursts from one side of the cove to the other or from dock to dock.
look in the classfied here --release to grease has a sweet 1 over in memphis i have rode in it it is nice go look he might take you fishing in SIPPIE
Not to change the subject of the thread, but just to answer jimps question: I dont have any pics at the moment, but basically just placed the batteries in the compartment under the front seat and ran the 6g wire through the opening in the front of the compartment. Also had room for a two bank battery charger that I installed so it could be easily removed if needed. Before I did the battery install I read differing opinions about how the boat would handle. I bought the batteries first, put them in the compartment for a couple of trips just to see the difference. That way could return them unused if needed. I actually like the way it handles better. I disconnected, but left the original wiring harness in place for the 12V system. If I ever sell the boat, will probably remove the Terrova and replace the original TM.
Not a boat for big water! A buddy I fish with traded his 16' deep-V in on one this year. We've duck dived the nose of it a few times due to 1-2ft waves. And the thing is like a sail in any wind. We fish out of my older Crestliner sportfish more then his boat!
One thing I like about it is how easy tracker has made it to launch and load. And it comfortable for 2 people to fish out of.