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Posted on the Mother board but them guys are out fishing I guess. I'm this close to pullin the trigger on a Tracker Pro 175. I've been wearin Fishers, Redge and Ranger out with questions so I'm putting it to the rest of y'all. If you got one, fished out of one, or even looked at one, I need your feedback. What would you keep, do different, like, dislike etc. as always I value my homeboys input. Thanks! Pappa
That's what I fish out of CP and I like the boat. The one modification I made was to remove the middle seat and replace it with a carpeted plywood lid. Bass Pro gave me a matching piece of carpet and it's about as comfortable to sit on as a seat while allowing easy access to the back of the boat ( which was clumsy as heck before). Sometimes I wish it was a center console- easier to move around and get up and down in the drivers seat- but that's just my creaky knees talking. When the wind gets up I wish I was in a Lund but when I am gliding over and thru stump beds in Arkansas every spring I am really glad to be in my Tracker. I have fished 4 big men, all relatives, out of it several times without throwing anyone overboard yet and my boys tried to sink it at Burn Camp last month so a self inserting drain plug might be a good idea. If I fished a lot of big open water I would probably be looking at something built differently but the Tracker is pretty ideal for me and cheap enuf to load up with electronics worth more than the boat!
In the interest of completely emptying my brain here I will add that I think its so lightweight that it's hard to hold in place with the TM when there is a little wind but I will say this before Ranger chimes in- this prolly ain't the boats fault as I am not a salty TM operator. In fact I may be bad at it. Good luck General CP.
New or used? I ask because I see a lot of older ones have cracks in the welds on the ribs, foam soaked to the bone and what not. Just be careful and thoroughly inspect if used.
That's what I'm looking for ciller. Fishers assessment was just about spot on. Going with a 2015 because I haven't found a '14 that gives me the option of the bigger engine. Tracker will put a bigger TM on it, just pay the diff. Phrasing the electronics will be a challenge for me as I'm a gear head, and I'm way behind the 8 ball on all this new stuff.
You ought to try controlling my 12' flat Jon when the wind picks up.
My solution is to buy and make more anchors. Sometimes it's hard to drop a jig thru the tangle of anchor lines.
I have a 1990 Pro 175 that I haven't had a lick of trouble with. It has a big TM on it and have little trouble with stumpy areas... I put some decent locators on it and absolutely love it !!!
You may also give Russel Gates a shout. He fishes out of a newer Pro 190. He may be able to give a few ideas of pros and cons for his and maybe a little on size difference. Also check out SeaArk boats and Express boats if your going with the aluminum style. I had the 18' SeaArk that was 7' wide, and it was a good boat but the wind moved that thing everywhere. I hated having to toss an anchor so I purchased a Terrova Trolling motor with the I-Pilot and Spot Lock, it was nice, but winds over 10mph sure made that trolling motor work non stop and I think you will find the same problem with a tracker.
I've fished from a couple of those and I love fishing from them. They do get pushed around a little in the wind but seem stable enough for me. A 40 hp is not enough motor and I see not real need for a dual console, IMHO.
Happy shopping!
As I have said before Allen it doesn't matter what boat you buy there will always be several things you dislike and like. You have to look at your style of fishing, techniques, lakes, and safety. Research is endless and everyone has their needs and opinions. Listen, Research, then more Research will allow you to make the best decision you can make. As for me Allen it's electronics, TM, and Outboard that's the most important. I have caught as many fish out of an aluminum boat than I have out of my Ranger just Sayin. In my case I fish a lot of open water on bigger lakes that I could never fish from a smaller and lighter boat. Best Electronics, Best TM, And Biggest Outboard you can afford. My $.02 worth. I will also add that LW's are a very big +or - also. If at all possible have tracker insulate the LW's for the summer months. Also add a hydro system to add extra air for the hot summer months. Insulate the lids as well or you will have heat transferred.......Ranger
Ranger09...we are talking about CrappiePappa here, we have all seen him fish, do you really think he needs an insulated livewell? Guess he could use it to keep his drinks cold, lord knows it wont ever see a fish!!!! :)
SC-cold drinks aint such a bad thing! lol
X2!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodworker42
Josh that's about the funniest thing I have heard in a few days. Thanks for making my eyes water. I know Allen can catch fish if you put him on them with just minimal instruction. Lol. Ok Allen I am with Josh here save your money and add to a 24 volt TM.......Ranger
I have a 2006 PT 175 with a 60 hp 4 stroke. My only complaints/dislikes are I would remove the middle seat as mentioned above, wish it had spray in/vinyl liner (fishing for more catfish lately). The 60 hp will get you to 37 mph or so, if buying new I would absolutely get the new 75 hp 4 stroke. There have been some cracks reported in some, but none of the ones I looked at had any. My boat doesn't leak a drop. As for insulated livewells, some livewell vents and foam under the lid helps, but this applies to virtually every tin boat out there, as does getting blowed around in the wind.
Buying a new one - my list would include a 75 hp, a trolling motor with variable speed minimal (anchoring model preferred).
Man. I get better treatment than this from my in-laws! ROF
I fished out of a 175 for a long time. The boat was fine for everything. They are light and pull easy but as others have said the wind will make it harder on keeping it in one spot. I decided to go with a Deep V this time for stability mainly on Texoma and I have found it great for everything else.
Probably an obvious question but do you think the deep v restricts your ability to access shallows that you want to fish say during the spawn? Also are they harder to launch? I love my Pro175 but figure as I embrace geezerhood I may appreciate the stability- not for me but for these old guys I fish with!
I have owned bass boats (several), jon boats, fancy jon (bass) boats, a pontoon boat and three different deep Vees over the years of bass tournament and multi-species fishing. I have never felt handicapped in any way be the deep-vee hull. Any metal boat will catch more wind but a heavy one won't be bothered too much and I have no problem getting shallow. I would never go back to another style boat. They are a very versatile platform for multi-species fishing and most have more room than other styles. With the right trailer you can launch them anyplace you could put any normal boat. If you have special requirements apart from normal fishing you should obviously consider them.
Pappa, if you don't get a boat before the camp at Ft Gibson you are welcome to spend some time in mine. That will also get us some time to discuss my experiences with different styles and brands. I don't really like to speak unfavorably about any brand on a public forum. My tin boat expected has been with my current Lund, Alumacraft, Crestliner, G3, DuraCraft, Tracker and the older Ranger aluminum. I haven't owned all those but have fished extensively from them. I'll be at camp Friday and Saturday for sure.
expected should be experience. My finger is to fat for this mini-phone.
So which one have you liked the best?
2 or 3 equally well.
I will give you a call to discuss
Thanks Floyd. I'll be looking forward to it!
I Agree with Iken that I can take it pretty much anywhere that I want. I draws a little more water but not enough to make a difference. I bought a Lowe sine I liked the seat layouts and options better than the others. I have had it for 2 months and can say that I will never go back to the bass boat types. The trailer mine is on lets me launch any where I took the old boat. For the comfort and extra space it is well with it to me. I also do a lot of fishing besides crappie so that was a big factor also.
CP how serious are you about buying a boat? Give me a call if you still have my number.Or PM.
He's serious pscruggs!
Oh yeah, I'm ready for him to buy a boat!!
PM sent Pscruggs