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2014 Tracker Pro Guide V 175
I am the proud new owner of a 2014 Tracker Pro Guide V 175 with a 115 Mercury 4-stroke. I will update this thread as an ongoing review of the boat.
Background
This is officially the 4th boat I've owned. Had a Hurricane deckboat, then a jon boat, and most recently a Tracker 190 bass boat. Both my daughters 9 & 13, my two nephews 10 &14, and my mom love fishing. We will do the tubing thing every once in a while, but if it swims in a lake, we enjoy trying to catch it. As discussed in my other thread, I was very much leaning towards a fiberglass bay boat style. The challenge was finding one that would fit in my 19' by 20' garage, that was newer and in good condition. Three months and many Internet hours, and some major let downs from my "preferred" dealer, yielded no real prospects. Last year when we contemplated a boat switch, the family was very interested in a deep v hull style and I became infatuated with the walleye boats. In fact, I was pretty close at one point to planning a drive to North Dakota! Two weeks ago, it came full circle when we visited the Bass Pro in Orlando. My wife (not a boater or angler) really took a fancy with the V175. I re-evaluated what it was that I wanted to accomplish and that was more room for fishing with the family. Of course as an alpha male, I thought I needed a ton of power as well. Reality check: I'm not a tournament guy, fishing is my stress relief, no need to rush. The 115 is max hp rating on this hull so that is a plus.
Put down the $100 hold on the 2014 closeout model that was several grand cheaper than the 2015. There weren't enough differences in the years to convince me of spending the extra. Plus the 2014 was blue. I like blue.
The Purchase
My appointment was for 1100 hours and of course my daughter and I arrived about an hour and half early. I got some hands-on time with the fishfinders and talked shop with the employee there. I was impressed as he was more knowledgeable than most regarding electronics. Of course, we had to get a snack and watch the fish for a bit, while I got the usual harassment of buying a time share.
Started the meeting a little early and the paperwork went smoothly without any surprises. Thea was helpful and answered all my questions.
The Pickup
The BPS Orlando service center is one of the few not attached to the store and is about a mile down the road. We went there and met Eric to go over my inspection and further paperwork. Now I knew this model had been on the floor for over 300 days with a lot of folks going in and out of it. I was content with their clean up of the boat. I moved my pickup date earlier, which was nice of them to accommodate, but there is a small scum line in the splash well I will need to put some elbow grease in. The paint under it is fine.
Two major issues on inspection. Number 1: the paperwork was for a one year warranty. NOPE. I promptly opened their website on my phone that shows in bold red font that the leftover 2014 models qualified for the 3 year bow to stern. We got on the phone with sales and had it adjusted accordingly, with the paperwork to reflect it. Resolved, but would have gone through if I had not made a stink. Number 2: we were just about to finish the complete walk around and he put the cowling back on the engine. I noticed a pretty obvious scratch that went through the black paint and was the size of the quarter. He tells me the cowlings are expensive and that it is ok. I respond, no, the boat is expensive and will not leave this lot until another cowling is installed. Half hour later after he could track down a service manager, resolved with a new cowling. Let me note, there was nothing malicious in any of this, but they certainly weren't on the proactive side either.
Initial Impressions
The boat trailered like a dream. Trailer came with brakes and first time I've had them. Came with 14 inch radials. I actually noticed it less than my previous 190. The boat is short, fat, and has a lot of potential. I was really impressed with the stereo system, it put out some quality sound.
Accessories
Got home and was immediately on the phone with Brian over at BBG Marine (he's really the best) and got my Minn Kota Terrova 80# 60" trolling motor with iPilot. I've had the Link and liked it, but will likely be switching to Garmin this go around. The trolling motor install should be an easy one. There is ample room in the center compartment where the battery is located to add a second one. I will probably put a 3-bank charger under the driver console. There is an offset shelf that would not interfere with leg room. I was considering an anchoring system, but am really torn because either the power pole or talon would require the additional bracket and mounting it on the engine bracket. Might land out of my budget, but gonna think about it for a bit. Might check out the possibility of the Micro power pole. The anchor feature is really nice for launching, docking, and sitting near brim beds.
After getting her home and in the garage, I couldn't help but feel, this was the one we were meant for! Great fit in the garage and still have some room for the tools and other toys.
Sunday, my girls and I are loading up a cooler and some ultra light rods. Going to do the 2 hour break in and then throw some red worms at the brim.
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3 inches to spare!
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As Ace Ventura says, "Like a glove!"
