I'm super close to driving away with this boat any day now. I went to BPS and saw a white one with vinyl interior and almost threw my wallet at the salesman. I've never bought a new boat, and never owned a Tracker. The internet, though, makes me scared as hell to buy one. So many negative reviews about the boat and warranty claims have me nervous. Now, I understand happy ppl don't usually leave reviews, just the pissed off ppl that want to make a statement, but it's still making me nervous. Here are some issues I'm worried about:
1) Transom cracking issues. I would like to add a shallow water anchor of some sort, but if these things can barely hold a 150 without cracking, then I'm going to have problems. I can't find a lot of information on this problem though, if it's even a widespread issue. And I thought these things were made from a single piece. Maybe I don't understand what that means :-\
2) Taking on water.
3) Trailer issues.
4) From what I can tell, similar Xpress X18 and the new Crestliner PT18 May be better boats for only $2,000-$5,000 more. I haven't been in front of them yet, but I'm going to check them out. Any ideas on why Tracker is the way to go over the previously mentioned?
5) I may develop an even worse addiction to fishing than I already have, and I just fish out of a 10 foot plastic pelican boat.
Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.
PS I've been a member for a long time, but this is my first post!
Wow, first post in 9 years!
Glad you finally made a post ;D ~c~ ~c~
I don't have any experience with these boats at all, but I know someone around here will be able to get you some answers.
Congrats on your first post.
I do not own any of the boats you mentioned, but I do follow the latest info on tin bass boats. In regards to the 195's transom cracking issues, I haven't heard anymore about this since Tracker corrected the issue by reinforcing the transom with a brace of some sort. But yes, several 1st generation 195's transom's were cracking.
One thing is for sure, there are plenty of boat options in the tin market. Happy hunting and good luck. Let us know what boat you ended up buying. Don't be a stranger. :)
I had a Lowe 175ST Stinger aluminum for 6 1/2 years and highly recommend them. I had no issues and I installed 2 Talons directly to the transom as recommended by Talon. I have to believe their 195 class boat is great too. At least check them out before you buy
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I currently use a older SeaArk and cant say anything bad about it. Their new BC or Stealth series boats look nice online. If I was looking for a new replacement I would at least check into these.
I never had a Tracker but looked at them many times at Bass Pro and at some over the years at boat ramps. I was not really impressed all that much. The 195 on the show room floor was about the best looking but they give you the crappy low end TM and FF. I guess you can upgrade but for the money they should have one decent FF and a mid range TM if the boat is the biggest in that line I would think.
Have you looked at a Lund?
Rodney
Isn't it funny how you think you have your mind made up, then a shiny Nitro Z18 stares you in the face?? It's not a done deal, but I have found a 2017, barely used, garage kept, Z18 with some extra goodies, and I'm pulling the trigger. Just have to wait until the Memorial holiday weekend so my finance guy is back at work.
I have went and looked at tin Trackers, Crestliners, Rangers, and Xpress boats since posting. Honestly, I was impressed with the Crestliners. But I'd have to spend a bit more money because it comes with pretty much nothing extra. Not even an electronics package.
I was dead set on getting a tin boat, but something changed. That something probably had a lot to do with finding out I can get a better interest rate through shopping around for a loan.
Funny how things change! If I had bought that PT 195, I'm sure I would have been happy. And if things fall through on this sale, I still might get it. But I cannot wait to drive this Nitro home!!
I have an '18 Z18; you WILL love it....especially the extra storage and weight in windy days
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