Topic: What Brand aluminum do you own? (Read 34907 times)

vfourmax · « **Reply #150 on:** May 14, 2011, 04:16:07 PM »

Went shopping this past winter to put a boat back in the driveway after selling my pontoon boat year before last. Definitely wanted to go back to a tin bass boat rig as I like fishing rivers for smallmouth actually more than the larger lakes around. Was not interested in buying new but looking for something nice in the 5-6 year old range that I could pay cash for.

Happened upon an 04 PT175 Tracker with a Merc 50 two stroke that had always been garage kept and really had minimum hours of use. P.O. was anal about maintenance and used all Mercury fluids and fuel treatment additives. Boat had just been serviced by an authorized Merc dealer and had new water pump, lower unit grease changed and plugs installed as yearly maintenance. Also just had both batteries replaced 2 weeks prior to purchase with receipts given for battery warranties.

Actually would have paid owners asking price as the boat was so clean and well kept but owner really wanted to sell as he had wife wanting him to buy a bigger family oriented fish and ski boat and he had found one he wanted to buy but needed to sell this one first to purchase the new boat so made what I thought was to of a low ball offer actually and surprisingly the owner took the offer. Nice how mid winter, 20 degrees with snow falling and having cash money can net you a great deal! Price to good and boat to clean to even consider going in a different direction. So this one followed me home!

Boat was completely original with the exception of an eagle fishmark 320 mounted at the bow. Since purchase I have changed out the console unit to a Hummingbird 898. Have ordered a Minnkota mk330 three bank 10 amp on board charger and will soon be changing out the trolling motor to something along the lines of a Motorguide 82 digital.

With my work schedule and other commitments along with the weather patterns we have been getting this spring I have only had the boat out a few times but I will say that the Revolution hull as far as handling bigger waters and having a dry ride is much better than any other tin boat I have ever owned.

Runs low to mid 30's with the 50 2 stroke which is okay but am considering in another year or so upgrading to a 4 stroke. That was the only drawback I was considering when looking at this boat was I was interested in 4 stroke power but the price was to good not to buy the boat. Actually considering upgrading to a Mercury 90 hp as the 75 and 90 weigh the exact same.

Figure that with a 90 strapped on the back and a couple of power poles this will probably be the last boat I will ever need or want. I don't care about raw top speed anymore just like to cruise in good conditions in the upper 30's range and the 90 should do that while loafing and running the sweet spot for good fuel economy and engine life.

I know many people put down the Tracker brand but in reality I know a lot of people that have had trouble free Trackers for years and I will say that this hull rides a lot better than the mid '90s Lowe 170 I had and the Lowe boat did take on water which my tracker as of now does not. I am happy with my purchase.

Brummo · « **Reply #151 on:** May 14, 2011, 05:23:54 PM »

My previous boat was a '91 Tracker Sweet 16. That boat was awesome. No leaks for a bouat that old and pretty darn sturdy for a light as it was. I strapped on a 40 HP 4 stroke and livened it up a bit. Now that being said, I just love how this new boat with the Revolution Hull travels on choppy waters. Smooth!!!

NickIL · « **Reply #152 on:** June 16, 2011, 03:35:39 PM »

Actually, I have an 08 Tracker Pro Guide (deep v) with a 4 stroke 50 Merc. Keep it at Lake of the Ozarks but trailer it to northern lakes (multi species). I don't compete with summer time mid-day pleasure boaters at LOZ - gets too choppy even for the >20' bass boats. So far, seems to be working out OK.

Gangly · « **Reply #153 on:** July 28, 2011, 03:12:41 PM »

Just bout my first motorized bass boat, a LOWE Stinger 190 with a Merc 90. Havent had it in the water yet but hope to have it in there soon.

Jared LeBlue · « **Reply #154 on:** July 28, 2011, 03:45:39 PM »

Nice looking rig.

3deez · « **Reply #155 on:** July 29, 2011, 08:04:46 AM »

my 2011 Crestliner VT19 with a 115 Optimax. so far very happy with it.

cristofera · « **Reply #156 on:** September 25, 2011, 09:38:30 PM »

I have a 2003 PT185 silver anniversary edition with a 2004 Merc 90. I love it for the leight weight so I can pull it with my little car (Scion). currently I have the boat completely taken apart replacing the carpet and seats. I bought it used and got a great deal. when it comes time to buying a new boat years from now, it will definitely be another tracker.

bluebasser86 · « **Reply #157 on:** October 14, 2011, 09:31:48 PM »

I've got a 07 Lowe Roughneck 1652VPT with a 60hp 4stroke Mercury. It's not the prettiest or fastest but it's usually the one catching the fish

tsohg76 · « **Reply #158 on:** October 20, 2011, 12:37:21 AM »

Ive got a 14 foot valco deep side. 9.9 evinrude. I had originally bought it as a kokanee boat. when i unexpectedly got bit by the bass bug again. i love my boat its caught some amazing fish with me. im a single father i dont have alot of cash. my boat is a serious liability in the club tournament scene. so heres the problem my lil valco i can sell for 1500 give or take a hundred. to fix and turn it into a semi decent lil basser would take 600 ish. do i A: sell it and use the cash for something more bass specific knowing i have less then 2k to work with. or do I hold onto it and try to modify it to a basser, Knowing im way outgunned against my clubmates and anyone else i compete against.

PS i have horrible grammar and punctuation. please forgive my lack of writing skills

jj5590 · « **Reply #159 on:** November 12, 2011, 08:11:09 PM »

Louisiana Traveler I bought last one. They were made next door to Monark/Seaark in Arkansas and I think called FFL or something like that and Fred Parnell local dealer put Louisiana Traveler stickers on them. Called FFL and he said they did do some modifications to put larger outboards on them in Louisiana. Love boat floats shallow, love I can get through stumpy areas without leaving fiberglass like a few of my boats in the past. Mine was built for 75hp mercury but dealer Fred Parnells was closing shop and didn't have merc's so I put an evinrude on it.

Avg fastest speed 38mph
Decks are composite with aluminum bracing.
Sprayed on bedliner.
It is works knock on wood. Paid for and catches fish.

perry · « **Reply #160 on:** July 18, 2012, 11:46:54 PM »

i run a 2012 1860 excel stalker c.c. 90 etec evinrude 47 wot

toptecone · « **Reply #161 on:** July 27, 2012, 07:04:55 AM »

I have a 2004 Triton 176 mag. with a 90 Mercury. I only fish fresh water and find this to be a great boat. It is very well made. Rides and and handles well. It has rod locker and built in tackle boxes 3 so when its time to go fishing its hook-up and go. I'll post picture later.

bonerfortuna · « **Reply #162 on:** July 27, 2012, 08:22:10 AM »

I have a Lowe 1860 with a Mercury 60 4 stroke tiller and a 54 lb MotoGuide troller.

toptecone · « **Reply #163 on:** August 07, 2012, 07:58:18 PM »

I have a Triton 176 magnum all welded aluminum with life time warn. on hull. It has 3 built in tackle boxes,rod locker,dry storage, built in cooler,live well,dual fish finder and 27 gal. gas tank. When its time to fish just hook up and go.It has a 90 merc. 2 stroke and runs about 48 mph.
Boat is dark blue with gray carpet. It has been a great boat that rides and handles good.
It has served me well and if I ever need another it will probably be another Triton

Redleg62 · « **Reply #164 on:** August 08, 2012, 05:37:52 AM »

Xpress 17 footer w/ 90 merc. It was a gift from my father inlaw

gekhang · « **Reply #165 on:** August 09, 2012, 04:22:40 PM »

first year 89 tracker txw17 boat owner. im really happy, but we may be moving onto a new tracker, or really looking at the xpress boats!

upbhoop · « **Reply #166 on:** August 13, 2012, 07:35:36 PM »

Just picked up a 2012 Tracker Pro Guide 175 with a 115 Optimax and I love it. Deep V works great in the rough stuff, lots of room for storage and fishing buddies. Came with a 12v 55lb trolling motor....that could improve but it works.
2 reasons why I bought it;
I searched high and low and it was one of the better built boats. Just looked and felt sturdy.
Second reason was the no haggle factor. Price was posted on the web site and that's what I paid. I'm a sales man by trade and I hate having to haggle outside of work.

BTW the optimax is awesome. Good on gas, uses little oil and it gets up and out fast.

dsims07 · « **Reply #167 on:** August 13, 2012, 08:51:13 PM »

I got 80s model Bass Tracker that stripped down took the motor off and put a 3 hp electric motor.

RayAndrewss · « **Reply #168 on:** September 30, 2012, 08:45:04 AM »

Just bought a 2012 Tracker, Pro 165, 25hp 4 stroke back in April....lovin it !!

Nomad · « **Reply #169 on:** October 24, 2012, 03:25:18 PM »

Crestliner VT 17. Dealer and service department right here in town, which is a bonus vs. having to drive an hour. I was looking at the Tracker 175 TXW but I got the VT 17 for the same price as the Tracker, but the VT 17 came with the 75 HP motor, 70 pound-thrust TM, 3-bank battery charger, recessed foot control for the TM and the hot foot.

3deez · « **Reply #170 on:** October 25, 2012, 08:23:37 AM »

hey nomad,
if you got the VT17 for the same price as a Tracker, you got one hell of a deal. it cost me about 2500.00 more for mt VT19 over the Tracker 190. still I think it's a better built boat. after two seasons, I can't find one problem with the boat or trailer.

Nomad · « **Reply #171 on:** October 25, 2012, 08:42:35 AM »

Yep. The Tracker 175 TXW with 75 HP 4-stroke motor, including freight and prep, is $17,120. That price does not include hot foot (which the dealer installed for me), recessed trolling motor foot control, and I don't think the Tracker comes with a 75 pound thrust TM either, and only a 2-bank charger. The Crestliner dealer matched that $17,120 price and threw in a nice boat cover as well. I forgot to mention that I like the wider beam up front on the VT 17 as well. Due to work and weather (why is it always nice all week while I'm at work?) I haven't had the boat out that much yet but so far, I like it. Another reason I got the VT 17 was because I only have so much room in my garage. With the swing-away tongue, I only have about 6" to spare both in the front and back, so it's a tight fit and makes for some very careful backing in LOL. Actually, the boat is light enough so I can get it close and then unhook it and push it in manually. If I had the storage room, I would have gone up to the VT 19 both for the size and bigger motor.

Nomad · « **Reply #172 on:** October 25, 2012, 08:45:07 AM »

Quote from: 3deez on July 29, 2011, 08:04:46 AM

my 2011 Crestliner VT19 with a 115 Optimax. so far very happy with it.

I see you have the same color as I do

Nice looking boat!

3deez · « **Reply #173 on:** October 26, 2012, 07:42:15 AM »

I should have got the grey. I see every little mark on the black. went to thier site and the new VT19's are rated for 150hp.

Nomad · « **Reply #174 on:** October 26, 2012, 07:23:13 PM »

The only colors the dealer had in the lot were blue, red and black. I couldn't make up my mind so I used a lifeline and called my daughter and she said that black would match my SUV, so black it is. I'm not really too worried about the dings and scratches showing, my main concern is how long this boat will hold up for me

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Author Topic: What Brand aluminum do you own? (Read 34907 times)