born2fish94 Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013 I am a senior in highschool and i'm workin 40 hours each week to save for my first boat. i have decided that for me at the time an aluminum is the way to go. I wont be fishing alot of tournaments so speed and things are not a big difference. ive been fishing every weekend on tournaments as a co angler. This boat is going to be my "learning boat". I want to learn alot on the water and become good with what i have before i spend the big bucks. I am set on buying a brand new Tracker boat. im stuck however between a 165, 170 or a 175 tracker. i know that the the bigger i go the better the storage and deckroom. But the affordability of the 165 attracts me. because im putting a set amount of each paycheck aside each month until i get a down payment big enough for half of the boat price. My patience sucks so i know that i can get the 165 a faster. and then i can put higher quality electronics on it. I'm just asking for everyones advice. I am all ears and want nothing to do but learn. Quote
topwaterrob Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013 My personal advice would be to buy a used boat to "learn" with.... Trackers are pretty expensive boats and are great boats, but if it's not what you see yourself using in a few years then get something affordable that will allow you to fish & learn while still putting money away for the big boat. I tore up my first boat which happened to be a used tracker while learning the do's and dont's.  Some may disagree but thats my 2 cents..... Quote
Sun Fish Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013  I also originally wanted a new Tracker Pro Team 175 last summer but ended up going used and very glad I did.  You can get a much nicer boat for half the price of a new tracker.  Even after buying a new tracker your going to immediately want to upgrade the trolling motor and fish finders which can cost an additional $3000 or more depending what you want.  I purchased a 1995 18' Nitro glass boat over the summer with a 115 Merc on the back for $4500.  I spent an additional $2000 on upgrading it's electronics and TM and now have a awesome bass boat  Just make sure you have a mechanic check any used boat out before buying it. Quote
Super User Nitrofreak Posted March 8, 2013 Super User Posted March 8, 2013 My personal advice would be to buy a used boat to "learn" with.... Trackers are pretty expensive boats and are great boats, but if it's not what you see yourself using in a few years then get something affordable that will allow you to fish & learn while still putting money away for the big boat. I tore up my first boat which happened to be a used tracker while learning the do's and dont's.  Some may disagree but thats my 2 cents.....  I would not disagree with this post, it's a good option if you take into account the upgraded electronics you wish to have, with this option you can start off with everything you want for the same money or even less depending on what electronics your thinking of.  Searching for a good used boat may take some time, but it may be time well spent, especially if you find that little bit bigger boat for half the cost of a new Tracker, the money that you can possibly save here can be put toward that new boat in the future and you won't have to start saving all over again.  I applaud the fact that you are working so hard to get things right, it's getting exciting for you to get that boat I know,  but keep saving and keep looking around while your working toward your goal, it never hurts to look and be open minded.  Your going about this the right way, take your time and get as much boat for your hard earned bucks as you can,  used or new don't settle for less than what you already know you want in your first boat.  Good luck and be safe !!! Quote
BrettD Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013 If its your first boat I would buy used let someone else put the first scratches on it. That way when you put a scratch or dent it you wont feel bad because it will just be another scratch. You also get the most for your dollar when you buy boats around 2 years old. Quote
TrapperJ Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013 My very first boat before my new tracker was a used 20' fiberglass Port Star with a 150 HP, just remember not all boats are as perfect as the seller claims. I had to have some work done on my engine, but not terrible it could have been much worse. Plus when i was your age i had more spare time, so i was able to work and upgrade small things i could do my self. Cleaning it up, added new seats, installed new carpet. I was able to fish out of it like it was but when i wasnt fishing i wanted to improve my new toy best i knew how.  I seriously considered buy another used boat before purchasing my new 175 tracker, but remember sometimes buying used means buying someone elses problems, so do your research and investigate on that used boat like you were Sherlock Holmes. This is what pushed me to by new was that with a wife and kid, my free time will be spent fishing, instead of working on a boat.  I like the 165 cause at that point you get a lockable rod box, but for $500 more you might as well go up to the 170 and get 6" more boat, and on that note i dont understand why they have the two models 165 and 170 that are really that similar. You get a 40HP engine which runs and estimated 34-36. That size of boat I'm not a Trolling motor expert but I'd bet you would be fine with the 12 volt 45lb thrust. Plus they give a $500 giftcard and you could use that to either upgrade the trolling motor or put a nicer fish finder on the bow.  Again though thats a $13,000+ purchase, when i have seen some decent boats out there on the used market for $3000-5000 that would be bigger. Lots of options to weigh for yourself. But going used for your first boat is really a great idea, cause when you ding, scuff or scrap that used boat it wont hurt near as bad. hehe Look at dealers selling used boats too, at least "I think" they are supposed to have mechanics that give them a good once over job to fix and repair what needs to be done. Just remember they got to make money too so they might not be the cheapest price out there on used. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted March 8, 2013 Super User Posted March 8, 2013 I'd be looking at Xpress or G3 before Tracker. Quote
BrettD Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013 I'd be looking at Xpress or G3 before Tracker. +1 all aluminum decks with the xpress trackers have wood decks. Xpress's also tend to have a wider beam atleast on the 18's Quote
born2fish94 Posted March 8, 2013 Author Posted March 8, 2013 thanks so much guys! the reason im sticking with buying it new is because of the 5 year warranty and with my luck i know something will happen with the motor. and i also want aluminum because they sniff gas. and Nitrofreak thank you for encouraging me on my hard work. the way i see it "if it aint hard it aint worth doing" i just need some insight on whether to go with the 170, 165 or 175 Quote
BrettD Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013 If you plan on fishing by yourself the majority of the time the 165 probably would be fine. If you fish with someone frequently get the biggest boat you can afford. Quote
Koofy Smacker Posted March 8, 2013 Posted March 8, 2013 I would honestly hold out for the 175. Not only do you get a bigger boat and a LOT more storage, but you get a standard 60hp with it as well. On the 165 and 170 the storage will be a nightmare. Think about the stuff you should have with you at all times (anchor, rope, pliers, screwdriver, throwable device, 2 lifejackets, running lights, rain gear, registration and permits, paddle, bailing device). This includes no tackle at all. In my boat I have one whole storage compartment dedicated to this stuff and I have a rod locker and a storage unit left over for tackle and rods. I vote to keep saving and get something youll love for a long time and not be wishing you had waited a year down the road. 1 Quote
born2fish94 Posted March 8, 2013 Author Posted March 8, 2013 im starting to think that the 175 is the way to go 2 Quote
Dogman65 Posted March 9, 2013 Posted March 9, 2013 I just bought a 2013 tracker 175. When I orginally started looking I was pretty set on the 170. I don't really need a large fast bassboat but I did want to be sure I had enough room to comfortably fish out of it and have enough storage and stability to keep me happy. I really think that "enough" is pretty subjective. My advice would be to go spend some time looking at all three. Get in the boats, sit behind the wheel and spend some time on the front and rear casting decks, get up from behind the wheel and walk to both, then walk from front to back. Open all the compartments while your at it. In other words simulate actual use on the water so you have the best idea of whats "enough" for you. After doing all of that I decided the 175 was a better choice for me. Also the smaller the boat the less stable among those three models, and if you have a buddy don't forget they will be moving around too. I am back in the boat owner's club after 10 years out of it. I've had used (got burnt), and a couple new glass bassboats. Without doubt the glass boats are very nice but aluminum is "enough" for me. I think all three of those are good boats so I have no idea which is right for you. Many folks fish out of a johnboat and all three of those models are a step up from that. It's really a choice you have to make after you've educated yourself on them as best you can. One nice thing about all three is that at least in my area the resale is really good so when you eventually move on to something else you should be ok selling it. Used vs new is again a personal choice. There are benefits (cost) and risks (inherited problems). That is another personal choice you have to make...just be sure to have any used boat checked by a marine mechanic that you trust, and take a test ride. Hope this helps. Quote
Super User ww2farmer Posted March 9, 2013 Super User Posted March 9, 2013 I bought a new 170 in 2007, at the time I "thought" it was all I needed, and in reality at the time it was.........huge upgrade over my Pelican bass raider. But..... It's cramped, small and slow. I have recently begun saving for a 175....which is what I should have bought in the first place. To be fair to my 170.........it has been a good boat. I have had no problems with it that were not my own doing. I just want something with a little more room, and I have looked the 175 over quite a few times in person, everything is easier to work on, and get to than on my 170. Things like bilge/live well pumps, batteries, etc.... has more storage, bigger decks, a few more features that the 170 does not have. Quote
Super User slonezp Posted March 9, 2013 Super User Posted March 9, 2013 I bought a new 170 in 2007, at the time I "thought" it was all I needed, and in reality at the time it was.........huge upgrade over my Pelican bass raider. But..... It's cramped, small and slow. I have recently begun saving for a 175....which is what I should have bought in the first place. To be fair to my 170.........it has been a good boat. I have had no problems with it that were not my own doing. I just want something with a little more room, and I have looked the 175 over quite a few times in person, everything is easier to work on, and get to than on my 170. Things like bilge/live well pumps, batteries, etc.... has more storage, bigger decks, a few more features that the 170 does not have. Agreed. My last boat which was my second boat was 17' I fished tourneys out of it for 8 years. 8 years ago it was plenty of boat. Today, not so much. As your fishing addiction grows, so will your needs. My advice to you is buy what you can afford without giving up absolute necessities. You're going to grow out of it eventualy anyway. You will however have developed years worth of experience which will benefit you when you are ready to make the "big" purchase. You also have an asset to sel or pass on to someone who will be going thru what you are now. 1 Quote
Shewillbemine Posted March 9, 2013 Posted March 9, 2013 My first boat was/is a 175 deep V. My thought process was similar to yours: buy an aluminum, relatively lower priced boat to make mistakes on. I didn't want a used boat because my lack of knowledge about them and didn't want something without warranty or "Oh I didn't tell you about THAT issue?" from the previous owner.  The 175 is a great fit for me because I fish both lakes and the ocean. I don't feel unsafe but as with all aluminum boats, it will get pushed easier in the wind. If you're fishing mainly lakes that don't have severe weather too often, the 165 should be just fine.  I won't let your age form my suggestion: if you've got the money to buy what you want, so be it. Quote
born2fish94 Posted March 9, 2013 Author Posted March 9, 2013 i  My first boat was/is a 175 deep V. My thought process was similar to yours: buy an aluminum, relatively lower priced boat to make mistakes on. I didn't want a used boat because my lack of knowledge about them and didn't want something without warranty or "Oh I didn't tell you about THAT issue?" from the previous owner.  The 175 is a great fit for me because I fish both lakes and the ocean. I don't feel unsafe but as with all aluminum boats, it will get pushed easier in the wind. If you're fishing mainly lakes that don't have severe weather too often, the 165 should be just fine.  I won't let your age form my suggestion: if you've got the money to buy what you want, so be it. Thanks, alot of people think "hes young he doesnt know anything" ive been working since i was old enough to work and just in fact paid off my truck that i found and paid for the whole thing myself. My dad makes a very good living, but the reason he makes me pay for stuff like that is because he believes it will teach me the value of hard work and how to have a successful living myself and i cant thank him enough for that. I went to bass pro today and sat in the 165 and it just didnt feel right, way too small and not near enough storage for all my tackle. i then sat in the 175 and it just felt perfect it had enough room for all my stuff and more. Its definitely what im going to get. its gonna take a couple months more to get it than i had planned, probablyy around december is when ill have the money but it really is gonna be worth it and be oh so sweet when i take her on the water for the first time. Quote
Super User Sam Posted March 9, 2013 Super User Posted March 9, 2013 im starting to think that the 175 is the way to go  X2.  Larger the boat the more stable it is and enjoyable to fish. Quote
Dogman65 Posted March 9, 2013 Posted March 9, 2013 i  Thanks, alot of people think "hes young he doesnt know anything" ive been working since i was old enough to work and just in fact paid off my truck that i found and paid for the whole thing myself. My dad makes a very good living, but the reason he makes me pay for stuff like that is because he believes it will teach me the value of hard work and how to have a successful living myself and i cant thank him enough for that. I went to bass pro today and sat in the 165 and it just didnt feel right, way too small and not near enough storage for all my tackle. i then sat in the 175 and it just felt perfect it had enough room for all my stuff and more. Its definitely what im going to get. its gonna take a couple months more to get it than i had planned, probablyy around december is when ill have the money but it really is gonna be worth it and be oh so sweet when i take her on the water for the first time. Waiting a little more to get what you know you want is always a good idea. When I bought my first boat (used) I got burned because I was in a hurry and didn't know much about boats....I wanted a decent boat and traded it within a couple months for a new boat. Well it was not near enough and I pretty much knew it but bought it anyway because I wanted a boat NOW. That was a mistake. I lost money on the used boat trading it, then lost money on the new small boat trading up a year later on something that would work for me. Sold that last boat 10 years ago after having it for several years just due to not having time to fish. When I bought the 175 this month I spent alot of time being sure about what I wanted. Took it out yesterday for the first time and I'm very happy with the choice I made. Sounds like your dad is doing a good job.  Lessons like that stay with you forever.   Quote
Trailer Posted March 9, 2013 Posted March 9, 2013 i  Thanks, alot of people think "hes young he doesnt know anything" ive been working since i was old enough to work and just in fact paid off my truck that i found and paid for the whole thing myself. My dad makes a very good living, but the reason he makes me pay for stuff like that is because he believes it will teach me the value of hard work and how to have a successful living myself and i cant thank him enough for that. I went to bass pro today and sat in the 165 and it just didnt feel right, way too small and not near enough storage for all my tackle. i then sat in the 175 and it just felt perfect it had enough room for all my stuff and more. Its definitely what im going to get. its gonna take a couple months more to get it than i had planned, probablyy around december is when ill have the money but it really is gonna be worth it and be oh so sweet when i take her on the water for the first time. HOLY COW! Would you please teach the rest of the dead-beats of America what work ethic is? Kudos for your hard work and realizing it at such a young age. Quote
Gotfishyfingers? Posted March 10, 2013 Posted March 10, 2013 Warranties are transferable. I would suggest not to buy new as well. Also consider looking at other brand aluminum boats before you buy. Quote
jhoffman Posted March 10, 2013 Posted March 10, 2013 Warranties are transferable. I would suggest not to buy new as well. Also consider looking at other brand aluminum boats before you buy. I agree, if I was slapn the money down for a NEW aluminum it would be an xpress Quote
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