Bass Tracker Pro 160

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

I was looking to buy my first Bass boat. I came across an older '93 Nitro but was kind of scared off by the reviews and input given by forum member's. I was wanting some input on a Bass Tracker Pro 160. I can get the unit new and make monthly payment's through the local BPS store. It's just standard nothing to fancy but would this be a decent first bass boat? I just want something I can learn on and use and enjoy time on the water with, but in the future if I want to get rid of it for an upgrade I wont have to much trouble. Any input would be greatly appreciate guy's!

[DelcoSol]

I have a 2013 Pro 165 and if I were to do it again I would not buy it. The fit and finish of the boat is terrible. Everything is cheap and is falling apart. Mind you it's not even a year old and has maybe 15 hours on it. Also it's too small. The worst thing is the value, bought it new in Sept for roughly 13k went to trade it in in april and they offered $6500. If I were you I would save up and buy something used for cash. If you're going to go with a new boat avoid Tracker. I am not really impressed by nitro either. I see some of the same quality issues that the tracker has. Buy a used Ranger or Triton.

[Ken Browning]

I have a 1991 Pro 160 and I really like it. I bought it used last fall from the original owner he really took good care of it. I've used it quite a bit and have had no trouble at all. I did upgrade the fish finder though.

[jessejames556]

I have a 2013 Pro 165 and if I were to do it again I would not buy it. The fit and finish of the boat is terrible. Everything is cheap and is falling apart. Mind you it's not even a year old and has maybe 15 hours on it. Also it's too small. The worst thing is the value, bought it new in Sept for roughly 13k went to trade it in in april and they offered $6500. If I were you I would save up and buy something used for cash. If you're going to go with a new boat avoid Tracker. I am not really impressed by nitro either. I see some of the same quality issues that the tracker has. Buy a used Ranger or Triton.

^ This...I have a bias against loans if I can avoid them, so I may not be the person to talk to on this...I'd sooner take a junker and know that I own it 100% than have a flashy new boat/truck/whatever. I was just at bps the other day admiring all the boats. I'm sure they have some quality boats there, but I look at the price tag and remind myself why I bought used. Used boats will require some added maintenance and a little extra TLC, but it's a much better investment, IMO. If you don't mind the thought of losing a couple thousand after towing the boat off the lot, or if you can afford that- then go for it. I'll still check out your rig and *** you as you fly by me...but there is something to be said about a good buy on a used boat.

[tomustang]

From learning to upgrade, this time goes too fast and you'll regret it. There's not much to learn on a boat so choose wisely and ask boat owners that are close by you to help you learn about what you really looking for.

[martintheduck]

I was just in your position exactly man. First boat purchase, didn't want to spend "too much", just wanted something to finally call my own and have fun on. I fished out of a Tracker pt175 for quite sometime (with a buddy) and it became very obvious after quite a few trips - anything shorter than a 17.5ft is going to be just too small. 

 

Eventually, I got serious about buying and tried to have an open mind. I went and looked at a PT170 used and really liked it. In hindsight, I'm VERY VERY happy I did not buy that 170. The 170 would have been ENTIRELY too small! (I ended up buying an 18ft boat)

 

I ended up in an 18ft boat w/ a 96" beam and FINALLY I feel comfortable when I am fishing. FINALLY I have some space to move around.

 

Moral of the story: Don't buy a 160. It's the bottom of the barrel Tracker boat and everything is made poorly on that thing...that's why it's $9,000. My two cent's: Look into a used Xpress boat... a 17ft 2011 just sold on my craigslist for $11,000 with a 90 yamaha.

 

I'm really happy I went with Xpress over Tracker - Xpress actually feels solid and rides a HECK of a lot better than any of the trackers I've been in. Literally, the best aluminum ride I've ever been in. 

[war-eagle]

LOL, .. This discussion reminds me of

one thing, "opinions are like a__h___s, everybody's got one".

I have a 2013 pro 165, and i love it.

Plenty of fishing deck, plenty of storage.

No its not a Bass -Cat, but is a pretty good ride

for an aluminum.

Remember everyone takes care of their equipment

differently.

I'm glad i bought it.

[jimmykm21]

It looks pretty and big enough on the showroom floor but it feels small on the water.

 

These boats  sell on craigslist for 3 or 4 grand all day long.

 

This is not my boat but just  quick check  in my area  .

 

I would look at something like this for close to the same price as a new tracker 16

 

This is if you are set on buying an aluminum boat.

 

 

http://newlondon.craigslist.org/boa/3905793444.html

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

Unfortunately around here there arent many xpress boat's or dealer's. I did find a very nice condition 2000 Lowe 160 for $5500. Any one have any experience with Lowe's? It's probably the cleanest boat I've seen used since I've been searching. 50HP Evinrude 4-stroke with all the electronics and trolling motor.

[BassinLou]

I have had a Tracker 165 since 1999. We have gone through a lot together and she is still going strong. I have had to do some cosmetic stuff over the years like carpeting and bunk replacements on the trailer. The motor I have is 25hp, which as served me as an excellent model for me to learn about the maintenance and care you have to give to outboards. Am I ready for a significant upgrade? ABSOLUTELY!! I have been for years. But this thing called "life" always gets in the way, and incurring another cost into our monthly budget is not a wise $$ move. My boat and truck have been paid for many times over. If I would have been a BR member back then, my choice would have probably been different. CarolinaBoy, I do not know the craftsmanship of todays Tracker, but if you decide to get the 160, get it with the highest H.P. the boat is rated for. Ammortized  over the life of the loan, I feel is worth it in the long run. 165 is a beginners bass boat I agree, however when resources are limited and you are passionate about bass fishing, that little boat will get the job done and give you countless memories. Just my .02 cents

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

Thank's for the input man. Size isnt really a big issue. I wont be fishing any huge tournament's just local and weekend fishing. I mean I'm serious about bass fishing but I will normally be by myself or with only one other person. Just wanting to get my first bass boat and want honest input and opinions. Used, New whatever it is I just want to enjoy it.

[BassinLou]

CarolinaBoy, best of luck on your shopping. Looking at your profile I was tad older than you when I bought my boat. Ah!! memories. Good times..

[tnriverluver]

Lowes are leaps and bounds better than Trackers as far as build quality.  I have owned both the Lowe 160 (2 actually) and the Tracker 165.  The Lowe will normally around here at least retain more of it's value over the Tracker.  I currently own a Tracker 1542 flatbottom that just receives light use that I bought 2 years ago new.  Just found 2 broken welds and a broken rib this last weekend when I was getting ready to go fish.  This boat is used almost exclusively on idle speed only lakes.  Needless to say I am not happy with Tracker at the moment.

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

I honestly like the look and layout of the Lowe I just dont know anyone that has them I can speak to about use and problems they've encountered. Like I said the 2000 Lowe 160 I've come across is in exceptional condition. They want $5500 and honestly it look's like a sweet deal for trailer and all. I have heard some good thing's about Lowe from online forums and hear that the quality of build is alot better than the new Tracker's.

[DelcoSol]

You never really hear someone say they wish they got a smaller boat. If you go with a smaller one you will want to upgrade eventually and take a hit selling the first boat. The 160 is fine for one person fishing but with my buddy and I on my 165 with any rod near 7' its really tight. Also the biggest thing to me is the width. It creates a more stable boat. Either one will get you on the water which is all that matters. If I could do it again I would buy something in the 18-19' range. The trolling motor on the tracker is just about useless in any kind of wind. Also the fishfinder stinks too. Whatever you end up getting just get the biggest engine and trolling motor you can. I have a 40hp on mine and with more than two people in it it struggles to plane.

[jessejames556]

Even if you don't know anyone that owns a Lowe, you can still cross reference with other boat owners. Everything on that boat can be found on other boat makes and models. With some TLC you can really up the quality on just about anything, even if it has some inherent problems. I should know, I've owned a Dodge pickup for years.

[DelcoSol]

Even if you don't know anyone that owns a Lowe, you can still cross reference with other boat owners. Everything on that boat can be found on other boat makes and models. With some TLC you can really up the quality on just about anything, even if it has some inherent problems. I should know, I've owned a Dodge pickup for years.

 

Im a technician. I feel your pain..

[martintheduck]

I honestly like the look and layout of the Lowe I just dont know anyone that has them I can speak to about use and problems they've encountered. Like I said the 2000 Lowe 160 I've come across is in exceptional condition. They want $5500 and honestly it look's like a sweet deal for trailer and all. I have heard some good thing's about Lowe from online forums and hear that the quality of build is alot better than the new Tracker's.

 

Can't speak on the lowe boats. I can say that I steered away from the 160 after reading up on forums and finding a couple of people saying "I thought I would be okay with the space on board, but after the first times fishing on the boat, I wanted more space, storage, and just a better boat."

 

I just dropped by earlier to say the quality of the new 160's is pretty crappy. They have plastic cheap seats and minimal storage. If you plan on fishing open water at all, the 16ft is going to be aweful in any type of wind. There isn't enough space to add another battery for 24volt trolling motor. You might have a tough time fishing all day on 12volt.  Performance wise it'll come down to the engine you choose mostly... from all my research, almost all aluminum boats have a similar hull design and will ride pretty much the same (the only exception being Xpress boats hyperlift series and padded hull series - of course that's just what I've read and experienced a few times in the 4 aluminum boats I've been on). 

 

I just want to point out what was pointed out to me - slow down on the buying. If buying NEW is an option for you, that option will ALWAYS be available. Slow down a bit and look at some used boats. Keep an eye on craigslist, get a feel for the market in your area. In my recent experience, I found this: there are some really problematic used boats for sale AND there are some REALLY great used boats for sale. I wanted to buy new just to avoid buying "someone else's problem," but in the end, I'm SUPER stoked I found an amazing used boat instead. I got a better quality boat, more horsepower, more space, a couple $200 Mustang lifejackets, and better trolling motor for the same price I was going to pay for a new pt175txw.

[Sam]

Carolina, a Tracker is a "Spartan" boat and you will learn a lot about the hull, electrical system, trolling motor, charging the batteries, live wells, sonar system, the trailer and most of all, the motor.

 

The hull will probably never give you a problem. The major cost of the boat and the most important part of the package is the motor.

 

When purchasing a new or used boat please consider the following:

1.  Motor - Have a compression check to make sure it is in good condition.

2. Tournaments - If  you fish tournaments you may want to get the highest horsepower the boat is rated to safely handle. If you do fun fishing you can scale down on motor power.

3. Motor Manufacturer - Some guys love Mercury while others are Evinrude or Yamaha. I know some guys who refused to look at any used Rangers if they had Evinrudes on them.

4. Rod Storage Length - Trackers cannot handle rods over six feet eight inches easily. The outside compartment is three feet long and the rod locker space under the boat is about four feet. So if you want to store your rods in the rod compartment forget the Tracker.

5. Updates - You will be making a lot of improvements to the boat. Replacing the glass fuses with circuit breakers; adding a third battery to upgrade trolling motor to 24-volts and more power; purchasing a boat and motor cover; adding your electronics; considering if you don't care if the trolling motor foot pedal is on the deck; upgrading your live well pump to at least 500 gallons a minute; and the size and cost of your batteries.

6. The Trailer - does your trailer have a spare tire with it or will you have to add one? Any pedestal in the front so you can stand or kneel on it to hook the winch strap to the eye when trailering the boat? Getting the wheels serviced each year. Replacing the bunks (not difficult but you will have to dock your boat at a marina and complete the job in the marina's parking lot). And does your truck or SUV 's light connector the same as what is on the boat? Check it out.

7.  Waters You Fish - Trackers pull a shallow draft so you can go places the heavier boats cannot go. Low tides or getting into and out of small creeks is not a major problem with a Tracker.

8.  Truck and SUV - What is the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can tow? Important as you don't want to blow the motor.

9.  Weather - You will be blown all over the water in wind; moved along in current; burn yourself when you touch the aluminum in very hot weather; so you will need an anchor or a way to slow down the boat. If winds are 10 miles per hour or greater you can not take the Tracker into heavy waters safely. So you will be locked into a creek or where the water is not rough with one-foot waves or greater. So if you are fishing a lake and plan to run five miles with rain and wind approaching - don't do it. Stay close to your ramp to avoid the rough water.

10. Gas Prices - A Mercury can run on 87 octane gasoline. Larger motors need 89 octane and special oil. Check out the motor requirements as bass boat motor oil is extremely expensive, especially if you have to use the manufacturer's oil to keep the warranty valid. Also understand that some outboards suck up gas while others are frugal. Do your research or be like the guy in my bass club that just purchased a used Pro Craft with a 115 (forget the brand) and used 23 gallons of gas in a tournament running about 20 total miles. I think his motor needs a tune-up!

11.  Trial Run and Compression Check - If possible take the boat out for a trial run. Smell for leaking gas; how does she handle (steering OK?); pull the plug when you get back to the ramp to see if any water comes out; check all gauges and make sure the bilge and live well work plus your running lights (plug them in on the front and back to make sure the light up); how is the trolling motor?; what is the overall upkeep?; and take the boat and motor to a service facility for a compression check and their opinion of the watercraft. 

 

After you qualify to operate your bass boat as per Carolina safe boating laws; outfit her with everything state law mandates; consider some upgrades (trolling motor to 24-volt 60+ power system); add your electronics; and cover her when trailered you are ready to roll and have many inexpensive fun days on the water.

 

Good luck and be sure to converse with us on your final purchase.

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

I guess you guy's are right. I need to slow down on the wanting to buy right now and look for something that wont cause me headaches and problems down the road. I will save and just get a big enough boat that I wont have to worry about size rather than buying new and in a year wanting to upgrade and not happy with my purchase. Also saving and slowing down will help me be able to stock the boat with all the tool's and essentials to get on the water. Thank's guy's!

[DelcoSol]

Don't forget that boats will always be cheaper in the winter. Maybe find some people with different styles of boats to try them out? I wish I could have gone for a test ride in mine.

[martintheduck]

Don't forget that boats will always be cheaper in the winter. Maybe find some people with different styles of boats to try them out? I wish I could have gone for a test ride in mine.

 

 

X2. I picked the worst time of the year to buy a boat, but got lucky. 

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

What kind of boat would you be looking for? Like size, engine, brand.

[martintheduck]

Just made a thread a few weeks ago about my buying experience. It might answer some of your questions.... http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/121224-real-ticked-off-buying-used-but-finally-succeed/

 

 

Also - To briefly answer your questions - Be looking for any length boat, any size engine, and any brand which fits into your price range which you believe "I could be happy with that boat." When you find a brand or model, do research on the type of boat. Google information about them, read reviews, post a new thread if you MUST. Decide your absolute TOP DOLLAR and just research from there. Search ebay motors, iboats, boattrader, craigslist, facebook "for sale" groups, classifieds, etc... 

 

And also - request every possible catalogue from manufacturers. They are free, great toilet material, and give you a good idea of each manufacturer. I think I have 8 or 10 laying around

[Dean G.]

Have you consider a tracker 175? I bought a 2012 175 last year and like it. It's a great entry level boat for sure. I've made some mistakes with it, like ripping a transducer off loading it on the trailer, hitting sumps, etc. I could not imagine doing that with an expensive triton or ranger fiberglass boat! Although very nice, I'm glad I didn't invest in one for my first boat. Here's a pic of mine before I put a talon on it.