Fishing03xx Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 I have never owned and taken care of a boat before. I was doing some research online and this seems like a great first boat. It looks like ill be able to purchase it by spring. If anyone one has any tips on the buying/ maintenance that would be great. Also is it worth the dealership to install the steering cables and weld on transducers? or is that something i will be able to do myself? Thank you! Quote
GetBent Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 Whatever you do, get the most horsepower you can. Lots of people will sale a boat underpowered to get you in the payments you want. An underpowered boat makes for an unpleasant experience. A good dealer should take you through the boat and explain what does what. Learn about the most common problems and how to fish them on the water. 2 stroke motors have their place but 4 stroke are more user friendly and typically more reliable. If you never drove a boat before or backed up a trailer find someone who has and have them help you. Maybe even hire a guide to go on your boat. Teach you the basics. Boating safety, backing up a trailer, and reading a fish finder to name a few. Quote
GetBent Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 Just now, GetBent said: Whatever you do, get the most horsepower you can. Lots of people will sale a boat underpowered to get you in the payments you want. An underpowered boat makes for an unpleasant experience. A good dealer should take you through the boat and explain what does what. Learn about the most common problems and how to fix them on the water. 2 stroke motors have their place but 4 stroke are more user friendly and typically more reliable. If you never drove a boat before or backed up a trailer find someone who has and have them help you. Maybe even hire a guide to go on your boat. Teach you the basics. Boating safety, backing up a trailer, and reading a fish finder to name a few. Quote
Fishing03xx Posted January 17, 2016 Author Posted January 17, 2016 10 minutes ago, GetBent said: Whatever you do, get the most horsepower you can. Lots of people will sale a boat underpowered to get you in the payments you want. An underpowered boat makes for an unpleasant experience. A good dealer should take you through the boat and explain what does what. Learn about the most common problems and how to fish them on the water. 2 stroke motors have their place but 4 stroke are more user friendly and typically more reliable. If you never drove a boat before or backed up a trailer find someone who has and have them help you. Maybe even hire a guide to go on your boat. Teach you the basics. Boating safety, backing up a trailer, and reading a fish finder to name a few. what problems do you run into with less power? Quote
GetBent Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 Getting up on plane and going slow. If you're ok with slow and not worried about getting up quick I guess you're ok. Smaller motor usually means you will push the motor harder (high rpm) to go faster. This wears your motor and eats fuel. See what others think, but my first boat was rated for a 90 and I put a 70 on it and didn't like it. My second boat similar to my first has a 90 and performance is much better. My boat is a saltwater fishing shallow, so getting up quick is important Quote
RHuff Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 Won't get up on plain, rougher ride, worse gas milage.. Quote
GetBent Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 Another thing to consider is the hp of that model. Mercury Yamaha Suzuki etc etc all makes great motors but they also have "less than desired" for certain horse power. So choose an engine and research it. Again having no experience with motors I would get a 4 stroke. Looked at it. Definitely don't get the 20hp. I have a 16ft boat with a 90hp. What body of water do you plan on fishing and how many people? Do you plan to bass fish and use lures? For the fish finder I would also try and get the biggest screen possible if you plan to fish for bass with lures. Again I have a 5in screen on my kayak and although it's ok I think I may get a 7in screen. Makes a difference 1 Quote
GetBent Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 The steering cables and transducer should come installed and in the asking price. Did the dealer tell you different? 1 Quote
Fishing03xx Posted January 17, 2016 Author Posted January 17, 2016 ok I was looking at the 25hp possibly the 40hp i think thats what is offered in my area. They are i was also looking at some lowe boats and having those added were an option but its included in the Tracker. As for fishing areas i got two pretty big lakes up here in norcal, Berryessa and clear lake, those would be about it unless i make an out of town trip but wont happen often. Just going to be Me and a friend mostly possibly take 3 out on it but that wont be often as well. Quote
GetBent Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 just be sure and learn a lot about boating safety and weather limits. Know that boat won't do well in rough water. before I go putting more questions in your head I will let others put their 2 cents in. Quote
desmobob Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 I have the Pro170 with a Mercury 40HP four-cycle and it goes along fine. It is also VERY economical. I'd recommend that engine on your Pro160. If you're buying the boat new, it should be ready to run when you pick it up. I trailered mine directly to the lake, loaded my fishing gear and started having fun! I hope you do the same! Tight lines, Bob 1 Quote
Super User BassinLou Posted January 17, 2016 Super User Posted January 17, 2016 Congratulations. My first til this very day is a Tracker ProTeam 165. I bought mine in 1999. Great little tin. Here are some tips that I think you will find useful for years of enjoyment: 1. Max out the HP. Trust me on this. I know for mine its 40HP, but I got the 25 instead. Rookie mistake!! 2. Always keep your boat covered when its not in use. Prolonged exposure to the elements will rot out the wooden deck and carpet. Another costly mistake I learned from. 3. Max out the TM for your length of boat and/or voltage. For example. If you have a 12 volt system, max out your TM, and run with 55lb. I upgraded a couple of years ago to a MK Maxxum and its been a night and day difference ever since. 4. Pack smart. This boat does not have a lot storage so pack smart and minimize clutter. 5. Lastly, if you don't run your boat often, and you find it sits for a while. Run the motor every week or 2 for about 3 min. Treat your fuel if you run ethanol or not. This tip alone will save you $$ and headaches down the line. Another area I learned the hard way with. Again, congrats on your purchase, and enjoy your tin boat. 2 Quote
GetBent Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 BassinLou made all great points. I too cover my boat and the cover is wrecked. I could only imagine what my boat would look like if I didn't cover it. Quote
Super User slonezp Posted January 17, 2016 Super User Posted January 17, 2016 Just to be clear, when bassinlou said run the motor, it needs to run with earmuffs off the garden hose. IMO If you plan on keeping the boat awhile and can afford it, there are a few upgrades I think that would make your boat ownership experience an enjoyment than a regret. Tracker is known for skimping on things to keep the price point attractive. A few upgrades and your overall boating experience will be much more positive. If you are able, max out the HP If you are able, upgrade to a 24v trolling motor If I had to make a choice with the above, I'd max out the trolling motor before I got a bigger motor. Let's face it a Pro 160 isn't built for speed. You spend more time using the trolling motor than the big motor, you might as well make that the first upgrade. A must have is an onboard charger with 1 bank per battery. Don't let anyone tell you only need a charger for the trolling motor batteries. In theory, the outboard will keep the starting battery charged. If you are not making long runs this will not be the case and one day you'll be at the ramp and the motor wont start because the last few trips you didn't drive it enough. The standard 3" graphs that Tracker puts on their boats are cute. Not real practical but cute. Normally only one on the console is included. I would recommend getting a minimum 5" graph at both the console and the bow. Invest in some decent dock lines. If the boat is not going to be stored in the garage, buy a cover. Get a transom saver for towing, it is not included with the boat. Boat buckles on the trailer are a nice option. Keep a small tool kit onboard Follow the motor manufacturers instructions during the break in period. The manufacturer reserves the right to decline warranty coverage if the procedure is not followed properly. Treat your fuel on every fill up. Seafoam is a good product to get in the habit of using. Mercury makes their own fuel treatments as well. You need a PFD for every passenger. You need a throwable cushion. You need a marine rated fire extinguisher. You need a first aid kit. If the boat doesn't come with a horn, you need a horn in a can.-If you ever get boarded by the DNR or Coast Guard, they will be looking for these items and will ticket you for not having them. I advise you to check the requirements for your local waters to see if there are any special requirements. Take a boaters safety course and enjoy your time on the water. 3 Quote
Super User BassinLou Posted January 17, 2016 Super User Posted January 17, 2016 1 hour ago, slonezp said: Just to be clear, when bassinlou said run the motor, it needs to run with earmuffs off the garden hose. IMO If you plan on keeping the boat awhile and can afford it, there are a few upgrades I think that would make your boat ownership experience an enjoyment than a regret. Tracker is known for skimping on things to keep the price point attractive. A few upgrades and your overall boating experience will be much more positive. If you are able, max out the HP If you are able, upgrade to a 24v trolling motor If I had to make a choice with the above, I'd max out the trolling motor before I got a bigger motor. Let's face it a Pro 160 isn't built for speed. You spend more time using the trolling motor than the big motor, you might as well make that the first upgrade. A must have is an onboard charger with 1 bank per battery. Don't let anyone tell you only need a charger for the trolling motor batteries. In theory, the outboard will keep the starting battery charged. If you are not making long runs this will not be the case and one day you'll be at the ramp and the motor wont start because the last few trips you didn't drive it enough. The standard 3" graphs that Tracker puts on their boats are cute. Not real practical but cute. Normally only one on the console is included. I would recommend getting a minimum 5" graph at both the console and the bow. Invest in some decent dock lines. If the boat is not going to be stored in the garage, buy a cover. Get a transom saver for towing, it is not included with the boat. Boat buckles on the trailer are a nice option. Keep a small tool kit onboard Follow the motor manufacturers instructions during the break in period. The manufacturer reserves the right to decline warranty coverage if the procedure is not followed properly. Treat your fuel on every fill up. Seafoam is a good product to get in the habit of using. Mercury makes their own fuel treatments as well. You need a PFD for every passenger. You need a throwable cushion. You need a marine rated fire extinguisher. You need a first aid kit. If the boat doesn't come with a horn, you need a horn in a can.-If you ever get boarded by the DNR or Coast Guard, they will be looking for these items and will ticket you for not having them. I advise you to check the requirements for your local waters to see if there are any special requirements. Take a boaters safety course and enjoy your time on the water. Yes..... ooops!! Slone you are correct. Sorry I wasn't clear on that. Flushing units are a must when running your outboard outside of the water. If your motor isn't peeing when you have the flushing unit on, readjust them. But the engine has to be peeing once it warms up and the thermostat kicks in. 1 Quote
GetBent Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 Sloan's advice is much more thorough and I would follow that. As far as horse power and trolling motor size- you should be able to finance both. the differences for both shouldn't be more than $4000. Not sure of your financial situation but if you can't afford the larger motor and trolling motor, I would wait. There is a lot more to owning a boat than a monthly payment. 1 Quote
Super User gulfcaptain Posted January 17, 2016 Super User Posted January 17, 2016 Before you buy, test drive the boat. Get it on the water. The dealer should allow you to try it. Make sure you like it before you purchase it. Get on the bow and run the trolling motor, move around and see how stable it is. If that dealer won't let you test drive the boat you're wanting to buy then find another dealer. I'd never buy a car without driving it, same thing goes for a boat. You may find out you don't like it. And if you already signed the the papers you're stuck with something you now don't like. 2 Quote
tander Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 All great advise. Don't overlook buying used. You can get more HP on main motor and TM for the money. If you don't know a lot about boats, you probably know someone who does, take them with you when you are looking. If you can swing a new boat with enough motor, that to me is the way to go but don't rule out used. 1 Quote
carlm01 Posted January 17, 2016 Posted January 17, 2016 18 hours ago, GetBent said: Getting up on plane and going slow. If you're ok with slow and not worried about getting up quick I guess you're ok. Smaller motor usually means you will push the motor harder (high rpm) to go faster. This wears your motor and eats fuel. See what others think, but my first boat was rated for a 90 and I put a 70 on it and didn't like it. My second boat similar to my first has a 90 and performance is much better. My boat is a saltwater fishing shallow, so getting up quick is important I had a 2015 Lowe Skorpion w /a 20 hp merc elpt and had no problems what so ever getting up on plane and hitting 22mph with just me in the boat ,Depending on were you fish and what restrictions you have a small motor isn't bad . The tracker does weigh more than the skorpion .. Just look at weights ..... 1 Quote
AQUA VELVA Posted January 19, 2016 Posted January 19, 2016 A lot of good advice up there. My 94, Tracker TV-17 was my first boat and still is. It came with a 40 hp Merc but everyone told me to upgrade to the 60. I did and never regretted it as it didn't really bump up the payment that much more. If I ever buy another boat it will have a four cycle motor though. 1 Quote
Fishing03xx Posted January 19, 2016 Author Posted January 19, 2016 Thanks for all the advice!! i am now looking into a used boat with a 04' Tracker Super guide V 14 C thats in pretty good shape with finder and live well for about 5000. I am going to look at it this week and take a buddy of mine who has a boat with me. I think this will be a great first boat and i think it will be good to take out on my own learn and in a few years i can always sell/upgrade. 1 Quote
Super User BassinLou Posted January 19, 2016 Super User Posted January 19, 2016 6 hours ago, Fishing03xx said: Thanks for all the advice!! i am now looking into a used boat with a 04' Tracker Super guide V 14 C thats in pretty good shape with finder and live well for about 5000. I am going to look at it this week and take a buddy of mine who has a boat with me. I think this will be a great first boat and i think it will be good to take out on my own learn and in a few years i can always sell/upgrade. Very cool.. best of luck to you. Quote
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