Need help deciding witch boat to get

[BASSMAN1301599783]

Hey everybody . I don't post very much so when I do, you know I really need some help, and I know I have come to the right place. So I do hope that yall can help me make a choice. I have come to a point in my life where I can finally afford a boat ;D. All be it not a fantastic fishing machine I think one of my two choices should get the job done. So here goes. :-/

The first is this one, http://www.trackerboats.com/boat/index.cfm?boat=1957

My second choice is , http://www.lowe.com/fishboats/stinger/175.html#

I would like a 60Hp four stroke. That's pretty much it for options, unless there is something you think I really should have.

I plan to use it for recreational fishing for now and maybe in the next year or so get into some tournaments.

I know you guys and gals can help me out with picking the best boat for me. Thanks for the help,

BASSMAN

[cart7t]

You need to ride and decide.  Don't let others choose for you. Both boats are nice. In fact, their manufacturing plants are right across the interstate from one another in lebanon, Missouri.  Take each out on the water for a demo run.  Pick the one that best suits your needs. BTW, I'd look at G3 boats as well.

[RandySBreth]

I see the Lowe is the crappie model, and the Tracker is the bass version. Any reason why you're not interested in the Lowe 170 (bass)? Or is that just what's available?

It's not the same boat, but I own a 2003 Lowe 170 W, so if there are any question about how I like it, just ask.

http://loweboats.com/2005Web/fishboats/stinger/170W.html

[BASSMAN1301599783]

RSBreth,

The 170 is nice. I chose the 175 because I liked the layout of the compartments. Plus the fact that it has two livewells instead of one and It is a little bigger all around.

I don't know why it would be considered any less of a bass boat than the 170. They seem about the same. What makes it a crappie boat?

cart7,

How would I go about taking them out on the lake? I am new at this boat buying thing. Will a dealer take you on a test drive?

I looked at the G3 boats but there is not a dealer within 300 miles of me so I figured ill stick with what I can go see for myself.

I mean no disrespect but I am not trying to get others to choose for me. This is a huge decision for me and I am just trying to get as much input as I can. Weather it be one has better color choices than the other or someone has had allot of experience with the manufacturer or something along those lines. Thanks for the help.

[RandySBreth]

The 175 just has less rod storage, (that may not matter unless you carry 20 rods like me) and the dual livewells are really for the crappie guys.

Oh, and it says "Crappie" on the description.  ;)Sorry, couldn't resist. (Just look at the page on the website you have linked.)

It still looks like a good layout. I've fished out of a few Trackers, but I think the Lowes just ride and fish better.

I'm just sorry the new 170's are only rated for a 75 hp. max. My '03 is rated for a 115 but with the 90 on it runs well. I'd try to get the 75hp for either one you choose, but that's just me.

[BASSMAN1301599783]

Wouldn't two livewells be good for tournaments so the boater and non boater can keep their fish separate?

What's your top speed with the 90 on there?

[flechero]

You should always test drive. I've never had a dealer or individual say no to a lake test. Last boat I bought came down to 3 boats... I pulled one, my salesman another and a service guy pulled the 3rd one to the lake. The only limitation was 5 gallons of fuel in each tank...

They need to know that you are serious and can afford the purchase... in some cases, that may be by credit application or a letter from your bank, comitting to finance up to $xxxxx.xx.

Can you imagine what it would be like to buy a boat, only to find out you hated the ride or handling, AFTER you payed for it and can't change your mind??????

[Way2slow]

I think you will find the Lowe crappie does not have a rear deck for a second bass fisherman.  The rear seat sits on a walkaround platform in the center of the boat.   Lowe also makes that same boat in a bass version.

[RobDar]

If I were you...you have waited till this late in the season...I would wait now until the new model year ( spring, early summer) and try and pick up a boat when the dealer is trying to make room for the 2007's

[RandySBreth]

The dual livewells aren't needed. Look at the one inset picture, the livewells have removable dividers just for that. If you filled both front and back livewells with both holding 23 gallons, that's more than 400 lbs. of water.

My '03 has a rear divided livewell just like the new '06 170 and its more than enough for two limits.

I can get 50+ mph depending on load and water conditions.

Full livewell and partner in the boat right dead on 50- by myself and half tank of fuel about 55 mph.

I would figure a 75 on that boat would run 40mph, maybe a touch more.

[BASSMAN1301599783]

I didn't realize that both full livewells was 400 extra pounds . I just thought that more room for the fish the better. I am seriously now thinking about the 170 now instead of the 175. I think I am going to stop by the dealer tomorrow on my way home and really look at the 170. I am also going to hold off on the big purchase until late spring like DELee36 said to see if I can get a better price. I am definitely going to test drive the thing before I buy it. Thanks allot for all your help guys. Your input may have saved me allot of money misspent.

Thanks,

Bryce

[RandySBreth]

There is a lot of opinion going on here but hopefully we can help when folks are really researching a boat.

[Travis Morford]

I would suggest looking at Triton boats.  they make an aluminum boat like the bass tracker, except they come with better features such as more storage, better depthfinder, etc.  Since you live in Az, you should check out there dealer in Phoenix.  I own the Triton 173 bass boat and it is the best aluminum boat made.  

[Madhouse27]

Heck at this point we've got most of them in, might as well throw Xpress into the mix as well.

[dhuffnmu]

My personal opinion would be the Tracker.  They are very well maid boats that fish great.  I know alot of people that have them including myself and love them.  They get the job done and have a great warranty.  I have never had a problem with mine yet.  Great boat.  That is all the boat you need in a tournament.  With one livewell just use the divider that comes with the boat for the livewell if you are fishing with a partner.  Or put the culling floats in the mouths of one persons fish and they will never get mixed up.  Good luck on the new boat.  You will be happy no matter what.  I always say buy the biggest motor you can afford you will not be disapointed.  That is usually what gets people disapointed in their purchase is lack of motor power.