Bass Tracker / general boat questions

[JNubz]

Hi all,

 

I don't own a boat yet but am planning on buying a used bass tracker in the next year. I have a few questions that I'm hoping you guys can help

me out with:

 

1. About how long / wide will the boat be with the trailer? I am planning on purchasing a townhome this year and want to make sure the garage will be big enough. Also, will I need to back the trailer into the garage or is there a reasonable way to roll the boat and trailer in if clearance is an issue?

 

2. How much does the boat+trailer weigh? I'm turning in my sedan in next month for a new car and want to make sure the new car will have enough tow capacity.

 

3. How difficult is it to learn how to launch / rehitch a boat? I see people fish alone all the time and coordinate launching and parking their vehicle, backing up trailer, driving boat into trailer, etc... but they make it look easy. Is it a whole ordeal and difficult to learn? I've never even backed a trailer before.

 

thanks in advance!

[12poundbass]

What tracker are you looking at? Tracker makes boats that range from 10 foot long to well over 20 feet long. That'll make all the difference. As far as launching and loading, like with everything else practice practice practice.

[Sam]

4 hours ago, JNubz said:

Hi all,

 

I don't own a boat yet but am planning on buying a used bass tracker in the next year. I have a few questions that I'm hoping you guys can help

me out with:

 

1. About how long / wide will the boat be with the trailer? I am planning on purchasing a townhome this year and want to make sure the garage will be big enough. Also, will I need to back the trailer into the garage or is there a reasonable way to roll the boat and trailer in if clearance is an issue? - Look up the specifications on the Internet. Here is one web site that may be useful to you:  http://boatspecs.iboats.com/Tracker_by_Tracker_Marine__Pro_Team_170__2006/bp/66b180341

 

2. How much does the boat+trailer weigh? I'm turning in my sedan in next month for a new car and want to make sure the new car will have enough tow capacity. - Once again, check out the specs for the Tracker you are buying.

 

3. How difficult is it to learn how to launch / rehitch a boat? I see people fish alone all the time and coordinate launching and parking their vehicle, backing up trailer, driving boat into trailer, etc... but they make it look easy. Is it a whole ordeal and difficult to learn? I've never even backed a trailer before. Practice, practice and practice.  Go to an empty parking lot on a Sunday and practice backing up.  Learn how to line up your trailer hitch with your vehicle ball. Just go out and practice when you get the boat.

 

thanks in advance! - Welcome! Please go to the Introduction section and introduce yourself. Also, please add your geographical location to you avatar so we can help you better in the future.

 

[fishnkamp]

There are some TOOLS that can make boating a bit simpler  When I have to launch by myself I often use this.

 

Now for the question can you maneuver a bass boat manually into your garage.  Since you are looking at a lighter weight aluminum then yes you can.  You will want a level driveway and there will still most likely be a bump going from driveway to garage floor that may make it a bit tough but not impossible.  Here again tools help get it done.  Look into one of these dollies from West Marine.

When you get closer to seriously looking at boats I have owned 11 bass boats including multiple aluminum bass boats.  I currently own this Lowe Stinger 170. If I can help you with any questions fell free to ask.

[lilbuddy]

Most have answered your questions...

 

Coincidentally before I even knew this forum existed I watched this video a couple of years ago when I bought my first boat.

 

The biggest thing here is....1. hand on the bottom of the wheel.....2. Put the truck in neutral 

Both of those tips saved me a lot of headache. 

 

Only other advise I can give you since this is your first boat....GET IN CHEAP...my first boat cost me 2600 and I sold it for 2700... but the real point here is you man not enjoy having a boat....I wanted to "test" myself before I made a big commitment. 

 

Good luck. 

 

 

[Sam]

P10 hours ago, JNubz said:

Hi all,

 

I don't own a boat yet but am planning on buying a used bass tracker in the next year. I have a few questions that I'm hoping you guys can help

me out with:

 

1. About how long / wide will the boat be with the trailer? I am planning on purchasing a townhome this year and want to make sure the garage will be big enough. Also, will I need to back the trailer into the garage or is there a reasonable way to roll the boat and trailer in if clearance is an issue? - Look up the specifications on the Internet. Here is one web site that may be useful to you:  http://boatspecs.iboats.com/Tracker_by_Tracker_Marine__Pro_Team_170__2006/bp/66b180341

 

2. How much does the boat+trailer weigh? I'm turning in my sedan in next month for a new car and want to make sure the new car will have enough tow capacity. - Once again, check out the specs for the Tracker you are buying.

 

3. How difficult is it to learn how to launch / rehitch a boat? I see people fish alone all the time and coordinate launching and parking their vehicle, backing up trailer, driving boat into trailer, etc... but they make it look easy. Is it a whole ordeal and difficult to learn? I've never even backed a trailer before. Practice, practice and practice.  Go to an empty parking lot on a Sunday and practice backing up.  Learn how to line up your trailer hitch with your vehicle ball. Just go out and practice when you get the bait.

 

thanks in advance!

 

Don't forget to check on any state mandated safety course on water safety.

 

Some states require you complete the course and have the certificate with you when taking your boat out.

 

Send pics of your first launch.

[JNubz]

Thanks everyone, this is all super helpful info. I'm not sure about which model boat I'll be looking at as I'll likely go with what's available at the right price, condition... but I'd like to keep it on the smaller side. I'll likely fish by myself 80% of the time.

 

Thanks for sharing the tool info. This makes the task seem less daunting. I can definitely use all the help I can get as I'm a smaller framed person without a whole ton of strength.

 

$2600 seems VERY reasonable for a bass boat. I've reviewed some boats for sale in my area and they're starting at like triple this amount. Maybe because I'm in Los Angeles?

 

I'll post in the intro section but I'll also post just a quick intro here:

 

I've been fishing for about ten years now and primarily fish for largemouth bass. I catch and release everything I catch. I live in Los Angeles, CA and the lakes and fish are mostly Castaic and Diamond Valley with an occasional trip to Pyramid, Perris, Silverwood. I fish from shore and will go out on a buddy's boat once a month. I'd fish everyday except that I have this terrible thing called a full time job that gets in the way during weekdays... unfortunately, it's something I can't get rid of because it provides the money I need to pour into tackle and other fishing-related expenses (also, food and shelter).

 

nice to meet everyone! Will share pics if and when I am successful in this whole boat thing.

[gim]

Another thing you initially mentioned that no one addressed: towing.  You said you were planning to buy a new car?  I'm not sure what kind of boat your looking at but unless its pretty small and light weight, you probably don't want to tow it with a car.

[JNubz]

I'm looking at a Subaru Outback- it comes in all wheel drive and has a tow capacity up to 2,700. Do you this is a safe option assuming I go with a smaller aluminum boat?

 

thanks!

[12poundbass]

12 minutes ago, JNubz said:

I'm looking at a Subaru Outback- it comes in all wheel drive and has a tow capacity up to 2,700. Do you this is a safe option assuming I go with a smaller aluminum boat?

 

thanks!

2700lbs would put you in the tracker pro team 175 model and smaller.

[moguy1973]

2700lbs towing capacity is pushing it with a 175 tracker.  I think mine is around 2300lbs full of gear, gas, and three batteries.  My F150 doesn't know it's back there hardly, but with an Outback you'll have your hands full.  The thing the outback has going for it is it's AWD so that will help on wet ramps.  And I know it says max towing is 2700lbs, but I've always been told to keep the towing weight below 80% of the max towing capacity of the vehicle to be on the safe side.

 

 

[JNubz]

Ok. I'll likely go with a smaller model (160-165) if I can find it which I believe is about 300-500 lbs less than a 175, which will put me at around 1800-2000 lbs with gear...which puts me at 66%-74% max capacity.

 

I'll do more research and explore more options. I may just not chance it with skating by on margins and end up buying a used truck as a second vehicle.

 

thanks for the info.

[fishnkamp]

I pull my 17 1/2 foot Lowe all through the mountains of VA, TN and Ky with a Chevy S-10 with a V6,  It is often more about the amount of brakes than engine these days. I run a ZR-2 so it has the full towing package and big brakes.  With all of the 4 door trucks they sell today maybe a 4 door truck like a Tacoma might work for you.  I have a friend that hauls his 20 foot Ranger with one of those trucks. 

[HunterSmith]

I have a Tracker 170 Pro and it is a great boat to start with. It fits in my garage has has a decent sized motor to get around a large lake. Your vehicle choice should work with it as well. 

[sully420]

I like to have a vehicle that can handle 2x the tow weight of my boat/trailer thats just me. Hauling clost to the vehicle max is hard on transmission and breaks.

[RUSS9999]

Stopping is the big thing. Had a Ford Ranger with big v6, pulled my Lowe 180W fine, but I could not stop it if I had to lock up the brakes. All 4 locked up and push you on down the highway. So would not want much of a boat with a Subaru Outback.  

[Burntorangefan]

Russ

11 hours ago, RUSS9999 said:

Stopping is the big thing. Had a Ford Ranger with big v6, pulled my Lowe 180W fine, but I could not stop it if I had to lock up the brakes. All 4 locked up and push you on down the highway. So would not want much of a boat with a Subaru Outback.  

RUSS is exactly right.  In my line of work we often pull 20' trailers with several units of plywood on them and the differences between an F150 and 350 are huge, but the largest is the ability to STOP the load.  I'd strongly encourage you to consider a smaller V6 powered truck or SUV.

[boostr]

Or get surge brakes installed on your trailer.

On 5/19/2017 at 10:10 AM, fishnkamp said:

There are some TOOLS that can make boating a bit simpler  When I have to launch by myself I often use this.

 

Now for the question can you maneuver a bass boat manually into your garage.  Since you are looking at a lighter weight aluminum then yes you can.  You will want a level driveway and there will still most likely be a bump going from driveway to garage floor that may make it a bit tough but not impossible.  Here again tools help get it done.  Look into one of these dollies from West Marine.

When you get closer to seriously looking at boats I have owned 11 bass boats including multiple aluminum bass boats.  I currently own this Lowe Stinger 170. If I can help you with any questions fell free to ask.

I have one of those dollies i bought from Harbor Freight, 50 bucks. It's at it's limit pushing my Stratos 176XT around though. Just going over a blade of grass stops the momentum.

[Nscheele]

I'm another firm believer in more tow vehicle than is "necessary". One of the trucks I pull my 1986 glastron 175 with is a 2011 Chevy 1500. It has the 6 speed automatic with excellent towing mode, automatic down shifting that is proportional to the amount of brake force. The 5.3 liter v8 has more than enough power. The brakes are good for a lighter duty truck, the transmission tuning helps a lot. The other truck is a 1999 dodge 2500 with the Cummins diesel and a 5 speed manual transmission. It's a baby semi truck so it could care less about pulling the boat around. The stability of having a tow rig that outweighs the load by twice makes so much nicer. The Chevy does great, gets not so good mileage, and is more comfortable than the dodge. I understand living in a city like LA, having a big truck isn't really feasible. I think the Toyota Tacoma is a good suggestion to be somewhere between an outback and a diesel truck that makes 1000 foot pounds of torque. Stopping ability is the biggest variable. This is where a good trailer brake controller comes it to play. It is a necessity as far as I'm concerned, not just for comfort but for your safety and those on the road with you.  

[diversity210]

 

On 5/19/2017 at 12:25 AM, JNubz said:

Hi all,

 

I don't own a boat yet but am planning on buying a used bass tracker in the next year. I have a few questions that I'm hoping you guys can help

me out with:

 

1. About how long / wide will the boat be with the trailer? I am planning on purchasing a townhome this year and want to make sure the garage will be big enough. Also, will I need to back the trailer into the garage or is there a reasonable way to roll the boat and trailer in if clearance is an issue?

 

2. How much does the boat+trailer weigh? I'm turning in my sedan in next month for a new car and want to make sure the new car will have enough tow capacity.

 

3. How difficult is it to learn how to launch / rehitch a boat? I see people fish alone all the time and coordinate launching and parking their vehicle, backing up trailer, driving boat into trailer, etc... but they make it look easy. Is it a whole ordeal and difficult to learn? I've never even backed a trailer before.

 

thanks in advance!

I know this is an old thread.  I just wanted to know if you ever got your boat?  If so what did you end up getting