Boat shopping: Tracker 1436 question

[Lonnie Clemens]

Hi Folks,

 

Tomorrow morning I am going to look at a new Tracker 1436 jon boat.   I once had a Lowe 1436 and the dimensions of the boat were just fine.  But now the quality of this particular boat is coming into question.  I have read some good reviews about the Tracker 1436 and some bad reviews.  The bad reviews are mostly about a flimsy transom. My old Lowe 1436 was 25 or 30 years old and as solid as a rock.  Was hoping the Tracker would be the same.  If I don't get enough replies tonight, I will go boat shopping anyway.  The price is $759.00. 

 

Thank you,

 

Lonnie

[NHBull]

I think you have to keep your expectations in check.  The boats are unlikely to give you 25 to 30 yrs, but given the price it isn't bad.  If you are looking for longevity, you have to look at the lunds and alike.  Good luck.  Shopping is always fun!

[fishnkamp]

Lonnie have you looked at used boats in your area?  The trackers are okay, but you may find a better boat used for the same money or even less. 

[Way2slow]

When shopping, make sure you are comparing apples to apples.  Two key components that affect the price of boats that size is the thickness of the metal and if welded or riveted.  The Tracker is a .050", riveted boat, and Alumacraft is .058, a Crestliner is .067, and Lowe won't say what it is but probably .050 also.    You also looks at a boats dry weight/hull weight.  The thicker metal boats are usually going to be considerably heavier.

[Lonnie Clemens]

Thank you for the responses guys.  I appreciate hearing your opinions.  Shopping for a good used boat sounds like a good idea.  Have also noticed there are a lot of untitled used jon boats out there. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Lonnie

[Way2slow]

Careful buying used without a title.  Some states make it very difficult to title one, and you have to title it to register it, which you are normally required to do it you put any kind of a motor on it in most states, even a TM.  

There's a whole bunch of them lifted from ponds where land owners just leave them on the banks, I have one floating around out there somewhere that was stolen from one of my ponds.