Tracker 2018 Heritage/2019 Classic edition boat

[jbmaine]

Hi everyone,

 I don't have one of these trackers, but have been following this thread with interest. Finally last week I actually saw one in person. We were out on the lake when one went by. We waved and they pulled over to talk. The proud owner had a grin from ear to ear. He had ordered it in March and just took delivery. This was his first time out. 

 So congratulations' everyone. Great looking boat. I have to say seeing one in person, it was even better than the pictures.

                                                      Jim

[Lenny Mabile]

Hey guys, any of you can give me some advice? Im wondering if there is a fish finder with gps that will use the wiring already in the Heritage? Thank you.  

[Sporteus]

I almost want to start another thread, but I'll start here.   Thinking ahead to winter modifications to the boat and I think I want to put a bimini top on.  Since we will use the boat to just cruise around sometimes and getting out of the sun can be a good thing on some days, I like the idea.  But, I'm 6ft, its a small boat, and I worry about negating the fishability of the boat and the amount of clutter a bimini would cause on such a small boat.  The thought of constantly ducking or having clutter on the back deck bothers me.  So does 3rd degree sunburn!

 

For those of you who have installed a bimini top, what do you like and dislike about it on this size boat?  I'm looking for more decision points because I don't want to spend a few hundred dollars, drill holes in my gunwales, and then hate the bimini top.

[GPG]

I ordered the top with the boat and had the dealer install it.  I thought it was a 'no brainer' necessity.

 

Turns out I've only had it on and up one time (got my boat in March and I've been out 30+times).  That time I took my (non-fishing) wife for a ride and thought she would appreciate the shade.  I did stop to fish on that trip and my first cast got my jerk bait stuck in the fabric because I wasn't used to it being there.

 

For me, and my style of fishing, it just gets in the way.  It restricts how I move around the boat and even if its folded down on the rear deck it takes up space.  People I've taken with me that fish from the back prefer not to have it there.

 

So mine is not on the boat and it's an issue to store - odd shape and big.  I could have used the $400 for something else but I keep telling myself I might use it someday.....

[BUGGIN 'EM]

I am finally going to stop lurking on this topic and weigh in. Thank you all for keeping me excited about this boat as I have waited these past six months for my Heritage Tracker. My wife sensed my excitement when I first saw the ads for this boat and “bought” me one for Christmas. I got the call yesterday that mine is not only off of the production line, it is waiting for me at the dealership. For the last 40 years I have dreamt of owning one of these boats. I will soon be the guy riding around the lake wearing that grin from ear to ear. Keep the comments coming. I will do the same!

[Zigkx]

3 hours ago, Sporteus said:

I almost want to start another thread, but I'll start here.   Thinking ahead to winter modifications to the boat and I think I want to put a bimini top on.  Since we will use the boat to just cruise around sometimes and getting out of the sun can be a good thing on some days, I like the idea.  But, I'm 6ft, its a small boat, and I worry about negating the fishability of the boat and the amount of clutter a bimini would cause on such a small boat.  The thought of constantly ducking or having clutter on the back deck bothers me.  So does 3rd degree sunburn!

 

For those of you who have installed a bimini top, what do you like and dislike about it on this size boat?  I'm looking for more decision points because I don't want to spend a few hundred dollars, drill holes in my gunwales, and then hate the bimini top.

I installed a gray Bimini, only took but 30 minutes. I got it so my two year old can fish in the shade while i fish off the front. I’m 6’4 and not really that big of an issue if you’re fishing off the front because of the step down from the deck. Fishing on the rear deck would be a pain, unless you get the taller Bimini. My wife fishes off the back in the chair and she can look over the top. I like it mainly for cruising spot to spot, it really does make a temperature difference and I’m in New Mexico, hope it helps 

[Bolar]

On 9/19/2018 at 6:29 PM, Sporteus said:

I almost want to start another thread, but I'll start here.   Thinking ahead to winter modifications to the boat and I think I want to put a bimini top on.  Since we will use the boat to just cruise around sometimes and getting out of the sun can be a good thing on some days, I like the idea.  But, I'm 6ft, its a small boat, and I worry about negating the fishability of the boat and the amount of clutter a bimini would cause on such a small boat.  The thought of constantly ducking or having clutter on the back deck bothers me.  So does 3rd degree sunburn!

 

For those of you who have installed a bimini top, what do you like and dislike about it on this size boat?  I'm looking for more decision points because I don't want to spend a few hundred dollars, drill holes in my gunwales, and then hate the bimini top.

 

I'm in the same boat.  I occasionally fish with my wife and she doesn't do well with the heat.  We have been out a few times when the sun was brutal, but we were lucky to find some tree shade to anchor in for a break.  I'm 5-9 and I think I will just fit under the 54"H bimini's.  The shorter 46"H bimini's I think would offer a little more protection, the sun is never coming straight down.  I think having the strap support front and back might be a little better, than having a rear poll support.  I could tilt the cover forward or back, depending sun position. 

 

At 6' your always going to be hunkered under the canopy unless you raise it some.  I have some cleats I want to install mid-way on the boat, but I'm waiting to decide on a bimini to install first.  

[BaitinBayou]

Hey Jamie I have had the same problem you had with the fuel bulb going dry, I primed it up and it would run a couple minutes and die again. Brought it to the shop only to find out that the fuel pump is driven off of the camshaft and it came apart and fell to pieces. I wasn't one the boat affected by the fuel pump recall either. It was just one of those things o guess, hopefully you will have better luck and be something simple. 

 

[SeriousBlack]

You guys might want to check the bolts on your trailer lights. I was washing the boat and trailer and one of my lights was really loose. Both bolts were barely hanging on. The other light was fine.

[Bolar]

I've been storing my boat cover in the box it came in and it's starting to look bad.  I just ordered this duffel from Amazon and everything fits great with room to spare. 

 

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B01GGNW5AM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[jaimeastin]

On ‎9‎/‎4‎/‎2018 at 12:21 PM, Bolar said:

Anyone change their oil yet?  The filter on my engine says 35-877768K01.  Of course I can't find that, but it looks like most of the filters stamped 4 Stroke will fit.  It's short like the 35-877761K01 so I'll probably go with that.  None of the kits have 10W-30 so I'm going to have to buy it all separate. 

Do update us please.

[jaimeastin]

19 hours ago, Bolar said:

I've been storing my boat cover in the box it came in and it's starting to look bad.  I just ordered this duffel from Amazon and everything fits great with room to spare. 

 

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B01GGNW5AM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I store my boat cover in the Bass Pro Shop Engine Cover when they are not being used.

 

[jaimeastin]

On ‎9‎/‎19‎/‎2018 at 4:29 PM, Sporteus said:

I almost want to start another thread, but I'll start here.   Thinking ahead to winter modifications to the boat and I think I want to put a bimini top on.  Since we will use the boat to just cruise around sometimes and getting out of the sun can be a good thing on some days, I like the idea.  But, I'm 6ft, its a small boat, and I worry about negating the fishability of the boat and the amount of clutter a bimini would cause on such a small boat.  The thought of constantly ducking or having clutter on the back deck bothers me.  So does 3rd degree sunburn!

 

For those of you who have installed a bimini top, what do you like and dislike about it on this size boat?  I'm looking for more decision points because I don't want to spend a few hundred dollars, drill holes in my gunwales, and then hate the bimini top.

 

We have used our Bimini Top on a few occasions.  We usually use it when we are not fishing and resting.  I have used it fishing and never hooked up any lure or had issues with it.  I am pretty aware of my casting, but I know it differs for others.  It worked great for just catfish fishing.  When it up, people can fish from the bow or rear deck as long as they are aware.

 

Mine is really not in the way when it is folded down.  I fish off of the rear deck all of the time and no issues with it being in the way.  It is more in the way with the rails folded down... People want to use them to get it or hold on to.  Stepping up to the bow is easy enough, but the rear deck there is some issue... I am just over 5"10"... you being taller may have issue.  They have taller ones, but it will change your installation points and such.  

 

For me, it has paid for itself.  It was $150 plus about 30 minutes of time.  I can take it off when I need to, but I have yet to do so.  It fits well on the boat even with the cover on it. 

 

I installed this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ITIB590/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Color: Light grey | Size: 6'L x 46"H x 73"-78"W |

On ‎9‎/‎21‎/‎2018 at 1:03 PM, BaitinBayou said:

Hey Jamie I have had the same problem you had with the fuel bulb going dry, I primed it up and it would run a couple minutes and die again. Brought it to the shop only to find out that the fuel pump is driven off of the camshaft and it came apart and fell to pieces. I wasn't one the boat affected by the fuel pump recall either. It was just one of those things o guess, hopefully you will have better luck and be something simple. 

 

 

Thanks for the update... I really hope that is not the issue.  I have not run my motor since.  I need to get it to the shop.  I've been in my float tube the this past week. 

[Doug_In_Arizona]

On ‎9‎/‎19‎/‎2018 at 4:29 PM, Sporteus said:

I almost want to start another thread, but I'll start here.   Thinking ahead to winter modifications to the boat and I think I want to put a bimini top on.  Since we will use the boat to just cruise around sometimes and getting out of the sun can be a good thing on some days, I like the idea.  But, I'm 6ft, its a small boat, and I worry about negating the fishability of the boat and the amount of clutter a bimini would cause on such a small boat.  The thought of constantly ducking or having clutter on the back deck bothers me.  So does 3rd degree sunburn!

 

For those of you who have installed a bimini top, what do you like and dislike about it on this size boat?  I'm looking for more decision points because I don't want to spend a few hundred dollars, drill holes in my gunwales, and then hate the bimini top.

I just joined and this is my first reply/post. I received my Heritage in July and added a burgundy bimini. Had it in the water this past weekend, and in the AZ sun it proved to be an amazing addition. Total cost was $130 and well worth the money. In cooler months, I may take it off and leave in the garage (2 thumb screws to remove). I didn't fish as I was just getting some hours on the motor. I attached pic of boat with bimini. One other comment, this boat performed better than I expected. Faster that I expected, more stable than expected, easy to tow and launch. Really happy with this purchase.  

[Bolar]

2 hours ago, jaimeastin said:

Do update us please.

 

I haven't bought anything yet.   I still have another month,  maybe two before I'm done for the season.   I'll post what I do. 

 

[Sporteus]

On 9/24/2018 at 1:41 PM, Doug_In_Arizona said:

I just joined and this is my first reply/post. I received my Heritage in July and added a burgundy bimini. Had it in the water this past weekend, and in the AZ sun it proved to be an amazing addition. Total cost was $130 and well worth the money. In cooler months, I may take it off and leave in the garage (2 thumb screws to remove). I didn't fish as I was just getting some hours on the motor. I attached pic of boat with bimini. One other comment, this boat performed better than I expected. Faster that I expected, more stable than expected, easy to tow and launch. Really happy with this purchase.  

Fry,

 

Love the picture, that gives me some idea or what I'm looking at (and what the burgundy looks like with the graphics!).  What height did you buy and do you have any pictures of the back deck with the top down?  And if you don't mind, how much height is there between the deck and the bimini by the console?  I know it would irritate me to stand up from sitting and hit my head on something.  I already have a basement I do that in, I don't need to do it on my boat too! 

 

To all,

 

Thank you for the feedback.  Nothing driving me in one direction, but honest feedback and that really helps.  Any more pics or opinions are welcomed.  I'm going to analyse the hell out of this until some winter day when I'm snowed in and just decided to buy one because winter sucks!  (I know me).  I'm thinking that I would probably only have it on there for a few months during the summer and would take it off for spring and fall fishing, so maybe it's worth the purchase.

[jaimeastin]

21 hours ago, Sporteus said:

 

These are pictures I took after I installed the Bimini top.  There are 3 pictures, up, down ,and the rear deck.

 

I have a video

Start at 23 minutes for the Bimini top.  I get in the boat, move around, and demonstrate fishing with it on.

[Bolar]

1 hour ago, jaimeastin said:

These are pictures I took after I installed the Bimini top.  There are 3 pictures, up, down ,and the rear deck.

 

I have a video

Start at 23 minutes for the Bimini top.  I get in the boat, move around, and demonstrate fishing with it on.

 

Excellent.  Thanks for the bimini demo!

[Doug_In_Arizona]

On ‎9‎/‎25‎/‎2018 at 2:14 PM, Sporteus said:

Fry,

 

Love the picture, that gives me some idea or what I'm looking at (and what the burgundy looks like with the graphics!).  What height did you buy and do you have any pictures of the back deck with the top down?  And if you don't mind, how much height is there between the deck and the bimini by the console?  I know it would irritate me to stand up from sitting and hit my head on something.  I already have a basement I do that in, I don't need to do it on my boat too! 

 

To all,

 

Thank you for the feedback.  Nothing driving me in one direction, but honest feedback and that really helps.  Any more pics or opinions are welcomed.  I'm going to analyse the hell out of this until some winter day when I'm snowed in and just decided to buy one because winter sucks!  (I know me).  I'm thinking that I would probably only have it on there for a few months during the summer and would take it off for spring and fall fishing, so maybe it's worth the purchase.

The bimini I bought is from Leader Accessories (Amazon). It is 46" in height. I chose the 67" - 72" width as I measured the center of the beam to be 72" at mount. My wife is 5' tall and can stand under it (her head just brushes the fabric). I am 6' tall. I decided I would rather crouch to move under it than have it so tall that it reduces the sun protection. I positioned to provides fishing clearance for the front and rear post seats, and also so that when it is in down position it falls just inside the rear fishing seat post. I can still open the rear storage with the top down. I added a "S" hook under the rear seat post so that I can use a small bungee to tie it down when trailering. I strongly recommend the burgundy color as it looks great with the brown and orange/red stripes. My block letters are also orange/red from BPS. So I think it looks sharp and does the trick. The mounting for the bimini is plastic, but if it breaks I can replace with SS. I saw another post where they purchased the next size width. I think this larger width would work fine also. When the my bimini is down, the poles rest about 3" in from sides. So I am happy with my width, but you could go with the 73 - 78" width also. I preferred the poles to rest completely inside the top rails of the boat when in the down position. I don't have a pic with the bimini laid down on my phone.

[ratman]

Had boat out for close to 40th time yesterday.Was putting transom saver back on when I noticed there were about 4 little pits on front of lower unit.Rubber on transom saver worn and bolt was hitting L.U.Not the best quality or design.Already bought west marine transom saver that jaime has,way better quality.Just thought I would pass that along.

[Zigkx]

I took delivery of my heritage in June, we noticed some little bubbling throughout the carpet. I didn’t make a deal about it because I knew these boats were rushed and was just excited to get it on the water. Dealer called and the boat is getting a complete re carpet for free. 

[jaimeastin]

12 hours ago, Zigkx said:

I took delivery of my heritage in June, we noticed some little bubbling throughout the carpet. I didn’t make a deal about it because I knew these boats were rushed and was just excited to get it on the water. Dealer called and the boat is getting a complete re carpet for free. 

My dealer approved my carpet fix, they are just going to fixe the bubble spots to now.

21 hours ago, ratman said:

Had boat out for close to 40th time yesterday.Was putting transom saver back on when I noticed there were about 4 little pits on front of lower unit.Rubber on transom saver worn and bolt was hitting L.U.Not the best quality or design.Already bought west marine transom saver that jaime has,way better quality.Just thought I would pass that along.

 

I have been using the west Marine transom saver since I received my boat and it it's still working fine.  I ended up buying a second one just because they were $8 on clearance.  You just can't beat that.  

 

Previous to getting my boat, I read so many reviews of people complaining that their transom saver broke or wore out quickly.

[Bolar]

On 9/29/2018 at 8:28 AM, jaimeastin said:

My dealer approved my carpet fix, they are just going to fixe the bubble spots to now.

 

I have been using the west Marine transom saver since I received my boat and it it's still working fine.  I ended up buying a second one just because they were $8 on clearance.  You just can't beat that.  

 

Previous to getting my boat, I read so many reviews of people complaining that their transom saver broke or wore out quickly.

 

I just checked my transom saver and it still looks good.  Used but good.  West Marine has the saver now for $9.55, I jumped on that. 

I also checked my tail lights, and they are still tight.  I put some loc-tite on the threads.  So far so good.

 

[jaimeastin]

Ok... Took the boat out and broke down again.  Good or a bad thing I was the only one on the lake.  Itroee to prime the fuel line, no go.  I took apart the line and it was sound asleep can be.  Tried it all again, but heard where it was catching air and not fuel.  I figured it out... The fuel line must have a hole or is broken off.

 

To at least fish for the day, I propped the gas tank at an angle so the fuel would be at the right level.

 

When I go home, this is what I found.  I fish out the fuel line and put a clamp on it.  It is secure now.

 

This can happen to any one of you!!! Put a clamp on now. Save yourself the embarrassing breakdown. I will make a video later. 

[SeriousBlack]

Good catch! You would think it would of have one on it already.