Tracker 2018 Heritage/2019 Classic edition boat

[jaimeastin]

2 hours ago, slonezp said:

@jaimeastin If my calculations are correct, you have about as much money invested in upgrades as you have in the cost of the boat. Not that this is bad or anything. I just wonder why didn't just didn't get a $20k boat. Could have got a heck of a used rig for that kind of money. Either way, props to you on the dedication and work to make the rig yours.

 

There was non $20k that got me to buy it.  This boat was right on time. It has character.  I also saved the money to buy these upgrades.  Fact is, I wanted a Jon boat.  My wife really like the boat so  we got it.  She was the big push.  

 

Fact is, if I had a Jon boat, it would have less value than I had in gear and sweat equity.  Again, in was not going to go all out, but she said do it once and get what you want so I tried to future proof me... 

 

Still want an ultra HD transducer from Garmin and an ultrex.  I need to sell some blood, sperm, kidney,... Maybe an arm and a leg now ?

[mcarrico82]

29 minutes ago, jaimeastin said:

 

There was non $20k that got me to buy it.  This boat was right on time. It has character.  I also saved the money to buy these upgrades.  Fact is, I wanted a Jon boat.  My wife really like the boat so  we got it.  She was the big push.  

 

Fact is, if I had a Jon boat, it would have less value than I had in gear and sweat equity.  Again, in was not going to go all out, but she said do it once and get what you want so I tried to future proof me... 

 

Still want an ultra HD transducer from Garmin and an ultrex.  I need to sell some blood, sperm, kidney,... Maybe an arm and a leg now ?

Pic of the transom transducer mounted when ya get time please

[Tinbox]

I am considering to buy a Bass Tracker Classic and keeping it in my garage.  What is the storage length of the boat?  The spec says 20"1' but I've seen a site says 19"2'.  I am really hoping there is a way to trim a few inches off.

[mcarrico82]

3 hours ago, Tinbox said:

I am considering to buy a Bass Tracker Classic and keeping it in my garage.  What is the storage length of the boat?  The spec says 20"1' but I've seen a site says 19"2'.  I am really hoping there is a way to trim a few inches off.

Well the trailer tongue folds . And depends on motor position and if you angle the boat I guess also.  Someone probably can measure I am not home tonight....

[Mainside]

On 4/3/2019 at 3:07 PM, Tinbox said:

I am considering to buy a Bass Tracker Classic and keeping it in my garage.  What is the storage length of the boat?  The spec says 20"1' but I've seen a site says 19"2'.  I am really hoping there is a way to trim a few inches off.

Tinbox if you do not have the answer yet.  My brother measured his Classic and with the trailer tongue folded and the motor trimmed down it comes out to the 20' 1" as shown on the specs.

[Mainside]

Has anyone installed the new hub caps with the clips?  Do they stay on better than the originals?  Just wondering, I like the looks of the trailer with them on or if it would just be smarter to store the hub caps regardless.

[Elkins45]

On 3/26/2019 at 11:08 PM, Mw Michaelis said:

To me there is really not enough of a performance gain on a 40ho motor to honestly justify one.

Couple of guys I know that has the heritage put one on and gained maybe 1mph so to me its not enough to justify the expense.

Honestly the reason for a stainless prop isn’t performance to me. It’s durability. A propellor is almost a consumable item to me because if there’s a gravel bar or submerged boulder within miles I will find it. In reverse...

[Mw Michaelis]

9 minutes ago, Elkins45 said:

Honestly the reason for a stainless prop isn’t performance to me. It’s durability. A propellor is almost a consumable item to me because if there’s a gravel bar or submerged boulder within miles I will find it. In reverse...

Well my last boat I had 21 years never replaced prop lol I fish deep water lakes no rivers for me. My ranger I had I did have a stainless on it buddy of mine went to drive it up on the trailer but he didnt trim up the motor cost him a prop prop shaft bearings seals. So for me there is no gain for a stainless for me.

[Bolar]

So I took off my hubcaps to lube the hubs and noticed a little more rust on the inside than was there before. I have one that was made in Taiwan the other labeled China .  Anyhow to hopefully hold back on the rust a little longer, I spray painted the insides.  I taped the outside chrome, and used black gas grill paint on the inside.  It drys super quick.  Sorry no pictures, it went fast. 

[Mw Michaelis]

2 hours ago, Bolar said:

So I took off my hubcaps to lube the hubs and noticed a little more rust on the inside than was there before. I have one that was made in Taiwan the other labeled China .  Anyhow to hopefully hold back on the rust a little longer, I spray painted the insides.  I taped the outside chrome, and used black gas grill paint on the inside.  It drys super quick.  Sorry no pictures, it went fast. 

I have a new set I am going to put on mine think I may try your idea of painting the inside. Use a good wax on the chrome it helps to slow down the rusting.

[jaimeastin]

On 4/2/2019 at 1:16 PM, jaimeastin said:

 

Since moving my transducer again, this time far right, I am able to get readings up to 18 mph.  This a great compared to the 5mph I was originally getting

 

[mcarrico82]

17 minutes ago, jaimeastin said:

 

When or if I get a new finder I'll try mounting around there.  I think mine is too low...

[jaimeastin]

14 hours ago, mcarrico82 said:

When or if I get a new finder I'll try mounting around there.  I think mine is too low...

I might lower it just a hair.  Ratman said he gets 20 mph with a. Rooster tail.  I don't have a rooster tail, but I want to get more reading... I will try and see

[jaimeastin]

Okay,  I was able to read the bottom going 27 

mph today.  I just lowered it a smidge from the last update.  Still no rooster tail.

[jaimeastin]

Well dang... I won an eBay auction for a Garmin gvc20 and Ultra HD transducer... This is Garmin's mega.  I went ahead and purchased if, lol.  It has HD down and side.  I already have livescope.

 

I really just want to to test it and see the difference.  

[Bolar]

I finally got to go out yesterday for the first time this year.  Fishing was terrible, the lake level was up and muddy from the recent rains.  Anyhow, for anyone on the fence about a bimini here are a few things I encountered.

 

They sell two types of bimini's...a rear pole, and a all strap support.  Strangely enough the rear poles are less expensive, so that's what I went with.  I had the frame up for my drive to the lake, which is just a couple of miles away.  It held up well, the storage bag that holds the canvas didn't try to come off.  I did notice that sometimes there was some side to side shimmy on the bimini frame that could be concerning.  If I were to drive long distances I would put the frame down, less stress on the mounts at the gunnel.  

 

When installing the bimini you have to be aware of which direction the mounts go on the gunnel.  Do you want the tightening knob on the outside or the inside of the boat?  There is a nut that the knob tightens into so I figured I would rather have the nut fall into the boat when I take it apart, as opposed to having it fall to the outside.  The problem with that set-up is the knobs stick a little outside the gunnel, so when I tie-up they are hitting the side of the dock. 

 

To get around this new problem I am using boat fenders.  I've been wanting to get into the habit of using fenders more.  Even at this dock that is wood, there are some bolts that stick out a little and can scratch or gouge the aluminum.  I have a couple of 90° Taylor Made that work well for our set-up.

 

The next thing, even with the cover put away it is a big sail with the frame up.  It got windy in the afternoon and I was on the trolling motor the whole time.  In the future I think I might keep it folded down on the deck until I need it.  Wow, that's a lot of words for a simple set-up.  Hope it helps someone. 

 

 

[keithsmith]

Thanks for the info about the Bimini.  I just ordered one and I chose the straps versus the rear pole as I think I will only put it up when the sun is really hot.  In researching these tops I found zillions of vendors and had to look at their specs close to ensure that I got steel mounting hardware versus the nylon.  I've seen on other forums that over time there might be a problem with the nylon type mounting hardware.  The downside, is that you tend to pay up for metal mounting hardware.

 

Do you have any suggestions about placing the top on your boat?  Like how far forward did you mount it?  Also which height did you go with?  I ordered a 46" one as your comment about a large sail was well taken.

[Bolar]

On 4/19/2019 at 8:14 AM, keithsmith said:

Thanks for the info about the Bimini.  I just ordered one and I chose the straps versus the rear pole as I think I will only put it up when the sun is really hot.  In researching these tops I found zillions of vendors and had to look at their specs close to ensure that I got steel mounting hardware versus the nylon.  I've seen on other forums that over time there might be a problem with the nylon type mounting hardware.  The downside, is that you tend to pay up for metal mounting hardware.

 

Do you have any suggestions about placing the top on your boat?  Like how far forward did you mount it?  Also which height did you go with?  I ordered a 46" one as your comment about a large sail was well taken.

 

For the span I placed mine to center the lower deck.  That way the front and rear decks have the least interference with the bimini unfurled.  I have the 46" and it is still pretty tall.  The sun is never directly overhead, and it seems like the shade is not going to be where I want it.  I'm going to have to maneuver the boat for shade when needed, and/or angle the bimini front or back for shade.  Of course that will cut off access to the front or rear deck .  It's going to be a big experiment.

 

Another consideration for placement is the rear seat and hatches.  I wanted make sure the seat was still usable and did not want any interference with the stern hatch when the frame is down. 

 

 

[keithsmith]

Thanks.  I'll let you know how my install goes.  Hopefully will get to it this week.

[jaimeastin]

Finally replaced the trailer light I cracked.  I purchased them for $23 on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DV355Z8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.NaVCb6AX7MCZ

 

[Bolar]

8 hours ago, jaimeastin said:

Finally replaced the trailer light I cracked.  I purchased them for $23 on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DV355Z8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.NaVCb6AX7MCZ

 

 

Nice.  The left one sure puts out some light for the license plate .

 

 

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Got one ordered on 4-20. Now to wait 12 weeks

[jaimeastin]

13 hours ago, OkeechobeeAngler said:

Got one ordered on 4-20. Now to wait 12 weeks

Congrats!  Hopefully your good news comes sooner than 12 weeks.

[Mainside]

On 4/22/2019 at 9:38 PM, OkeechobeeAngler said:

Got one ordered on 4-20. Now to wait 12 weeks

I think the wait will be well worth it.  I really enjoyed fishing out of my brothers when we took his down to Chickamauga Lake in Tennessee. 

[jaimeastin]

Added the Garmin gvc20 and the gt34UHD to the boat.  I decided not to go fishing this evening... I did put the Bimini top back it.  It's getting hot here.  I will go Friday. 

 

I'm excited to see if I get almost mega like imaging.