Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW vs Crestliner VT 17 vs Lowe Stinger 175

[NorthernBasser]

As some may know, I'm in the market for my first 'real' boat. I wanted to stay used, and around $7,000. The the more I think about it, I may just go new (or a year or 2 old). I apologize for making another thread, but I wanted this one to be specific in hopes that people with these boats-or have had experience with them- will chime in.

 

So it's 3 mod-V's. I'd love to hear opinions on all/any of them. Is one better than the other, etc.

 

https://www.trackerboats.com/

 

https://www.crestliner.com/vt/vt-17/

 

https://www.loweboats.com/stinger-bass-boats/stinger-175/

 

I saw a Lowe at Cabela's yesterday (thinking it was a 2007 model) marked down to $15,500, which seemed like a good price. Tho I don't know how Lowe stacks up to the other 2 brands. Also, every storage compartment I opened had water inside (it was outside). Are these compartments in these boats not sealed?

 

Thanks a ton for any info you can provide. This is harder than picking out a birthday present for your lady. 

 

 

[LoweStinger]

Lowe is a very good quality built boat and Bass Tracker will be more of a budget quality boat. I have owned many Bass Trackers and a few Lowe's being my current boat. The Lowe is all aluminum " No plywood on deck " and just built so much better compared to the Bass Tracker.

[RUSS9999]

I have a 2002 Lowe 180W. All the storage on it would get water in them when I got it. With just a little work, I can now fish in the rain with out water getting in them.

[Goldstar225]

While I don't dispute the quality of the Lowe or Crestliner  I keep hearing the same old line about the wood in tracker.  Neglect any boat and it won't last. My last tracker (a 1987 TX17) was 27 years old before the wood needed to be replaced.  Not a hard job and the majority of the wood was still in fine shape.  I had no hesitation in purchasing my 2018 PT 190, wood and all and I'm quite pleased with it.

 

NorthernBasser , look at the layout of each boat to select the one that works for you.  there are really no bad boats out there.  Bass Tracker is a best seller for a reason and it's not just about price, although that is a factor.

 

 

[NorthernBasser]

Thanks for the replied guys. Yeah, I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever I get. Especially since I have nothing now.

 

What's your thoughts on the recessed area for the trolling motor foot control? I hear it's much more comfortable that way. But at the same time, I'm told since the cubby holes are only so big, you can't fit certain pedals in it, like the Minn Kota i-pilot. 

Also, a friend told me upgrade to at least a 70lb/24v thrust trolling motor. Is that necessary? Is 45 and 55lb pretty insufficient? 

[Goldstar225]

IMO the recessed tray is desirable but not critical. I upgraded to a 24V 70# trolling motor, but an 80# wouldn't be excessive.  More power if needed and longer run times with the two batteries. My nephew has a PT 190 with the Minn Kota Terrova.  He tells me that his foot pedal does not fit in the recess.  Before I selected my trolling motor I looked to see if I could install a larger tray.  I could but it would involve cutting into two rod tubes.  I wasn't willing to since rod storage was big on my want to have list.

[LoweStinger]

I personally don't like the tray setup because it would limit me on how I could use it while fishing to one side, I like to have the ability to move the pedal where I need it. 55 # is plenty for these boats but if you fish on a real windy days you would wish you had more because these boats are like a paper cup on top of the water and get blown all over the place quickly ! 

[Yakalong]

As stated above, any of these boats are great boats as long as you take care of it.  As for the recessed tray it would not be a deal breaker if the boat didn't have it. The 24v trolling motor is a must, you can't have to much power. Good luck with your search 

[J Francho]

Crestliner > Lowe > Tracker.  I ran no less than a 24v 80 lb. on my 17' and 18' aluminum boats.

[NorthernBasser]

2 hours ago, LoweStinger said:

I personally don't like the tray setup because it would limit me on how I could use it while fishing to one side, I like to have the ability to move the pedal where I need it. 

Never thought of that. But you can still take the pedal out and move it around, right? 

 

And I do like the mod-v. But like you said, I am worried about how easily the slightest bit of wind may blow it around. 

 

I wish you could test drive new boats like you can cars. 

[J Francho]

41 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

I wish you could test drive new boats like you can cars.

Have you asked the dealer for a test drive?

[NorthernBasser]

Just now, J Francho said:

Have you asked the dealer for a test drive?

I have not. I didn't even think it was an option, from what some people have told me. 

[J Francho]

You should be able to test drive before spending that much.  Most places up here are on the water, or close to water.

[RUSS9999]

I think the 12 volt 55lb is all you need. My 2002 Lowe 180W is 17' 10'' 86'' beam rated for a 150 have a 90 on it, 2 batteries 10 speeds Trolling Motor and all most never get over the second speed. It takes a lot of wind to turn it up to the 4th speed. At the end of a 8 hour day I have 75% or more left in the batteries. I like moving my foot control from right to left

[LoweStinger]

@northern basserI don't want to scare you off with the wind thing because its really not that bad, I was just talking about extreme conditions, but any aluminum boat will still move around more than a glass boat with the wind just keep that in mind. Fishing isn't all that enjoyable with big wind anyway so its not like you will encounter it very often.

[Phil B]

It's all a matter of opinion. Which is better Ford or Chevy?  

I have a Lowe 170 with 80 hp evinrude. 45 lb thrust trolling motor. If I get another, it's gonna be a Lowe. That's my humble opinion. 

[Further North]

13 hours ago, J Francho said:

Crestliner > Lowe > Tracker.  I ran no less than a 24v 80 lb. on my 17' and 18' aluminum boats.

I would rate them the same way, and agree 100% on the trolling motor.

 

(I run a 36 volt, 112# TM on my 18 1/2' Crestliner, but I'm nuts...)

[NorthernBasser]

Thanks again all!

 

What's your thoughts on this rig? Good deal? Not so much? I like that I wouldn't have to upgrade the trolling motor.

 

https://madison.craigslist.org/boa/d/2004-bass-tracker-pt-175/6550050801.html

 

Now, I have a really dumb question. Does boat color matter to fish? Meaning, in clearer water, are they more likely to be spooked by a brighter colored boat? I've read before that this can be the case, but I just don't know. And if so, is it more the color of the bottom of the boat that's actually in the water. or can the color outside the water affect it too (asking because this particular boat id red, but has silver hull).

[je1946]

Just adding my 2 cents to the post in regard to the TM.  I would definitely go with a 24V TM.  You can never have too much TM, and for a few hundred more it's well worth the investment.  I have a 12V 55 on my older deep V and by the end of the day with steady 15-20 mph breeze i'm going no where.  I'm replacing it this spring to a 24V 80 and never looking back.  Lesson learned.

 

[NorthernBasser]

So, regarding that 2004 Tracker I posted in my last post, in this article it mentions that the 75HP outboard is pretty heavy (375lbs).

 

From the article:

 

On the other hand, the OptiMax 75 is a heavy outboard, and when it’s on the transom of a light hull such as the PT175, it tends to make the boat sit a lot more bow-high when the trolling motor is down — and to be quite trim sensitive when the boat is running at speed. One tick too much on the trim switch and the bow begins porpoising.

 

You think this is really a big deal? Looking at the pic in the article, does the bow seem higher than usual with the trolling motor down?

 

Thanks again guys. I know I'm being a headache with all these questions. 

 

 

[J Francho]

That boat seems a little overpriced.

[je1946]

Only way to find out is to take it for a test ride.  If I'm not fimiliar or sure of a boat I'm buying I wouldn't buy it without taking it for a test run.  Tons of boats around used and new, take your time and be sure because your going to own it.

[Goldstar225]

I agree that the boat is a bit over priced, at least for my area, don't know about your region.  The 75 HP is a plus but I would have it checked out by a marine mechanic.  My brother has a 2005 model of that boat.  His only complaint is that it has a 50 on it.  He paid $8000.00 for it five years ago.

[LoweStinger]

Bass Trackers naturally sit high in the front and low in the back, I have had 165 175 185 models and they all sat the same. As for the boat price, It May seem a Little high but take into consideration this, 

 

1: Has upgraded 75hp optimax motor, A big $$ plus, They normally come with 50 hp. standard them years.

2: Has upgraded Trolling motor $$ plus

3: Has upgraded electronics $$ plus x2

4: The biggest thing of all is the condition is mint for that year !!! Means he took care of it and has little use !

5: Also consider supply and demand, and you don't find them well kept like that to often complete with all the upgrades.

 

It really does look like a great boat and I would be all over it if I was looking for a used aluminum bass boat because of everything I listed, You wont have to put anything into it !! I'm sure you could work him down a little but its still worth it IMO.

[J Francho]

I bought my Bullet 21XDC with a Merc Racing 2.5L w/ a sporty and a Trophy+ prop for $8500. 

The Tracker is in nice shape, but it's not worth $8000.