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

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

It's a little out of my range.  I also feel like I want to get one that fits our limited HP/length (10/17') lakes as well.  That allows a huge budget for Electronics, kicker TM, bow TM, shallow anchors, etc.  I can't seem to outfit a Pro-V Bass 1875 for less than $60.

Although there's not much I don't like about it - trolling for trout/salmon while do-able, might be more work than fun. (unless you rigged it right - I don't do it so mine clearly is not).

Also J - Get something Crazy Good - you deserve it and you ain't getting any younger man . . . 

A-Jay

[J Francho]

I've had Michelle looking at boats with me....  Once we figure out our combined financial situation, as well as any new *career paths*, the search will get much more serious.

[A-Jay]

2 hours ago, J Francho said:

I've had Michelle looking at boats with me....  Once we figure out our combined financial situation, as well as any new *career paths*, the search will get much more serious.

Best of luck to you Both ~ 

But you don't need it.

A-Jay

[Further North]

9 hours ago, J Francho said:

It's a little out of my range.  I also feel like I want to get one that fits our limited HP/length (10/17') lakes as well.  That allows a huge budget for Electronics, kicker TM, bow TM, shallow anchors, etc.  I can't seem to outfit a Pro-V Bass 1875 for less than $60.

You've looked at the Crestliner Bass Hawks?

[J Francho]

9 hours ago, Further North said:

You've looked at the Crestliner Bass Hawks?

Yes, and for the same reasons of layout and length, it's probably not a good fit.  I need a boat that can accommodate a kicker, has an open floor plan, front casting deck, able to be set for trolling, be less than 17' and set up for trolling for trout and salmon, as well as the typical LMB and SMB fishing I do.  I fish Ontario and Erie frequently, so I'd prefer something that can handle big water.  It's looking like a Pro Guide 1675.  Comes in around $45-50 rigged the way I want.

[12poundbass]

15 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Yes, and for the same reasons of layout and length, it's probably not a good fit.  I need a boat that can accommodate a kicker, has an open floor plan, front casting deck, able to be set for trolling, be less than 17' and set up for trolling for trout and salmon, as well as the typical LMB and SMB fishing I do.  I fish Ontario and Erie frequently, so I'd prefer something that can handle big water.  It's looking like a Pro Guide 1675.  Comes in around $45-50 rigged the way I want.

Maybe Vexus will have what you want in the near future. ?

[J Francho]

I doubt that.  None of those guys are known for deep-v designs.  Lund is.

[SWVABass]

Just reading through and having looked at tin boats one thing I found is people have financed the living hell out of them. Low like payments little down payment means they are upside down and trying to recover that cost. Maybe that’s my local area here and our economics but has seemed to effect boat prices here.

[J Francho]

I generally pay cash for my boats.  This one will be finance, though.  Probably the last boat I'll buy.  As far upside down, or right side up, I just consider it an add on to the eventual lake house we'll be getting.

[12poundbass]

18 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I generally pay cash for my boats.  This one will be finance, though.  Probably the last boat I'll buy.  As far upside down, or right side up, I just consider it an add on to the eventual lake house we'll be getting.

I don't follow boat manufacturers too closely so I don't know, but are there even any v and deep-v manufacturers in the south. Seems like most are up here and most if not all bass boats are made down south. 

[J Francho]

Almost all the glass boat builders have a deep - V multi species line. Ranger, Triton, Nitro, Stratos, etc.

[12poundbass]

3 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Almost all the glass boat builders have a deep - V multi species line. Ranger, Triton, Nitro, Stratos, etc.

See I told you I didn't know crap! ?

[J Francho]

12 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

See I told you I didn't know crap! ?

Bah, don't sweat it, unless you're buying.  I've been doing the research for a couple years now.  I've had a semi-v rowboat with a 8hp, then a 15' V with a 50 tiller, then a 17' V with a 50 tiller, then an 18' mod-v/hyperlift Xpress aluminum bass boat with a 115, then a 22' glass bass boat with a Merc Racing 2.5 V6.  I pretty much have tried all the options. 

 

Another boat to look for, for the OP is a Tuffy.  The X-170 is one of the few glass boats I'd consider.  They made up north, and designed for our waters.

 

http://www.tuffyboats.com/boats.asp?class=10

[LoweStinger]

14 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Bah, don't sweat it, unless you're buying.  I've been doing the research for a couple years now.  I've had a semi-v rowboat with a 8hp, then a 15' V with a 50 tiller, then a 17' V with a 50 tiller, then an 18' mod-v/hyperlift Xpress aluminum bass boat with a 115, then a 22' glass bass boat with a Merc Racing 2.5 V6.  I pretty much have tried all the options. 

 

Another boat to look for, for the OP is a Tuffy.  The X-170 is one of the few glass boats I'd consider.  They made up north, and designed for our waters.

 

http://www.tuffyboats.com/boats.asp?class=10

Have you looked at the Nitro ZV18 ?

[J Francho]

I've looked at them.  It's too big for restricted waters, and Nitro is nowhere near my list potential brands.

[Further North]

12 hours ago, J Francho said:

Yes, and for the same reasons of layout and length, it's probably not a good fit.  I need a boat that can accommodate a kicker, has an open floor plan, front casting deck, able to be set for trolling, be less than 17' and set up for trolling for trout and salmon, as well as the typical LMB and SMB fishing I do.  I fish Ontario and Erie frequently, so I'd prefer something that can handle big water.  It's looking like a Pro Guide 1675.  Comes in around $45-50 rigged the way I want.

Good choice.

 

I'm glad I don't have to work within the constraints you've got. 

 

I had a 1750 for a while and it was just a little to small for me. 

[J Francho]

Console or tiller?  That's why I'm looking at tiller - space.  I fished out of my buddy's Rebel 1675 XS tiller.  He put an 18" extension on the front deck, and three of us fished comfortably, so long as we didn't bring too many rods each.  The Pro Guide line has ton's more rod storage.  I'm totally comfortable with the tiller configuration.  I'm tempted to go up to the 1850, and just fish those restricted lakes from my kayak.  That's a lot more boat for just around $5K more.

 

Anyway, sorry OP for making this all about me, lol.  Hopefully there's good info for you as well.