which one to choose

[bubbler]

we are going to get our fist bass boat this year or next and we cant figure out which one to buy.there are 2 we are looking at,the tracker 175, and the stratos 176. one runs on murkury and the other honda.is there a beeg deel there or does it matter for our first bass boat.

also any other recomendations would be great... ;)

Thanks Yall......

[LakeAnnaBasser]

I would get the stratos just because I believe it would be more stable because it is fiberglass. I like Mercury better than Honda though.

[Jig Man]

You are looking at completely different types of boats.  I recommend that you make a choice either alum or glass then look at lots of boats before you make a decision.

If you decide alum. don't buy without looking at the GIII and Xpress boats.  They are top of the line alum boats.

[bassboy1]

Here is my personal opinion.  Take it or leave it.

I only like aluminum boats.  I don't really like glass boats, as I don't fish lots of high stakes tourneys.  18 foot Alumacraft will get me where I need to go.  

But, I also, have an extreme dislike for Trackers.  Also loathe mercs in general, and dislike 4 strokes, so the Honda is out.  Sense a pattern here?

So, I am no help to you.   ;D

But, if I had to take one of those, I would probably take the Stratos, if fishing large reservoirs.  I don't know if the merc is a 2 or 4 stroke, but either way, I like the Honda 4 strokes better than and merc.  Plus, the stratos, though it is glass, is still a good boat, and I don't feel that Trackers are a good boat (personal opinion for those who are going to start defending themselves)

But, given those 2 options, I would clear the slate, and start again.  

This is my 2 cents worth.  Take it or leave it, but remember, this is my opinion, based on my own observations, and nothing more.

[Long Mike]

Bubbler, I suggest that you allow your Dad to make the decision.  After all, he's the one that will be writing the check.

[Bassn Blvd]

You are looking at completely different types of boats.  I recommend that you make a choice either alum or glass then look at lots of boats before you make a decision.

If you decide alum. don't buy without looking at the GIII and Xpress boats.  They are top of the line alum boats.

X2.  but I like the Tracker  more than the G3, Although nothing wrong at all with the G3.  

[bubbler]

first of all my dad is letting me decide with him and its nice that hes even letting me help.

im simply trying to see what u guys perfer in a boat concidering it will be our first one.

ok

[alger319]

merc.  and hopefully it's on the stratos 176, which is a well built fishin machine. glass boats are better in my opinion because they ride better in rough water. the tracker is fine but i think u'd be pleased with the stratos..

[basspro48]

Have you looked at Xpress boats?

If you are considering an aluminum boat then you really need to check thrm out. All-welded construction, plenty of storage, huge front and back deck, and a unique hull design that makes these things tin rockets (I've actually blown by glass boats of the same specs as my Xpress)  

And they don't come underpowered like most Trackers do, my X18 has a 150 Merc EFI. A Tracker of the same class would probably come with maybe a 75 or 100 at best. But of course that depends on how much speed means to you.  

http://www.xpressboats.com/

[Tin]

Well, since know one else has else has asked I will. What types of lakes are you fishing? Are they big bowls that get rough? Rivers, electric only?????

[ba7ss3in]

I too would have to say stratos and merc over the other not because I own a  '05 285 Pro XL

[RockvilleMDAngler]

The Stratos is targeted at Aluminum boats.  It is priced competetively but is faster and more stable than comparable aluminums.  If I didn't have so many 7'1 rods I would have bought one by now (the rod locker BARELY holds 7' rods).  I would definitely go with the Stratos if you aren't using rods bigger than 7'.

[fishfordollars]

If you are fishing big water buy the glass boat.

[strick9]

I have the Stratos 176XT with a 70hp Yamaha 2 stroke. I love this boat!!! It fishes great and has plenty of deck space and storage. They advertise a 6'7" rod locker but at least half of the spots will hold 7'. I previously had an aluminum v-hull and the glass boat is much more stable. With the 70hp this boat will do 40mph with just me and my gear and just under 40 with my partner and his gear. That boat also comes with a Mercury or Evinrude. If you have any other questions about the 176XT let me know.

I have never owned a Honda outboard but several people on my lake have them and they say they are awesome motors, and they are quieter.

[bubbler]

the lake s i will be fihing are like lake fork and lake casitas.

they get windy and aer pretty big

[LakeAnnaBasser]

the lake s i will be fihing are like lake fork and lake casitas.

they get windy and aer pretty big

I would definatley get the stratos then.

[NAILER]

I've had both. Started with tracker. Nice 1'st boat and affordable.Glass boat better on bigger water, but both will do the job. Depends on how you fish and also if you need to go fast.

[Catt]

It is my understanding that the nationally advertised Stratos 176XT $13,495 comes only with only a Yamaha 50TLR; this is according to their web site.

The Tracker 175TXW $14,365 also comes standard with a Mercury 50ELPTO

Both are underpowered by 25 HP; any upgrade in HP will be at an upgraded price

Xpress offers an SV18 Bass with a Yamaha 90TLR for $14,995; this includes a Humminbird Piranha Max 215 w/ Swivel Mount Graph & MinnKota 40 Edge Trolling Motor

The Tracker or Stratos will not handle rough water better than the Xpress