Opinions on Tracker and Mercury

[SeaCrow]

I'm  getting ready to get a new boat and would like any opinions on Tracker boats and Mercury outboards. The closest dealer to me is a Tracker dealership that uses Mercury outboards. I've read horrible reviews of people being without their boats for months because of issues with Tracker not wanting to honor their warranty. Same with Mercury. Any thoughts welcomed Thank you 

[Goldstar225]

There's a lot of tracker hate out there but despite that they remain the best selling tin boat.  I can only give you my experience.  My last tracker, a TX17 was 30 years old when I sold it.  The only issue I had was that the wood decking needed replacement, after 27 years of use. Still serving me well at that time, I just wanted improved performance and storage.  I looked at tracker, ranger, and G3 (the only brands within 50 miles).  I chose the Tracker PT190 and  after almost two years of use I have  no regrets about my decision.  

 

Could I have been just as happy with the Ranger or G3?  Possibly, they both had features that I liked.  

[Todd2]

I have a 2003 Silver Edition Tracker..it works for me but I've never been in another tin boat to compare.

[flatcreek]

I’m running a 2004 TV-18 with a 150 Mercury that is one of the most comfortable boats i’ve Had.I restored the carpet and seats myself and hung a 80 pound thrust Ultrex on it.50 mph through the chop and comfortable gets it done for me these days and it’s paid for.i’ve never Had an issue with the hull.from what i’ve Seen and heard out of the new models they’ve really improved them.Not the best boats out there but for the money a good buy imo.

[SeaCrow]

4 hours ago, Goldstar225 said:

There's a lot of tracker hate out there but despite that they remain the best selling tin boat.  I can only give you my experience.  My last tracker, a TX17 was 30 years old when I sold it.  The only issue I had was that the wood decking needed replacement, after 27 years of use. Still serving me well at that time, I just wanted improved performance and storage.  I looked at tracker, ranger, and G3 (the only brands within 50 miles).  I chose the Tracker PT190 and  after almost two years of use I have  no regrets about my decision.  

 

Could I have been just as happy with the Ranger or G3?  Possibly, they both had features that I liked.  

I'm glad to hear that the wood decks held up so good. I was wondering how well the decks would hold up over time. Thanks for the info.

I appreciate all the responses and info. Tracker is the closest dealer to me unless I travel about 100 miles. No sense doing that if I  don't have to. The boaat I have now has a 20 hp 4 stroke Merc which has been  very  reliable. I have it serviced every year as well.

[gim]

I can’t comment on tracker but I have a 2015 Merc 75 4-stroke. It’s quiet, reliable, and fuel efficient. I get it winterized professionally every year, store it inside, and only use ethanol free premium gasoline.

[TnRiver46]

I've had many Merc's, always reliable for me 

[Krux5506]

Personally I'd be more leery of a Tracker boat than Mercury outboard. When I was in the market for my boat about 5 years ago (ended up with a Lund) I really thought I was going to go the Tracker route but just read and heard too many horror stories. To be fair though, you'll get that with any major maker. I just decided to spend a little more for a Lund. 

[Shimano_1]

I looked hard at the tracker boats when I bought my Triton 18tx a few months ago.  Honestly just liked the looks of the triton more. I don't think trackers are the best boats but for the money they're hard to beat. I have a 115 merc pro xs 4 stroke on mine and it's been great so far. I'd have no issues at all owning  a tracker 

[Spankey]

I have a Tracker 19 ft. with a 90 HP Mercury Optimax. I love it. I have a two stroke with no issues. Could an issue arise tomorrow. Sure. But I’ll deal with it then. Mine has not been back to any dealer yet. 2011. My previous Tracker was never back. Really not much that can be an issue with the hull. 

[Titan]

I bought a Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW with the 115 Mercury Pro XS fourstroke 4 months ago.  I bought it new from the nearby Basspro shop.  Love the boat.  I got it home and took it straight to my home lake.  Fished all evening with no problems.  The next day, Saturday, I returned to the lake and it wouldn't turn over (battery was dead).  I noticed then that the gauge lights didn't turn off when I turned the boat off.  I called Basspro and spoke to the shop folks.  They had me check a few things to make sure it wasn't operator error but eventually told me I would need to bring it back.  It's about a one hour drive so I was a little irritated.  Of course, I worked myself into being completely P.O'd by the time I arrived.  The Service Manager was waiting on me when I arrived.  He met me outside and had me back the boat into one of the work bays.  The mechanic on duty immediately climbed into my boat and began checking things out.  The manager suggested I go do some shopping while they checked it out.  I returned to the service department about 30 minutes later and the boat was fixed.  The mechanic explained that the ignition switch wiring had been installed incorrectly at the factory.  He fixed the wiring and installed a NEW battery in 30 minutes.  I was pleasantly surprised by the service I received.  Not only did they fix the issue, but installed a new battery.  When I purchased the boat, I got a ONE THOUSAND DOLLAR gift card for BPS as well.  Overall, I'm very happy with the boat and satisfied with the customer service.  I've had zero problems with the boat after that and I use it 3-4 times a week.