Another new boat advice thread....

[Cyclones]

I’m a total boat rookie.  Looking to buy my first boat.  I’ve decided I want a deep v aluminum rig, in the 16ft range.  I don’t want to spend more than $25k.  Want a walk thru windshield.  Looking at Tracker, Lowe, and maybe Lund or Alumacraft, although the last two stretch the budget.  A couple questions.  First-would a dealer being 2.5 hours away affect your decision?  That just seems like a long haul for service work.  That’s for the Lowe dealer.  There is a Bass Pro close by for Tracker.  I think I like the Lowe better.  I think.  
Second-since I’m obviously looking at entry level boats, when u build them online they seem to only offer packages with very narrow selections for things like trolling motor and fish finders.  Probably how they make money.  I’m a noob, but I’m pretty sure I’d want a better fish finder than the lowrance hook2 4x.  Can you really not order a Tracker or Lowe with a better option?  Or if I just get the standard lowrance, is it simple to buy a better unit myself and switch it out?  Is it just plug and play at that point?

Thanks!

 

[Jig Man]

You should be able to get a boat set up how ever you want it with motor, trolling motor, and electronics just how you desire.  It is your money.  You make the call.

 

Even if you buy a boat that is in stock, a good dealer will swap out what ever you need.

 

That distance is not good unless you can get an appointment with same day service.

[12poundbass]

You are correct that you can not order Tracker boats to your liking. You can change outboard sizes and that’s it. 
 

Do you have any Lund, G3, or Vexus dealers in your area? These brands are of good quality and should have something in your size and price range. 

[Cyclones]

2 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

You are correct that you can not order Tracker boats to your liking. You can change outboard sizes and that’s it. 
 

Do you have any Lund, G3, or Vexus dealers in your area? These brands are of good quality and should have something in your size and price range. 

There are Lund dealers close by.  Wife set the budget at $20k, I can stretch to maybe 25.  That’s why I wasn’t looking real closely at Lund.  By looking at their website I’d probably break that budget with Lund. 
 

 

[12poundbass]

Check out the Vexus AVX181. It’s a mod-v and at the top of your budget but worth a look. I’ve read the the build prices are a bit higher than the actual price. 

[Cyclones]

6 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

Check out the Vexus AVX181. It’s a mod-v and at the top of your budget but worth a look. I’ve read the the build prices are a bit higher than the actual price. 

Those look sweet, but budget busters and the closest dealer is about 3 hours away.  I’m in Central Iowa.

 

 

Is a lower priced end Lund, which is about the same money as the Tracker and Lowe’s I’m looking at, really that much better of a boat?  The dude at BP assured me the Tracker was superior...as I’m sure the Lowe dealer will say about his boats, etc., etc.

[12poundbass]

Tracker is far from superior. They’re a good boat, but you’re limited to how you can order. I’ve never owned a Lund or Lowe, from where other brands stand out from Tracker is quality of material used, layouts, and fit and finish of the boat. You can’t go wrong with a Tracker, there’s just better boats out there. 

[Jig Man]

The reasons for the limitations on ordering Trackers is they are not designed for anyone other than first time owners.  They tend to keep costs down by under powering at both ends and offering cheap electronics and they don’t always use top grade components.

 

I used to sell Lunds.  I don’t think that there is a better aluminum boat on the market.

[gim]

2.5 hours one way for service would be a deal breaker for me. The two service locations I use are about 30 minutes away and that’s even far enough.

 

Tracker does have limited customizing options compared to other brands. That’s just how they operate. You can always order the boat without any trolling motor or electronics, buy them yourself, and have them install it (or do it yourself If you’re capable of it). This is what I did on the Ranger RT178 when I bought it in 2015. It’ll actually save you money because then you can shop around for those items.

 

Lastly, if you are able to look at these rigs in person, touch them, climb in them, etc at a boat show that would be very beneficial.

[Cyclones]

45 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

 

Lastly, if you are able to look at these rigs in person, touch them, climb in them, etc at a boat show that would be very beneficial.

 

I’d LOVE to go to a boat show....but here in Iowa I think they are all canceled for this winter.  

[FishinBuck07]

I own a tracker and they are far from superior compared to other boats.  I enjoy my tracker but I bought it used as a first boat and have put a few dollars into it since I have bought it.  I will not be purchasing another tracker when it is time to upgrade.

 

 

[Cyclones]

I’m trying to stay on a wife mandated budget for this purchase.  I can’t afford a higher end trolling motor and a nicer fish finder.  Which one would prioritize?  A fancier trolling motor or better electronics?  Which one is easier to upgrade later?

[GaryH]

17 minutes ago, Cyclones said:

I’m trying to stay on a wife mandated budget for this purchase.  I can’t afford a higher end trolling motor and a nicer fish finder.  Which one would prioritize?  A fancier trolling motor or better electronics?  Which one is easier to upgrade later?

 

A lot depends on what TM or FF comes with your purchase. If there basic units I would start with upgrading the TM to one with spot lock and at least 24v. Then once your used to reading your electronics and $ allows then upgrade and match your FF up with your TM.

[Cyclones]

1 minute ago, GaryH said:

 

A lot depends on what TM or FF comes with your purchase. If there basic units I would start with upgrading the TM to one with spot lock and at least 24v. Then once your used to reading your electronics and $ allows then upgrade and match your FF up with your TM.

Standard package is 12v Minn Kota pd and a humminbird helix 5 gps.  

[GaryH]

I would definitely upgrade the TM. to a version with spot lock and that will interface with your Helix.

[Cyclones]

41 minutes ago, GaryH said:

I would definitely upgrade the TM. to a version with spot lock and that will interface with your Helix.

Why?  I’m a noob and want to understand.  Thanks!

[Cyclones]

Maybe I’m over simplifying it or not thinking it through, but I think this way:  better electronics can help me find the fish, but a better tm helps me stay on the fish.  Chicken and egg argument.  Find ‘em and can’t stay on ‘em, or have trouble finding them but can stick in a spot 

[Team9nine]

Is the Alumacraft dealer close? You can go online and "build-a-boat" with whatever options you want - play around and create the boat for your budget. The Classic 165 Sport is a 16' Deep-V with walkthru windshield starting at $18,800. That should give you some room to add both a good TM and depthfinder, much of which can be done online. 

 

When I bought my 16' Deep-V five years ago, the Lund was my #1 choice, but they were the most expesnive and the local dealer refused to budge even a penny on the price and options. Ruled them out fast, unfortunately. Ended up with an Alumacraft from a dealer within a 1 hr drive. Super easy to work with, very flexible in allowing me to change some options, and walked away well under the Lund price. 

 

I would try and work with the closest dealers first, assuming they have a decent reputation, then go further away only if you have to. Lots of bass guys around here purchase 3-5 hours away, so it's not the end of the world if you have to go that route.

 

Might look at this: Built Your Boat

[DaubsNU1]

Buddy had Tracker...hated it. My brother has been planning for a Lund Alaskan for many years.  He's school teacher, retiring in 5 years...going to get his Alaskan this summer. He's stoked.  Awesome boat...18', 90hp merc, single console. 

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, Cyclones said:

Why?  I’m a noob and want to understand.  Thanks!

 

31 minutes ago, Cyclones said:

Maybe I’m over simplifying it or not thinking it through, but I think this way:  better electronics can help me find the fish, but a better tm helps me stay on the fish.  Chicken and egg argument.  Find ‘em and can’t stay on ‘em, or have trouble finding them but can stick in a spot 

 The TM and the electronics package are IMO, two separate deals.

As you gain some time on the water, you will soon learn that you can certainly catch fish

without either one.  

However, a quality built TM with enough juice to run strongly all day,

will offer you MUCH MORE of an opportunity to fish effectively

than a somewhat smaller electronics package.

Especially, just starting out. 

Also, while a good sonar/gps unit is very helpful, understanding and having reasonable expectations going into this will be invaluable.

The Advertising will have us believe that these units 'find fish', and they do - sort of.

But the old saying that "10% of the lake holds 90% of the fish", is pretty much right on the money.

So 'finding fish' at least initially, needs to happen another way.

Good Luck and Stay Safe.

A-Jay

[Cyclones]

6 minutes ago, DaubsNU1 said:

Buddy had Tracker...hated it. My brother has been planning for a Lund Alaskan for many years.  He's school teacher, retiring in 5 years...going to get his Alaskan this summer. He's stoked.  Awesome boat...18', 90hp merc, single console. 

I’ve pretty much settled on a Lund.  Think I’m going to order a Rebel xl 

2 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

 

 The TM and the electronics package are IMO, two separate deals.

As you gain some time on the water, you will soon learn that you can certainly catch fish

without either one.  

However, a quality built TM with enough juice to run strongly all day,

will offer you MUCH MORE of an opportunity to fish effectively

than a somewhat smaller electronics package.

Especially, just starting out. 

Also, while a good sonar/gps unit is very helpful, understanding and having reasonable expectations going into this will be invaluable.

The Advertising will have us believe that these units 'find fish', and they do - sort of.

But the old saying that "10% of the lake holds 90% of the fish", is pretty much right on the money.

So 'finding fish' at least initially, needs to happen another way.

Good Luck and Stay Safe.

A-Jay

So on 16 ft aluminum deep v, a 12 volt tm with a 2 bank charger set up would be insufficient?  The dealer is trying to talk me into a 24 volt.  He’s probably right, I’m just trying to find the sweet spot between money and practicality.  Going from only bank fishing I feel like I’m spending a crap ton of money that maybe I don’t need to, but also don’t wanna regret a $28000 purchase over a thousand dollars or 2

[BigAngus752]

8 minutes ago, Cyclones said:

 The dealer is trying to talk me into a 24 volt.

 

It's all about what you want to spend now and what you want to spend later.  A 12v will move your boat around but will offer little assistance in wind.  Once you get some time in the boat under your belt you will be upgrading to at least a 24v.  The same mentality goes into buying a TM with a GPS lock.  How long will you want to live without it?  Will you regret buying a 12v now and upgrading to a 24v in a year?  Will you regret buying a 24v with no GPS lock now and wish you had spent the money for a GPS lock later?  Probably yes.  Get the best that you can get now instead of explaining to the wife why you have to replace a 1yr old piece of equipment on your boat. 

 

How patient can you be?  Can you spend the time to talk in person with a salesperson at every dealer within driving distance and convince them to call you first when someone trades in a fishing rig?  I bought a Ranger RT188 with a Merc 115 four-stroke that was exactly one year old and had 10.5hrs on it for well under your price range.  There are many people who buy new boats every year just like they buy a new car every year.  If you're patient you could find much more than you are expecting to get.  

[A-Jay]

7 minutes ago, Cyclones said:

I’ve pretty much settled on a Lund.  Think I’m going to order a Rebel xl 

So on 16 ft aluminum deep v, a 12 volt tm with a 2 bank charger set up would be insufficient?  The dealer is trying to talk me into a 24 volt.  He’s probably right, I’m just trying to find the sweet spot between money and practicality.  Going from only bank fishing I feel like I’m spending a crap ton of money that maybe I don’t need to, but also don’t wanna regret a $28000 purchase over a thousand dollars or 2

"Need" is a tricky deal.

We talk about it all the time here - no one ever complains

about having a trolling motor & battery set up THAT LASTS TOO LONG ~ EVER !

So if you can do the 24 volts - do it.

If you keep fishing - you'll end up doing it later any way.

 

Getting advice from the internet is worth exactly what you pay for it and it's hard to know what's right & what's BS - 

Plus everyone's deal is different - might not be yours.

The way to beat this is to READ EVERYTHING YOU CAN and LEARN EVERYTHING you can about the items you are looking to purchase and hook up in your new rig.

KNOWLEDGE is Confidence. 

If you know what you need and most importantly WHY you need it,

 spending your hard earned cash is less unnerving. 

Take your time.

This forum is FULL of folks who rushed into buying without do diligence - and they usually regret it. 

Finally, I recommend you do this, especially if you lack experience in owning, running and especially rigging up a boat.

Instead of talking to a 'salesman' - go talk to the SERVICE MANAGER at the dealer that you might be purchasing your rig at.  Tell them you want to give them your business and then make them earn it.  They are not doing you a favor selling you the boat.  You can get one anywhere. 

Talk to him or her about your experience level, what you want to do with your rig and what options you should get and why.  As a potential customer, it should be no problem at all.

This person as seen the good, the bad & the ugly ~ because it's their job. 

Make an appointment if you need to, take notes if you need to but you'll be talking to an experienced human who knows exactly what you need and why.

Very few potential new boat owners do this and it's too bad,

because it's a valuable resource that's super accessible.

Good Luck

A-Jay

 

[GaryH]

2 hours ago, Cyclones said:

Maybe I’m over simplifying it or not thinking it through, but I think this way:  better electronics can help me find the fish, but a better tm helps me stay on the fish.  Chicken and egg argument.  Find ‘em and can’t stay on ‘em, or have trouble finding them but can stick in a spot 

 

I went with the TM first because it's a simple plug and play, not a big learning curve. As for the FF, you can play with it you have for a year or so and learn how to read and use it. Then if you want to upgrade you'll have a working knowledge of what you want. 

AJ hit the nail right on the head on his previous post. Best of luck on your upcoming purchase. Keep us posted..

[FishinBuck07]

Trolling motor would be a definite for me!  But I wouldn't say you absolutely need one with spot lock on it, depends on how you fish really!  I am a bank beater so a trolling motor with spot lock doesn't make much sense for my style of fishing, but if you like fishing offshore deeper then it may make more sense to get the spot lock.  But as said before you can learn how to use the Helix 5 and later upgrade if you want to!  I ran right out and bought a lowrance 9 ti2 because a buddy told me I needed it for my new to me boat!  Some days I don't even turn it on, not saying it is a total waste of money but I may have been fine with a smaller screen!