2022 Tracker 175 TXW thoughts

[Dan Roberts]

I am looking to order a boat in the next month.  I am seriously considering the 2022 Tracker 175 TXW.  Own a house on Lake Sinclair, Georgia. Retiree Fishing, maybe a couple of tournaments here and there. Couple of questions

1. Is the 75hp worth the upgrade price?

2. Should I stick with the 60 hp and purchase the Tournament Edition package instead? Cant really afford both and really like the 24V trolling motor. 

3. What are the thoughts on the vinyl flooring vs carpet? 

 

What about other Aluminum boats (Ranger RT178, Lowe Stinger 175C)?

 

Thanks Everyone!

[moguy1973]

The 60hp on my 2008 175TXW can get me to 36-37mph with me and my gear and half a tank of gas and 3 batteries.  With a buddy and his gear it'll go 34ish.  Not sure if the couple extra mph is worth the upgrade to a 75hp engine, but from what I've heard if you have the means, get the most hp your hull will handle.  My boat goes plenty fast and gets me to where I need to go with plenty of time to fish.

[Russ E]

From my own experience if you settle for a smaller outboard, you will always regret it.

My last boat was rated for 75, but to save money I put a 50 on it. Always wished it had a bigger motor.

My current boat is rated for a 115. It has a 115 hp pro xs. Never regretted it.

[J Francho]

A 24v trolling motor would be higher on my list than a modest increase in HP.  If I could have both, that's definitely preferred.

[SC53]

Have you sat behind the wheel in one? Or a Ranger aluminum for that matter. 

I’m 6’2” and my knees hit the wheel or the console. 

[gim]

9 hours ago, Dan Roberts said:

What are the thoughts on the vinyl flooring vs carpet? 

My current rig has this vinyl-polymer surface interior. It’s a 2015 Ranger RT178. Prior to this boat, the boats I always fished in had marine carpet.

 

I can confidently say that I’ll never go back to carpet. This surface is so much easier to maintain and clean. It’s not hot in the sun, it’s not slippery when wet, and never stains either. I take my yellow lab with regularly and there is never any sign of dog hair. I highly recommend it.

[T.J.]

I have a 2020 with vinyl floor. I doubt I would ever go back to carpet. Difference between the 75 and 60 is about 5mph. Actual speed depends on load in boat. 75 will get on plane faster but is also 100 pounds heavier. 
 

The tournament edition adds the 3rd battery, 24v trolling motor (very basic Model), and upgrades charger to 3 bank which are all great upgrades. The other stuff like another crappy hook2 FF up front (I might be the person that likes the hook), fancy steering wheel and rims etc just don’t seem to be worth the $2600 upgrade price for the TE. I have heard several people say they wouldn’t do the TE again since they ended up going with better sonar units and a better TM shortly after getting the boat. You may be better using the $2600 to just upgrade the TM to 24v with a spot lock unit through the dealer and selling the stock TM. 

 

I went with the 60hp mainly because that was what was available and I did not want to wait. I was planning on purchasing a classic xl with a 50hp originally anyway but couldn’t find one in stock either. I fish a lot by myself and believe the lighter motor is easier to handle loading etc, easier to tow (I don’t have a truck), and better in the electric-only lakes I am in half the time. 
 

The 175 is not a fast boat with either motor (40ish with 75 or 35ish with 60).  I can do 36mph on GPS with my wife in the boat. I usually find the boat cruises the smoothest at 27-30mph so I’m rarely at wot. Anyone concerned about speed would be happier with different boat - the 190 or 195 or a glass boat. 
 

[gunsinger]

If I’d know better, I would have opted for a 24v 80lb thrust TM

[gm4511]

No one's ever regretted getting more horsepower, do it.  Vinyl flooring, yes.  

 

Once you use the boat a while, you'll come up with lots of add ons and swaps you'll want to do.  Use that $2600 package money you saved to pay for a new TM and help with better electronics.

[Dan Roberts]

How hard is it to convert the tracker to a 24V trolling motor (as far as wiring)? I know it has the empty battery tray for the third battery. Is a harness change needed?

[Functional]

if I'm not mistaken my 2013 tracker had 8awg wire for the 12v motor it came with. If you are converting you might as well abandon those in place (future bow unit?) and pull new 4 or 6 awg cable. Its very easy with a fish tape you can buy from harbor freight for cheap.

 

To do it properly youll probably spend $120-$160 in materials but youll be able to run anything up front after.

 

I'm in agreement though, $2600 can be better spent towards a TM and electronics of your choice. 

 

60hp is plenty for me, with a boat loaded with gear, full tank and livewell full I can get to 34-36mph depending on water conditions. Going from 30-36 you hardly notice the speed difference. Not sure youd notice 35-40 to be worth the money. In general I agree most HP you can get, just in this particular boat I dont feel its worth it. 

[GreenPig]

95% of my time is running the TM(fishing) not the Mercury. 

[VolFan]

If you run several miles from launch and make big switches in area during the day, get the bigger motor. If not, I’d save that money for better TM and electronics. It really depends on how and where you fish. 60 vs 75 is less of a choice. 40 vs 75 I’d go 75 every time.

[Shimano_1]

I personally like carpet.  Buddy has the vinyl in his and I don't necessarily dislike it but I prefer carpet.  Just looks nicer and feels better to me. Personal preference on that one. I think you'd be satisfied with the tracker or the ranger.  I have a triton 18tx, same boat as the ranger rt188.  I feel like I prefer the layout and trolling motor down part of mine better but probably cost a little more than the tracker as well. If you don't make long runs and speed isn't high on priority list I'd get the 60. As already stated tho no one has ever complained about having maximum horsepower. However, we don't buy these rigs for speed. They're easy to tow, cheaper than glass, fish well, and if care for will last you many many years.