What boat should I buy

[jmyers345]

I’m looking to get a new boat either a 17’ deep v bass tracker or the 18 footer it would either have a 90 or 115 Mercury on it what do you guys think for Lake Ontario fishing

 

 

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[jmyers345]

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[BigMac]

Without question get the bigger with more power.

U want the size for when it gets rough and the power to get you out of it.




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[jmyers345]

Thanks yeah I’ll be fishing Henderson and Sackets Harbor and maybe Oswego some too just didn’t know what to get but the bigger fuel capacity would help out some to


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[ShawnPin]

Thanks yeah I’ll be fishing Henderson and Sackets Harbor and maybe Oswego some too just didn’t know what to get but the bigger fuel capacity would help out some to


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I have the 175 pro guide and love it. The Targa 18 is really nice too but I prefer the narrow gunnels on my 175 then the wide ones on the Targa models. Just seem to have more room inside and you don’t loose that space with anything mounted into the track system. I have the 115 merc tops out about 40mph. Fish Erie and Ontario and it’s handled 5 footers with no problems.


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[Landshark]

Do you have to have a Merc?

[Todd in NY]

My suggestion would be to fish in a few different boats before you decide to buy one. There are some good "used" boats out there for decent prices. As already mentioned, floor plan and layout is a big factor for gear storage and ease of mevement inside the boat.

[Landshark]

Either way it will be a great boat for ya

[Todd in NY]

1 hour ago, Landshark said:

Either way it will be a great boat for ya

 

I agree 

[MikeyP]

8 hours ago, ShawnPin said:

I have the 175 pro guide and love it. The Targa 18 is really nice too but I prefer the narrow gunnels on my 175 then the wide ones on the Targa models. Just seem to have more room inside and you don’t loose that space with anything mounted into the track system. I have the 115 merc tops out about 40mph. Fish Erie and Ontario and it’s handled 5 footers with no problems.


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I think the wider beam of the 18 would make up for that.

[ShawnPin]

I think the wider beam of the 18 would make up for that.

It’s only 5” wider. But whatever you like or works best for you. I just didn’t like the rod holders extending into the boat so much but again either boat is super nice.


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[Xxx]

25 minutes ago, ShawnPin said:

It’s only 5” wider. But whatever you like or works best for you. I just didn’t like the rod holders extending into the boat so much but again either boat is super nice.


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This point is very important!! My SeaRay doesn’t have the wide gunnel top and I had to make plates to accept the rod holders. Trust me if you don’t need to do this, you will be better off because these plates I made I rounded all the corners ect. I made two sets one set was flush with the gunnels and the others I made the offset into the boat because the ones that are flush with the gunnels you can’t hardly get the pole out of the holder because they are to far out. So I made the plates to the inside now it’s no problem but they are hip bangers on rough days. Being in a aluminum 18’er there will be more rough days than I have have with a 22’ fiberglass cuddy. If I ever have the chance to do it again the next boat will have the broad gunnels, like most fishing boats do. It makes a huge difference!!

[jmyers345]

Thanks everyone hopefully I get a call today about a 19 ft targa anniversary model


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[hookedupf7]

I looked at the trackers before I bought my starweld. I think for lake o the targa would be a lot better boat. 

[GAMBLER]

I would steer away from Trackers.  They are notorious for having hull issues.  

[jmyers345]

It’s a lifetime warranty on them so you can’t go wrong there


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[drag&snag1985]

I own a 2007 tracker Targa and it a great boat but if I were to buy new I would look into a StarCraft fishmaster or crestliner sportfish deeper can handle more waves and better quality . Very early Targa had some welding problems from the robot at the manufacturers the problem has been fixed along time ago and most of the problems were from people that beat the **** out of them or hitting something

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[GAMBLER]

1 hour ago, jmyers345 said:

It’s a lifetime warranty on them so you can’t go wrong there


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You can go wrong there when the boat will be getting fixed and you will be without a boat.  Seriously, do some research on Trackers and their history of hull splitting / leaking issues.  There is nothing worse than missing out on our already short season because of warranty work.

[Chas0218]

1 hour ago, jmyers345 said:

It’s a lifetime warranty on them so you can’t go wrong there


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That just means they will repair it when it breaks it doesn't mean they are any good. There was a person here that had their boat fixed I would be doing some research. Last I knew there was a class action suit against Tracker about this. There isn't a plate aluminum that I would buy for under $30k. If you want plate aluminum look at the west coast builders and prices, there is a reason they cost so much. Sorry but I would never own a Tracker boat even if it was given to me. They are sub-par construction at best. The company knows they have issues but keep manufacturing them that way. I would be looking at Alumacraft, Starweld, Crestliner, SmokerCraft, Starcraft, all of these manufacturers are well known and have lifetime warranties. SmokerCraft and its subsidiaries have the best warranty in the industry, lifetime hull and structure with 6 years on all components, carpet, upholstery, and electronics.

24 minutes ago, GAMBLER said:

You can go wrong there when the boat will be getting fixed and you will be without a boat.  Seriously, do some research on Trackers and their history of hull splitting / leaking issues.  There is nothing worse than missing out on our already short season because of warranty work.

How about safety wise too, I wouldn't want to be on that boat when the haul splits. That could be a life or death situation.

Edited June 5, 2018 by Chas0218

[Bosun Cowboy]

I would steer away from Trackers.  They are notorious for having hull issues.  

X2. Tracker Hulls are Not built for long term big water use. They just don’t hold up


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[hookedupf7]

I asked the same question on here mid spring. After reading what was said. I went with the 19 ft flex from starweld. Real similar to targa in layout .Price was close also. Lifetime hull warranty, I got 10 year warranty on evinrude etech, and dealer through in fisherman high top, and cover. 

[jimski2]

Describe “Lifetime “. The lifetime of an elephant or an ant. This is just salesman BS.


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[hookedupf7]

As long as I own the boat.!!

[Chas0218]

As long as I own the boat.!!

I think starcraft, starweld, smokercraft, and sun chaser have transferable hull warranty to 2nd owner.

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[hookedupf7]

Yes I believe that may be true. I am going to see how there warranty is in the next few weeks. I have a few minor issues that need to be addressed. But when you pay 35 for a new boat I want them fixed!!!