Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

[BaileyFish]

Alright guys, I am looking for some advice. I have been looking for my first new boat purchase. I live in the D.C. area and will be running the Potomac River and some nearby lakes. I am primairly a smallmouth, catfish/striper fisherman. I have been looking at some center consoles but latley have been looking at some side console bass boats. I would like an all purpose reliable boat and of course not looking to put 30k into one. I also hunt and have a bird dog so I am looking for an all around boat. My main focus right now is a Bass Tracker Grizzly 1860 CC or SC. Not sure. I have heard that CC for aluminum boats under 20' is not the best and takes up too much room. The Tracker is aluium solid construction and the package seems to be decently equipped with a tralier and motor compared to other manufactuers. I guess does anyone own any Grizzly's and do you like them? Do you guys think I should go with the CC or SC? What about the length? Any guidance would greatly apperciate?

 

[cwilt]

Re: Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

welcome to iboats bf<br /><br />i had a tracker grizzly 1460 and that boat was a tank. loved it!! i did not add a console because it was too small but it came with that option. it was a solid boat did not flex any bit even pulling a tuber in the keys with a 25hp, 20 was on the coast guard plate. as fo the console choice its up to you where ever you feel comfy. i would deffinetly recomend one as a starter boat

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

Tracker makes a good hull, they just tend to put low level equipment in them. Bottom of the line this and that. They're considered entry level boats so they do all they can to keep the price down. If you start adding options and upgrading standard features, they start getting closer to other manufacturers in price. If you can find a used one that someone has already fixed-up and taken good care of you can usually get them for a steal. 3-4 grand for 16-17 foot rigged basstrackers in the '98-2000 year range are common around here. Grizzleys should be cheaper.<br /><br /><br />As far as the console goes, as cwilt pointed out, it's up to you. Spend some time milling about the insides of each type of boat and take one for a spin before you buy it. <br /><br />Welcome to iboats.<br /><br />spots

 

[BaileyFish]

Re: Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

Do you think the Grizzly 1860 size is a good most purpose hull? Also the package comes with a Mercury 40 ELPTO and I think for an 18' boat that is kind of small. Would you guys upgrade to 50 or 60? Would the 40 work? Thanks for the help

 

[Chief101]

Re: Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

I like cc boats but a center console on a small boat takes too much space. My buddy has the same hull with side console and 60hp Merc, his opinion is, great boat but it is severely underpowered. Just random opinions.

 

[BaileyFish]

Re: Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

It's still underpowered with a 60. That was what I was looking to upgrade too since standard is a 40. Hmm, I am not sure then. Putting a 75 or 90 doesn't make it that great of a deal and the boat looks killer and soild. Any other thoughts or recommendations for motor size on this?

 

[Chief101]

Re: Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

The max speed from the boat I'm familiar with is 30 mph. It is overpropped from the dealer, only turning 5k. Possibly using the correct prop would make the boat more responsive. My buddy is not going against the deaser recommendation so I can't say what would be gained with a smaller prop.

 

[BaileyFish]

Re: Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

Thanks for the reply. What does he use his boat for? Is there plenty of fishing space?

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

you'll like that boat and will suit you well for what you're looking for. upgrade to the 60 4-stroke they push.

 

[BaileyFish]

Re: Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

Cool, thanks for all the help guys. I will let you know how the deal goes. I am going to go for the Grizzly 1860 with a side console and ugrade to the Merc 60. One more question, will the boat be okay in the Potomac in D.C. where we have brachis water?

 

[Chief101]

Re: Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

I talked to Ron last night and we talked about his boat. He's gonna take it to the local prop expert for some evaluation. Ron fishes, he takes his wife, daughter, sil, and 2 grandkids kids and a dog and has no complaints about space. <br />The oil fill is on top of the motor and uses very little. Like I said only complaint is underpowered and is max rated for 60. Maybe he is just used to riding in my alum boat with a 120hp Johnson.

 

[Chief101]

Re: Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

One more thing, by himself he can get the boat to 31mph, with the extra 700# he only drops to 28mph.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Bass Tracker Alumnium boat opinions?

assume you'll trailer it? just rinse it down after most trips and you'll be fine. happy rock hunting! (the fish, not those boulders the potomac seems to have)