Advice on buying a new boat

[Bugbottle]

Hello Folks I'm thinking about buying a new boat for fishing. I was looking at the tracker proguide v-175 sc or the v-16 sc. Are you folks happy with your tracker boats? Does anybody have one of these two models? I have had some people tell me that the quality is not that good: poor welds that crack, poor design, and other things. So I was just looking for some feedback before I deciede. I like the size and setup of these boats, but I am haveing doubts. Also it looks like you can only get a painted trailer not galvanized are tracker trailers galvinized then painted? I am also considering Alumacraft and Lund. The Lunds have less beam though. It seems like you get more boat for the buck from tracker but I'm worried about quality. Is the tracker a good investment? I would appreciate any advice you can give me. Thanks

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Advice on buying a new boat

Very few new boats are a good "investment". Nothing (except maybe RVs) depreciates quite as quickly as boats.

I would sooner buy a lightly used quality brand than a new Tracker.

 

[GeoHawk]

Re: Advice on buying a new boat

Ditto what ezmobee said about new boats being a bad investment. That said, I've been happy with the two Trackers I've owned (a 2001 Pro Crappie and my new Targa). Both were bought new - Yeah, I know but I wanted a "new" boat. The only repair I ever needed on the Pro Crappie was a new bilge pump after 7 years. I've had to take my Targa back twice since last September: once to replace the aftermarket electric anchor that quit working (it was dealer installed); and the other time to replace the trailer tires that were cracking. Both things were taken care of while I waited. And by the way, the Trailstar trailers are galvanized and painted.

The Targa itself has been great. My only complaint is that I wish it had more waterproof storage areas, but I can remedy this myself. I'd love to have a Lund, they do feel more solid than my Tracker, but to get a new one comparably equipped was going to run me an extra $15K. Maybe when I'm ready to replace this boat, I'll look at the Lunds again.

One thing mentioned in many, many threads here, a good dealer can go a loooong way in a happy boat purchasing experience. Yeah, I bought my boat from Bass Pro (hear the laughing yet? ), but the Springfield, MO Tracker Boat Center (it's down the street from the actual Bass Pro store) has done everything they can to make sure I've been happy with my new boat. The one in Olathe, KS really couldn't care less about me - as if they're there for my benefit. Check out your dealer thoroughly before you're ready to buy.