Re: Going to the Boat Show
Hey Aaron,<br /><br />Crestliners are great boats, Tracker also. Tracker makes several models of all welded aluminum boats with a lifetime warrantee. One thing you will find is that most of these types of boats from all manufacturers have treated plywood decks and aluminum over wood transoms.<br /><br />Tracker is the only mfg that I know of that gives a lifetime warrantee on the decks and hulls (Crestliner 20 yr hull and 3 yr on deck). They have been around a long time and I think they will be there if needed for warrantee service. Crestliner has also been around a long time and stands behind its products. If you purchased any new, modern aluminum boat I dont think you would kick yourself for it.<br /><br />I just went through a 6 months long boat of my dreams search and I have a stack 12" high of literature from many mfgs. Four boat shows, countless dealers and all over the Internet.<br /><br />I currently own a Tracker and have had great luck with it. Last weekend I purchased a new one. I was almost set to buy an 18' Targa with 115 HP Merc. But after more consideration I spent a little more and got an 18' Tundra. Best looking aluminum boat ever made and I dont think anyone would argue that. People at the show were swearing it was glass even as they were tapping on it.<br /><br />It is there top of the line boat, there is not one inch of wood anywhere on the boat and the aluminum is the heaviest in the industry .125. Lifetime warrantee on the hull, deck, transom and all aluminum outer shell. Its has it all, two aerated live wells, two aerated bait wells. Six ski storage, three rod lockers and on and on.<br /><br />The boat looks like a fiberglass it is seamless and has the same curves a glass boat with a rolled bow so you will never have water coming over the bow. But the boat is much lighter than glass = small motor to go just as fast, better MPH, better warrantee and tougher. <br /><br />Tracker was right next to Crestliner at the show and like I said Crestliners are great with a good rep. Tracker pre 1993 was using inferior materials (wood rot) and everybody talked about it. 1993 Tracker started the lifetime warrantees on welded boats, changed their wood and gave the decks lifetime warrantees. They believed in the product so much the warrantee is transferable (not the standard in the marine industry) When most boats are sold the mfg is off the hook but Tracker will stand behind it.<br /><br />Someone suggested to me the Crestliner during my search and so I looked hard at it. Fit and finish was excellent, very classy boat, but than so was Trackers. What made my decision was the Tundra. I felt it was better looking, came with more included options (Crestliner would not even throw in a trolling motor), heavier aluminum, no wood anywhere and better warranty. <br /><br />I like a lot of the aluminum boats, Crestliner, Lowe, Fisher (owned by Tracker), Alumacraft and a few others. I just think Tracker made a better mouse trap this year. With the new-formed hull Tracker received 28 new international patents. I guarantee you will be seeing other mfgs making formed hulls. The Tundra is in its second year so if there were any bugs I hope they worked them out. They did re-work the interior compartments to hold more and access is easier with four people in the boat. <br /><br />Tracker built and dedicated an entire building just for the Tundra and all the new technology and equipment. The employees that make this boat only make Tundras. They only make a few hundred a year, thats hand built numbers. Most times you have to order the boat and wait a month or two. They arent sitting around waiting for buyers.<br /><br />I spent a lot of time looking for just the right boat, I had time because I had a boat and most of it was wintertime. I did a lot of homework and got a lot of good advice. Some of it on this board, it was here I was warned about the wood and I thank you djohns! Believe me I spent a lot of time inside and outside of Tracker & Co. to find out the real story about the wood and customers dissatisfaction and the BIG CHANGE in 1993. More than wood and warrantees was changed!<br />Look for a good name with some history, stay away from as much wood as possible and where there is wood get it in writing it will be good for a long time. Make sure you have enough power, motors arent cheap, no need to go over board. I shot for 50 and got 49 doubt Ill use it all but it will power me through the chop in the bay. And dont forget to get something that excites you. Get a little more room than you think you need. I started looking at 17 long by 94 wide, wound up with 18 long by 8-3 wide.<br /><br />So good luck on your journey (should have started last September), dont miss out on a great deal but dont rush it the fish will wait. Ive had a half a dozen boats over many, many years, the 1st was wood and the biggest a few smaller glass boats than two smaller aluminum boats. Now I am going up in size and this boat has everything the other boats didnt and every thing I wished they did. Just in case Im keeping the boat I currently have, its put a lot of fish on the table and smiles on my face. I think its only going to get better with the Tundra!!!
