Tracker Jon Boat 15/42 info

[Mike Redmond]

I am checking out aluminum jon boats,came across an add about a Tracker Jon Boat.The model that got my attention is the 15/42 with a live well in it.I beleive its a fairly new model,I am just wondering if anyone has bought one of these .Would like to have info on it other than the sales pitch from the builder or company that makes them.EI;how does it handle in rough water,what kind of power does it need,how does it handle waves from the rear,what kind of freeboard does it have,how stable is it,,, ect Thanks Mike Redmond

 

[NYBo]

Re: Tracker Jon Boat 15/42 info

I can't comment on this particular boat, but because of their design, jon boats take a pounding in rough water. The trade-off is improved stability in calm water compared to semi-v hulls. I don't think this boat would be any different from this general rule.

What are you planned uses?

 

[Mike Redmond]

Re: Tracker Jon Boat 15/42 info

Going to use it on inland lakes,mainly fishing.Im checking it out because of its light weight;;less hp needed to push it ,and easier to tow,have long distances of towing would be cheaper on gas...Mike

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Tracker Jon Boat 15/42 info

I can't comment too much on the 1542 Tracker as I've only seen it from 10' away, but as a general rule jon boats are not good rough water boats, the flat bottom will make the boat slap and pound the water.

I have a 1436 Tracker and have had it in 2' waves, the waves were licking at the transom corners so I hauled a** to safety. Personally, I don't think my jon boat rides too bad in waves, but it's not cutting through them, it's riding over them. For power I would go at least 75% of the hull rating for good performance, I have a 7.5HP on my 1436 rated at 10HP and haven't had problems planing with a hefty load.

Now the bad (and something I didn't find out until I bought my jon), Tracker boats do not have that good of build quality. After buying my Tracker I saw an Alumicraft 1436 and it was built much better. The price was exactly the same as what I paid too... The transom on my boat was really flimsy and after a year the corner welds on the transom cracked on both sides,,, and I'm only running 75% of the hull's power rating.

If you are thinking of a Tracker, do some looking around at other manufacturers and look at the little details of the boat; transom knee braces, how is the transom built, do the ribs go up the sides or just across the bottom, etc...

Good luck

 

[boater1234]

Re: Tracker Jon Boat 15/42 info

Sold mine