Helena Frye
Tracker boats are a popular choice for those looking for an affordable fishing boat. With a range of models available, Trackers offer good value for money and are perfect for those new to boating or fishing. However, there are some common issues with Tracker boats that are important to consider before purchasing.
One of the biggest advantages of Tracker boats is their price. They are typically much cheaper than competitor boats, such as Lunds, and offer similar features. This makes them an attractive option for those on a budget. Tracker boats also come with a decent amount of storage, multiple motor options, and standard features like a Lowrance fish finder and trolling motor.
However, one of the biggest drawbacks of Tracker boats is their construction quality. Many owners and reviewers have reported issues with the boats' hulls, motors, electrical systems, and interiors. Some have experienced leaks, motor failure, and rot in the wooden decks. There are also concerns about Tracker's customer service and warranty claims process, with some reporting difficulties in getting issues resolved.
Overall, Tracker boats can be a good option for those looking for an affordable, entry-level fishing boat. However, it's important to be aware of the potential issues and consider the long-term value and resale price when making a decision.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Affordability | Tracker boats are cheaper than other brands, and are geared towards more budget-conscious consumers. |
| Bells and whistles | Trackers come with basic fish finders, motors, and storage. |
| Build quality | Trackers are thought to be built with cheap materials and poor craftsmanship. |
| Hull | Trackers are welded, which is thought to leak less often than riveted boats. |
| Motor options | Trackers give you 2-3 motor options and only use Mercury motors. |
| Ride | Tracker boats have a bumpier ride with more spray, even without chop, vs other brands. |
| Resale value | Trackers don't hold their value as well as other brands, and have a higher depreciation rate. |
| Storage | Trackers come with lots of storage options, including multiple storage compartments, under-seat storage, rod storage, and a live well. |
What You'll Learn
Tracker boats are good for beginners
Tracker boats are a good option for beginners. They are affordable, and come with basic fish finders, motors, and storage. They are a good entry-level option for those looking to get into fishing boats.
Tracker boats are known for their welded construction, which some boaters believe is superior to riveted construction as it creates a more solid boat with fewer leaks. However, others argue that leakage is more likely to occur in boats made with cheap, thin metals and low-quality craftsmanship, and that riveted boats with higher-quality metals and construction standards are less prone to leaking. Tracker boats use 0.100-gauge metal, which is thinner than some other brands.
Tracker boats are also praised for their industry-leading warranty, reasonable prices, and good ride in rough water. One owner of the Tracker Pro Guide V-175 describes the ride as "amazing". However, some users have reported issues with underpowered motors, electrical systems, and customer service.
When buying a Tracker boat, it is important to inspect the welds, rivets, and metal around them for any signs of damage or previous problems. Overall, Tracker boats can be a good option for beginners, but it is important to do your research and know what you are buying.
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They are affordable
Tracker boats are affordable, and they make a decent entry-level boat. They are geared towards more budget-conscious consumers, and if this is your first boat, you’ll get what you need to go fishing at an affordable price. They come with basic fish finders, motors, and storage.
The price point is what attracts many buyers to Tracker boats. For the same price as an older boat from another brand, you can get a newer Tracker boat. This is especially appealing to first-time buyers, who are just happy to be able to afford a new boat.
The Tracker Pro Guide V-175, for example, has a reasonable price and the industry's best warranty. The all-welded hull is built using two layers of .100 marine-grade 5052 aluminum alloy. The double-plated hull is braced by a longitudinal stringer system that is welded into position along the full length of the boat’s running surface and to the boat’s extruded aluminum, corner-braced, box-beam transom.
While Tracker boats are affordable, it is important to keep in mind that they may be underpowered. Dealers underpower them to hit a certain price point, and first-time buyers may not realize this until after they have made their purchase.
Overall, Tracker boats are a good option for those looking for an affordable and functional boat, but it is important to go in with your eyes open and know what you are buying.
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They are solidly built
Tracker boats are solidly built, with a welded construction that creates a robust and leak-proof boat. Trackers use marine-grade 5052 aluminium alloy for their hulls, which are double-plated and braced by a longitudinal stringer system welded into position along the full length of the boat. This gives the boat an incredibly strong structure and an amazing ride in rough water.
The hulls of Tracker boats are built to withstand the impact of waves and the boat will cut through the water with minimal spray. The hull design is a key factor in the boat's performance and handling, and Tracker boats are designed to be stable and handle well, even in choppy conditions.
The thickness of the aluminium used in Tracker boats is 0.100 gauge, which is thinner than some other brands, but this does not seem to negatively impact the strength of the boat. The welds are strong and there are no issues with leakage. The all-welded hull construction means there are no rivets to fail, which could be a weak point in other boats.
The Tracker Pro Guide V-175 is a great example of the solid build quality of Tracker boats. Owners of this model praise its reasonable price, amazing ride in rough water, and sturdy construction. The double-plated hull and welded stringer system make this boat a solid choice for fishing and recreational use.
While some people have had issues with Tracker boats, particularly with customer service and warranty claims, the overall build quality of the boats is good. They are a budget-friendly option that offers a lot of value for the price.
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They have a good warranty
Tracker boats are known for their good warranty programs. The company offers a solid lifetime warranty that covers various issues, including transom rot and wood rot in older models. This warranty can provide peace of mind for owners, as it ensures that Tracker will take responsibility for certain repairs and issues that may arise over the boat's lifetime.
In addition to the standard factory warranty, Tracker also offers extended warranty options for new boats. These extended warranties can provide additional coverage for various components, giving owners even more peace of mind and protection for their investment.
While Tracker's warranty programs are generally well-regarded, it is important to note that some customers have reported issues with the company honouring its warranties. There have been complaints about Tracker's customer service and their handling of warranty claims. Some customers have described Tracker's warranty process as a "crap shoot," indicating that the outcome may depend on the specific situation and the dealer involved.
It is worth noting that Tracker's sister companies, such as Mako, Triton, Tahoe, and Ranger, may have different warranty policies and practices. Therefore, it is always important to carefully review the specific warranty information for the boat brand and model you are considering.
Overall, Tracker's warranty programs can be a positive aspect of their boats, providing coverage for certain issues and offering extended options for additional peace of mind. However, it is crucial to be aware of potential challenges or difficulties that some customers have experienced when trying to utilise their warranty benefits.
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They have a bumpy ride
Tracker boats are generally considered to be a good entry-level option for first-time boat buyers. They are known for offering a range of features and accessories at a relatively affordable price point. However, some owners have reported issues with the boats' performance and construction quality, particularly in rough water conditions, which has led to a bumpy ride for some users.
One of the most commonly cited issues with Tracker boats is underpowering. Dealers often underpower the boats to hit a certain price point, which can result in a less-than-satisfactory performance for buyers. Additionally, some owners have reported problems with the boats' hulls, with a few instances of hulls smashing or cracking due to hitting waves. While Tracker offers a lifetime hull warranty, there have been reports of the company denying warranty claims, alleging that the damage was caused by the owner hitting something rather than a manufacturing defect.
The interior and storage compartments of Tracker boats have also received some criticism. Some owners have reported issues with flooding storage compartments, and the use of cheap carpet and upholstery has been noted as well. Electrical problems, such as power failures to the fishfinder, bilge, lights, and aerator, have also been mentioned in some reviews.
In terms of ride quality, Tracker boats have been described as having a bumpier ride compared to their competitors, with more spray even in calm waters. This suggests that the boats may not handle choppy waters as well as other options on the market.
Overall, while Tracker boats can be a good option for those on a budget, buyers should be aware of the potential issues and be diligent in their inspections and maintenance to ensure a smoother sailing experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Tracker is a good entry-level boat brand. They are affordable and come with basic fish finders, motors, and storage. However, they are known to have issues with the interior and storage compartments, and some users have reported problems with the electrical system.
Lund boats are generally considered superior to Tracker boats in terms of quality, design, storage, motor options, ride, and resale value. Lund boats are riveted, while Tracker boats are welded. Lund uses thicker aluminum metal and higher-quality materials overall. Lund boats also hold their value better over time and have a lower depreciation rate than Tracker boats.
Tracker boats are affordable and come with basic features for fishing. They can be a good option for first-time boat buyers or those on a budget. Some models, like the Tracker Pro Guide V-175, offer a reasonable price and a good riding experience.
Some common disadvantages of Tracker boats include underpowered motors, issues with the hull, and poor customer service and warranty claims handling. There have also been reports of flooding storage compartments and electrical system failures.
