Tracker vs. Lowe

[BackHerUp]

I only want to hear from owners of these two boats! (I don't need to hear about Lund/Alumacraft/Crestliner since I'll never buy any of those boats!)

I'm especially interested in hearing from owners of the Tracker Pro-Guide V-16 or the Lowe 165S-Sea Nymph.

I'm very well versed in the Lund-Alumacraft-Crestliner qualities. My dream boat was the Lund Explorer 1675-SS (90" beam). It was pricing out at around $12,500 for boat, motor (90hp Yamaha) and Shorelander trailer before it was discontinued.

I would never pay $18,000 for any boat! (which is what the new Explorer's are going for)

I've looked at both the Lowe and Tracker boats and have settled on the Tracker Pro Guide V-16 (82" beam). It's selling with MinnKota bow-mount trolling motor and (a cheap little Lowrance X-37) fish finder (w/ temp and battery monitor) besides a Mercury 50 ELPTO and drive-on trailer with swing-tongue. Lifetime warranty on a 2-piece, welded aluminum hull. Price: $10,000. That's what I'm talking about! Yeah baby!!!

Now I'd like to hear from the owners of each, if possible...Thx. -- Andy

[This message has been edited by BackHerUp (edited 07-06-2004).]

[BackHerUp]

bumpin'

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"Shhh...I'm fishing"

[Guest]

I own a Tracker Pro Guide V-16 with the 40hp, I was going to upgrade to a 50 and was told for the extra cost save your money (not alot of top end difference between 40 & 50). If you have the cash and fish big lakes alot I would go to the max on the motor. If you fish smaller to med. sized lakes the 50 will do you fine.
I have the motor guide trolling motor and its a piece of **** , the Minn-kota is a good choice.
Rod storage works the best if you have the rods in rod bags, otherwise its a bit tight for more than a few rods and tangeling is an issue (I was always going to try PVC pipes in the rod locker)
On my live well the drain is a flapper deal with a plastic lever that is recessed that says fill/empty on it, If the new boats have them you will only get to use ths about 8 time before it takes a sh*t, I pulled the cable to empty and found a plug to fit in the hole inside the live well.
Other than that I am very happy with the boat, I fish Crappie, Walleye, Pike and Muskie and it works well for all.
The problems listed above are all of the problems I've run into in the last 8 years I've had this boat.
If you have any other questions please e-mail me at nsgd@willmar DOT com

[BackHerUp]

That's great news to hear. You might be surprised at the new Pro Guide V-16...it's very well laid out (single console that is). I was very impressed having been interested in a Lund, Alumacraft and Crestliner all these years, never paying attention to those "southern boats".

About the only thing I'm hesitant about (the Pro Guide), is the hull has no strakes or reverse chine for handling purposes.
The Tracker Targa and all other V-Hull's have the performance hull's on them. Tracker said it was how they were able to keep the cost down on this boat. Personally, I don't think it'll matter to a guy like me...since I "putz around" the lakes anyway!

Lowe has a nice series of boats too. They all come with performance hulls (w/ strakes and reverse chines) but they don't have the 2 piece hull...they also rivet their hulls...and don't want a leaking rivets down the road...

I'm sold on the Tracker Pro Guide V-16 single console...(w/ the Mercury 50 elpto)...yep.

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"Shhh...I'm fishing"

[This message has been edited by BackHerUp (edited 07-07-2004).]