Tracker vs Alumacraft/Lund

[LakeTahoe]

I have been researching boats for like what seems forever...

I have had a lund tyee for 10 years, and it's been a good boat overall... but looking to buy some thing brand new with more room, storage etc.

So I have it narrowed to a Tracker Tunda (welded) or a Alumacraft Tournament (riveted)... I like them both alot. Does anyone have either of these, if so what do you think? On a side note, I can get a good deal on a Tracker (new), but have never had an all-welded boat? Any thoughts? As far as Lund, the only one I would want would be a pro-V but seems there a bit more money.... oh, and I fish all big waters in MN.

[iffy]

There is no comparison. Buy yourself another lund and be happy. Maybe broke and happy, but If you buy the tracker you might not think its such a great deal after you own it. Consider resale too, unless you plan on owning it forever. the tracker or Alumacraft won't bring near what the lund would. I leaened long ago that the sweet feeling of getting a good buy is soon forgotten when you start to notice the inferior craftsmanship of the product.

[BoxMN]

I disagree on the comment that Alumacraft won't bring resale, and this from having 3 Alumacrafts since 1982. Lunds are nice, no doubt, but not the only quality boats out there. We have had good luck with Alumacrafts, but I sure do like the size and layout of the 2025 IFS, my dreamboat in Aluminum, but would probably go Alumacraft Tourn. Sport 185 for next (we have TP175 now). Get the boat you like the layout and functionality of.

Also, since you are looking to spend a bunch of $$$, definitely ride in each before buying. That will make abig difference. The 2XB ride really is nice and solid, IMO. But amul boats are wetter than glass, anybody who tells you different have never been in glass. I hear the Tundra is like glass boat, but have not ridden in one.

FWIW, I have helped my neighbor tighten rivets on his lund, but I won't say Lund is bad.

What I would suggest, before you plunk down $$$ on a Tracker, is do some serious research on their customer service - serious research. I know people totally happy with thier Trackers, as like other boats, but you won't hear the customer service horror stories with Lund or Alumacraft that you do with some "other" brands...

good luck though, you are looking at some nice boats, IMHO.

[marine_man]

I don't know if Tracker still has hull problems with their Tundra's or not, but it is worth some research to be sure. I recall reading about some hull cracking issues they had in some of the early Tundra models.

I'm not saying they still have problems - but I would do some research to be sure.

marine_man

[harvey lee]

All I have ever had is Lunds and yes, maybe a little more moola but, what a boat they build. My new one has been very good without any problems from the get go with this boat. The boat is well set-up, very comfortable seating and rides the water great.

[Rost]

I'd stick with Lund or Alumacraft. They are both known for superior quality, customer service and are built in Minnesota. None of which Tracker is known for.

Now, if you compared Lund vs Alumacraft... That is a tough one. You'll find both Lund and Alumacraft owners who are very satisfied and loyal to their brand. While both companies build a solid product, they take a different approach at marketing their boats.

If you are looking for a 20' boat, then the Lund 2025 would be your only choice because Alumacraft does not build one. This year, Alumacraft switched their Tourney Pro Line up to the 185 (18'3") and 195 (19'3") compared to previous years when they had the 175 (17'11") and the 185 (18'11").

[Scott K]

I own the alumacraft tp 175, I take it on big waters alot, more then small lakes, great ride. Never had a problem with it. I went through the same as you when I bought mine, my options were the lund, and alumacraft, the lay outs were simular at the time, the prices werent, I bought the alumacraft for alot less. I owned 2 alumacrafts before this one, never had a problem with them at all. I know c/s is awsome on them also, even after their warranty is up!

[iffwalleyes]

Lunds Warranty is top notch as well. But with either lund alumacraft or chrestliner you are getting a quality boat.

[Musky_Madness]

Feel free to read a post about Boat Warranty in this forum...welded hulls are NOT the way to go! 1st hand experience here and would not make the same mistake again.

[PerchJerker]

If you're looking for a new boat I would not be too scared of the Tundra. Tracker has had a terrible reputation but I think the majority of that is due to their older boats, not their newer boats in the last 5 years are so. Although like MuskyMadness said, read his thread to see what he's had to go through.

A buddy of mine has a Tundra, 4 years old I think, and it's been a great boat. We had it on Erie 2 years ago and not one complaint about it. We're taking it to Lac Seul later this week and leaving my Ranger in the garage. His boat is fast, smooth, dry, roomy, etc - all the good things you look for in a boat

There's no question Alumacraft has a better reputation than Tracker, but I have heard of only a few legitimate problems with the Tundra. But there's no question Alumacraft has a better dealer network, and having the factory in St. Peter is a plus too in case you do have issues that need to be worked on.

Good luck with your decision and have fun shopping.

[caseymcq]

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If you are looking for a 20' boat, then the Lund 2025 would be your only choice because Alumacraft does not build one.

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Alumacraft makes a 20' boat. Take a look at Alumacraft's web site. The Trophy 205 is 20'8".

Lund or Alumacraft is like 6 one way, half a dozen the other. Both are top notch. I grew up with Lunds. My dad and my brother still have Lunds. When Brunswick bought Lund and made is spendier to get anything but a Merc on them I went with an Alumacraft. I don't have anything against Mercs. At the time I was buying my boat, Yamaha had the only fuel injected 4-stroke 75hp motor so I really wanted the Yamaha. Tiller set-up is nicer on a Yammy than any other motor too.

I was looking at either a Lund 1700 Explorer or a Alumacraft Navigator 175. I went with the Alumacraft so I could get the Yamaha and I am glad I did. For $500 less on the price of the boat (not to mention the extra $$ for putting a Yammy on the Lund) than the Lund I got a bigger gas tank, a guage cluster, bigger (17'3" and 93" wide vs. 17'0" and 91.5" wide in '05) and another seat in the boat.

[Rost]

Correct. Alumacraft does make the 20' Trophy. I was just comparing the tourney models (ProV and TP).

[Northlander]

Until I hear from those around here that run Trackers, or should I say used to run them, that they have the transom, paint and hull problems taken care of I wont touch one. Several guys around here had them but after 1 or 2 years with them they dont any more.

I would stick with Lund, Alumacraft, Chrestliner. All boats have problems but Tracker tried that molded alum. hull and in my opinion dont have all the bugs worked out.

The other 3 brands are proven.

[MinnesotaMongo]

For what it's worth - I am in the market for a new boat and have taken a close look at the Tundras. They are a lot of boat for the money, but their hulls looks like they would dent very easily. They also don't seem to have the fit and finish like a Lund/Crestliner/Alumacraft. Little things like how they have sloppy trim jobs on their carpets - or how their wiring hangs down in the console, just BEGGING my size 15's to get caught in them.

Plus, the other factor involved is who is selling them. Can you get service?

I will probably be picking up a Alumacraft Navigator package this winter at the sports shows.

Good luck on your boat search. They say that the two best times of owning a boat is 1) when you buy it and 2) when you sell it.

[Wade Joseph]

I just bought a new boat....made in WI, its called a MIRROCRAFT. Its a 1750 model (tiller) Its 93" wide, has a 27 gallon tank. and its rivetted. I bought it over lund and the others for several reasons.

1) I won't own those black motor's that the other brands come "pre-rigged" with.

2) It was wider, and had a bigger gas tank than the comparable other brands.

3) It was "more boat for my money".

Lastly, if welding aluminum thats subject to stress and vibration was the way to go, the airplane industry would have been doing it a long time ago.

Just my .02

[Lund4Fish]

As far as Tracker or Alumacraft, I would suggest going with the Alumacraft. You know what you're getting with their product and being built there in your home state can also have its advantages, especially if you need some warranty work done. I ran a Lund-Tyee 1750 for 13 years with no problems and recently upgraded to a 2005 Lund 1900 Pro-V and am very pleased and impressed with the new boat. There is quite a difference in the way these newer boats ride and handle than those built just 10 years ago. You'll be pleasantly surprised. For my money and long term satisfaction, I'd definitely go with Alumacraft or Lund, before the Tracker. Good luck!

[Navigator]

Well, after running 3 different Ranger fishermen, 3 different deep v skeeter's, 1 yarcraft 1785 and now a 2004 alumacraft cs 175 mag, all I can say is I really miss my deep V glass boats for big water. Don't misunderstand me, I really like the quality, look and durability of my alumacraft, but getting wet in october and november is no-fun!

Seriously consider a glass boat for big water and if you can't afford new, look at a used rig that's in good shape. My Skeeter's were all new rigs along with one Ranger and the Yarcraft. They held their value real well too.

[hanson]

A major, major issue to consider in your decision is brand of outboard motor.

If you buy a Lund, hope you like Mercury.

If you are going with Alumacraft, I believe a selection of outboards is still available.

Hey Wade Joseph, I have a MirroCraft as well that is 27 years old. Good boat IMO, even better motor (Johnson 60hp) on the back of that thing.

[harvey lee]

I do believe that you can get a Yamaha with a LUND.

[iffwalleyes]

Well I don't think anyone will argue that Ranger, Skeeter, Yar Craft and I will throw in Warrior are drier than any aluminum boat. But that wasn't the point of this thread. It was about aluminum boats. Like Hanson mentioned these days if you don't like Merc the Lund won't be for you. I think you might still be able to get a Honda on them but that is it. I love Lund so I will be willing to have a black motor on the back end but I realize not everyone has that view. For me it is more important to have the boat I like. A motor is a motor they all need gas and maintenance other than that I don't see a hugh difference.

[hanson]

As far as motors are concerned for me, I really don't have a preference.

But in an Alumacraft/Lund debate, its an issue. Its not a personal preference thing nor an opinion thing. The fact of the matter is Lund (brand new) is coming prerigged with Mercs and you need to decide if that is a pro or con in your decision.

[LakeTahoe]

Well after all this debate, it's pretty much settled I am going with another lund. Probably not brand new though... Is the best time to get a good deal in the fall?

I saw a PRO-V 1800 IFS the other day online... called the guy and it sold in less than a week... I guess I have to be quicker on the draw... DANG... I am sure there will be much more available closer to fall.

Thanks for all the input!

[iffwalleyes]

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Is the best time to get a good deal in the fall?

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Yes usually they are better priced in the fall.

[TravisC]

Do yourself a favor and buy a lund. been there done that with the tracker!

[iffwalleyes]

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Do yourself a favor and buy a lund. been there done that with the tracker!

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That as a Ranger Owner .