Hello Club,

I am new to the club and have been using the boats provided at the lakes up to this point. I am fishing with my dad mainly who is 85 and needless to say it is hard on him sitting in the provided boats (Me also). I am looking at buying a boat and was wanting to reach out to the club for a little feedback. I am looking at the Bass Tracker Pro 160 and the Bass Tracker Pro 174 TXW. If anyone has either of these models could you advise if you can launch them at most of the lakes? I have a Ford F-150 4 wheel drive to pull the boat. I like the Pro 175 TXW better as I will be fishing public lakes also but not sure if it is a little big for most of the lakes we fish. Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

Welcome Scott!   I have a Ranger RT188 with a Merc 115 on it, and the same 4wd F-150.  I haven't found a place yet (that allows outside boats) that I have not been able to launch and retrieve my boat.   My boat is bigger (18'8") and has a bigger motor than what you are looking at.   Have you looked at the Ranger Aluminum line?  They make a smaller one (17'8").  Ranger is an all aluminum boat; I think Trackers still use wood in the floor and deck.  

Thanks for the input James. I will look at Ranger also. 

Scott,

With 4WD you should be able to launch virtually any aluminum boat. I would highly recommend replacing the traditional carpeted bunks with rollers. We have a 3500 lb alumnium electrofishing boat and there is not a pond or lake, I have not been able to launch. Rollers instead of bunks are a game changer. 

I also like Xpress boats, a bit more money that the Tracker, but all aluminum decks instead of wood like Jame mentioned. I think the XP7 would be a nice model for our lakes and still allow you to launch a feel comfortable on bigger public lakes. You can get into one with a small 50hp for $16k to $18k. Used are almost impossible to find. 

https://xpressboats.com/xpress-xp7/

Hey Scott......having owned several Bass Trackers I can tell you that you can't go wrong buying one. Both boats you mention will love going to the club lakes. I suggest you go with the 175 which I have owned. What engine size did you look at? Another option would be the New 40 th Anniversary Heritage Edition which is a heck of a value. Your truck will easily handle them getting in and out. Good Luck making a selection!

Steve:

I put rollers on my boat and  they do work well. The only problem I have is they are so slick that as soon as I back down towards the water there is too much tension on the boat hook to release it. Do you release the hook prior to backing in and use a rope to retrieve your boat? I usually fish alone. I havr also added an electric winch for those times where you have to launch from the bank and really can't back the trailer in the water due to mud or like at Six o . Tilt trailer helps too. Have a 14 foot fiberglass lancer that weighs 240 lbs empty. good setup for this 71 year old

Scott,

I used to have a Tracker Pro 165.  Let it go because new house doesn't have a convenient place to store it.  I found a used "Twin Troller" and bought it.  It is PERFECT for pond fishing.  The seats are really comfortable.  The recessed trolling motors are very weedless, and the foot controls allow me to control the boat with my feet, leaving my hand free for fishing. You might need help launching it from the trailer or it can be carried in the back of a standard pickup.  

Lonnie