Underwhelmed?

Vikeman64 · March 03, 2013, 08:27:54 PM

Took advantage of a great price on a 2008 Tracker 175 TXW. Garage kept and 21 hours on it. Friend of mine had some serious financial issues and unloaded it to me. The boat has tons of upgrades. Garmin 498 GPS, 24 volt trolling motor system, eagle cuda fish finder etc. My only issue with the boat is it has a 50 hp 2stroke. Is this motor setup a turd? Should I anticipate upgrading to a 75? I fish the Chesapeake bay tributaries (Choptank, Naticoke, Sassafras) with lots of boat traffic. It can get choppy.

I've only ever had a jon boat with a reservoir runner so this is a new realm to me. Great bass site!!

oldjim · March 04, 2013, 07:55:19 AM

I had a 17 ft tracker with a 50 hp merc with power tilt and trim. Fished a lot of rought water and had to slow down and trim it bow up to go throught the swells. you should get a auto bildge pump as you may take on some water in rought weather. Most important thing is the power trim and tilt, if it doesn't have it you need to get it or up grade to a different engine. 50 hp is fine for this boat unless you feel need for speed, but you will need PT%T for that also.
Oldjim

Vikeman64 · March 04, 2013, 01:43:40 PM

How fast can I expect to go with this setup? Also the previous owner equipped the boat with a 3rd battery. He installed it under the steering console. It's sole purpose is to power the gps and fish finder. Is this necessary with two new batteries in the transom? The third battery cramps my legs when behind the wheel. The previous owner said it just gave him "piece of mind" on the water to not have his main batteries drained.

oldjim · March 04, 2013, 03:12:04 PM

Speed will depend on having PT&t 35-40 should be no problem.
Oldjim

tld5780 · March 04, 2013, 03:32:12 PM

Vikeman,I also have an 08' 175TXW,love it..I have the 50hp motor also and I top out at about 30-31mph when I'm by myself,and I'm a pretty big guy. My partner is big as well and when it's the both of us,usually about 28mph,with gear and everything. Look in past post under this thread and there is room for a 3rd battery in the transom..I'm installing a 24v TM this spring and there is some helpful topics on how to fit a third battery back there. It's tight,but it will fit so you can always move that one battery.

Vikeman64 · March 04, 2013, 03:43:30 PM

Thanks for the input guys!!

IF I put that third battery in the back can I set it up to charge with the other two?

tld5780 · March 04, 2013, 03:48:47 PM

I'm assuming the two batteries in the back are for the TM and the 3rd is your starting battery ...check out stayncharge.com

RushFan · March 04, 2013, 06:36:16 PM

I have same set up on a '09. 50HP 2 stroke Merc is adequate. Surprisingly dry ride, especially for aluminum. Check out the battery forum and you'll find all kinds of info for 24v TM. I got a dual battery tray and move the start battery tray back towards the transom. Tight but works. A little pain to maintain battery water levels but then again it's not an every day thing. Speed wise, if its just me (5'8", 180#) I run about 30 but it's not WOT. WOT is about 35ish depending on conditions. Not burning as much gas. Overall happy with my ride. Every spring still looking at 'glass rigs...

Vikeman64 · March 04, 2013, 07:30:49 PM

Thanks for the info. This is a great site. Wish I would have found it sooner. I've learned more here in 4 days than 10 years of bass fishing....listening to people at the launch site.

Brudd · March 05, 2013, 04:58:49 PM

You will need a 3 bank charger to charge al three. I have all three batteries in the back of mine. I have a two bank charger for the TM batteries and the hook up a regular battery charger to the cranking battery every so often. I get about 37-38 with a 60 4-stroke. If I had to reporter it would be with the 70 Yamaha 4-stroke.

jlh42581 · March 07, 2013, 07:47:39 AM

The reason you have a third is likely for cranking and fish finders as well as other accessories. Most accessories run 12v not 24v

A 50 is plenty on that boat

-Bryan- · March 08, 2013, 05:02:41 PM

When I was selling boats I always recommended maxing out the HP at purchase because this was the cheapest time to do it...95% of those that settled for less were not satisfied with the power they had but couldn't afford to trade up for more. I would say your boat is adequate but you won't be winning any races. Also keep in mind that any weight you add (batteries, etc.) will also reduce your speed and ability to plane out as you always sacrifice speed with more weight.

RushFan · March 08, 2013, 07:18:53 PM

Agree with Bryan! That said my 2009 is set up with a 50HP. I have my gear, partner, three 27 series batteries. Boat gets up on plane fast! Didn't lose much top end. So it you can get it with the 75HP do it. Funny, today I was just thinking that my 5 year expires end of next year and repower to the 75.

Oldfart9999 · March 29, 2013, 07:16:03 AM

If you have the room put all 3 batteries together, 1 should run starter, electronics and lights along with live well and other accessories, the other 2 should be trolling motor only. You'll need to be sure the big motor is charging the single battery. I hate when some one cobbles wiring, always turns into a mess.
Also, be sure there is an adequate fuse/breaker for the trolling motor, the tm manual should tell you what size. and that the electronics have their own fuses and that their is a main fuse for the cranking battery. These should have been installed by Tracker.
Rodney