New to the site, looking for opinions on the 2012 bass tracker pro 165

[Dustinb80]

Im currently in the process of buying a bass tracker pro 165. what are some things, as a rookie boat owner, that I should keep my eye out for?

[Mike Cork]

I don't run a tracker but can offer some advise in boating. First is know your limits. With your new pride an joy, you don't want to get into a situation where weather conditions are more than the boat an handle. So always know what the day ahead is supposed to do and keep yourself in manageable waters.

If you don't already know, learn to back a trailer down a ramp with your mirrors. There will be times that you won't be able to look over your shoulder and using your mirrors will be very handy. In the mornings please always remember to turn your headlights off when backing down a ramp. If you don't it blinds the next angler that is trying too.

Summer time is a great time to buy a boat, it's usually very comfortable outside and with the exception of a pop up T-Storm the weather is usually very stable. So get out on the water and get some seat time behind the steering wheel. Learn how your boat handles at various speeds, then start turning and cornering. Take it out by yourself and test it's turning limits, know what happens if you over steer it or make the prop blow out. These are not things you want to learn during and emergency situation because a water skier fell in front of you.

Learn any special rules of the lakes you'll be fishing.. Some lakes have travel routes. Meaning when headed north you drive on the east side and when headed south drive on the west side. You don't see this much any more but it's out there. Learn the navigation signs on the water ways you'll be using.

Practice positioning your boat with the big motor at idle, meaning learning how to pull up to a dock or beach the boat with ramming into things.

You've picked a great boat for your first one and you'll have many great hours with it I'm sure. Just take it easy and get as much time behind the wheel as you can and it will come naturally.

I don't know if that's what you were looking for or not.

As far as the controls of the boat, switches, compartments... Someone will be along to help you out.

Finally, use fuel additives. I highly recommend digging through  the outboard motor section of this fourm and read up on fuel additives. It will greatly enhance the life of your motor.

Good Luck and have fun

[Dustinb80]

Mike,
Thanks for the helpful info. Ill defifnitely check into the additives.

[Mike Cork]

To mean the fuel additives are just as important as the oil 

[scbassfanatic]

First and foremost, like Mike said, know your limits. I own a pt175 and i can tell you that big water and high winds are your enemy. These boats are so light that the wind will drive you insane. It should be a farely dry ride unless your are in some really rough water, which I would not recommend. Your space for tackle is limited. I am not sure about your rod box length, but mine was supposed to accomodate 7ft rods. It would only take 1 or 2 7 footers without modification to the rod box. It was a tough lesson learned after breaking about 6 rods trying to get them out. It was an easy fix for me, but being it as a new boat, you probably dont want to take a sawzall to it just yet. LOL. A lot of guys I know dont even use the rod box for that purpose. they just put there rods on the deck. I also rigged up a space on the back deck to put 4 or 5 rods and strap them down. If you use the rod box, invest in some rod socks. they will save you much aggravation.

most important is be safe and enjoy your new toy. i think you will be happy ith it, but then I have a biased opinion. 

All in all the boats are great and user friendly. I love mine, I just wish I would have gotten the 195, but then when I bought it I didnt realize how much of an addiction bass fishing was goin gto be. LOL. switches and control are pretty straight forward. I have outgrown the boat considerably. Cant afford another right now. but when i do i think i will keep her for the rivers and get a glass boat for the lakes. make sure you get treatment for the gas if not ethanol free. charge your batteries regularly. even if you are not using the boat. it was save your batteries. i bough batteries every year for 3 years before i figured out what i was doing wrong.

[upbhoop]

First, I'm guessing you may have already made your purchase, but I figure that I'd chime in.
Second, Completely agree on fuel additives.  Even in my old boat with a little 15hp tiller on it, ethanol gas ruined the line and cost me $110 carb rebuild.
Third - also agree with know your limits, especially with bigger water.  Things can go south really quick if the weather makes a sudden snap.  Even on smaller water with lots of pleasure boaters, the chop can throw a boat sideways.
That being said;
I have the 2012 proguide 175 with a 115hp optimax (2 stroke) that tops out at 42mph.  I love it.  Tons of room and very stable.  While I spend most of my time on reservoirs chasing green fish, I went for the deep-V so I could venture out on bigger water in the fall (like right now when the salmon are stacked up outside the rivers on Lake Ontario).  I can't scoot across the water at 65+MPH like a lot of the bass boat guys but when the power boat traffic is heavy in the summer I'm happy with the deep-V.  Book says that you can store 8ft rods in the center rod storage box and I've put my 7'6" in most of the holes with no issues.
Tracker as a brand has been very good through the buying experience and the dealer has been more than willing to answer any questions I had.  Going from 14ft With 15hp to 17.5ft with a 115hp....I had a few.
My 2 cents.  Good luck.

[RayAndrewss]

Mike, I bought the 2012 165 with a 25 hp 4 stroke.  I dont want to knock the boat at all , I love it, but, the 2013 model did add gauges, a rod box and a few small details.  Figure I'll add stuff later.  The 25hp seemed a little small if you want more speed but I am in no hurry, and it does slow down with 3 adults in the boat.  Not sure what your budget is ( the 175 is sweet) but make sure you think of what you need from a boat, then get what you really want so you dont have to look back and say " dang, I wish I would have....."