Tracker 175 TXW Pros & Cons

[Flippinbass]

Hi everyone, I'm new to UB forums and wanted to ask some opinions. I am going to buy a new boat when I get back from Afghanistan later this year and wanted to know what you all think of the Tracker 175TXW. I like the layout, don't need to go cuttin 70MPH across the lake and haven't really liked any of the other boats in its class. Any help would be great. Pros & Cons

[socal Pat]

Well, thanks for serving. Now on to the boat. Ive had a pt175 for a  little over a year now. The first word that comes to mind is..... value. It is not the most stable or roomy (a 19' fiberglass boat will win there), BUT it is stable enough and roomy enough to have a great day on the lake at less than 1/2 the cost. It is a great 1st bass boat. Mine has needed nothing but fuel in the time I've had it. I can say that you might look into upgrading the trolling motor right off the bat. The Motorguide that comes with is underwhelming. Tight lines!

[Flippinbass]

Hey thanks socal Pat. I was already looking into changing out the trolling motor to probably a 75lb. I plan on putting a Hummingbird 597HDdi on it also. A few improvements here and there. I just can't see paying another $4,000 for the 190TX, all you get is a foot longer and a little faster. Thanks for the input

[RushFan]

Overall I love my boat.  Be aware that the beam is not as wide as fiberglass rigs and that reduces the stability.  Upgrade the TM.  I went with a Motorguide and was able to reuse the same mount, saving install time.  Sold the old 46# on craigslist in a week.  Upgrade the motor if possible.  Speed is good considering.
On the subject of stability I fish a river with heavy boat traffic.  Later in the day there can be issues because of larger vessels.  Good boat in rougher water, 3 footers will get you pounded but usually dry.  This is a surprisingly dry ride.  My issues have been with the service department.  Treat accordingly for ethanol and if you don't fish for a month drain the carb bowls!!!

Stay Alert, Stay Alive.
(couldn't help myself, did time as a Paratrooper)

[Brummo]

Hey thanks socal Pat. I was already looking into changing out the trolling motor to probably a 75lb. I plan on putting a Hummingbird 597HDdi on it also. A few improvements here and there. I just can't see paying another $4,000 for the 190TX, all you get is a foot longer and a little faster. Thanks for the input

I agree, but for 1200 more I upgraded to the 75 HP Optimax.  It's a great rig set-up.  Haven't upgraded the TM.....yet, not sure if I will for the fishing I do around here.  I guess in a way I did, I put my 55# thrust Minnkota and haven't even used the 46# that came with it...ever..  It's just hanging on the wall.  I should sell it.

[TC in Spfld]

I thought you would have received more input by now.   I took delivery on a 2010 175 TXW last March.  This is my fourth boat (2 tin w/50hp 2-s Mercs and a Stratos w/150 Johnson) so I had a real good idea what was important to me in this boat which will more than likely be my last.

When I drove it off the dealer's lot the MG had been upgraded to a MK 55# Maxxum, the console locater had been replaced with a Humminbird and another added at the front, and I went with the 50hp 4-s instead of the package 2-s.  I'm sure you're research has revealed many fellows saying max out the hp and go to a 24v troller and I won't argue the validity of either.  However, I don't tournament fish,  99.9% of the time I'm fishing by myself, my tackle has been parred down to a manageable level, one of my favorite power plant lakes has a 50hp limit, and if the wind is blowing so bad that the 55# 12v won't handle the conditions I'll come home or I wouldn't have left the house to begin with.

Storage was right at the top of the list for me and the 175 TXW has plenty.  Be aware that the rod tubes in this boat will not accommodate spinning rods, but they will fit down below.  I normally carry 5 baitcasters across the top and 3 to 4 spinning outfits below them.  I discovered early on that the finish around the eyes on the rods riding in the tubes became scufffed from the vibrations of road travel.  Being a Loomis guy I didn't care for this one bit.  So, I refinished as needed and bought rod sleeves at Gander Mt.  This took care of the problem and enables the rods to slide in much easier.

I took the plastic boxes from the one rear compartment and gave them to my brother.  This is now used for line and dock bumper storage and the one behind the passenger seat makes for an ice chest.  Up front on the left holds rain gear, tow line, anchor and line, some tools, light jacket, throwable cushion, a couple of PFDs, etc. with room left over.  The one in front of the console holds all my baits in various Plano - mostly 3600s - storage boxes.  The only thing I have to put in the boat before pulling out of the garage is ice and drinks.  Speaking of garage whatever boat I bought would have to fit straight in along with my truck.  Without the swing tongue on the Tracker trailer this wouldn't have been possible.

I've gotten long winded and for that I apologize.  In closing let me say I looked at several aluminum boats - Lowe, Crestliner, G3 - before going with the Tracker and having a dealer I enjoyed working with just 10 minutes away sealed the deal for me.

P.S.  The only "NIT" I had with this boat was the fit and finish of the carpet under the gunnel up front which was poor on all the 175s I looked at.  I addressed this in two on-line surveys I received from Tracker and if the 2011 I looked at several weeks ago at the dealer is any indication "they actually listened" as the fit and finish in that area was excellent.

[IAbass]

Purchased a 2011 175txw earlier this spring.  I've had it out on mostly smallish lakes several times and really like the boat.  I went with the 75 optimax, think the 60 would be just fine but the 75 really works well on this boat.  I upgraded the trolling motor to a 70 maxxum.  Get the most trolling motor you can afford, you'll be glad you did on windy days.  The boat is more stable than a lot of people will lead ya to believe.  Initially I set out to buy a glass boat but after spending months looking at different boats I went with the 175 and havent looked back.  It's a good value, easy on gas and easier to tow. 

[ssj3goten]

I don't have the 175 but I have the smaller pro 16 on major con with it is getting blown around in the wind, otherwise I like it. Payments are affordable and I am on the water.

[Frdtrtnfx4]

I have an 06 PT 175 with a 60hp Mercury BigFoot. Here are the pros and cons the way I see them.
PROS:
Light and easy to tow
Small motor= sips less fuel
Great ride for an aluminum boat
Looks sweet in the water
Handles rough water ok (Had mine in 6fters, wasnt fun)

CONS:
Gets blown around in the wind
Rod storage in mine is cramped
Tackle storage gets wet (newer ones may not be an issue)
Wooden decks make me nervous (dont want to get them wet)
Really sits bow high

These are just some of my pros and cons, I could probably sit here all day and nitpick everything. I love my PT175, its a great boat. I am hoping to upgrade to a PT190 in a few years.

[Bass Colonel]

IABass.  I'm about to purchase this boat as well.  Did you have them upgrade to the 70lb trolling motor or did you do it yourself?  How did you or the dealer handle the layout of the batteries when you upgraded to the 24v system, it doesnt seem like there is room for the extra battery?  Thanks. 

[IAbass]

IABass.  I'm about to purchase this boat as well.  Did you have them upgrade to the 70lb trolling motor or did you do it yourself?  How did you or the dealer handle the layout of the batteries when you upgraded to the 24v system, it doesnt seem like there is room for the extra battery?  Thanks.

I had BPS do the upgrade on the trolling motor, not the best when it comes to wiring and electronics.  It's tight but there is room for two 27's, one 24, and a beefier charger in that compartment.   

[Bass Colonel]

Great, thanks for the info. 

[Flippinbass]

Thanks for all of the input everyone. I look forward to getting home and getting the 175. Godly Fishin to all!!

[Bass Colonel]

I just picked up my 175 TXW yesterday.  I bought it slightly used with only about 6 hrs on it and it looks like it has never been in the water.  It also has a 5 year warranty on the Mercury motor with 4.5 years left.  I stopped by Bass Pro Shop on the way home and purchased a Minkota Talon and everything I need to mount my Lowrance HDS 5.  They were backed up so it will be 2-3 weeks before I can get it installed.  I also put a Springfield Power Rise Pedestal on it with a butt seat.  I have an almost new 55lb Motorguide TM from my last boat that I'll put on it sometime soon.  Took the boat out last night and it ran terrific and I love the big front deck.  The only problem I've found so far is the Guest charger doesnt seem to be operating correctly.  The red light stays on and never goes to green like it should??  Has anybody else experienced this probem?  I'll be out in the morning for my first full morning of fishing in it. 

[IAbass]

I just picked up my 175 TXW yesterday.  I bought it slightly used with only about 6 hrs on it and it looks like it has never been in the water.  It also has a 5 year warranty on the Mercury motor with 4.5 years left.  I stopped by Bass Pro Shop on the way home and purchased a Minkota Talon and everything I need to mount my Lowrance HDS 5.  They were backed up so it will be 2-3 weeks before I can get it installed.  I also put a Springfield Power Rise Pedestal on it with a butt seat.  I have an almost new 55lb Motorguide TM from my last boat that I'll put on it sometime soon.  Took the boat out last night and it ran terrific and I love the big front deck.  The only problem I've found so far is the Guest charger doesnt seem to be operating correctly.  The red light stays on and never goes to green like it should??  Has anybody else experienced this probem?  I'll be out in the morning for my first full morning of fishing in it. 

Congrats on the boat!  Sure you'll enjoy it. 

[fish bone]

sweet looks just like mine you will love it is that a 60 or 75

[Bass Colonel]

Mine is the 60HP 4 Stroke.  It's not fast but it is dependable and just sips the gas!