Bought a new bass boat, any boaters out there...it's been a long time

[ScottGoodman]

I bought a new Tracker "Pro Team 175 TXW" at the beginning of the month and it's pretty much all I could ask for when it comes to the overall package. I wanted an aluminum hull, console, front & rear deck...you know, a normal bass boat with an aluminum hull. So far I have to say I am very pleased, but it's been about 10 years since I've owned a boat and boy are my skills rusty. The main thing I notice is that it takes a bit to get up on plane. It came with a 4-stroke 60hp Mercury & the only option was a 2-stroke 75hp Mercury. After talking to the dealer, the only difference was the holeshot (the 75hp would get up on plane quicker), but the 60hp would use about half the fuel, be much quieter, last longer, and the top speed wouldn't differ by 2-3 mph.

A question to you boating guru's is would a 4 blade stainless prop help on holeshot? They are a lot of $, so I'm asking before buying. I have a hydrofoil (some call it a whale-tail) on it's way & that's supposed to help.

Another question is where would you mount lights? I've been thinking about a 20-24" led light bar mounted to the console. Up front seems like it would get in the way of boarding when launching.

Any other ideas? We have a LOT great minds & experience on the forum, that's why I ask...

Here's the boat: Bass Pro Shops - Fishing, Hunting, Camping, Boating, Archery and More

[10Pups]

I had a nice one once when I was married. Miss that boat. It ruined me for all fishing after. Once spoiled I found the excitement of going fishing gone.
As for the lights mine had light poles you could plug in when you wanted to use them and just a flat rubber cap when not in use. I think it is mandatory to have 1 on the bow. ( red-green ) and A tall white plug in on the back worked very well for me. I am sure you can find them and worth the cost. As for the prop...pitch is the key here. Stainless is a little more durable if your going to be cruising the shallows much. I had 2 props for mine. 5 blade 21 pitch for top end that I used on the big lakes. Top speed. 75 mph hole shot> wouldn't pull up a skier unless the skier was very experienced. Then a 4 blade elephant ear prop 18 pitch. Would pull 8 skiers out of the water top speed 40 mph. I pulled a beached houseboat out of mud with that on once. Tip ** never let a drunk woman park a houseboat :<0)




Links are cool but a fish hanging in one hand and your other on the controls is better :<0)

[gssixgun]

Yes the Fin helps, quite a bit actually

I personally like the Hull mounted lighting myself and plan on adding some to the front end on mine soon


This Style




I added 6 small waterproof LED's along each side of the boat in addition to the legal Red/Green and the rear stanchion light, to make us a bit more visible to other boaters when we are out at night..

Those Docking Lights in the pic however are the bees knees for coming in at night

[RezDog]

I do quite a bit of boating both at work and in my time off. I think it has a lot to do with living on an island. I think you can't go wrong with fishing and boating as an activity. Be safe, boat smart.

[Neckbone]

Your Tracker is a package (?). If that's the case, the prop should be closely matched.
I had a G3 with a 50hp and would get up on plane in a few seconds.
Are you bringing the tilt all the way down?

[boostdemon]

we rock a 1994 24' pontoon all summer long. Love going out and anchoring it in a cove on the lake, cooking some lunch/dinner, swimming, and drinking beers!

Theres a Bass Pro Shops right next to my work now and i've been drooling over one of their new pontoons. something smaller with way more stuff. costs about $25k more than i spent on mine though

[ScottGoodman]

Your Tracker is a package (?). If that's the case, the prop should be closely matched.
I had a G3 with a 50hp and would get up on plane in a few seconds.
Are you bringing the tilt all the way down?

Yes, titrim all way down and not trimming until bow comes down.

I like those bow lights, know where I can find them?

[leftyonly]

We will be playing with my Dad's new boat this weekend on Toledo Bend Reservoir.

It is a 1999 21' Procraft Bass with a modded 225 Merc that should be making about 275 or so. It is a 75 mph+ boat . It has huge casting decks front and back.

I stopped by and purchased a Lowrance Elite 7 Nav/Fishfinder last night for him.

Should be a great toy for his upcoming retirement.

[ScottGoodman]

The SE Sport 400 Hydrofoil worked amazingly well, literally cut the plane time in half and for just $80 to top it all off! I am just amazed! Took only about 30 min to install to top it off. I have had the boat out twice and am still amazed at the difference it made. I think I will go ahead and get a 4 blade prop...but no hurry there. About the same hurry as I have with a forward fish finder, considering moving my current one up front and getting one with gps like leftyonly bought his dad for the console. Just what I need, something else to spend money on