Buying new boat, seeking opinions?

[Bob Drake]

I am getting close to purchasing a new 22ft. fisher deck boat,(model 2210). This boat has an all welded aluminun hull with a lifetime warranty, (covers all external welds). This hull design has been offered for two years. The boat has a 8.5 beam and weighs 2000lbs. The parent company is really Tracker Marine and this is the same design as the 21 ft. Party Deck that has been made for a number of years. I want to keep this boat for 10 years+ and I am concerned about the hull integrity. The boat will be used in fresh water only but I expect it to handle rough water. I had a 22ft. aluminum Lowe deck boat that was a riveted hull and it developed serious leaks that I eventually fixed myself, (400 man hrs.). OMC went belly up and dealer didn't know me. Would appreciate any information or opinions, both good and bad.

 

[singerjr]

Re: Buying new boat, seeking opinions?

Hey Bob,<br /><br />When we were looking to buy this winter we saw the Tracker model of the boat, I wanted something a little different but my wife liked it very much so did I but like I said I was going in another direction.<br /><br />We listened to the guy explain the boat at a show it seems like a well made boat. As I recall the hull is 1/8" thick witch is very heavy most go around .100 or even less.<br /><br />Does this boat have a wood or aluminum deck? The welded Trackers with wood decks have lifetime warrantee on the wood deck as well. I don't know if the Fisher line of Tracker Marine has the same warrantees, I would think they do.<br /><br />Very versitile you can fish and entertain a lot of people. Tracker has it in their pontoon line and it does seem like a pontoon boat with a semi V hull. <br /><br />I think it would be a great lake boat but I would wonder how it would handle a heavy chop. Maybe with the added weight and hull design it would do well. One thing it's a real good looking boat with a lot of amenities (wish I had them) and a nice price to boot!<br /><br /><br />Good luck

 

[Bob Drake]

Re: Buying new boat, seeking opinions?

Capt. U,<br />Appreciate the feedback. The deck is plywood in this boat with a lifetime limited warranty which is alright with me since it will always be gargaged. Tracker bought Fisher boats in 1996 and placed their models slightly upscale from the Bass Pro line, (this is just a marketing strategy). I don't know how well the welded aluminun will perform over the long haul.

 

[singerjr]

Re: Buying new boat, seeking opinions?

Bob,<br /><br />I couldn't help from smiling after reading your last post, not at you but at the boat companies. At a recent show there were Tracker reps at one end of the bldg and Fisher at the other.<br /><br />After talking to the Tracker reps I went browsing. Saw the Fisher boats and stopped to talk. I said "this looks just like the Tracker except it doesn't have as many standard options and costs less" It had 1 live well not 2, 1 baitwell not 2, came with three chairs not 4, no trolling moter and so on.<br /><br />The guy said "that's true but materials are better than Tracker, this is a higher end tracker" He couldn't explain the three chair thing and the setup and materials were the same.<br /><br />Went back to Tracker, asked the same question "This looks just like the Fisher" They told me they were similer but Fisher is a lower end boat for less money to attract customers who can't afford Trackers.<br /><br />Factory reps at shows, what are you going to do!! By the way these weren't pontoons or deck boats they were 18' Targa fishing boats.<br /><br />Well I think I got the real answer from my dealer. I've bought a couple of boats from him, I don't think he would give me a "LINE". He has always treated me well.<br /><br />He ownes 5 Tracker dealerships and 2 Fisher in two states. He said they come out of the same factory using the same materials and are the same except for colors and name. He did say on that on some Fisher boats there are less standard options to make them less expensive but not a lesser boat. Pound for pound and $ for$ they are the same.<br /><br />He said between the two find the color combination and options you want and buy it. Simple as that. Won't make a difference to you or me, you get the same boat, I get the same profit.<br /><br />He had nothing to gain or lose by lying but a dealer that does not own both Tracker and Fisher dealerships would have something to lose a sale.<br /><br />Gotta watch these guys don't you? I hope you enjoy your new boat just wish spring would get here so I could enjoy mine.<br /><br />Good luck, <br />Just one man's 2 cents worth.<br /><br />