First fishing boat

[Cmatson]

Hi, not to sure if I’m in the right thread or not, but I’m shopping for my first fishing boat. I’m looking at either a 2019 tracker pro guide v16 sc or a 2017 legend 16 xtreme. Both boats are the same price and come with all the essentials like a fish finder and trolling motor, and a 60 np motor, but I’m indecisive on which one I want to pursue. I like the full windshield that the legend offers, but the tracker has really nice storage. What are your inputs on the 2 different boats and the pros/cons that you see?

 

[roscoe]

Welcome to iboats.

Only you can answer which boat will fit your needs best.

Waters fished,
Number of people,
Type of fishing,


I would be crowded in the legend.
Both may be under powered, at least for me.
And neither would work for my style of fishing.

 

[Cmatson]

I’m not to picky when it comes to what I’m looking for, just something I can sit on and fish from. They may be under powered, but given my budget this is something I have to deal with for the time being. They’re both laid out the same with an exception of a bit more storage in the tracker. I’m thinking mostly inland lakes, and Lake Superior when I head out to camp which can get a bit rough when the weather isn’t favorable. I’m thinking probably 2, 3 max for passengers.

 

[Alumarine]

In anything but very, very nice weather a full windshield is a good thing.
Especially for passengers. Especially on lake superior with spray.
Just my opinion.

 

[JimS123]

Legends are quality boats and trackers not so much. It would be a simple choice for me.

 

[Texasmark]

Windshields are your friend during winter months and if you add a Bimini top and boat in the rain. Storage is always a desirable trait as it's a lot better to have places to put things you may need and things you aren't currently using when out on the open water. Having an open fishing boat with no storage teaches you this lesson right off.

Tracker boats are quite popular as I see as many of them around as any brand, maybe more. Know nothing about the other. 60 hp on a 16' aluminum boat is plenty for fun boating and some water sports, especially for a first time boat owner.

 

[briangcc]

For me...all about the windshield. Sure it's a pain to work around when fishing BUT when the wind whips up on a cold day and you're splashing water all around you making way back to the dock, you'll thank you're lucky stars that you decided on a full windshield to get out of the elements, behind.

Storage wise...you can probably get a bit creative and make up for any shortcomings there. You'll know what works/doesn't work after a couple outings.

60HP on an 16' aluminum boat should be plenty to get started with.


Best advice...if you can, take them both out on the water and compare.

 

[Sprig]

What type of fishing do you mostly do? Those boats are primarily designed for bass fishing, pan fishing. They are also designed to carry one passenger , you can carry more but you don’t really have seating for more. A 60 hp will be ok but if you have 2 passengers and equipment you may consider it under powered.
i think they are a pretty good starter fishing boat .

 

[Captain Caveman]

I don't know where you live, but assume upper Midwest due to the Superior reference. I've got a 16.5' Alumacraft. I wanted a windshield but ended up getting a good deal on a single console. In the end, I should have paid the extra for the windshield. While I would have less overall space, I do boat early and late in the season a lot. The windshield would help greatly.

Also, if you truly plan to go on Superior then the legend with a windshield would afford you the opportunity to put a cover over the bow. My open bow pretty much precludes me from going on the big lakes unless the weather is right and I stay close to my point of entry. I big wave over the bow and I would be a goner.

60hp is fine for those boats. You won't be drag racing anyone but it will do just fine. You can also get a prop with less pitch that will give you better ability to get on plane with additional people and gear. Trust me, if you have a boat friends will want to be on it.