Older Sea Nymph vs. Newer Tracker?

[sjcslk]

I have a 1975 Sea Nymph 14 R. Its in good shape since it had been stored in a barn for a number of years. I have the opportunity to pick up a 2015 Tracker guide 14V for a good price. I'm wondering if its worth the change, especially as far as specs go. I think the Tracker has a 6" wider beam. I think the hull thickness is a little more on the Tracker. Length difference I don't think is much. ( ?). I'm also not sure about the difference in the depth of the V (?). Please give me your thoughts.

 

[GA_Boater]

How often and where (small lake, large lake, river, etc.) do you use the Sea Nymph? If it works for your needs and is reliable, why look at changing?

Is this like looking for a 40 year old younger girlfriend? LOL

 

[sjcslk]

Thats what i'm asking the forum. Wondering if i'm gaining anything by changing. Use is in big inland lakes. Would i be getting, for example, more stability or handling bigger waves better, etc. It has a 6" wider beam. Is it a deeper V ? Etc. What they referred to as a big water in 1975 (sea nymph 14R) may not be the case today.

 

[roscoe]

Well I'm not really a Tracker fan, but assuming it comes with a much newer motor, I might make the change.

tell us about the motors, and the trailers

 

[sjcslk]

Well, i'm just asking about the boat only. I would put the Sea Nymph motor on the Tracker and give the Sea Nymph to my step son along with the Tracker (smaller motor). So, that said, i guess its a hard question to ask unless someone is familiar with both of the boats I'm talking about, especially the old S N 14 R. I had a 14 ft. Crestliner at one time that was a lot more boat than this old Sea Nymph; so I was wondering if anyone could make a similar comparison between the 14R Sea Nymph and the Tracker Guide 14 V.

 

[Sprig]

40 year old boat vs 5 year old boat, No brainer for me, I’d go with the 5 year old boat. As long as it fits your needs and purposes and is in good shape. I don’t care how great of care it’s had, its 40years old. Boats, engines, parts go bad, break and fail with both use and time. When I’m on the water next to safety reliability and dependability are most important. You’ll likely get that in a 5 year old boat as opposed to a 40 year old boat.

 

[Texasmark]

For a given hull, all else equal, wider beam means more lateral stability. This would be beneficial in larger bodies of water where waves would be larger and crests farther apart. For the same given hull, wider beam can operate at a given speed with less HP and get up on plane faster....more boat surface to push against the water to get on top easier and faster.

Tracker talk is that it's not the top of the line but lots and lots appear on the water (my observation) and in used sales brochures/Craigs list type things.....course the question for being in the brochure in the first place is: Did it not perform, or was it just time to trade, or family outgrew it, or not boating any more. If you go the law of averages for the why comment, I'd say they are well documented. I seriously considered buying one last year when I got back into boating after a 6 year recess. Just happens a sweet deal, better suited to my boating/fishing habits popped up and it got the prize.

You didn't mention engine and trailer. Those could be show stoppers for your particular requirements..may be better off with your narrower boat.......and current amenities.

 

[sjcslk]

Thanks for responses. I think I'll go see it and see if it looks as good as its picture.

 

[JimS123]

You're asking the wrong person here, or maybe the right one...LOL.

We also have a 14R, but ours is a 1964 classic. We've owner her for 34 years now and she probably will be in the family forever.

When my sons grew up (young skinny teenagers) the 4 of us plied the waters of Lake Ontario and the mighty Saint Lawrence River in that little tinny. Still has the original 9.5 'Rude on the back. She doesn't go fast, but she gets us there every time. Probably the most enjoyable boat I ever owned. I couldn't begin to tell you the memories made, and she never let us down even in rough seas.

I'm not a fan of Trackers - in fact I wouldn't own one. But that's another story.

My recommendation is to indeed give the SN to your stepson. If he has a family he will enjoy the safety of that little gem for many years to come. That's what I did. Even though it's still in my signature and I still pay the reg fees, its my son's boat now.

If the Tracker doesn't meet your expectations you can always trade it for a Starcraft.

 

[Texasmark]

You're asking the wrong person here, or maybe the right one...LOL.

We also have a 14R, but ours is a 1964 classic. We've owner her for 34 years now and she probably will be in the family forever.

When my sons grew up (young skinny teenagers) the 4 of us plied the waters of Lake Ontario and the mighty Saint Lawrence River in that little tinny. Still has the original 9.5 'Rude on the back. She doesn't go fast, but she gets us there every time. Probably the most enjoyable boat I ever owned. I couldn't begin to tell you the memories made, and she never let us down even in rough seas.

I'm not a fan of Trackers - in fact I wouldn't own one. But that's another story.

My recommendation is to indeed give the SN to your stepson. If he has a family he will enjoy the safety of that little gem for many years to come. That's what I did. Even though it's still in my signature and I still pay the reg fees, its my son's boat now.

If the Tracker doesn't meet your expectations you can always trade it for a Starcraft.

"If the Tracker doesn't meet your expectations you can always trade it for a Starcraft."

No doubt Starcraft was/is a popular badge and has stood the test of time. I had one and would buy another if I hadn't stumbled across my current Crestliner.

 

[sjcslk]

The Tracker sold, so no longer an issue. I'll be keeping the Sea Nymph for now. Thanks, all.