Boats Review
2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE 20 DLX – Best Ideal Fishing Boat Choice?
2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE 20 DLX Review
Reference price: from $31,995 (excluding trailer)
Type: Pontoon boat
Weight: 1940 lbs (average dry weight)
Capacity: 10 people
What we like about it: The Mercury 90 ELPT FourStroke Command Thrust engine is very powerful.
What we don’t like about it: The price is not very friendly for everyone.
Rating (4.8/5)
The 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE® 20 DLX is an exceptional pontoon boat that caters specifically to fishing enthusiasts. It features two swiveling seats and two inflatable livewells (totaling 18 gallons!) to accommodate a large number of fishing rods.
However, even if you’re not into fishing, the new 10′ Power Bimini top, comfortable seating, and bow storage combine to provide a highly enjoyable leisure experience on the SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX. It’s perfect for spending quality time with family or friends.
Now, let’s analyze the driving experience, seating comfort, specifications, and other versions of the 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE® 20 DLX.
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Driving Experience
My friend John is a passionate angler and boater, and he taught me how to drive a boat. Last month, after careful consideration and comparison, he purchased a 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE® 20 DLX. I accepted his invitation and went on a trip with my family to experience it firsthand.
As soon as I boarded the boat, I eagerly headed to the helm. The ergonomically designed new high-back steering chair instantly provided a sense of relaxation. Leaning back slightly and feeling the cushion’s bounce, it was quite comfortable. Then, I glanced at the pristine console and couldn’t resist reaching out to touch the sport steering wheel. Its soft texture made me forget about any fatigue from long hours of driving. I made up my mind—I would be the captain today!
Start-up effects
Turning the key on the left side, I heard the engine start. Pulling the control lever slowly with my right hand, the gauges on the dashboard came to life, and we set off toward the center of the lake. By the way, John chose the Mercury 90 ELPT FourStroke Command Thrust engine, which provides strong power and smooth performance, even during the initial acceleration.
As the speed increased, I could feel the moist lake breeze passing by my side. The 4:2 ratio no-feedback steering ensured responsive and smooth maneuvering.
At that moment, the sun emerged from behind the clouds. Thanks to the surrounding brown-tinted windscreen, I could still clearly observe every change on the instrument panel. There was even a thoughtful sunglasses holder on the recessed storage shelf in the center of the console.
As we approached the heart of the lake, John approached me with a cooler he pulled out from the storage space beneath the console. He grabbed a bottle of ice-cold water and placed it in the beverage holder in front of me. Then, he pointed to the right front, indicating that I should steer the boat in that direction. I immediately understood—it must be his fishing hotspot.
After traveling a distance, I slowed down and pressed a button on the console, causing the Bimini top to unfold. Its 10-foot coverage area provided ample shade to shield us from the increasingly intense sunlight.
Ride Experience
After reaching our destination, I brought the boat to a stop. While John was preparing fishing gear and bait, I got up and joined my wife and three kids on the L-shaped sofa with the Stow More™ seat storage system on the left side. I sat down and joined their conversation.
Hearing John’s call, I quickly placed the fruit I had in my hand on the cushioned detachable table in front of me and went to the Clam-shell fishing chair at the bow. Just in time, we positioned our fishing rods on the holders—one on the left and one on the right—and waited for the fish to bite.
During this time, a gentle breeze kept blowing, and the boat remained stable. We had a fruitful catch, and the inflatable livewells with shut-off valves ensured the freshness of our trophies.
On the return journey, John insisted on experiencing the driving pleasure of the new boat, allowing me the opportunity to leisurely enjoy the surroundings.
I must say, the AM/FM Bluetooth stereo system left a deep impression on me. The sound was clear and crisp, without any noise mixing in.
Sitting on the soft sofa filled with multiple-density foam, sipping a drink and feeling the lake breeze, listening to the kids singing along with the music—it was truly an enjoyable experience.
Specification
Fishing System
This pontoon boat surely caught the attention of many fishing enthusiasts with its comprehensive fishing equipment. Firstly, it features two inflatable livewells with shut-off valves to ensure the freshness of the caught fish. Secondly, the Clam-shell fishing chairs with a full composite seat frame and heavy-duty 2-3/8″ (6 cm) diameter pedestals provide comfortable seating for dedicated anglers.
Lastly, in addition to the bow, there is a removable folding fishing chair on the fishing deck at the stern, allowing more anglers to enjoy fishing simultaneously.
Cockpit
The helm of the 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX is sleek and spacious, with cup holders conveniently located on both sides for easy access.
The generously padded backrests of the seats provide a memorable seating experience. The seats can also be adjusted in height to accommodate most users’ preferences.
Moreover, the movable armrests provide added comfort during long-distance cruising, and the floor in front of the seats is equipped with non-skid mats.
Notably, the boat is equipped with illuminated gauges, allowing clear visibility of important information such as current speed and remaining fuel, even during nighttime.
Detail Layout
Firstly, the boat features a vinyl floor that withstands intense UV exposure, mold, and water damage. The high-quality vinyl is also easy to clean and maintain, making it more durable compared to polyester.
Secondly, the 10-foot (3.05-meter) power-operated SureShade retractable sunshade can be raised or lowered with the touch of a button, effectively blocking direct sunlight and providing a refreshing boating experience.
Lastly, the fence, made of soundproof and vibration-dampening materials, ensures a quieter ride during navigation.
Other Versions
For you to have a more comprehensive understanding of this series, we have also found this 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE® 18 DLX for you, hope it will help you.
2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE® 18 DLX
The layout of these two boats is quite similar. However, compared to the 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE 20 DLX, the 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE® 18 DLX is smaller in size. It has a deck length of 17’8″ and a width of 8’2″. It is also equipped with a 75 horsepower engine, which is smaller than the 90 horsepower configuration of the BARGE® 20 DLX.
However, this smaller size makes the 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE® 18 DLX more affordable. It is more budget-friendly for users with limited budgets.
As one of the best-selling pontoon boats in the SUN TRACKER® series, the 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 18 DLX undoubtedly offers almost the same level of equipment as the FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX. Therefore, whether it’s fishing or leisure, it provides a similar riding experience to the latter.
This feeling also reminds me of the Quadrant Getawa 24 model I experienced before. They have similar layouts and overall experiences, but the price is much cheaper than the FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX and FISHIN’ BARGE® 18 DLX.
What we like about it
- The new ergonomic high-back helm chair provides a comfortable seating experience.
- The Mercury 90 ELPT FourStroke Command Thrust engine offers powerful performance.
- The 4:2 ratio no-feedback steering ensures responsive and easy maneuvering.
- The wraparound tinted windscreen effectively blocks direct sunlight.
- The power-operated Bimini top with a 10-foot coverage provides ample shade.
- The L-shaped sofa with Stow More™ seat back compartments offers both comfort and ample storage space.
- The Clam-shell fishing chairs provide fatigue-free seating even during long hours.
- The inflatable livewells with shut-off valves keep the caught fish fresh.
- The proven reliability and practicality of the Sun Tracker model over time.
What we don’t like about it
- The price may be a bit expensive and may not be suitable for users with limited budgets.
- The key slot is located on the left side of the console, which may be less convenient for right-handed users.
FAQ
- Where are sun trackers made?
The first Bass Buggy 16 Pontoon Boat rolled off the production line at the newly expanded TRACKER Boats manufacturing facility in Bolivar, Missouri. The new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant transformed a warehouse into a comprehensive facility to produce the award-winning SUN TRACKER Pontoon Boats.
- Do the 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE 20 DLX need to be cleaned?
While the 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE 20 DLX features 0.080 5052 marine-grade alloy and UV-resistant paint for extended durability, regular cleaning of the pontoon boat is one of the key components to avoid long-term damage. The best time for cleaning is typically when it comes out of the water—usually at the end and beginning of the summer season.
- How do I keep my pontoons shiny?
First, prepare your pontoon boat for cleaning. Then use a marine-grade cleaner followed by applying a boat polish. After that, reapply the cleaner for a fresh look. For better results and better corrosion resistance, you can finally apply Marine Metal Protector.
2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE 20 DLX SPECS
Standard
| Length | 21′ 11” |
| Deck Length | 19′ 10” |
| Deck Width | 8′ 6” |
| Max. Recommended HP | 90 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 32.1 gal. |
| Pontoon Log Length | 20′ 4” |
| Pontoon Log Diameter | 24” |
| Pontoon Log Material | 0.080 5052 marine alloy |
| Max. Person Capacity | 10 persons |
| Max. Person Weight | 1370 lbs. |
| Max. Person, Motor & Gear Weight | 1900 lbs. |
| Interior Depth | 24” |
| Average Dry Weight | 1940 lbs. |
| Average Package Weight | 3605 lbs. |
| Package Height | 8′ 6” |
| Package Width | 8′ 6” |
| Towing Length | 30′ 4” |
| Storage Length | 30′ 4” |
Optional
| Mercury® FourStroke | USD |
| 9.9 ELPT FourStroke Command Thrust ProKicker | $ 25,375 |
| 20 ELPT FourStroke | $ 26,255 |
| 60 ELPT FourStroke Command Thrust | $ 29,995 |
| 90 ELPT FourStroke Command Thrust | $ 31,995 |
Video
Comparison Table
| Boats | Deck | Maximum horsepowerLimits | Maximum capacity limit |
| Bennington S20 Fishing | 19′ 6″ | 140 HP | 11 persons |
| Avalon Venture Bow Fish 19FT | 18′ | 90 HP | 7 persons |
| 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S | 20’0″ | 115 HP | 8 persons |
2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX vs Bennington S20 Fishing
First of all, the Bennington S20 Fishing offers five different versions to choose from. If you frequently organize gatherings for fishing enthusiasts, the 20 SF and 20 SFNP versions are more suitable. They have more fishing seats compared to the 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX. In addition to featuring livewells, they also have a center fishing station that allows you to enjoy fishing to the fullest.
Furthermore, the layout of the Bennington S20 Fishing has some similarities to the 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX. For example, both boats have a lounge area on the left side of the console and comfortable L-shaped sofas.
By the way, if you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Bennington S20 Fishing, the Bennington Deluxe Embedded Speakers will not disappoint you.
Of course, with a price tag exceeding $35,000, the Bennington S20 Fishing is not affordable for everyone. In comparison, although the 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX is somewhat cheaper, it still falls into the category of high-priced pontoon boats.
Fortunately, for users with limited budgets, NeoBoats has prepared more affordable boats of the same type. If you’re interested, feel free to contact us.
2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX vs Avalon Venture Bow Fish 19FT
Whether you are an avid fisherman, only fish occasionally, or enjoy leisure time with family and friends, the Avalon Venture Bow Fish 19FT is the right fit.
When you have the opportunity to drive both boats separately, you can feel the differences between them. The Avalon Venture Bow Fish 19FT’s helm area also features two cup holders. However, unlike the easily accessible ones in the SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX, they are positioned even behind the windshield, which, in my opinion, is not very convenient.
Additionally, I prefer the wrap-around sport steering console windshield of the SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX. Although the removable design of the Avalon Venture Bow Fish 19FT makes it easy to clean, the former provides better wind protection and shade.
In conclusion, both boats are excellent fishing pontoon boats, and you can choose based on your budget and boating needs.
2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX vs 2023 Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S
I must say, the bright blue fencing of the Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S is quite eye-catching. It has more coverage than the SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX, which may provide a greater sense of safety for some individuals. However, some prefer the latter for its better wind penetration, finding it more refreshing and comfortable.
Furthermore, if you need to accommodate more family members or friends, the SUN TRACKER FISHIN’ BARGE® 20 DLX might be more suitable. It is larger and features an additional sofa.
However, if the front sofa in the helm area is fully occupied, it may somewhat obstruct the driver’s visibility. For users who are not satisfied with this aspect, considering the Princecraft SPORTFISHER 21-4S could be a good option, sacrificing capacity but providing a more spacious feel.
Summary
If you are looking for a pontoon boat for water parties with your family or group, the 2023 SUN TRACKER FISHIN BARGE 20 DLX is undoubtedly a good choice. It will not disappoint you or your passengers in terms of materials, performance, and comfort. Especially for teams with many children, the spacious design and thoughtful details aim to provide them with safety and enhanced comfort.
Of course, if you have a limited budget, you can also consider the Quadrant Getaway 24 mentioned earlier, which we carefully selected. They are not only affordable but also offer excellent performance. Contact us for more information on boat options.
