Boats Review
Tracker Boats PRO 170- Is It Worth Being A Top Buyer?
Tracker Boats PRO 170 Review
Reference Price: From $18,295
Type: Bass Boat
Weight: 880 pounds (average dry weight)
Capacity: 4 persons
What we like about it: Ample storage space, comfortable seats.
What we didn’t like about it: Limited functionality of the equipped electronic devices, absence of a lock for the fishing gear storage compartment.
Rating (4.8/5)
We often hear people asking where they can buy a fast and comfortable bass boat. With its suitable size and abundant features, the Tracker Boats PRO 170 is a great choice for quiet boat owners or smaller groups. And there’s plenty of reason for it.
Despite not being large, the Tracker Boats PRO 170 offers convenience in transportation, storage, and launching. Most importantly, this compact jon boat provides sufficient space and equipment to meet the needs of fishing enthusiasts.
Now let’s analyze the driving experience, seating comfort, specifications, and other versions of the Tracker® Boats PRO 170.
If you want to explore more similar boats or find the right one for you, remember to follow or directly contact us. We’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Driving Experience
My good buddy Andre and I are avid fishing enthusiasts. Since our hometown in Florida is renowned for bass fishing, we love spending time fishing in the nearby lakes. However, recently, we’ve grown tired of that routine and wanted to go fishing together more often, especially at Lake Okeechobee.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have a suitable boat to fulfill our wishes, and Andre’s 14-foot Jon boat was also quite old. So, after discussing it together, we decided to pool our resources and purchase a Tracker Boats PRO 170. It seemed like the perfect bass boat that aligned with our budget and preferences.
The wait for the boat to arrive felt endlessly long. But when we finally got our hands on it, I knew we had made the right decision. The very next day, we invited our good friend Felipe to join us for a fishing trip at Lake Okeechobee. The weather that day was fantastic, perfect for setting sail. Andre was very gracious and let me take the first opportunity to drive the boat. We agreed that I would handle the outbound journey, and he would take the return trip.
Once they were all on board and settled, I climbed aboard, expecting my movement to cause significant rocking of the boat. However, I was mistaken. The stable hull was not affected by my arrival. With a height of 5 feet 11 inches, I didn’t feel cramped at all when I sat in the driver’s cockpit. The space was just right for me.
Impeccable Details
The dashboard had everything I needed, including a tachometer, fuel gauge, and speedometer. Their layout was clear and visible, even for someone with nearsightedness like me. A large tinted windshield was erected in front of the console, helping shield me from the breeze and intense sunlight.
Moreover, there was a phone holder with an elastic strap in the bottom left corner of the console. I could securely place my phone there for easy navigation.
Each of our seats had the same material, providing us with equal comfort. Andre sat on my left, and Felipe was behind us. We could easily chat with each other. Thanks to the excellent performance of the Mercury outboard motor on the water, our conversation wasn’t disturbed by the loud engine noise.
As the boat’s driver, I felt no stress at all, as it was truly the best assistant for me to navigate the waters.
Riding Experience
When we reached our fishing spot, I skillfully docked it on the water. Felipe asked where we could store the fishing rods, and Andre opened the storage area in front of him. Felipe was amazed by its capacity; we easily fit seven or eight fishing rods in there, and there was still some space left. But for us, that was essential as fishing rods are a fisherman’s most crucial weapon.
Of course, the Tracker Boats PRO 170 comes with a fishing gear storage compartment on the bow deck. Unfortunately, it’s not quite large enough, and for teams like ours, who have plenty of fishing gear and fish together, the space may not be sufficient.
But what bothers me more than the storage space is the lack of a locking mechanism for the fishing rod compartment. I believe it should have a lock to provide a sense of security.
Since I had already experienced being the driver, I relinquished the seats at the bow and stern to Andre and Felipe. Both fishing chairs have pedestal-style seat bases, which are not only sturdy but also offer an advantageous vantage point for fishing. They can easily rotate the seats to cast their lines or have conversations.
I stood behind Andre, waiting for the fish to bite, as the bow deck provided ample space. I could work my fishing techniques there quite well. It didn’t take long for Felipe to hook a fish. It was a three-pound Micropterus salmoides. A great start! I placed it in the livewell at my feet. Looking at the spacious livewell and the bass, I felt motivated and eager to fill it up!
Specifications
The Tracker Boats PRO 170 truly offers peace of mind in many aspects. As someone who may become the primary driver, you’ll appreciate the responsive and non-fatiguing motion steering wheel. It allows your hands to remain comfortable during extended periods of driving.
Of course, you must realize that the Lowrance HOOK2 4x swivel color fishfinder on the console isn’t a magic solution. You’ll still need to rely on your fishing skills to catch those elusive fish.
The marine-grade, fish-friendly carpeting will also satisfy you. Stepping on it feels soft and comfortable, unlike the hard floors of regular boats.
Moreover, it’s durable and easy to clean, providing you with comfort without added hassle. The numerous storage areas throughout the boat make your trips even more convenient. Both the driver and passenger seats have storage spaces underneath, and the fold-down seats allow for easy access to items.
All in all, it truly considers your needs in many essential features.
Other Versions
Before purchasing the bass boat, we did quite a bit of research. In the end, we chose the Tracker Boats PRO 170 over the cheaper Tracker Boats PRO 160 and the more spacious option.
Tracker Boats PRO 160
The Tracker Boats PRO 160 is a more compact boat with a deck length of only 16’2”. It can accommodate only three people. If you usually fish alone or have a small family, its capacity would be quite suitable for you.
Its configuration is almost identical to the Tracker Boats PRO 170. However, the livewell area of the Tracker Boats PRO 160 is smaller, with only 9 gallons of capacity, and it’s located in front of the console. It lacks the spacious bow deck of the Tracker Boats PRO 170.
Additionally, the front and rear decks of this boat allow only one person to move freely, so the experience it provides may not be as spacious. Fortunately, its price is very budget-friendly, making it more suitable for those on a tighter budget.
If neither of these boats interests you, you might consider the bass boat H2O Dominator, which is very similar to them. It offers similar excellent performance and is even more budget-friendly.
What do we like about it
- Sufficient storage areas to accommodate plenty of fishing rods.
- Comfortable seating and fishing chairs with pedestal-style seat bases, provide a comfortable experience during trips.
- Mercury outboard engine performs well on the water with minimal noise.
- Spacious console and clear dashboard serve as excellent assistants during driving.
- Suitable size, making it easy to launch and store.
What we don’t like about it
- The equipped fishfinder functionality is not sufficient, only useful for depth discovery.
- It would be better if the fishing gear storage compartment had a lock.
FAQ
1. Can I take the bass boat in the ocean?
Technically, you can use a bass boat in the ocean, but it’s not designed for that environment, so it’s generally not recommended.
Bass boats are specifically designed for freshwater fishing, particularly in lakes and rivers. They have a flat and low profile, which allows them to navigate in shallow waters and provide a stable platform for fishing. Seawater or coastal areas are typically rougher and deeper, making the design of a bass boat unsuitable for such conditions.
Additionally, saltwater can cause corrosion to the boat’s hull and motor, affecting the boat’s longevity.
2. What are the disadvantages of bass boats?
The use of bass boats is generally limited. They are primarily designed for freshwater fishing, so they are not suitable for saltwater fishing or long-distance cruising.
Due to their shallow draft and flat hull, bass boats may not perform as well in rough water compared to deep-V or multi-hull boats. The low profile and lightweight design may make navigating rough waves more challenging.
3. What is the best month to buy a bass boat?
The best time to buy a bass boat is usually in the fall. As the weather cools down, the boating season comes to an end. Boats start coming out of the water and go into dry storage for the winter. Most people have already completed their boat purchases until spring.
Additionally, boat prices tend to be lower during the fall and winter seasons. Dealers also make an effort to clear inventory and prepare for next year’s boat models, making deals more favorable.
Tracker® Boats PRO 170 SPECS
Standard
| Length | 16′ 8” |
| Beam | 6′ 5” |
| Bottom Width | 4′ 6” |
| Max. Recommended HP | 50 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 11.4 gal. |
| Max. Person Capacity | 4 persons |
| Max. Person Weight | 555 lbs. |
| Max. Person, Motor & Gear Weight | 980 lbs. |
| Interior Depth | 15” |
| Transom Height | 22.5” |
| Deadrise At Bow | 13 degrees |
| Deadrise At Transom | 6 degrees |
Optional
| Mercury® FourStroke | Speed | USD |
| 9.9 ELPT FourStroke Command Thrust ProKicker | – | $15,175 |
| 20 ELPT FourStroke | 17-22 mph | $16,055 |
| 25 ELPT FourStroke | – | $16,995 |
| 40 ELPT FourStroke | 27-32 mph | $18,295 |
| 50 ELPT FourStroke | 30-35 mph | $18,995 |
| Mercury® Jet | Speed | USD |
| 40 Jet ELPT FourStroke | 27-29 mph | $18,700 |
Video
Comparison Table
| Boats | Lengths | Maximum Horsepowerlimit | Maximum capacity limit |
| Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW | 17′ 7” | 75HP | 4 persons |
| Lund 1625 Fury XL Sport | 16’3″ | 60HP | 5 persons |
| Alumacraft Competitor 165 Sport | 16’7″ | 90HP | 6 persons |
Tracker Boats PRO 170 vs Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW
The Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW offers the perfect configuration of a bass boat that boaters desire. Compared to the Tracker Boats PRO 170, it features a larger hull and more thoughtful amenities.
The storage on the Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW is well-designed, with each compartment being spacious and conveniently located. You don’t need to wander around the boat to access your belongings.
Its bow can easily accommodate a substantial amount of fishing gear and life-saving equipment. The rear section includes a 21-gallon livewell with dividers, timers, a recirculator, a pump-out system, and an oversized drain, giving it a more sophisticated look than the Tracker Boats PRO 170.
When you’re out with your small family, the Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW allows you to sit closely in a row, making conversations more convenient. The spacious bow and stern decks also provide ample space for guiding your less experienced fishing friends.
However, these enhanced features come with a higher price tag and may not be as portable. Nevertheless, the added comfort in the seating experience makes it a worthwhile investment.
Tracker Boats PRO 170 vs Lund 1625 Fury XL Sport
The Lund 1625 Fury XL Sport and Tracker Boats PRO 170 boast more impressive hull designs. The Lund 1625 Fury XL Sport features a Deep-V hull instead of the traditional MOD-V hull design.
The large tinted windshield of the Lund 1625 Fury XL Sport connects the port and starboard sides, giving it a sleek appearance. This layout creates a very spacious feel in the cockpit. However, its console is relatively simple and may not provide the adrenaline-pumping visual experience you desire.
What’s more, I find its seating layout somewhat impractical. The Lund 1625 Fury XL Sport concentrates the pedestal-style seat bases of the fishing chairs in the already narrow stern and center of the boat. On the other hand, the more spacious bow only has one seat base, which could make it feel too crowded for anglers at the stern.
Moreover, despite the Lund 1625 Fury XL Sport being able to accommodate 5 people, its livewell area is only 16 gallons. This space may not be sufficient when you have a bountiful catch.
After all, its hull is only 16’3″ long, which might not provide you with the level of satisfaction you desire in terms of seating and storage areas. This boat may be more suitable for consumers who prioritize a cool exterior appearance over extensive features.
Tracker Boats PRO 170 vs Alumacraft Competitor 165 Sport
If you are a value-conscious consumer looking for a boat with a higher passenger capacity, the Alumacraft Competitor 165 Sport may be more suitable for you than the Tracker Boats PRO 170.
The Alumacraft Competitor 165 Sport’s Deep-V hull and a motor with a maximum power of 90HP enable it to move swiftly on the water.
In fact, except for the welding method of the hull, almost everything else about the Alumacraft Competitor 165 Sport is nearly perfect. For those who seek quality, a riveted hull might not be as robust as a fully welded one.
Fortunately, the Alumacraft Competitor 165 Sport provides ample storage and seating areas. The storage compartments in the boat are lockable, ensuring not only enough space but also more organized storage options.
Additionally, the Alumacraft Competitor 165 Sport thoughtfully includes a cooler, which the Tracker Boats PRO 170 lacks. Surely, no one would refuse a refreshing beverage while waiting for the fish to bite on a hot summer day.
Summary
Overall, the full-welded 100 aluminum hull of the Tracker Boats PRO 170 ensures its sturdiness and stability on the water. The stylish one-piece molded console will make you fall in love with operating it, and the comfortable 100% composite seating will provide you with a delightful experience.
Moreover, the necessary and sufficient storage areas will put your mind at ease. Having this boat, you might wonder why you didn’t use it sooner.
Of course, if your budget exceeds the prices mentioned above, you can also consider other boats on our homepage. If you are interested in directly purchasing a boat, you can reach out to us directly, and we would be more than happy to assist you.
