Can the TRACKER CLASSIC XL Be Your Travel Companion?

TRACKER CLASSIC XL Review

• Reference price: from $14,995
• Type: bass boat
• Weight: 780 lbs (average dry weight)
• Carrying capacity: 3 people

What we like about it: The compact and lightweight boat offers a full range of functional equipment.

What we don’t like about it: The dashboard is simple and it’s difficult for the captain to keep track of various indicators about the ship.

Rating (4.68/5)

The TRACKER CLASSIC XL is a classic TRACKER brand bass boat that offers great value for money. The all-welded aluminum boat is durable and will help you and your family have a great time fishing.

On the one hand, this smaller boat will be easier to launch and drive. On the other hand, the smaller camber ensures the stability of the boat, but compared to the Jon boat’s flat bottom design, the bass boat is more adaptable to the rough water environment.

In the following, I will give a more detailed account of the TRACKER CLASSIC XL in terms of its driving experience, fishing experience, and specification details. If you want to know more about boats, please contact us!

Driving Experience

My uncle is an avid fisherman, and he is very proficient in the use of various professional fishing gear. He recently acquired a used TRACKER CLASSIC XL and invited me to go out with him to fish for bass.

The promised day soon arrived and it was a beautiful weekend. We pulled the trailer with the bass boat behind us and headed for the lake next to our house, which wasn’t far away and we soon arrived. The boat was about 16 feet in length, so this small body didn’t have much trouble getting into the water.

I couldn’t wait to board the boat, and the maximum capacity of 3 people was more than enough for me and my uncle. For the safety of the boat, the driving of this trip was left to my experienced uncle.

Cockpit Details

Seeing that I was very interested in driving the boat, my uncle sat in the cockpit and introduced to me: “As a bass boat, although the size is small, the basic functions of this boat are still relatively complete. The console on the right side of the boat can help me to drive the boat easily. The boat is also equipped with a Lowrance® HOOK 2 4x rotating color fish finder with sensors, and with the help of these electronic devices, I am able to get an accurate picture of where the fish is in the water and steer the boat closer to them.”

Then, my uncle started the engine and the boat headed offshore in another direction. “Of course, the feel of this sporty steering wheel is also very good, my hands can be very comfortable to grasp on it. And with the Single-cable, no-feedback rotary steering, the boat steers very smoothly as if there is no obstruction.” The boat sailed out for some distance, and my uncle couldn’t help but introduce to me again.

Fishing Feeling

With my uncle’s skillful piloting, our boat soon arrived near the location of the fish indicated on the display. He turned off the somewhat noisy engine and went to the bow to switch to the foot-controlled trolling motor, which is a quieter device that is less likely to disturb the fish.

Uncle took out the fishing rod from the rod storage box on the side of the boat. There were various professional fishing equipment in the ample storage space under the deck, and he very kindly prepared everything before handing me the rod. I really had no experience in fishing, so I sat down on the fishing chair on the foredeck, keeping my eyes on the float and on the water.

So quietly waiting for a long time, the water was still. Just when I thought I was going home empty today, the float suddenly made a move. I immediately stood up to retrieve the line, the fish hook finally exposed on the surface of the water, the above hanging a small fish alive and kicking.

I carefully removed it and placed it in the live well of the front box of the console, where the fish was well secured and active. The fish was small, but it was my only trophy of the day, so I cherished it. By the time the boat returned, the 9 gallon live well was almost full, mostly thanks to my uncle, who is a professional angler.

Specification

The TRACKER CLASSIC XL is a full-featured bass boat that is favored by many fishing enthusiasts.

The driver’s seat is set up not only with high-density padding for the comfort of the passengers, but also with thoughtful consideration of storage space, and the space at the bottom of the seat is fully utilized. The dashboard, electronic display and various controls on the console panel help the captain to easily grasp the vessel’s navigation information, further enhancing the safety and controllability of the vessel.

In terms of fishing system, the boat should be very reasonable arrangement of functional facilities. The livewell in the front box of the console effectively guarantees the freshness of the trophies, and the rod storage on the left side of the boat can firmly and securely snap the fishing rods together to avoid damage caused by collision.

Of course, as a highlight of the bass boat trolling motor is also indispensable, this kind of electric driven engine can do precise docking, and the less noise has a lower impact on fish.

What we like about it

• The boat has the right inclination for a smooth ride in still water and maintains some wave breaking ability in rough water.
• The galvanized surface of the hull is corrosion-resistant and has an attractive textured finish.
• The boat size of about 16 feet is smaller in the bass boat, and the aluminum boat has the feature of lightness, which is more convenient in the process of launching and landing.
• The fishing system is complete with all functions and can basically meet the professional needs of various anglers.

What we don’t like about it

• The maximum loading capacity of the boat is only 3 people, which is not very suitable for some activities with a large number of people.
• The console’s dashboard is too simple for the captain to get an all-round view of the ship’s data.

FAQ

• How much does a bass boat weigh?

The weight of the boat varies from boat to boat depending on the size and configuration. For the TRACKER CLASSIC XL we mentioned today, it is a small and light bass boat, with an average dry weight of about 780 lbs.

• What is a bass boat?

The bass boat is designed to catch freshwater fish represented by bass, and its hull is generally V-shaped, which is more suitable for crossing the waves and providing a smoother voyage experience. Also, the bass boat is equipped with professional fishing equipment inside to enhance the functionality of the boat.

• Can you rent a bass boat?

If you are on a limited budget or don’t use a bass boat often, it’s a good idea to rent a bass boat when you need it. Not only can you save money, but you can also enjoy experiencing a variety of different boat models each time.

TRACKER CLASSIC XL SPECS

Length	16′ 8”
Beam	6′ 5”
Bottom Width	4′ 6”
Max. Recommended HP	50 HP
Fuel Capacity (Portable)	6 gal.
Max. Person Capacity	3 persons
Max. Person Weight	555 lbs.
Max. Person, Motor & Gear Weight	1025 lbs.
Interior Depth	15”
Transom Height	22.5”
Deadrise At Bow	13 degrees
Deadrise At Transom	6 degrees
Hull Material	0.100 5052 marine alloy
Average Dry Weight	780 lbs.
Average Package Weight	1705 lbs.
Package Height	6′
Package Width	6′ 8”
Towing Length	23′ 2”
Storage Length (W/Outboard Trimmed Down)	20′ 1”

Video

Comparison Table

Ships	Deck	Maximum horsepowerLimits	Maximum capacity limit
Triton 189 TRX	Overall length 18′ 8”	150 HP	3 persons
Bass Cat Puma FTD	Overall length 20’4″	300 HP	3 persons
Nitro Z19	Overall length 19′ 4”	200 HP	4 persons

Triton 189 TRX VS TRACKER CLASSIC XL

The Triton 189 TRX and the TRACKER CLASSIC XL are both bass boats with similar basic functions, except that the former is relatively superior in performance.

Due to the larger size of the Triton 189 TRX vessel, there will be more ample use of space, with all the below-deck storage space being fully utilized. In addition, the cockpit is set up with a larger electronic display on the Triton 189 TRX console, making it easier for the captain to observe subtle data changes at all times. The space under the console has been expanded, allowing the captain’s legs to be placed more comfortably, improving the driving comfort.

In terms of materials, the Triton 189 TRX has the advantage of a larger fiberglass hull for aesthetics and greater customization flexibility, and thanks to its increased hull weight, it is generally less noisy during boating.

The TRACKER CLASSIC XL uses traditional aluminum, which has the edge of being lightweight and having better fuel efficiency.

Bass Cat Puma FTD VS TRACKER CLASSIC XL

If you’re looking for a larger boat with more horsepower, then the Bass Cat Puma FTD might be an great choice.

The Bass Cat Puma FTD has a full length of 20’4″ and the engine supports a maximum horsepower of 300HP, which is more than the TRACKER 50HP horsepower limit to meet some people’s pursuit of speed. Two 26 gallon fuel tanks can provide enough range for the boat to travel.

The Puma is also extremely well thought out in some details of the design. The two coolers under the steps and in the middle of the cockpit satisfy as many passengers as possible for chilled drinks. The recessed trolling motor in the bow effectively prevents unintentional toe contact.

Nitro Z19 VS TRACKER CLASSIC XL

The Nitro Z19 will be more competitive over the TRACKER CLASSIC XL in terms of layout details in the boat.

The Nitro Z19 has a larger boat tilt of 16 degrees, which will be better suited for rough waters and smoother sailing in choppy conditions. The 19 gallon live well located under the rear deck has a larger capacity, providing plenty of space to store your trophies for the more capable fisherman.

The Nitro Z19 sets a full range of gauges on the console to help give the captain a complete overview of the boat’s indicators. The RAM® X-Grip® phone mount underneath the console provides a place for your cell phone, so you won’t miss out on important information even when you’re on the boat.

There’s no denying that the Nitro Z19’s outstanding performance comes with a steep price tag. Compared to the Tracker’s starting price of $14,995, the Nitro Z19 more than triples the starting price of the boat, makes it a bit unaffordable for people on a limited budget.

Summary

If you need a fully functional, basic bass boat, then the TRACKER CLASSIC XL may be a good choice. The small and lightweight boat is very easy to operate and perfect for two or three people fishing activities.

Of course, if you’re on a budget and want a bass boat of your own, you can also consider some of the cheaper bass boat models from the NeoBoats website. Contact us for more information about the boat!