Tracker GRIZZLY 1754 JON – Is It Worth Buying?

Tracker GRIZZLY 1754 JON Review

Reference price: from $5,995 (excluding trailer)

Type: Jon Boat

Weight: 670 pounds (average dry weight)

Capacity: 6 persons

What we like about it: Spaciousness, ample storage area.

What we didn’t like about it: The price doesn’t compare favorably with similar boats.

Rating (4.7/5)

Tracker Boats, with over 40 years of history as an aluminum boat brand, not only serves as an entry-level brand for jon boats and fishing boats but also utilizes high-quality components. Although it may have some occasional issues, it is generally considered to offer excellent value for the price.

The Tracker GRIZZLY 1754 JON continues the tradition of being fully welded, making it very sturdy and unlikely to have the inherent leakage problems of riveted seams. The 17 feet 1 inch long and 6 feet 6 inches wide hull provides a large bow deck with lockable storage compartments. It is stable and suitable for hunting or fishing while standing. The entire boat’s floor and deck are covered with a textured SURE TREAD™ surface, providing not only a non-slip surface but also stain resistance. The 7°-deadrise Mod V hull means it will have a smoother ride in rough waters and better wave-piercing capability.

Now let’s analyze its driving experience, seating experience, specifications, and other versions.

If you’re interested in other types of boats, please stay tuned to our homepage. We will continue updating blogs on different types of boats to provide you with a wider range of references.

Driving Experience

Last week, my wife and I received an invitation from our good friends, Mr. Brown and Mrs. Brown, to join them for a vacation on Vancouver Island. We had a wonderful time together for two days and three nights. One of the most unforgettable experiences was the fishing trip to Campbell River on the second day, which has become one of my most cherished memories this year.

Mr. Brown purchased a Tracker GRIZZLY 1754 JON last year, and he brought it along on this trip for us to freely fish on the water. I also have some boating experience, but I don’t own a boat myself. So Mr. Brown appointed me as the captain for this trip, fulfilling my wish of being a captain.

Mr. Brown easily launched the boat into the water with a trailer, and we tied it to the dock. My wife and Mrs. Brown boarded first, and the boat was very stable, so their boarding did not cause much rocking. I was the last to board, and Mr. Brown chose to install the console on the right side, leaving plenty of space in the boat. This allowed me, a big guy, to easily walk to the console after they were already seated.

Reliable Configuration

Mr. Brown told me that except for the floor and original storage areas, everything else was added by him later. This way, he saved money and found it more cost-effective than buying a ready-made boat. I thought he was resourceful; if it were me, I would probably buy a pre-made boat to avoid the trouble.

As I turned the steering wheel, our happy fishing trip began. The boat’s stable hull provided a smooth ride on the water. Mr. Brown equipped it with a 40 ELPT FourStroke Mercury® engine, which offered decent speed. I looked back to see a long trail of white waves following us. For a moment, it felt like we were cruising on a yacht rather than a jon boat.

Riding Experience

My wife and Mrs. Brown sat at the bow of the boat, sharing the joy of little things in their daily lives. Mr. Brown and I also joined in the conversation occasionally since we were sitting just behind them. We could comfortably accommodate our children on this boat since it can hold up to six people.

After a while, I skillfully parked the boat at our fishing spot. Mrs. Brown praised my boating skills, saying I was even better than Mr. Brown. I told her it was all thanks to this perfect boat; otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to dock so smoothly.

Mr. Brown took out the fishing rods from the rod holders on the left side of the boat. Since my wife isn’t an avid angler, we only brought three fishing rods. However, this boat has plenty of storage space, more than enough to accommodate all our fishing gear.

Though the boat is stable, we still put on life jackets for safety. Campbell River truly lives up to its title as the Salmon Capital; we caught fish one after another.

Fortunately, there is sufficient livewell space in front of the console. This time, I didn’t have to worry about running out of fish tank capacity.

Specifications

The Tracker Grizzly 1754 doesn’t offer too many options. It falls under the standard configuration for the Tracker Grizzly series. In some ways, this makes things easier because you can easily get what you need and may spend less money. However, it does have some standard special features that set it apart from other jon boats.

Its most prominent feature is the aluminum, fully welded hull. You may find similar boats at a lower price, but they might be riveted instead of welded. This is the key point. The all-aluminum welded hull of this boat is where you’re spending your money. If you want a boat that can be used for multiple seasons without needing repairs or replacements, this is indeed a good choice.

Other Versions

For small groups with a limited budget, the Tracker GRIZZLY 1648 JON, a sibling of the Tracker Grizzly 1754, might be more suitable.

Tracker GRIZZLY 1648 JON

The Tracker GRIZZLY 1648 JON is a smaller boat in the Tracker GRIZZLY series. It is 1′ shorter in length and can carry two fewer people than the Tracker GRIZZLY 1754 JON. Therefore, it is more suitable for small families or groups of friends. If you usually have more friends on your trips, then this boat might not be sufficient.

Its structure is almost the same as the GRIZZLY 1754 JON, with only the hull and nothing else. The materials and basic facilities used are the same. However, I don’t think it has an advantage in terms of price. Despite having a smaller carrying capacity, it only reduces the starting price by about six hundred dollars. If your budget allows, the GRIZZLY 1754 JON can give you a more liberating and spacious experience on the boat.

What do we like about it

• Spacious interior and stable hull provide a comfortable and secure experience on the water.
• Ample storage areas, some of which are lockable, make the journey more convenient.
• Sure Tread non-slip interior is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and stain-resistant.
• Customizable configurations offer versatility.
• Although a jon boat, it can accommodate up to a 50HP engine for faster speeds.

What we don’t like about it

• It is indeed more expensive compared to other boats of its kind.

FAQ

1. What are the benefits of owning a jon boat?

Many people may associate jon boats with their inexpensive price and simple appearance. However, there are many advantages to owning a jon boat.

Jon boats typically have a flat bottom, making them highly stable on the water. Additionally, their flat design allows for easy entry and exit from the boat. Jon boats are also well-suited for work in mudflats, swamps, and similar areas. They are ideal for those looking to fish and hunt in marshy regions.

2. Can I use jon boat anywhere?

While jon boats are ideal for shallow water areas, it doesn’t mean they are suitable for all waterways.

The flat design of jon boats makes them susceptible to the influence of winds and waves. Therefore, they may not perform well in open waters or rough conditions. When using a jon boat, it’s important to consider the water conditions and weather, ensuring that the water is calm during your trip.

3. What to look for when buying a jon boat?

When buying a jon boat, factors to consider include size, stability, and cost. Firstly, determine how many people will usually be on board, as this will determine the minimum size of the boat you need. Secondly, understand the materials and configurations of the boat you are interested in, as this will affect your experience while driving it. Most importantly, purchase a boat that fits within your budget.

Tracker GRIZZLY 1754 JON SPECS

Standard

Length	17′ 1”
Beam	6′ 6”
Bottom Width	4′ 6”
Max. Recommended HP	50 HP
Max. Person Capacity	6 persons
Max. Person Weight	800 lbs.
Max. Person, Motor & Gear Weight	1300 lbs.
Interior Depth	16.75”
Transom Height	21”
Deadrise	7 degrees
Average Dry Weight	670 lbs.

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Deck Lengths	Maximum Horsepowerlimit	Maximum capacity limit
Lowe ROUGHNECK 1760 SC	16’10”	75HP	5 persons
Crestliner 1760 Retriever Jon	16’10”	60HP	5 persons
g3 gator tough 17 sc overview	17’2″	75HP	4 persons

Tracker GRIZZLY 1754 JON vs Lowe ROUGHNECK 1760 SC

Lowe ROUGHNECK 1760 SC will provide you with more peace of mind compared to the Tracker GRIZZLY 1754 JON. This is because its configurations come pre-assembled. However, this also means that you’ll need to pay a higher cost.

This boat has a smaller hull, so it can accommodate fewer people. However, it will offer you faster speeds as it can be equipped with a maximum 75HP engine. On this boat, you won’t have to worry about your family or friends not having a place to sit, as it features spacious foldable seats behind the console, along with well-designed fishing chairs in the bow and stern.

In comparison to the GRIZZLY 1754 JON, it also offers a wider range of color options. You can choose to have your hull color in Camouflage – Mossy Oak Shadow Grass. When you’re on a lake surrounded by a lot of trees, your prey won’t easily notice your presence.

Tracker GRIZZLY 1754 JON vs Crestliner 1760 Retriever Jon

The Crestliner 1760 Retriever Jon is not just a simple hull like the Tracker GRIZZLY 1754 JON, but it doesn’t come with a lot of additional configurations either. It is better suited for serious anglers as it provides the necessary features and space to meet their needs.

Instead of the common console steering, it uses a tiller steering system. This is highly advantageous when you’re trolling, as you can operate the fishing rod while controlling the boat’s direction and speed. Without a console taking up space, the boat offers a very spacious interior.

There are not many comfortable seats on this boat either; it only has one seat each in the bow and stern, and they are not the most comfortable ones. If you prefer fishing on a boat with more comfort features, this might not be the best fit for you. Additionally, its price is not necessarily lower due to its simpler configuration, making it outside of the budget for some people.

Tracker GRIZZLY 1754 JON vs G3 GATOR TOUGH 17 SC OVERVIEW

The G3 GATOR TOUGH 17 SC OVERVIEW is a boat that will put your mind at ease. If you don’t mind the passenger capacity, its configuration will surely not disappoint you.

Its hull is not short, it is even 1 inch longer than the Tracker GRIZZLY 1754 JON. So, you might wonder why it can only accommodate 4 people. This is because the long seats and livewell areas take up a lot of space at both ends of the boat. It doesn’t have the advantage in terms of space. However, its side console setup won’t interfere with the space you need to set up a tent on the boat during the night.

Its bow and stern are also very spacious, and you can even sunbathe on them. However, while it has a decent amount of storage space, it’s not the best. If you want to carry a lot of equipment, you may need to make some modifications to get more space.

Summary

If you want a sturdy and durable boat with many features, then the Tracker Grizzly 1754 is a great jon boat. I believe the price they charge is worth it. If it fits within your budget, it’s worth considering.

Of course, if your budget is not sufficient for the boats mentioned above, you can also consider the H2O Hoper, another similar boat. It not only has excellent performance but also comes with a more attractive price. If you want to learn about more types of boats, you can also contact us directly, and we would be happy to assist you.