I like this video. You have explained many factors I have and many fisherman have. I'm a budget angler and I have to weigh the pros and cons in the best aluminum boat that's practical in my situation and not break the bank but will have what I need for the boat. Budget buying is tough because there is a sacrifice to be made. Great video!!
I agree with you for years I always wanted a fiberglass bass boat. I bought a Ranger Rt 188 and a Yamha 115 and I love it the best boat i ever bought. I had a 16 ft bass tracker 3 for 21 yrs when i was 19 yrs old to i was 40
Dam right brother! Im still fishin out of my 91 tracker.50 hp johnson.this boat has been thru it all & back!! I live in arkansas.i fish the river 90% of the time.the other 20% is swamp whereim cutting thru oxbow ditches & jumping over fallen trees.this boat like yours has seen it all & is still in as good as shape as it was when i bought it.i upgraded to the same exzact t motor as well.love it.could not imagine owning a fiberglass boat.it would be wrecked in a month lol.dam good video.maybe some of these "young guns" will learn something lol.stay safe out there.fish hard!
I don't know why so many guys never mention price as a factor, when for most of us it is. Aluminum boats are great for shallow water, they are rugged, do not require a lot of HP to move at a decent speed and are very economical on gas, but the number one factor for most guys (like myself) who own them is price, they are much more affordable than glass boats, cheaper to run and maintain, cheaper to insure and easier to clean and store.
Great video boss. I’ve lived on Pickwick Lake my whole life and I’ve fished the rough on the Tennessee river up to the little side creeks of Baysprings. If you plan on fishing every piece of water you see aluminum is the way. Also with 4 strokes being such gas savers the lighter hulls and shallower draft really saves gas.
Butler Whitehead Do you think that boat would be suitable for pickwick lake? I’ve fished in it for years on a full size fiberglass boat with friends but I’m considering buying a much cheaper aluminum bass boat
Just pulled the trigger on a tracker 195 txw tournament edition with the 150 pro xs 4stroke. Best option I did was order it with the vinyl flooring. Hopefully it'll be here in 8 weeks. Ran a javelin renegade 20 the past 15 years and the tracker front deck is huge compared to the javelin. I'll miss my javelin as I am going to put her up for sale. Looked at the z18 but liked the tracker better especially for fishing the Nottoway and Blackwater river.
@@GunnFishTV sorry to here that. My Johnson on my javelin went and I already sunk a ton of money before on it so it was either a new motor or new boat. New Etec was $$$$ when i got a quote for it. I decided to buy a new boat instead.
Really great video!!! Excellent information and really great way of explaining your purposes. I had a tracker 160 for my first boat and thought I needed a big fiberglass for an upgrade but this video really put things in perspective, much appreciated brother!!!
I actually had a pt175 with a 75hp outboard and loved it. Bought a Nitro NX882 and the biggest advantages are stability, speed, and fuel capacity. Other than that you can catch fish out of both and your operating cost are almost half in the aluminum boat.
Great comparison , I live on the Elizabeth River in Va , been running an old 14-60 Lund , oyster beads and grass lines ..Looking forward to a new Lowe bay 20..Aluminum is def my choice because of the durability !!!! You make great points !!!
I have a 99 17ft Tracker. I wonder can an upgrade to my carpet be done to vinyl. Thanks for the trolling motor upgrade info. I fish Lake Gaston and Roanoke River quite a bit. Great vlog!
I completely agree aluminum is the way to go. I also like your comment an a boat has never caught a fish. I fish a lake filled with rich people with high dollar boats and I out fish them almost all the time. I have used the comment "I've yet to see a boat catch a fish" maybe someday but not yet. I sure know the owners of these $50,000 to $60,000 boats can't catch crap.
I'm running an Xpress H20B bay boat. I have rigged it to easily fish salt and fresh without having to do anything more than rig rods. It's so tough. I willingly go into places the Fiberglass guys will not. Great video man.
I’m gonna pick that 195 TX Tournament Ed. That same motor on a Lund bumps the price up $20k. I could upgrade everything and still won’t waste anymore than $5k.
2019 aluminum Tracker 175WT here, just got it last spring from Bass Pro in Charlotte. I love the vinyl flooring and sides too. I chose aluminum just b/c I wanted a lighter boat and I wanted higher sides.
Consider a jet drive lower unit. Runs in a couple of inches of water. No more prop issues. You will need the max horsepower for your boat as they are not as efficient as a prop..
How fast does it go with that prop u named to be the best reason asking I have a identical boat and I never seen a good video explaining a hood prop for 50 2 stroke on a bass tracker
what's the top speed you get out of your 50? I have a 50 etec and I top out at 34mph going with the current, 30 going against it. I'm thinking about upgrading the prop bc mine is dinged all to hell.
Hi Sir!!! Amazing, Beautiful tracker boat, thank you so much for the nice info, thanks for the video and for all...God Bless you and all your family...JC García..
Those look just like the seats that came in my 99 Nitro 700lx, pattern wise. Are they original, need replacements. Nice boat. I’m actually almost finished with it, a complete resto. Once it’s done, I will order a Gator Trax, but my first option was one like yours. Down here in the swamps, Jon/aluminum boats are the best!
I have a custom built 21' Gator Trax Strike Series. Rated for 300 hp. It's .190 thick and built like a tank. I fish the same rivers as you. If you ever see me out there, come check it out. Still waiting on an outboard, but it's currently rigged with a 36v Garmin Force. Ive owned a lot of glass boats. Im done with them 😀
Ive had glass and alluminum. No doubt glass is better in rough water and doesn't get blown around in the wind. Alluminum is much better in shallow water and peace of mind with hull strength. Alluminum wins for me, especially how advanced the hulls are being made today
Some people say it does but I've never had an issue but I also wear shoes when I fish. Possibly on a mid 90s to 100 degree day you may not be able to go barefoot but other than that I personally dont have an issue.......I love it and it has held up extremely well
I got a ranger 1880 deep v and a 1986 fisher marine 15ft bass boat with a 9.9 tiller for rivers and shallow water. Its totally reasonable to buy your dream boat and go on face book or craigslist and buy a better for under 5k.
One thing u forgot to mention. You can launch in shallower water which in rivers and creeks makes a big difference. 2nd it’s lighter and single axle which makes it easier to launch in dirt launches sketchier launches. That aren’t cemented.
It's not necessary. Just add a second battery, wire it up in series and go. They rig it in such a way that it's an easy conversion without a re-wire needed.
I sold this boat a few months back but owned it for 15 years. The deck held up great and looked almost new when washed. I had no complaints at all about the vinyl floor. I've heard what they use on their boats now is not the same though
I know glass is the best boat to get but money is the big reason I can't go that route. I have to get the best boat I can get in aluminum. There are good tin boats on the market for weekend warriors like me.
Stability is good.....not much movement from anyone on the front deck at all. Someone on the back deck can move it a little but not much at all so stability isnt an issue. My boat is an 05 and in 07 they started making them even wider 👍 it's been a great boat. I just recently put a 75 on it and reach speeds of 41 with 2 people fully loaded
@@earlgarcia6106 I dont.....I have the motor mounted in the second hole from the top. I'm running right at 43 fully loaded with just me. I definitely think your boat should be running at least in the low 50s. What are your RPMs?
I have looked at an Express before and they are really nice boats!! Especially the newer ones with the Sea Deck flooring. They look awesome. I just recently put a 75hp on my Tracker so I'm probably going to hold onto it for a while longer.
I went from an aluminum Tracker 16.5 with a 40 hp Merc. I absolutely loved that little boat. Then I upgraded to a Nitro ZV18 with a 200 hp Merc Verado. I love them both, but for different reasons. If you’re not able to foot the fuel bill, fish shallows, and don’t care about getting beat up in big windy water, get the aluminum boat. If you hit big water in rough conditions, get a fiberglass Deep V.
GunnFishTV caught a 7lb 6oz large mouth today on Gaston! Maybe the second largest bass I’ve caught on Gaston in 10 yrs. I hope and the family are staying safe.
I build aluminum boats been doing it for 20 years I work for weld craft I worked for xpress I personally own a fiberglass bass boat the reason why is ride quality and that is what you sacrificed
I just rode in a vexus 2080 last week and it rode better than some fiberglass boats I've been in. You ought to give Vexus a ride, it will blow you away!
Great question!! When I first bought the boat I actually tried 7 different stainless props and I never did find one that would allow me to maintain RPMs and get the boat on plane the way Aluminum would......and really since I mainly fished a very shallow l, woody river where I routinely destroyed props it wasn't that big of deal. However a few weeks after i did this video i upgraded my motor and will most likely be going with a stainless on this one for the lakes. Be on the lookout for that vid!! I will be talking about the upgrade and performance with my new motor. Thanks for the question and view. Tight lines!!
Better be careful running a stainless prop if you plan on running it into stuff. The prop may take a beating but it will transfer that damage up to your lower unit. Better off wrecking an aluminum prop and saving the lower unit.
Consider a jet drive lower unit. No more prop issues. It will run in a couple of inches of water. Runs much shallower than a prop. Issues are 1. Not as efficient as a prop. You will need more hp. 2. If you suck up gravel it can hurt the jet drive.
I like this video. You have explained many factors I have and many fisherman have. I'm a budget angler and I have to weigh the pros and cons in the best aluminum boat that's practical in my situation and not break the bank but will have what I need for the boat. Budget buying is tough because there is a sacrifice to be made. Great video!!
I agree with you for years I always wanted a fiberglass bass boat. I bought a Ranger Rt 188 and a Yamha 115 and I love it the best boat i ever bought. I had a 16 ft bass tracker 3 for 21 yrs when i was 19 yrs old to i was 40
Those Rangers are nice!!! I have a couple buddies that have them!!!
Dam right brother! Im still fishin out of my 91 tracker.50 hp johnson.this boat has been thru it all & back!! I live in arkansas.i fish the river 90% of the time.the other 20% is swamp whereim cutting thru oxbow ditches & jumping over fallen trees.this boat like yours has seen it all & is still in as good as shape as it was when i bought it.i upgraded to the same exzact t motor as well.love it.could not imagine owning a fiberglass boat.it would be wrecked in a month lol.dam good video.maybe some of these "young guns" will learn something lol.stay safe out there.fish hard!
I don't know why so many guys never mention price as a factor, when for most of us it is. Aluminum boats are great for shallow water, they are rugged, do not require a lot of HP to move at a decent speed and are very economical on gas, but the number one factor for most guys (like myself) who own them is price, they are much more affordable than glass boats, cheaper to run and maintain, cheaper to insure and easier to clean and store.
You're Absolutely right!
Thanks for the insight!
Great video boss. I’ve lived on Pickwick Lake my whole life and I’ve fished the rough on the Tennessee river up to the little side creeks of Baysprings. If you plan on fishing every piece of water you see aluminum is the way. Also with 4 strokes being such gas savers the lighter hulls and shallower draft really saves gas.
Absolutely.....Aluminum gives you so many advantages over Fiberglass and we all know the best fishing is way up the rivers!!
Butler Whitehead Do you think that boat would be suitable for pickwick lake? I’ve fished in it for years on a full size fiberglass boat with friends but I’m considering buying a much cheaper aluminum bass boat
You're quickly becoming one of my favorites. Keep doing what you're doing!
Thank you!!! Much appreciated
Mine too
Just pulled the trigger on a tracker 195 txw tournament edition with the 150 pro xs 4stroke. Best option I did was order it with the vinyl flooring. Hopefully it'll be here in 8 weeks. Ran a javelin renegade 20 the past 15 years and the tracker front deck is huge compared to the javelin. I'll miss my javelin as I am going to put her up for sale. Looked at the z18 but liked the tracker better especially for fishing the Nottoway and Blackwater river.
No doubt man......unfortunately my motor blew on my Tracker today. Top cylinder completely wiped out. So I guess I'm going to get a new motor for it
@@GunnFishTV sorry to here that. My Johnson on my javelin went and I already sunk a ton of money before on it so it was either a new motor or new boat. New Etec was $$$$ when i got a quote for it. I decided to buy a new boat instead.
Really great video!!! Excellent information and really great way of explaining your purposes. I had a tracker 160 for my first boat and thought I needed a big fiberglass for an upgrade but this video really put things in perspective, much appreciated brother!!!
I actually had a pt175 with a 75hp outboard and loved it. Bought a Nitro NX882 and the biggest advantages are stability, speed, and fuel capacity. Other than that you can catch fish out of both and your operating cost are almost half in the aluminum boat.
Yep no doubt. I just upgraded my 50hp to a 75hp. Best decision ever. That thing will move now!!!
Great comparison , I live on the Elizabeth River in Va , been running an old 14-60 Lund , oyster beads and grass lines ..Looking forward to a new Lowe bay 20..Aluminum is def my choice because of the durability !!!! You make great points !!!
i guess it is pretty off topic but does anybody know of a good website to stream newly released movies online ?
I have a 99 17ft Tracker. I wonder can an upgrade to my carpet be done to vinyl. Thanks for the trolling motor upgrade info. I fish Lake Gaston and Roanoke
River quite a bit. Great vlog!
Thanks man!! Yes you can tear out the carpet and put vinyl back in.....its called Marine vinyl flooring if you look it up. It's the best stuff ever!!
I completely agree aluminum is the way to go. I also like your comment an a boat has never caught a fish. I fish a lake filled with rich people with high dollar boats and I out fish them almost all the time. I have used the comment "I've yet to see a boat catch a fish" maybe someday but not yet. I sure know the owners of these $50,000 to $60,000 boats can't catch crap.
I'm running an Xpress H20B bay boat. I have rigged it to easily fish salt and fresh without having to do anything more than rig rods. It's so tough. I willingly go into places the Fiberglass guys will not. Great video man.
I’m gonna pick that 195 TX Tournament Ed. That same motor on a Lund bumps the price up $20k. I could upgrade everything and still won’t waste anymore than $5k.
I run a RT198P in the SE VA and NC waters. It does just fine.
I bought a 2020 RT188 last month!!
That's where I am as well 👍
2019 aluminum Tracker 175WT here, just got it last spring from Bass Pro in Charlotte. I love the vinyl flooring and sides too. I chose aluminum just b/c I wanted a lighter boat and I wanted higher sides.
They are great boats....mine has served me well no doubt. And the vinyl flooring is the best thing ever
Your right. How you fish dictates what boat to buy. We have to look at how its used.
It absolutely does
Consider a jet drive lower unit. Runs in a couple of inches of water. No more prop issues. You will need the max horsepower for your boat as they are not as efficient as a prop..
I do wish I had a tin rig once in awhile. Makes it so nice to fish skinny water tributaries. Great video.
Yea a big glass rig is extremely nice but the way I fish Aluminum suits my style better.
Diggin’ that boat 🤙🏾 thanks for the info! I can’t wait to go pick up my 1st one! Great video👍🏾🎣💯
Thank you!!
I got a 94 17ft alumaweld exspress with 85hp yamaha so far best boat iv owned
How fast does it go with that prop u named to be the best reason asking I have a identical boat and I never seen a good video explaining a hood prop for 50 2 stroke on a bass tracker
what's the top speed you get out of your 50? I have a 50 etec and I top out at 34mph going with the current, 30 going against it. I'm thinking about upgrading the prop bc mine is dinged all to hell.
Hi Sir!!! Amazing, Beautiful tracker boat, thank you so much for the nice info, thanks for the video and for all...God Bless you and all your family...JC García..
Check out the Vexus AVX 1880 with the seadeck flooring. 115 HO, ultrex 80lb 24 volt.
I have a Ranger RT188 now with a 115 but I have some buddies that have the Vexus 1880 and 2080s. Super nice boats for sure
Those look just like the seats that came in my 99 Nitro 700lx, pattern wise. Are they original, need replacements. Nice boat. I’m actually almost finished with it, a complete resto. Once it’s done, I will order a Gator Trax, but my first option was one like yours. Down here in the swamps, Jon/aluminum boats are the best!
These were Bass Pro replacement seats. I think they were $200 for both. They were really comfortable
I have a custom built 21' Gator Trax Strike Series. Rated for 300 hp. It's .190 thick and built like a tank. I fish the same rivers as you. If you ever see me out there, come check it out. Still waiting on an outboard, but it's currently rigged with a 36v Garmin Force. Ive owned a lot of glass boats. Im done with them 😀
Ive had glass and alluminum. No doubt glass is better in rough water and doesn't get blown around in the wind. Alluminum is much better in shallow water and peace of mind with hull strength. Alluminum wins for me, especially how advanced the hulls are being made today
Very informative. Subscribed
does the vinyl get super hot in the summer?
Some people say it does but I've never had an issue but I also wear shoes when I fish. Possibly on a mid 90s to 100 degree day you may not be able to go barefoot but other than that I personally dont have an issue.......I love it and it has held up extremely well
I just subscribed. Simply awesome 👍🏿
I got a ranger 1880 deep v and a 1986 fisher marine 15ft bass boat with a 9.9 tiller for rivers and shallow water. Its totally reasonable to buy your dream boat and go on face book or craigslist and buy a better for under 5k.
I now have a 2020 Ranger RT188 (Aluminum)that I replaced my Tracker with but I also have a 15ft Alumacraft with a 9.9 for smaller stuff
I have the same boat but with carpet and it has been a great boat. Bought it brand new and plan on keeping it for a long time!!
They are great boats!!!
One thing u forgot to mention. You can launch in shallower water which in rivers and creeks makes a big difference. 2nd it’s lighter and single axle which makes it easier to launch in dirt launches sketchier launches. That aren’t cemented.
Your exactly right
Subscribed keep up the good work!
Nice rant bro....1990 BassPro17
Great video
Did you go to larger wire to the rear for 24 volt
I didn't on this boat. It had 8 guage from the factory and a 40 amp circuit breaker. I never had any issues
It's not necessary. Just add a second battery, wire it up in series and go. They rig it in such a way that it's an easy conversion without a re-wire needed.
with gas prices as they are, this video aged well! I'm an aluminum bassin man, too!
Great video and you give a lot of pros and cons 👍 mainly all positive.
Thanks!!
How has your deck held up over the years. Thanks for the video.
I sold this boat a few months back but owned it for 15 years. The deck held up great and looked almost new when washed. I had no complaints at all about the vinyl floor. I've heard what they use on their boats now is not the same though
I know glass is the best boat to get but money is the big reason I can't go that route. I have to get the best boat I can get in aluminum. There are good tin boats on the market for weekend warriors like me.
I like the trackers to
How is the stability when moving from side to side? I’m a big guy and having a stable boat is a big deal for me!
Stability is good.....not much movement from anyone on the front deck at all. Someone on the back deck can move it a little but not much at all so stability isnt an issue. My boat is an 05 and in 07 they started making them even wider 👍 it's been a great boat. I just recently put a 75 on it and reach speeds of 41 with 2 people fully loaded
GunnFishTV thanks for the info. It really help!
You have a jack plate?? I have a 17ft Xpress with 115 and can only get 44-45
@@earlgarcia6106 I dont.....I have the motor mounted in the second hole from the top. I'm running right at 43 fully loaded with just me. I definitely think your boat should be running at least in the low 50s. What are your RPMs?
@@GunnFishTV 5600-5800 gives me low 40's.
If I was you I would consider an Xpress. It is worth it. Coming from a owner. The hyper lift hull is great and rides like a fiberglass.
I have looked at an Express before and they are really nice boats!! Especially the newer ones with the Sea Deck flooring. They look awesome. I just recently put a 75hp on my Tracker so I'm probably going to hold onto it for a while longer.
GunnFishTV Hey the trackers are phenomenal boats as well. Goodluck with the new motor.
I went from an aluminum Tracker 16.5 with a 40 hp Merc. I absolutely loved that little boat. Then I upgraded to a Nitro ZV18 with a 200 hp Merc Verado. I love them both, but for different reasons. If you’re not able to foot the fuel bill, fish shallows, and don’t care about getting beat up in big windy water, get the aluminum boat. If you hit big water in rough conditions, get a fiberglass Deep V.
It would have been nice to see the boat.
I’d feel more comfortable buying a used aluminum over a used fiberglass boat.
Try looking at War Eagle boats.
I’m convinced, I’m going to get an aluminum boat.
I’m in the middle of buying one now. My old one is 26 years old but I’m retired now so time for a new pretty one.
I’ll take you in the Fiberglass if you take me on the tin rig . 2019 721 Phoenix 250 believe it or not it gets great fuel mileage.
We can link up for sure. Ye the new 4 strokes get alot better fuel mileage than the old 2 strokes
I will probably be fishing the Gaston CATT trail. My partner might have to bail and if your available let me know.
GunnFishTV shame this Spring tournament season isn’t looking good. However I am catching fish.
GunnFishTV caught a 7lb 6oz large mouth today on Gaston! Maybe the second largest bass I’ve caught on Gaston in 10 yrs. I hope and the family are staying safe.
@@getthenet2358 awesome. That's a Gaston stud!!
Don’t ask someone for something until you’ve given them something. Just a thought.
I live along the ocean. The commercial shell fisherman all use aluminum boats. Why ? they can take a beating and last for years and years.
subed! can u do a video on how u did the larger tube for water output! such a great idea
Yea man I sure can......I just put a 75hp on it so I need to do it on this new motor anyway!!! 👍👍
How much u want for the boat
I sold this boat 5 months ago
@@GunnFishTV how much did it sell for I'm interested in something just like this
@@marinjj87 i sold for $5200 with the
Graphs on it
@@GunnFishTV awesome thanks
Lighter boat aluminum boat than heavy fiberglass boat old ranger with 150 johnson rolling up lake
I build aluminum boats been doing it for 20 years I work for weld craft I worked for xpress I personally own a fiberglass bass boat the reason why is ride quality and that is what you sacrificed
Yes ride is definitely sacrificed.....Aluminum is so light that rough water tends to beat on you pretty good when you are running down the lake
I just rode in a vexus 2080 last week and it rode better than some fiberglass boats I've been in. You ought to give Vexus a ride, it will blow you away!
Why not run a stainless prop? More money but they don't bend nearly as easy and you would probably gain 1-2mph.
Great question!! When I first bought the boat I actually tried 7 different stainless props and I never did find one that would allow me to maintain RPMs and get the boat on plane the way Aluminum would......and really since I mainly fished a very shallow l, woody river where I routinely destroyed props it wasn't that big of deal. However a few weeks after i did this video i upgraded my motor and will most likely be going with a stainless on this one for the lakes. Be on the lookout for that vid!! I will be talking about the upgrade and performance with my new motor. Thanks for the question and view. Tight lines!!
Better be careful running a stainless prop if you plan on running it into stuff. The prop may take a beating but it will transfer that damage up to your lower unit. Better off wrecking an aluminum prop and saving the lower unit.
Consider a jet drive lower unit. No more prop issues. It will run in a couple of inches of water. Runs much shallower than a prop. Issues are 1. Not as efficient as a prop. You will need more hp. 2. If you suck up gravel it can hurt the jet drive.
Maybe not the best way to tell the wife you're getting a new boat ...............................