Need opinions on a new boat.

[Quickdraw]

I’m looking into a new boat to get back on the water. I stopped fishing the river when they destroyed the fishery with the sucker plant. Well life goes on and it’s time for a new boat.

I’m looking at a Tracker Pro Guide V-165. I always bought play boats and converted them to fit my fishing needs. Since I spend 99% of my time on the water fishing this time around I’m only thinking fishing. What do you think about this boat as far as functional and durability?

I’m also thinking about going with the Mercury 90 as compared to the 115. I spend most of my time trolling. Most of the time is using a bow motor but sometimes use the boat motor. I’m thinking that the 115 will be too much motor and won’t idle down enough to use it. What is your experience and what else do I need to think about?

Thanks in advance

[Jason G]

I have a tracker 16wt with a 75 hp on it love it . But as far as trolling I think even the 75 hp is to much !! I cant get it under 2.5 mph so I'm always trolling against the current to go slower ...lol

[Quickdraw]

That is my worry also. I ask the guys at Tracker, sales and service but they have no idea the speed of the boat at idle. Smallest motor for a 165Wt is a 90. The PG165 is 330lbs heavier than the PG16 so maybe that will slow it down a bit.

Oh well I’m going with the 90. The good news is that there is room to get an extra battery into where the trolling battery is. I also have an extra 24v Minn Kota Power Drive so I can choose between running a 12v with 2 batteries or a 24v.

Thanks for the input.

[Quickdraw]

Pick up new boat tomorrow. Once I get it home I can start getting it setup with rod holders. After I get it out on the water for break-in I’ll order new fish finder and trolling motor. The ones that come with it aren’t what I’ll need to fish how I want.

Then I’ll have 3 extra trolling motors for sale.