Mark Hofman
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2001
- Messages
- 3,095
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This is a letter I sent to Tracker Marine back in April, 2002:
************
April 22, 2002
Tracker Marine, Inc.
2500 E. Kearney
Springfield, MO 65803
RE: 2001 Tournament V-18
Dear Sirs:
I purchased my first boat, a 2001 Tracker Tournament V-18SE, from Bass Pro Shops in Springfield on November 10, 2001. I chose the dual console and spare tire options and upgraded the outboard to the 150XR6. My other options were the Crestliner CVX182 and the Ranger Cherokee V-hull (no longer in production).
I am very pleased with the layout and performance of this model. The amount of storage for an eighteen foot boat is impressive, and I continue to be amazed at how the boat handles. We have fished three people out of this model several times and it was an enjoyable experience. Fishing with two people is fantastic. My opinion is that a prospective owner who is looking for an affordable, true-v hull with a bass-boat layout would be mistaken not to consider this model.
The ride, especially in rough chop, is incredible. It feels like a solid boat because it is a solid boat. I was also impressed with the improvements in construction over earlier year models, notably the welded stern corners, bow cap and the strengthened transom (to accommodate the weight of the 150 h.p. outboard).
What follows are simply suggestions I would like your marine engineers to consider, based on my experiences so far as a user. By no means are these comments to be taken as criticisms from a dissatisfied owner, because I truly love this boat. If, however, a few changes could be made to the existing design, future customers would be even more pleased with the Tournament V-18.
First, I am installing pull handles on both rod lockers and the front storage bin lid of my boat. They are the same style pull handles used on the rear deck lids. The lids up front - especially when the carpet is new, can be hard to open without some kind of hand hold. With gloves on it is very nearly impossible.
I will also be installing the same kinds of locks used on the rod lockers on the rear deck lids - especially for the battery compartments. It is worth the $50-$100 in parts for me to deter someone from stealing the batteries, my tackle and any other gear stored in the rear bins. Kudos to Craig in the Auburn Hills BPS Parts Department for supplying these components.
(Continued)
Tracker Marine, Inc.
Page 2
The second suggestion for improvement is in the location of the livewell overflow. Because the boat does not have a flat pad, it has a tendency of listing slightly to the side we
************
April 22, 2002
Tracker Marine, Inc.
2500 E. Kearney
Springfield, MO 65803
RE: 2001 Tournament V-18
Dear Sirs:
I purchased my first boat, a 2001 Tracker Tournament V-18SE, from Bass Pro Shops in Springfield on November 10, 2001. I chose the dual console and spare tire options and upgraded the outboard to the 150XR6. My other options were the Crestliner CVX182 and the Ranger Cherokee V-hull (no longer in production).
I am very pleased with the layout and performance of this model. The amount of storage for an eighteen foot boat is impressive, and I continue to be amazed at how the boat handles. We have fished three people out of this model several times and it was an enjoyable experience. Fishing with two people is fantastic. My opinion is that a prospective owner who is looking for an affordable, true-v hull with a bass-boat layout would be mistaken not to consider this model.
The ride, especially in rough chop, is incredible. It feels like a solid boat because it is a solid boat. I was also impressed with the improvements in construction over earlier year models, notably the welded stern corners, bow cap and the strengthened transom (to accommodate the weight of the 150 h.p. outboard).
What follows are simply suggestions I would like your marine engineers to consider, based on my experiences so far as a user. By no means are these comments to be taken as criticisms from a dissatisfied owner, because I truly love this boat. If, however, a few changes could be made to the existing design, future customers would be even more pleased with the Tournament V-18.
First, I am installing pull handles on both rod lockers and the front storage bin lid of my boat. They are the same style pull handles used on the rear deck lids. The lids up front - especially when the carpet is new, can be hard to open without some kind of hand hold. With gloves on it is very nearly impossible.
I will also be installing the same kinds of locks used on the rod lockers on the rear deck lids - especially for the battery compartments. It is worth the $50-$100 in parts for me to deter someone from stealing the batteries, my tackle and any other gear stored in the rear bins. Kudos to Craig in the Auburn Hills BPS Parts Department for supplying these components.
(Continued)
Tracker Marine, Inc.
Page 2
The second suggestion for improvement is in the location of the livewell overflow. Because the boat does not have a flat pad, it has a tendency of listing slightly to the side we
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