I'm curious about your boats

[Mark Hofman]

The whole thing about Tracker Marine quality really has me thinking....and perhaps those of you who read this can help me with a bit of research.



1. I your current Nitro/Tracker your FIRST boat?

2. Is your current Nitro/Tracker your first NEW boat?

3. If this is not your first boat, how many other boats have you owned?



and finally.....



Do you think that a first time boat owner is harder on a boat than someone who has owned one or more prior boats?



Again, just curious. Share as much or as little as you want.

 

[Staci Matheis]

1. My 1994 Nitro2000 is my 3rd boat. 6th, if you count canoes!



2. My only new boat was my 1995 Nitro180. This boat was used and my first was 20 years worth of used. All 3 canoes I bought new.



3. This is my 3rd boat.



Absolutely. First time owners have unrealistic expectations and often have no where near the mechanical knowledge to attempt even the most minor of alterations/repairs/modifications required.



me!

 

[Mebassn]

MOfish,



My first boat was a Argonaut by Jason 15' with a 40hp

My second was a new Nitro 170DC with 115 merc absolutly no cracks and no problems what so ever with that one.

My current boat is a 99 NX882, the only problems i have had with this one are cracks, i have more cracks than most sidewalks, sent back to factory had it fixed and now i have more cracks AND the fixed cracked areas are FADING or getting Cloudy (NOT OXIDIZING). Also i have the same cracks and a bunch more like around the trolling motor mount hole(only 1 hole) corners of both seat areas, transition areas around rear deck to cockpit, front rodlocker rear inboard corners both sides, both consoles and a few more places. None of the cracks that i currently have are in "high stress areas" but all are in radius's or transition sections. I bought my boat in March 1999 and think i might have got a bad batch of gel but can't do anything about it since it's 3 1/2 years old (unwilling dealer help). Some people i have talked to have no cracks or problems so i guess it's luck of the draw. p.s. Dont buy a boat built on monday or friday. hehe



Tight Lines

Eric H.

 

[Rob LaMoy]

My next boat, the 896 will be my 6th boat. I have only owned one new which was my '97 Tracker Super Guide. I don't neccessarily think new boat owners are harder because it's their first boat, they want to baby it often. It's hard to answer a question like that.

 

[Joe Working]

Currently I have a 2001 Nitro 929 that I bought new.

Before that I had a 1997 Stratos 285 that I bought new.

In 1994 I bought a new Tracker Pro 18.

In 1991 I bought a new Tracker Pro 17.



Honestly, I think a fisrt time boat owner is easier on his boat. After I had a couple boats is when I started running them to the limit. I was timid on the first boat because i had no idea what I was doing and I was afraid to hurt it.

 

[Bob G.]

1. No.

2. My 2000 Nitro 185 Sport is my first new boat.

3. My Nitro is my third boat.

4. i take good care of all my stuff, new or not.



Bob G.

 

[Mark Hofman]

Okay, I think I need to clarify my last question:



Is it more likely or less likely that a new boat owner will do harm to a boat than an experienced boat owner?

 

[Thomas Macaluso]

First Boat was a 1967 14 ft Starcraft rowboat with a 7 1/2 ( Family boat)

Second boat I bought new 1991 Alumncraft with a 40



Third boat also new 1996 Nitro 884 with a 150 mercury



Present boat 2000 929 /225 EFI



Hard to say if a first time boat owner is harder on their boat . I do know this however being a boat owner is a learning curve I know a lot more today then when I bought my first boat the Alumncraft . Sometimes when I'm sweating my ass of trying to fix something or cutting my hands to ribbons on fiberglass trying to run a wire I wish I still had that little 14 footer, no fuss no muss just get in and putt around . the only problem is that the dog likes to sit in the fiberglass monster and go 70 across the water at least that my excuse for keeping it

 

[Carlos Hathcock III]

1. No.



2. Did not buy this one new either. The price was right for a big used boat.



3. This is my 2nd boat, as an adult. Had a used Cajun before this one. This is a good boat. As wih most things mechanical it has a few weird quirks about it, but I can work with those. Nothing really big. Owner before me was very good with the maintenance and he was looking to upgrade to a Bullett bass boat.



As for the last, not to sure on if a new owner is harder or not. Some are, some are not. Some mess up the boat just out of ingorance. You know, the ones that bash the boat into the trailer as they have not practiced putting a boat on a trailer before getting to a ramp and then the pressure of being the one to hold up the boat loading line. Like others have said I take care of my stuff, but I am also fairly mechanical so if it is small and piddly I just go and fix it myself and save me the hassle of the dealer and his prices. Well, seems I am kinda verbose after being gone for a while



Carlos

 

[Rich D]

This is my 2nd new boat, both Trackers. If a new owner is harder on the boat, I think it is caused by inexperience. My family has always had boats and being in or driving one has always been second nature to me. I would agree with the statement that an inexperienced boater does more damage/harm than normal.



Rich D

 

[Chad Justice]

1. Though current boat is an Astro, it's made by Tracker marine.. Yes, it's my first boat.

2. It's a '92 model.. Not new..

3. N/A



It depends on the person, but I'd say overall that newbies are harder on their boats. People go in thinking that owning a boat is like owning a car, and everyone here knows that you simply CANNOT treat a boat like most of us treat our cars!! HAHA!



If you have no experience on the water, you might not think about watching out for your prop until you destroy one. You might not remember to raise your motor when travelling until your skeg is a silver line on the pavement between your house and the ramp!! You might not know to grease your trailer bearings until they go bad.. There are SO MANY things that a boater has to know (not to mention REMEMBER!! LOL!), and unless you've spent a lot of time with someone with a lot experience, you'll have to learn a lot of things the hard way on your first boat.



Thankfully, my dad has had boats since I was about 10, and I paid enough attention over the years to 1/2 way know what I'm doing now... I understand how much there is to boating, and I know that there's much to be learned yet!! THAT is what keeps me out of trouble most of the time... I'm overly cautious because I KNOW there are many expensive lessons to be learned EVERY TIME your on the water!!!

 

[Steve Gibson]

no



yes i bought my 98 nitro 640lx new



1 This is my second bought if you count a jon boat



I think most first time owner is easier on their boats due to lack of experience.Most the guys i know in bass clubs or 3rd and 4th+ boat owners are alot harder on their boats than i would ever be, but then i try to take care of all my toys.



Steve ><}}}}'>

 

[Steven Atwell]

1. My current boat is a Gambler Intimidator, it is not new. Bought it used. And it is not my 1st boat.



2. I bought a new Criscraft 14' way back when.



3. I was really rough on it, so yes newbies who don't know much are definitely harder on their boats.

 

[Steve Gibson]

i should clear that up a little.



Most first time owners do go out and do some damage to their boats, that is part of being 1st time owner.

I'm saying that second time+ owners take their boats to a higher extreme,or they put their boats thru alot more and run them a little harder







Steve ><}}}}'>

 

[Brian Feist]

1. I am on my fourth boat



2. My Tracker is my first new one



3. Newbies may be harder on boats but look at it from a different perspective. I have been around boats since I was 12. I was 24 when I got my first boat, a Sears fiberglass tri hull with a 5.5 HP Gamefisher motor and a South Bend trolling motor. I had three good teachers and was trained to back a trailer dow the ramp when I got my driver's license. So, just because someone is a new boat owner doesn't mean that they don't know how to operate or take care of one properly.

 

[Rich Stern]

1. No.



2. Bought both Nitros used.



3. I've owned 8 boats (including 2 jetskis). Three of the eight have been new.



4. New owners are easier on boats, IMO.



I go back and forth on the benefit of new vs. used. Like most anyone else, I love shiny, perfect gelcoat, and the security of a warranty.



On the other hand, a 3 year old boat has pretty much gotten all of the stress cracks it's gonna get, so you know what you are in for. And boats do clean up well, unless they are mighty abused.

 

[Mark Hofman]

Wow! Thanks for the replies. If you haven't responded, please jump in on this because what I'm reading is really, really GOOD stuff!



To "lead" the conversation a bit, here is my hypothesis:



1. A person who wants to own a boat, but who has never owned or operated a boat is more likely to unintentionally damage their first boat than someone who has experience operating boats.



2. That same person, if they are in a position to purchase a boat, may consider owning a Tracker or Nitro because they read or see a lower "sticker" price on the standard package.



Then, when the boat has performance or cosmetic or structural "issues", it becomes very easy to blame Tracker Marine. It becomes even easier to blame Tracker Marine when that boater moves on to their second boat and it is a different brand. The experience they gained operating the Nitro or Tracker makes it less likely that they will experience problems with their second boat, so they lay the problems with the first boat at the feet of Tracker Marine.



Question: Where are the holes in this line of logic?

 

[JAMES MOORE]

First brand new boat was a Ranger 320 Commanchie. Second brand new boat is the Avalanche. Not including my Weenona canoe, my row boat and my otter kyak. My Ranger was my first real powered bass boat which lasted me over 12 yrs. I was raised around the lakes so had driven tiller operated boats prior to buying my Ranger. As far as whether a new boat operator being more likely to have problems, I believe that depends on the individual and the self pride/motivation each has within themselfs. No motivation and self pride the more likely the indiviual is to have problems with anything he owns. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Now that you've clarified it.....



I did more damage to my first boat in 6 months than I have total to my second two because I had no idea in the world what I was doing - that's why I bought a 20-year-old boat!



And my first prop..... It took me a lo-o-o-ong time tolearn to avoid rocks!

 

[Staci Matheis]

Should have read all the way through to your final comment, Mark.....



There are no holes in your theory.



me!

 

[Texas Transplant]

Not my first boat.



Current boat was purchased new. Targa 18 w/90hp merc. Not first new boat I purchased. Had an earlier model BassTracker some 15 years ago or so.



This one is number 5 or 6. Including the one that I bought and paid for and NEVER had in the lake. Sold to me be a dealer/crook that took the money and ran. I never got the paperwork and it sat in the garage for a year. I repaid the credit union the entire amount. How's that for a bad deal!



I think that a new first time owner is more seceptible to doing damage to the lower unit/engine than an experienced skipper. However, I think the more experienced skippers will tend to run their boats harder.



Tex

 

[Kraig Clement]

I have a 2000 NX882 and I bought it used.

It is my third boat and I think the answer to your question is experienced boat owners are harder on their boats because they push them more. We run rougher water fish more trees etc....

 

[Adam Murray]

MO...I believe your theory is at least partly correct. I don't think it's possible to paint this entire scenario with a single brush.



Some new boat owners wildly thrash their rigs in ignorant bliss. Some pamper their new "baby" like it actually came forth from their own loins (as if they come from someone else's loins).



Is Tracker/Nitro the #1 choice of new boat owners? More than likely. Their advertised package prices are very attractive to first time owners. As some new owners ARE rough on their rigs, this could boost the number of "issues" we hear about. The sheer, unmatched volume of Tracker/Nitro rigs afloat will also attest to this number. The economy of scale is rarely so obvious.



Here's where I'm gonna need to borrow your flak-jacket, Scott....



Mac pointed out last week that I haven't been around much lately. This is partly due to a tremendous workload, new house and other assorted B.S.



The big reason is that I just can't find anything positive to say about Nitro manufacturing right now. I found this board and immediately commenced to griping about the problems I was having with my 882. Several members here got me squared away, calmed down and welcomed me into this circle of great people.



I'm not much into internet stuff ('cept for work), personal e-mails or chatting. However, I'm very comfortable posting/chatting here...a great group of fun and helpful people. Not wanting to spoil ya'lls fun, I chose to stay silent and not rock the boat (pun intended).



It pains me to say (and probably not a very smart sales move), but I am attempting to sell my 901 and will never own another Marine Group product again. The third time can be a charm...or a strike-out. I feel I've given them PLENTY of chances and now I'm through.



I cannot complain about the service I have received from BPS in Grapevine. As many times as they've seen my boat and listened to my endless list of issues, I cannot find fault with them. Often, their disappointment with manufacturing mirrors mine as we check my boat in for service. It's almost a ritual to look out into the parking lot and see boats just like mine, all in for the same issues. We've resolved to work together, get 'em fixed and attempt to stifle our frustration stemming from shoddy production.



Again, you're partly right, MO...Nitro/Tracker issues sometimes stem from many unknowledgeable beginners not operating/maintaining their rigs properly. Sheer numbers also lend a hand. The only thing you're missing...



Inferior design, production and quality control



All boats have issues, it's inevitable. I've never had (or known of) as many, though, as the ones I've encountered in 3 different Nitro boats. Not gonna happen again, though.



Sorry, folks. Ya'll are not inferior, however. Hope I'm still welcome 'round here.

 

[JEFF WHITE]

1st boat,a 12 ft semi-v boat with a 30lb trolling motor.



2nd boat,brand new tracker tx-17 with a 40.no damage to that one at all,



3rd boat,a magna19 with a 90/8.lets see,prop-2 on main motor,kicker-1 prop,skeg-3 times,scrapes,scratches.



i think 2nd time owners are a little harder on there boats as the 1st one they baby cause they dont know much,sure minor things.



scott,you got to watch for those rocks.they hurt when theres stainless props involved!lucky for me i have aluminum!

 

[Staci Matheis]

Jeff -



The first boat had an aluminum prop on a 70 hp Evinrude. Thank goodnes it did - I would have torn the heck oput of the drive line of that motor! The last two boats have been stainless - haven't had any damage to them. Yet.....



Adam -



I saw a posting over on the BFHP a few weeks ago about some issues with Tracker and thought the person sounded like it might be you. I was kind of wondering why we hadn't heard your issues over here.....



You will NEVER get any flak from me. In all my conversations with you, I have always found you to be absolutely fair in your dealings and assesments of situations.



I don't care whether you're flying a Nitro, a Toon, Ranger or BassCat..... I just hope that, one way or another, you are able to satisfy the issues in a way that you find satisfactory and that you stick around here!



me!

 

[Terry Young]

My fist was a aluminum 14ft. semi-v with a 9.9. Used boat



My second was a 14ft. extra wide jon boat by Monarck with a 25. Used Boat



Now I got a 99 Pro Team 185 with th 90 that was purchase new.



I then to think that the newbie is alot more apprehensive at first but it's not long before he just as crazy as the rest of us.

 

[Tony Payne]

1. No

2. No



Boats owned:

# 1 1987 "BassHawk", bought used, first day had it out steering locked up (didnt even get it away from the ramp) Took it back and dealer gave me complete refund toward anthing else, which ended up being:

# 2 2000 Nitro NX750 -- great boat, just a little small. Purchased new off the dealer floor. Traded that one for



# 3 2001 Triton TR186 Which I then traded for

# 4 2002 Nitro 901 CDX.. (and this one I will keep for a while!)



New owners vs seasoned owners?



I pampered my first nitro like no tomorrow, was afraid to "push it", full cleaning after EVERY trip, etc...

My 2nd boat (the triton) we used alot. I think we put 300+ hours on it that year, and while I did not abuse it, I didnt baby it either.



The newest boat? Somewhere inbetween the two. I have tested it's limits on speed and handling, but I don't "push" it nearly as hard as I did the Triton. (not because it can't handle it... it can... but because I don't "need" to)



I think a person's third boat is the one they truly take care of, for the long haul (I of course said this about the second boat as well before).



I also think that very few people _ever_ get the right boat the first time, and there is a lot to learn. by the time you get to your third/fourth/etc... you are not as likely to "need" to be extreme with it.

 

[Adam Murray]

Thanks, Scott, I really appreciate that. Ironically, that wasn't me on BFHP, but another gentleman with some of the same problems. In years past I might have reacted in a similiar fashion. I just don't have the time or energy anymore to get all riled up, scream from the mountain-tops and spearhead a letter-writing campaign to Nitro.



I'll just let my wallet do the talking.



It's a shame, too. I think Nitro's are a great looking boat and perform very well (when not in the shop!) I like the feeling of "belonging" to such a large organization as well. Probably the same sentiments the passengers on the Titanic had. Fortunately, I have the opportunity to get off this ship.

 

[TrepMan]

1. My Tracker (Pro Crappie 175 bought new Jan 2000) is my first boat with a steering wheel. For me, while the price was attractive, my main reason for going Tracker (besides I could NOT find another boat on the market in 2000 or earlier that is/was laid out like my Pro Crappie) was the fixed price. I looked at 10-12 other Aluminium new boats, and the stupid used-car-like price negotiation, even at the boat shows really PISSED me off! I could not get a straight consitent price from any salesfolks.

2. Yes, the Tracker is my first NEW boat.



3. Prior 2 boats were an aluminium semiV 12footer and a 14 foot Jon Boat - Both powered by a 5hp Mariner.



4. I do think that it is 50/50 on who is harder, new owners or experienced owners. I do think that new owners have a tendancy to try things and have to learn (like don't leave the livewell pump on while BEACHED!! It WILL burn up your pump!) so they do take a little more beating. BUT, ALso agree as stated above a lot of previous boat owners i've seen (none from this board) are REAL hard on their new boats and expect even MORE quality then what they upgraded from.

 

[Barry Loos]

1. No.

2. No

3. 7

4. New boat owners do dumb things that experienced guys wouldn't do, however, experienced guys have a tendency to push a boat beyond the limits of what most new owners would do.



Bear

 

[Tim Jones]

No

Current Tracker 2001 ProTeam 175 40 hp is second new boat.

I have owned 7 boats, including 2 flat bottoms & 4 bass boats.

I believe a first time owner will take very good care of their boat because they are afraid they will do something wrong that will hurt it. I still baby mine just like I did on my first one.

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

I've probably had 6 or so boats including canoes and such. My current boat is a TV-18 bought new, and my first real boat was a 98 Pro Team 175 bought new.



Though I haven't been "boating" for more than 5 years now, I am still very careful with my boat. New boat owners in a new boat tend to be easier than those with a used boat for their first I would think.

 

[Jeffry Patterson]

99 185 sport



This is my 5th boat



I bought it used



I agree entirely that Tracker sells packages to a lot of newbies, and their quality issues are with customer service rather than boat quality. I am very persnickety in what I own and how I maintain it, I have absolutely no issues with Tracker.