TV18 transom woes

[Scott Smith]

I own a 2000 tracker TV18 with a 150 xr6, this is my second TV18 as the first ones transom began to separate from the hull the first time I had it out. After much go around with Tracker Marine they replaced the boat with another TV18 which I have had and love for 2 years. Both purchases were made though the Auburn Hills MI store. After my most recent outing, I was inspecting the splashwell area of the boat and noticed that the transom is once again separating from the hull in the exact same manner as the boat it replaced. I know of two other TV18 owners with the same issue and with much smaller motors than mine. I have also become aware of a leak in my hull, I filled the bilge with water and noticed a small but study stream coming from the right side of my hull, the problem is the boat was on the trailer and the leak appears to be covered by the trailer bunk so I'm unable to pinpoint its exact location. basically what I'm wondering is if there are more TV18 owners with the same transom problems, is this something that is going to continue to get worse and if I drop it off in the fall for the warranty repairs I assume it will be shipped back to the plant for repairs. Can I expect it back by Spring? The boat is immaculate, people who see it cannot believe that its actually been used. Please help, this boat is awesome and I cannot see myself in anything else..

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Hey smitty -

The transom will once again have to be fixed or the boat replaced I would think. I do not have issues with mine after two seasons and I have the 90hp. As far as the leak, there aren't any rivets in the hull, so it can't be that, again, another thing to be fixed. Try and locate a local Tracker dealer to repair the boat and start making the calls now so you will have it back for Spring!



Good luck

 

[Andrew Zuber]

Smitty-

I have the same set-up as Bruce...I also have a 2000 TV-18 with the 90hp. I have not noticed any problems with the transom nor with any leakage...

Hope you can get your issues resolved in a timely fashion!



az

 

[TOMMY RICH]

I hate to say it but...those transoms were not designed for a 150. They may say it's rated for that but really believe that Trackers transoms ARE weak. If you don't believe it ...look at any other comparable 18 ft. welded aluminum rig and it'll be rated almost twice the HP. I own the Pro Team 185 w/90 HP and any other will be rated for at least a 150. I always thought that they were kinda' weak but, you get what you pay for in my opinion.

TEE

 

[Ken Neeley]

The transoms were beefed up in 2002...we have not encountered any problems here with 150's since the 2001 model year.



Scott,

Call me direct and I'll do what I can for you.

248-209-4179

 

[Mark Hofman]

Smitty:



I've got a 2001 model with the 150XR6 also (photos in MY LIBRARY). I haven't seen my transom buckle or separate under the weight of the motor, and I've had it in some really rough water. This is a big concern of mine, and I'd like to see some photos so I know what to look for. I just about died when someone sat on top of the engine at dockside, but after a year it's still very solid.



This spring, my boat sat side by side with a 2000 model and I had a chance to compare the transoms. The 2000 looked thinner, had riveted corner caps, and had fewer through-bolts. My transom appeared thicker (like 1/8" to 1/4" maybe, but it could be just my eyes), has welded corner caps and had many, many more through bolts.



I think that these modifications were done because of concerns about the weight of the 150. The corner caps, more specifically, are a HUGE improvement over the riveted caps.



If you can snap some photos and post them, I would really appreciate it! I'll see if I can take some good photos of my boat's stern so that you can compare it to yours.



Email me if you have any other questions!



MOFish

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Great...I have the 2000 model and now it doesn't look like I'll be upgrading to a 150!!! AHHHHH! I guess it'll be upgraded to an Avalanche at that point

 

[Marke Cicero]

Bruce come see me in MI. Maybe I can work a deal if you and Smitty buy on the same day...LOL



Marke

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Would love to take you up on that offer!! BUT since I'm not working now and I HAVE to keep this boat till it's paid for, I figured upgrading the engine would go over with the wife. Now BPS will have to wait 8 or 9 more years for me to come out LOL!

 

[Marke Cicero]

I sell Motors too. It's not a bad upgrade to a 115hp. That should gain you some extra MPH and hole shot time without all the weight of the 150.



See Ken, I'm trying to sell already...LOL I think I'm going to like this job )

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Ok, see what you can do for a 135 Optimax!!! HAHAHA! Maybe I'll have the transom beefed up so I can fit the 150 XR6. BOB???

 

[Staci Matheis]

Isn't the 135 a 6-cylinder? That would make it the same "practical" weight as the 150.

 

[Staci Matheis]

I think the 125 is a 4-cylinder.

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Ya, I think the weight of the 135 and 150 are the same. What gets me is if it is rated for it, it should handle it, no matter what year. Maybe there should be a recall on the 99 and 00 year to beef up the transom.

 

[Mark Hofman]

I agree. A recall for a factory upgrade or a dealer fix to actually fix the source of the problem is required, or there should be an offer to replace the V-6's with a brand new, lighter outboard at no cost to the owner.



But good luck trying to get THAT to happen!

 

[Mark Hofman]

Oops, there I go again, offering solutions without any ability to make it happen.



(Jeeeesh, just shut up, MO!)

 

[Scott Smith]

Thanks for all the input guys. I will be contacting Mr. Neeley very soon, like tomorrow. The suggestions to downsize my motor is out of the question, the 150 is just too awesome on the TV18, and it gets me where I wanna go on St. Clair alot quicker. Its My opinion that if its rated for the 150 then it should handle it no problem, hopefully I will have a happy outcome. Oh and Marke; I'd be happy to take an Avalanche off your hands. How's this sound, u take my TV18 back, put my 150 on an Avalanche in an even up exchange. OK, you can stop laughing now...

 

[Marke Cicero]

Smitty,



What if we do a little test. You give me your 150 and I'll put it on my TV-18 and in a year or so we'll see how my transom looks?

OK, now you can stop laughing.



Seriously though, come down to the store and say HI and maybe we can get out on St. Clair together.



Marke