Tundra..Now If One Of The Good Boat Builders.. [Archive]

Dutchman

10-31-2002, 08:41 PM

Tracker is revolutionizing the aluminum boat industry. Perhaps they intend to become the leader. They build inexpensive boats, for middle income folks that want a boat, a boat they can afford. Granted they are 1/2 the price of an elite boat, and they show it at times, but they do fill a nitch. I truly hope they have it together with the Tundras. Heck I thought the Targas where a kick butt boat. Not a Ranger, or a high end Lund, But at a huge cost savings some people are willing to compromise. There's alot more poor people than rich people, Kind of like choosing between a Mercedes or a Chevy. Just my 2 cents....

" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

Daren

10-31-2002, 11:49 PM

Funny you should see it like that. I bet Lund has about the same percentage of problem boats as Tracker. Of course, since there are so many more trackers you hear more about it. Is the fit and finish really worth the extra money? Guess that depends on how much you want an alluminum boat and that degree of detail. Of course, if you don't mind purchasing a fiberglass boat instead of an alluminum boat then for the money you can get a much better boat than the Lund. Face it, Lunds are over priced and really only fit the nitch of feeding some peoples egos. Sure, they are really nice boats but you can get much better glass rigs with better and drier rides for the same money. Modern glass boats are just as, if not more durable, they are faster, more fishable, better looking, and just more fun. The only real innovation the company has ever had has been in seating and storage design and that has been evolutionary, not revolutionary. And even then, to a large degree the storage in these boats have all ways been behind the glass boats. So tell me, why is it that a cheap, no good company like Tracker would turn around and innovate in such a revolutionarry way while the so called king of the Alluminum boats sits there? Because the king is nothing really more than a status symbol. Tracker is at least willing to try truly new things.

Daren

Kansas Outlaw

11-01-2002, 12:43 AM

I think that Dutchman and Darren have come pretty close to describing the reality of boats in todays market. My personal observation is that the fit and finish of the Tundra 18 that I saw is every bit the quality of ANY boat out there right now. If you lined up the Ranger 617, Lund 1775 pro V, and the Tundra 18, you would be hard pressed to say that one is of more or better quality. From what I can tell, there is not much of a price difference in any of these three boats, if they are equipped the same!! We may not like to admit it, but with all the competition and innovations in the boating industry today, there just may be a good boat out there that is pushing real hard at Ranger, Lund, and Crestliner. I believe the truly smart buyers are looking harder today at boats and not just buying because of the name anymore. I'm in the market for a new boat, and right now i'll readily admit, I'm at a total loss as to what to buy. I'm running a 1993 stratos 219W with a 1999 merc efi right now and it is serving me well. This is my fourth boat and I would really like to upgrade but I can find no clear winner so I think I'll ride it out for awhile and see if anything really rises to the top. Keep up the good conversations WC and you might even give me the answers yet!!!! Terry

perchjerker

11-01-2002, 05:20 AM

From what I have gathered about Tracker in general is not so much the boat, but problems regarding warranty issues.

Jigging 5

11-01-2002, 06:33 AM

Not a educated comment. I would say you have not even looked at the Tundra. They will compare in qualitiy to any of the top manufacturers and out perform most if not all.

thordog

11-01-2002, 06:52 AM

I have looked at these boats and have contemplated purchasing one. My main problem is I have never seen one on the water. PERIOD. How are you supposed to know how they will hold up long term. And let's face it I have not heard anything good about tracker's warranties / standing behind their product.

Jigging 5

11-01-2002, 07:47 AM

Honestly, This boat will handle any water condition you would fish. I fish Lake Erie many times a year and this boat has performed outstanding in some very rough conditions. Go to your local dealer and get a test drive. You will come off the water thinking this boat is all it claims to be. As far a warranties I have heard some stories of people having problems. I haven't had any warrantee issues with my Tundra but my partner had some leaky rivits and a crack in his Pro v and Tracker replaced his boat with no questions asked. In my experience Tracker stands behind their boats.

Koldfront Kraig

11-01-2002, 08:03 AM

I like the Tundras, but don't like the fact you can only get a Merc on it.
And no tiller models.

I would love to spend a day in 2-3 foot waves and try one out though.

Jigging 5

11-01-2002, 08:19 AM

If your dealer sells other outboards he may be willing tO trade for the motor you like. I have seen Tundra's with other brands.

Biased

11-01-2002, 09:04 AM

Jigging5, you seem alittle biased on the Tundra, and are always going overboard about the Tundra whenever there is a boat question on this board. you must look through rose colored glasses or something because I have seen the tundras close up and I don't see how you can honestly proclaim they are better buildt and have better quality than say a Lund.

Daren

11-01-2002, 09:40 AM

It is a newer model and they are more time consuming to make so the demand has not been fully met. For those reasons there really are not that many out there. I can honestly say though that I have never heard of a problem with one of these boats. Also, though tracker has had negative feedback on warranty claims I do believe that much of that is due to the dealer and not the manufacturer. When I have heard of a problem getting taken directly to Tracker they have allways been resolved. Unfortunately, I cannot say that with some of the brands that were mentioned here other than tracker. So to me, Tracker is a good boat manufacturer. As for fit and finish? If I were looking for a new boat, the fit and finish would have to be pretty bad for me to consider a boat that does not perform as well. After all, if the boat doesn't perform it does not matter how good it looks, and I have never seen truly poor fit and finish in one of these boats.

Daren

boat nut

11-01-2002, 09:48 AM

There's that claim about Lund's being more expensive again. Do any of you guys do "apples to apples" comparisons? Tracker is one of the companies which advertises "package deals" at a good price. The only problem is that they are always underpowered. At Tracker's site, you can order a tundra18 with a carburated 115 for US20,000.00 (I think you still need a trailer). Go down to the Lund dealer and ask what you can get for that money; some of you are going to be suprized!
Darren:
There's WAY more Lunds on the water than Trackers. When I go to the walleye tournaments in Saskatchewan (and watch them on TV), there's usually a million dollars worth of Lunds, and a million dollars worth of all other boats.
I'm not trying to say Lund doesn't have problems, 'cause they do, but when there's more out there than other brands, and less guys complaining, well, you get the idea.
That Tundra is on my short list of replacement boats for mt Lund, but the technology is still new. I think a couple of years will tell if that type of manufacturing process can build long term durability in a boat. In fact, because the technology is new and expensive,I can get more boat and motor in a Lund Fisherman for similar money.

Jigging 5

11-01-2002, 10:08 AM

Where did I claim they were better built. I said they are comparable to any on the market. The stability and ride is what out classes others especially Lund. One thing I can say my Tundra doesn't go to the shop every time its been on rough water. I think this boat is worth looking at. Thats all.

bassman

11-01-2002, 12:13 PM

What is your life worth? A tracker is a great boat and "good enough" if all you fish is small waters and the weather is good. Lets say you are out on Lake Erie/St Clair/1000 Islands/Sam Rayburn/Toledo Bend/Kentucky Lake etc. and a big storm comes up with big waves and it gets rough. Thats when I want a Ranger/Triton/Lund/Alumacraft/Warrior etc. Than "good enough" is not good enough. I'm sure there are a few bad Ranger/Triton/Lund/Alumacraft/Warrior etc. boats out there too. I dont take chances with my life or my families. On land if a Chevy or a Mercedes breaks down on the side of the road I can call a tow truck. When my boat is filled with water and I'm 3 miles from land and the water temp is 40 - 50 degrees and I'm starting to get hypothermia I cant call a tow truck. I'll put it another way do you buy a "mae west" orange type life jacket at wally world for $8 or do you buy your Stearns padded collar hi impact life jacket for $100 which one is "good enough"

hey bassman

11-01-2002, 12:23 PM

so now Trackers are UNSAFE boats? Wow, we better tell Gary and Keith they can't fish on the Great Lakes anymore!
BTW, I don't own one, but next time I'm in the market, I'll be checking them out and comparing them, like most boat buyers do.

TERRYCO

11-01-2002, 12:39 PM

I think all boat manuf. have their ups and downs. I had a Tracker 17ft. alum. boat and had no problems. Yet there are a few that have. I then moved up to a so called elite walleye boat and had failures within a couple of months. Yet, there are many that swear by the boat. I now own a Triton 189 and think about Hook-ins post. Yet, I have not had a problem yet. This is my 7th boat in my short life, and have only been disappointed in one boat. I do believe there are lemons, I believe there are design flaws on some maufactures models and I do feel some people are not taking care of there equipment. Any boat that fits your budget, fits your needs and has the features you want is a good boat. Take care of it and enjoy it.

Jigging 5

11-01-2002, 12:41 PM

I would rather be in a Tundra in rough conditions than some of the boats you mentioned. I really don't think you can say that the Tundra or any other Tracker are unsafe boats. Where do you get your info. The Tundra was designed for the great lakes and rough water.

Jigging 5

11-01-2002, 01:00 PM

If anyone is in the market for a boat and the Tundra is in your price line you should get a dealer to arrange a test drive. You decide what you think of this boat. As for me I have never been in a boat that rides and handles better. But to listen to the ney sayers and overlook the boat would be a mistake. Find out for youself. As a owner I recommend this boat to anyone who wants a boat that handles like a dream with a dry and stable ride. Just my opinion.

Mother

11-01-2002, 02:30 PM

what up with the password snafu ? whatever I'll re-register later.

Hey, dumbBass- When was the last time you saw a hull failure on your
little bass lakes ? You guys won't even fish in a breeze - Thousand
Island area - No trouble , you got a thousand islands to go to.
Erie, I'll give you but, all the others are not even difficult to navigate much less get out of the wind/waves. To the facts!
Motor failure is the most common culprit when a sinking/swamping occurs. Yes, your precious MERCURY melts down in 3+ ft. following
seas and before you can head the bow into the waves fast enough
the boat takes on 1000 gallons of water in 30 seconds.Poor hull ??
Capsizing while running the troughs, Breaching waves at 30-40+mph
in 3-5+ footers then bottoming the keel - Hull fault ? no !
Hull failure from impacts - motoring or when pounded into razor granite like what I fish in up on Kabetogama-Rainy-Vermilion for
MUSKY in 3-5 footers or dragging cranks for wallies adjacent to reefs/walls, water you would'nt even venture into.
LUND RANGER - whomever, they would all fail due to an equipment
failure in a severe weather condition or impact rendering the boat powerless. Not a hull design failure.
I am very hopeful and intrigued by the TUNDRA hull design. It is
quantum leap forward in aluminium hull design. I for one,a lifelong
Lund owner could easily see the advantages of the TUNDRA hull over
all the archaic rivited hull designs - which is done for cost
benefits only - they have ran it to the end of its technology rope.
Time for a new player/method. Tracker must have done some serious
R & D to put out such a innovative process/product.They saw that
the competition was just putting more lipstick on a pig and they
saw an opportunity to advance the industry and make a buck at it
to boot.We have 'Glass' not to much room for improvement there,Ah,
but aluminium has a great window. They took the risk and I feel
they will do some serious damage to the other manufacturers, forcing
them to come out with competative products.Evoluting all aluminium
hull designs and boats for the better and we the anglers get the
benefits of the battle.
I would say Lund and others will be coming out with a whole new
class of boats featuring a similar hull design, leaving the rivited
hull to the entry through mid level boats, losing their king of
the hill status to a better design.

Now go sit in the corner and think about what you said.

Mother

Koldfront Kraig

11-01-2002, 02:45 PM

LIPSTICK ON A PIG!
YOU LEAVE MY WOMAN OUT OF THIS!

joe

11-01-2002, 04:30 PM

Jigging 5

11-01-2002, 05:16 PM

No, it's not Babe but if I were to be a representitive of a boat and it's manufacturer it would be Tracker and their Tundra.

Darenwh

11-01-2002, 05:56 PM

Funny thing is that these boats are often used on big waters without problems. I see them being just as safe and probably more safe than any other alluminum boat in big water. If I were really worried about the alluminum failing in big waters then I would be buying glass for sure. No, there is absolutely nothing in what you say that would make me even consider a Lund over one of these.

Daren

Daren

11-01-2002, 06:02 PM

I have to disagree with you on the numbers on the water. You do see more of the Lunds in the north central, great lakes, and Canada, but there are deffinately more Trackers on the water overall. They are far more prevelant than Lund in other parts of the country. As for a tournament? Ever wonder how many of those pro's fishing those tournaments get sponsored by Lund or one of the other large manufacturers? Ever wonder what the chances are they would get the same sponsorship if they were using a different boat? There are many pros using the Tundra's also but you have to go with what the people paying the bills say to go with.

jchef2

11-01-2002, 07:12 PM

I Own a targa 2000 great boat. I think tracker makes good boats they just need to work on customer service and standing behind their product.

hgmeyer

11-01-2002, 09:18 PM

Boys and Girls...

I'm riding/driving my 1993 Tracker 19' Aluminum Riveted hull (that doesn't leak or fail me in any way)... It's on it's 11th season of fishing about 18-20 bass and walleye tourneys a year and fishing a total of about 6-8 days a month... So, I am able to say at least one Tracker has held up quite well...And as for "Big Water" you boys haven't lived on the edge till Lake Michigan has scared you... Mine has brought me home every time I was foolish enough to tempt fate when I should have known better.. She's backed up by two "very well maintained" (my marine mechanic is like a real good friend and I don't skimp on the attention and maintenance) OMC products...a mid sized carbed 115 and a 15hp kicker. My point is that most boats will perform better than average if you do your part... I've got friends with all brands that beat the crap out of their boats and get the same in return...regardless of the name on the plate... Now, as far as the Tundras...well I have an excellent Tracker/Nitro dealer with a top notch service department and a solid reputation for doing their all for the customer...That's what I'm getting as soon as "Junior" gets his college diploma in 2003... A 21' Tundra... I've ridden and driven an 18' and drool over the 21'... It is a better boat than anything I have seen from anybody else... I'll tak3e the same care of the nbew one and get the same in return... And, I think you will find you can get it without a Merc... I will certainly try... Another can of worms I'm sure but I really prefer OMC, always have and hope that I can on into the future... Course I still own a 1991 Force 35hp thats get a lot of use...

targa2

11-03-2002, 07:03 AM

I'll go out in any water you are willing to go out in with my Targa 2000. You get another 20 ft boat and name the day and the place. My money says you will stuff your boat in a wave before I do.

Sam I Am

11-04-2002, 08:07 AM

>There's that claim about Lund's being more expensive again.
>Do any of you guys do "apples to apples" comparisons?
At Tracker's site, you can order a
>tundra18 with a carburated 115 for US20,000.00 (I think you
>still need a trailer).

Do your research they are package deals and of course come with a trailer.

Go down to the Lund dealer and ask
>what you can get for that money; some of you are going to be
>suprized!

Actually amazed would be a better term as you CAN'T compare any lund to the Tundra. Lunds are built cheaper with .100 gauge metal even the prov's that is the heaviest you can get. Tundra's are made from .125 gauge - that is right a full 1/8 th on an inch thick. As far as comparing the cheap fisherman series from lund the only thing that compares to the Tundra is the price.

boat nut

11-04-2002, 08:14 AM

Thanks for noting that Lunds are actually cheaper. Regarding hull thickness, once there is enough material to make the boat safe and durable (I don't think you were saying Lunds are unsafe, right?) making the hull thicker only makes it heavier.

11-04-2002, 09:41 AM

Saw Gary P. at the Galdstone landing in the UP taking his 20'Tundra out for a photo shoot. It was a good looking rig, open interior layout and top speed over 60 mph with a 200 Opti I believe he said.

It will be interesting to see how these hulls stand up because my first impression was that this was a pretty sweet rig.

NV

BOAT GUY

11-04-2002, 12:32 PM

For everyone's info, the total models built by company are as follow:
1. Tracker group (tracker, nitro, astro, pro craft, fisher), number 2 is the Smoker group (smoker, sylvan, starcraft, monark) number 3 is the Genmar group (lund, crestliner, ranger, lowe, statos, javelin, wellcraft, etc.)
I own a boat dealership and have the info from an industry magazine.
In the mid-west genmar has a loin share of the sales, but nationally does not hold a candle to the other 2 groups for total number of boats built.
When the tundra came out I seen one the rep was showing and pointed out 6 flaws without really digging into it, I think the hull is good (they job that out to GE aerospace and they are not making the hull themselves, but the fit and finish built around that hull was shoddy.
That's my 2 cents worth.

Where's that 30-point buck?

boat nut

11-04-2002, 12:42 PM

Hey boat guy,
Is there anywhere I could access that information? I had read that Genmar is the largest recreational boat manufacturer in the world, acording to their site.

Sam I am

11-04-2002, 02:24 PM

No they don't job out the hull to anyone, I've been to the plant where it is done and know the engineer that runs the plant. Get it straight next time dummy!

Sam I am

11-04-2002, 02:30 PM

I said built cheaper not cost less. They know how to beef that end of the deal up real good at Lund. You die hards slay me, if the lund was heavier guage then that would be the right thickness, blind obidience is exactly what they want for customers, how else could they get 40,000 for a 20 foot boat? Expand your minds a little guys and look at new ideas, change is what makes America great and strong.

11-04-2002, 02:55 PM

I didn't realize there was so much hype over this boat. I looked at them at BPS in Mich, Ohio, and TN. Three different showrooms and the same ho hum attention to detail. I've fished against guys who had nitros and they swore because the hulls spent more time in the shop and at the Factory than on the tournament runs. St. Clair gets rough, but it's no erie. Saying it's a good boat but they have customer service problems should raise a major red flag. Somewhere, the company is out of balance. It's not complete and before long other problems will show up somewhere else. I'd just hope it wasn't 15 miles from the ramp on Erie during a fall blow. Maybe they turned the corner, but based on my observations of Tracker/Nitro/Targa in the years of Johnny's boat ventures....I'll wait and see. I remember Nitro was supposed to be the second coming of bassboats. It's the second , third and fourth coming to the dealer for repairs and that's a fact.

boat nut

11-05-2002, 08:16 AM

Well, I guess I have to sink to your level Sam I Am. You Lund wanna-haves are all the same. You build up some piece of work and say things like "it's better than a Lund and cheaper too." Well, some of us are simply not that gullable. Well, I shop lots, and while I can find some boats better than my Lund, most of them are glass and cost a whole lot more than my lund. I'll say it one more time: the Tundra is on my short list of potential new boats; I simply want to wait a couple of years, to see if they're as durable as the know it alls claim it is... it's only been on the market for one year (bass and walleye boats, Jan, 2002).

DMMoore

11-05-2002, 08:41 AM

Al you have know CLUE on what you are talking about. I run a Tracker Targa and never had any problems with TRacker, the dealer or the boat. I fish Lake Erie alot. I see more Tritons and Yamaha being towed in than any other boats. I have been in the new 21 foot Tundra and there is no other boat that will compare to it. No Lund ever will come close. Going to the boat show and see these other manufatures I do not understand any thing you are saying. Like I said you have no CLUE must be wearing blinders.

Leechboy

11-05-2002, 09:52 AM

A nice Ford/chevy diversion as the snow flies...I have to say, I have run Tracker for 5 yrs now (17 targa tin) and am pleased with the boat. Had an issue with cracks in the welds on my 2000 last year and tracker sent me a new 2002 boat. They were meticulous about making sure it was a legitimate manufacturing issue, but once they were satisfied they delivered the new boat. How many other boat makers would do that for you? And don't tell me that the others don't have the problems, because I know better. FYI-I didn't purchase my boat based on price. I bought based on best value for what I considered high end fishable boats. Shop around before you buy and make an educated decision. Now back to the bashing!-lb

boat guy

11-05-2002, 10:02 AM

It is in a trade magaizine called soundings, they show all stats both in number produced and number registered, dollar wise they might be the largest due to the cost of a 16' tracker vs. a 40K ranger.

good luck deer hunting to all!

Jigging 5

11-05-2002, 10:55 AM

Its been on the market 2 years.

PTC

11-05-2002, 11:14 AM

Most of us LOVE our boats, and a few of us are unhappy with our boats. Every boat builder will have a few unhappy clients.

When I bought my boat, I considered Lund, Alumacraft, Tracker, and Crestliner. The fit/finish on all was comparable. It really came down to best layout to fit my needs, and dealer. I spent a day at a boat show going from mfg to mfg asking them to detail the differences between their boats and really did not come up with anything except rivit vs. weld.

I bought a Crestliner and have been very happy with it. If I had purchased a Lund, Alumacraft, or Tracker, I am certian that I would be equally happy with that choice as well.