Who owns a 2003 Targa 17? Do you like it?

[Jigtoss]

Do you own this boat? How have you liked it? Has it stood up to pounding in rough water? Any signs of damage? I'd like your thoughts to help me decide if I buy one. I like the layout and price, but durability will be key for me. Thanks

[polak 19d]

I own a 2002 Targa 17 WT with a 90hp 2 stroke motor, I had it since jan. and wish I would have gotten the 4 stroke maxed out with a 150 hp on this boat. I use it on the smaller lakes here in Kuntucky with no problems, such as Green river and Cumberland, and have almost talked myself into going to Erie on a calm day.I also hit the Ohio river when the sauger start to run. WOT is 39MPH(GPS)with a 3 blade alluminum prop.13 3/4x 15. I can only get the motor down to 3 mph so if you plan on trooling like I do you might want to get a kicker.For now I just pull a sock but it plays h%$# on boat control.If I were you I would definitly upgrade the electronics it comes with a hummingbird 162 I believe.
Other then a leak I need them to check out, I'm happy with it for what it is. Although I wish I could afford a Tundra 21.

[remo]

i have a 2003 Targa 17 w/t with a 60 4-efi.i love this boat.If you dont haul ski or tubes the 60 is good enough.i hit 32 w/2 people and gear and can troll down to 1.2mph.There great boats with a great ride



Remo

[mark35]

I have a 2003 18 wt , I really enjoy it . Have 90hp merc 2 stroke,I do wish I went more HP and 4 stroke. Boat handles fine.
Only problem I have is the bow bounces up and down on trailer. Going to have to put a tie down from eye to trailer.
I also heard they changed the layout for 2004, anyone else hear anything.

good luck Mark

[Night Stalker]

If you can afford it go to the Tundra 21' You wont have to buy another boat and you can go out any where. I had mine out in 5-7 foot waves in the saginaw bay and it handled it a little scary though

[firebird]

Here's what I heard from Tracker. I am looking at moving to a Targa. This is for the Walk-through. I am waiting to see one in person.

New colors and graphics
Lowrance X37
new upholstry
Aft 3 across sitting
removable bow platform
extended beam
toe kick
floor side recess for better drainage
new retractable safty cables on trailer
new styleswing-away trailer tongue

[HaleDamage]

Got a 03 Targa 18sc with a 115hp 4stroke-- Great ride -- Like any big deep V -- the wind can move you -- As far as the bow bouncing while trailering -- Make sure the bow eyelet is touching the rubber roller.. every now and then -- I will have to refloat the boat because the wife did not "crank " it up far enough... Had to play with the prop -- went from a 21"p to a 17"p. -- Get 42mph(gps) at 5600 rpms. Great on gas -- 80 miles -- 11-13 gal. SS prop next..
I have seen the new 04 Targas at the dealer here in KC-- It's more of sport / ski / fish boat. Don't care for the new lay out of the 04 as well as the 03.
Would of liked of gotten a Tundra but about $10K to $15K more plus my 01 full size chev with a 6 cyl -- would not pull a Tundra 21-- So another $20k + for a new truck. It took me 30+ years to get a boat --I know the wife would of had a fit if I tried to spend the extra$$$.
A 150hp would be nice on the days I have 4 of us -- 40gal gas-- both live wells full --- could use the extra power.
Just some minnor cliches so far -- TEST DRIVE before you buy....
Good luck

[firebird]

HD, did they keep the rod storage in the front floor? That is what was pushing me to that boat. Do you think the back deck will be workable as a casting platform with the jump seats?

Thanks

[HaleDamage]

firebird
The 04 Targa I saw did not have the rod storage-- the front fishing platform is retractable-- Hard to explain-- Someone say this may be the Targa Sport model???? The rear casting platform opens into a seat for 3--- So it looks like you can seat 7-- plus some in the front with the retracted platform????-----Glad I bought the 03--
Good Luck HaleDamage

[firebird]

My dealer said there is a sport model, I just don't know if there is a WT that is not a sport model. He wasn't sure either. Will continue to wait to see something in person or their web site updated. Tracker said it should be up sometime in November. Thanks for the info.