Tuffy compared to Tracker Tundra

[TheRookie]

I have a 4 year old Tuffy Renegade 1860. I love the boat, but I am looking to move to a larger boat - I would have liked to move up to Tuffy Osprey 1990, but my sense is that Tuffy is a dying boat company. Hardly any representation in the boat shows, many of their reps and Pro's have left. Over the past year, I have called Tuffy for a number of warranty and other misc things - leave voicemails, and never get a response. Also - I noticed a posting on this site that showed boat representation in the major tournaments, Tracker was the 3rd highest with 8, and Tuffy only had one! Tracker seems to be doing a lot of promotions for their boats - unlike Tuffy. That makes me feel like I would get a little more attention if I need it.

So - I am planning to spend '04 fishing in my Tuffy and checking out a good boat to upgrade to this fall. I saw the Tracker Tundra 21 Fishing Team Special Edition - and it looked great. Can anyone compare the performance of a Tuffy Osprey 1990 to the Tundra? I am a little nervous going from a nice riding glass boat to aluminum.

In the past, I would compete in 1-2 smaller/regional tournaments, but this year I am looking to get a little more serious and looking at the RCL League (MN and/or SD) and getting into the Leech Lake Classic - to get a little more tournament experience. A bigger boat would be much more comfortable on Leech when you need to go 5 miles over 3-4 foot waves.

Thanks for your help!

The Rookie
krucut@charter.net
651.329.3233

[OOC]

I am a Tuffy owner and have always been quite satisfied with their service.This may be the first negative comment I've heard about Tuffy Boats.Any problems I've had with my boat,all due to operator error,were handled professionally.Actually,quite a bit of operator inducted damage was repaired at no charge.I,too,wished Tuffy did more to promote it's boats but I don't think it's a dying company just because it chooses not to spend big advertising dollars.I'm sure Firedome's pockets aren't as deep as Trackers',Genmars',etc.

[tly]

Check with 'the democrat' or 'patriot' who is an avowed Tuffy owner and has researched most boats very carefully

TLY

[Todd_NE]

Tuffy is one of the boats I've never been in so I can't comment. The guys that I've met that have them love them.

I run a 21 Team Tundra and couldn't be happier with the ride, performance, storage, looks, layout, dryness. Can't say there is much to complain about except all the extra time it takes showing it to people at bait shops, motels, ramps, etc. It really is a head turner. Met a lot of people since I've gotten it!

The graphite color does keep you on your toes cleaning wise.

Todd - Tracker staffer
Oh yeah... I stuck her good... Feel that head shake...