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02/01/2005
TRACKER® TournamentTM V-18 All Fish: Only Serious Anglers Need Apply
Although
there are bass purists and walleye aficionados, as well as crappie, catfish and muskie specialists, many anglers like to fish for anything and everything. I'll admit to being among that group, and more than once I've muddied the carpet of a fancy bass boat with catfish slime.
Multi-purposeboats have become increasingly popular, and TRACKER®'s new Tournament™ V-18 All Fish is an excellent and economical example of a rig designed for diehard fishheads who like to chase whatever's biting.
AlthoughI was excited about its layout and obvious fishability, the rig's performance was even more surprising. The ride was extremely smooth and dry, even in choppy water. The hull's full-length stringer system dissipates and absorbs energy generated by high-output engines and the shock from wave to water action.
Boastingunique two-piece all-welded hull construction, the sides and bottom are .100 aluminum for overall ruggedness. A 17-degree deadrise hull with reverse chines and formed strakes provides good handling and a dry ride.
Therig measures 18 feet, 2 inches, with an 87-inch beam that offers exceptional fishing stability. Rated for 115 horses, my test boat was powered by a Mercury® 90 ELPTO, and though it was no water rocket, turned in a respectable 42 mph during speed runs.
Best of Both
TheAll Fish is part bass boat, part multi-species rig, and in my opinion, captures the best of both designs. Fishing positions, for example, are lower than in a typical bass boat, yet the bow area is larger than those of most deep boats. The front deck also features some gunnel height to turn back spray, but not as much as on a walleye-style boat.
Althoughthis hybridization offers many benefits for all- species anglers, there are a few drawbacks as well. The casting deck provides some height for sight-fishing and is large enough for two, but it's not friendly to flippin' and pitchin' presentations.
Atthe same time, the high bow can take on rough water, but the boat's not built to run Lake Erie to Canada.
Anotherstandout feature is the front cubbies, one on each side of the bow deck, which offer easy-to-reach storage for often-used items-small tackle trays, hook sharpeners, pliers and miscellaneous gear. They even have cup holders.
Lockablerod storage will handle 7 footers, and the two big livewells, with baitwell inserts, are equipped with aeration, recirculation and pump-out systems. The 53-inch bow well will handle any trophy cat, walleye, striper or pike.
Iliked the boat's generous underdeck, in-floor and under-seat dry storage, and its stowable 25-quart carry-on cooler.
Theconsole has full instrumentation, including speedometer, tach voltmeter and fuel gauge. A Lowrance® X47 LCR is located on the console. Two fishing chairs can be moved to the different positions. Other features include a MotorGuide® 12-volt, 52-pound-thrust trolling motor and a twin-bank on- board charger.
Thepackage features a TrailStar™ trailer with TRACKER®'s exclusive GalvaShield™ corrosion protection, retractable safety cables and a swing-away tongue.
Standardpower is a Mercury 75 ELPTO outboard, and the standard boat, motor and trailer package is an economical $15,295. Motor upgrades to 90 ($15,795) or ($17,355) are available.
Ifit has fins and swims, the new TRACKER® Tournament™ V-18 All Fish is a boat you can chase it in. In fact, it may be the best choice for a true all-species angler.
Article by Monte Burch
there are bass purists and walleye aficionados, as well as crappie, catfish and muskie specialists, many anglers like to fish for anything and everything. I'll admit to being among that group, and more than once I've muddied the carpet of a fancy bass boat with catfish slime.Multi-purpose
boats have become increasingly popular, and TRACKER®'s new Tournament™ V-18 All Fish is an excellent and economical example of a rig designed for diehard fishheads who like to chase whatever's biting.Although
I was excited about its layout and obvious fishability, the rig's performance was even more surprising. The ride was extremely smooth and dry, even in choppy water. The hull's full-length stringer system dissipates and absorbs energy generated by high-output engines and the shock from wave to water action.Boasting
unique two-piece all-welded hull construction, the sides and bottom are .100 aluminum for overall ruggedness. A 17-degree deadrise hull with reverse chines and formed strakes provides good handling and a dry ride.The
rig measures 18 feet, 2 inches, with an 87-inch beam that offers exceptional fishing stability. Rated for 115 horses, my test boat was powered by a Mercury® 90 ELPTO, and though it was no water rocket, turned in a respectable 42 mph during speed runs.Best of Both
The
All Fish is part bass boat, part multi-species rig, and in my opinion, captures the best of both designs. Fishing positions, for example, are lower than in a typical bass boat, yet the bow area is larger than those of most deep boats. The front deck also features some gunnel height to turn back spray, but not as much as on a walleye-style boat.Although
this hybridization offers many benefits for all- species anglers, there are a few drawbacks as well. The casting deck provides some height for sight-fishing and is large enough for two, but it's not friendly to flippin' and pitchin' presentations.At
the same time, the high bow can take on rough water, but the boat's not built to run Lake Erie to Canada.Another
standout feature is the front cubbies, one on each side of the bow deck, which offer easy-to-reach storage for often-used items-small tackle trays, hook sharpeners, pliers and miscellaneous gear. They even have cup holders.Lockable
rod storage will handle 7 footers, and the two big livewells, with baitwell inserts, are equipped with aeration, recirculation and pump-out systems. The 53-inch bow well will handle any trophy cat, walleye, striper or pike.I
liked the boat's generous underdeck, in-floor and under-seat dry storage, and its stowable 25-quart carry-on cooler.The
console has full instrumentation, including speedometer, tach voltmeter and fuel gauge. A Lowrance® X47 LCR is located on the console. Two fishing chairs can be moved to the different positions. Other features include a MotorGuide® 12-volt, 52-pound-thrust trolling motor and a twin-bank on- board charger.The
package features a TrailStar™ trailer with TRACKER®'s exclusive GalvaShield™ corrosion protection, retractable safety cables and a swing-away tongue.Standard
power is a Mercury 75 ELPTO outboard, and the standard boat, motor and trailer package is an economical $15,295. Motor upgrades to 90 ($15,795) or ($17,355) are available.If
it has fins and swims, the new TRACKER® Tournament™ V-18 All Fish is a boat you can chase it in. In fact, it may be the best choice for a true all-species angler.Article by Monte Burch
Reprintedcourtesy of North American Fisherman, February 2005.
courtesy of North American Fisherman, February 2005.