I bought a Tracker ProDeep V-16 in 2000 from Clarks Landing prior to them being bought by MarineMax. Last fall I went in and wanted to trade-in for a new 2004 PT-175 but the trade-in was too low because of the 9.9 4-stroke.
In March, after I sold the boat privately, I went back in and wanted to upgrade the TM to the 54lb that Tracker offered as an upgrade. They wouldn't do it.
I called Northeast Marine in Blakely PA and not only would they upgrade to an 82lb digital tour, they did it for the exact difference between the two motors for a 100% trade-in credit. Dealing with them was a pleasure and worth the 6 hours of total drive time.
My previous dealings with MarineMax service were all positive including a replacement head on the 9.9. Their service dept is first rate and their decision not to allow upgrades from Tracker is based on their experiences with Tracker so I have no bad feelings what-so-ever. BUT, I wanted the better motor.
Yes, I am the bow storage guy. I had originally put two 82lb group 31's in the front but the boat nosed down. When I cut the electric, the boat would spin around like a bumper car. They kids liked it but I didn't. Luckily, I never physically modified the boat because I wedged a 3/4 plywood in the compartment first and all the attachments were to the plywood.
I ended up placing one battery in each of the rear storage bins. I never planned on using the bins for lure storage because I always plan to be up front. The batts fit perfectly after removing the molded tray. Fished new 6AWG down thru the drain ports in liquid tight conduit and then up around to the bow.
Fished all day Saturday in Swartswood in 30 mph winds and came back with 12.22v each battery, between 50-60% depending on whose voltage chart you use.
I had changed the Pro-43 motorguide that came with my old DeepV16 with a 74lb Maxxum. BUT, I could only get three 24's in the batt storage compartment on that boat which wasn't enough. Even had to paddle back once in Swartswood.
The PT175 bins look like they were made for batteries. I would have never even considered it if it weren't for the guys on this board offering advice.