Thanks, and lessons learned..........

[Steve Rossi]

Thanks for all the information about the motorguide trolling motor. After it was all said and done, the batteries were wired wrong. Go figure. I guess the lessons learned since buying this boat is, never buy from, I hate to say it, Bass Pro Shop (maryland). This is just one of many problems i have had with the boat, and all have been the rigging at the dealership. The reserve oil tank cap was cracked in half, and tie strapped back together. Mercury was really impressed with that. The oil pressure and suction lines were reversed. So again, thanks for all the help. I am sure I will have many, many more questions for you all. Thank goodness for this board, because the dealers sure are no help.



Steve

 

[Bill McElroy]

Your oil tank cap was cracked in 1/2 and then tie wrapped back together???....There's just NO excuse for that crap!!

Unbelievable!!! Holler if you need any help...we'll try to get you squared away and keep you floatin'!!

Welcome aboard!!

Mac

 

[Greg Meyer]

Steve,



I know it is a pain...but, document evrything, even with pictures if possible...later on you may need some proof...memories fail or worse change on purpose.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Asinine.

 

[Alan Parker]

I also had a Nitro (188 Sport) from Bass Pro in Maryland with the trolling motor batteries wired incorrectly. I wonder what else they messed up.



I refused to take delivery on the first boat they tried to deliver. The wheels were rusted, and the seat material was badly sun faded.



I wish I had walked away and bought the boat somewhere else.

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

This kind of crap has got to change. It just goes to show the difference between employees who care and those that are there to pull a paycheck. Does anyone actually think Ken would let a boat go out his door with these type of problems? And what do you think he would do if he saw an employee using a tie wrap on an oil cap......? It starts at the top and filters down, quality and customer service = happy return customers. There's no substitute.



TOXIC

 

[Bill McElroy]

Is there ANY kind of quality control or a person that has to "inspect and sign off" on a new/repaired boat before it leaves there??..Making sure that everything works and/or was repaired correctly?!!...Man, if that's the way they fix "new" stuff that's visible,....i shudder to think what may be done on stuff that's "out of sight"....there's no excuse for that kind of stuff.....NONE!!

 

[Jan Van Bennekum]

Your not alone!!



Add me to the list of those dissatisfied with the Tracker Operation at the BPS in MD. I've been working on what appear to be very minor/simple issues (ordering parts and warrenty replacement) with them for over 4 months. In addition it took them almost 4 months for them to get the boat properly registered with the state.



I'm happy with the boat but not with the dealership. Looking to take my business elsewhere.



Jan

 

[Kevin Thach]

I've been lurking in the background on this board for quite some time now, because I had pretty much made up my mind to buy a Nitro next spring. However, as much as I enjoy coming here and reading all of the insightful, thought provoking, and sometimes very funny posts, I have to tell you guys I definitely won't be buying a Nitro.



Based on so many of your posts, it seems that there is an overabundance of problems with the products that Tracker Marine is turning out. The ones that have scared me away most are stories like this, and stories like Beep has shared.



My family has owned a couple of boats before, and I realize that ALL boats have their problems, but like I said, it seems that Trackers/Nitros have more than their fair share.



I'm planning on spending $30-40K on a boat, and I don't want to worry about some dumb@!# rigging up the trolling motor wrong, the transom cracking/separating, the livewells cracking/falling out because there isn't enough support underneath them, etc., etc.



Most of all, I don't want to have to worry about the dealer pointing fingers at the manufacturer, and vice-versa. I believe a good dealership will stand behind their product, and their reputation. If they are going to have to point fingers at the manufacturer, they shouldn't be selling the product in the first place.



Whatever I end up buying next spring, I hope you guys won't mind if I still poke my head in from time to time. I've really enjoyed coming here, and I've sure learned an awful lot.

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Boatless, there is a distinction between dealers... I have not honestly noticed any inherant "construction" flaws above what any other boat manufacturer has. The big difference is who handles your problems and how. Now I live in Virginia, run a 929 CDX and guide....I've had no problems with the boat.....zip......Now a lot of times you won't hear a lot of "I love my boat" posts because warm fuzzys don't inspire desparate calls for help on the net!! You also have to look at TOTAL sales. Tracker sells scads more boats than any other manufacturer so just by the simple numbers there's going to be more problems (do the math) and it is the problems that get yelled from the mountaintops. I'm giving you what I feel is the straight scoop......NITRO/Tracker Marine makes a quality product....flawless....no......good quality.. yes. Buy from a GOOD REPUTABLE DEALER who will stand behind you and your boat and you have got NOTHING to worry about..... NOTHING.



TOXIC

 

[Ken Neeley]

I'm gonna pass some info along to the Maryland store....stay tuned.



Steve, Alan, Janvan...e-mail me with your hull numbers please.

 

[Kevin Thach]

Toxic, I agree with you to an extent. They do turn out more boats than most manufacturers, so assuming other manufacturers have the same percentage of problems, Tracker will have more.



However, you can also say that BECAUSE Tracker turns out so many boats, they should have been better able to improve their processes, and have FEWER defects than other manufacturers. I think they are sacrificing quality for quantity. It doesn't have to be that way.

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Boatless, I don't disagree with you but any mass produced-assembly line product, be it boats, cars, or toasters is going to have certain problems. I'm sure Mac can give much better insight to that perspective than I can. Without knowing the "Real" numbers of sales vs. complaints, Triton, Ranger, ProCraft or maybe even units like Gambler, Allison and so on, might have MORE problems on a % basis. Herein lies the key------If they handle those problems quickly and efficiently, you will NEVER hear about them....think about it. Problems handled correctly actually reinforce product loyalty (college sales and marketing 101 class). So, in an abstract kinda way, problems are good----as long as you 1. don't have toooooo many and 2. you handle them correctly. It's just too bad you only hear the horror stories and not all of the happy endings..



TOXIC

 

[Ken Neeley]

Let's start a Happy Endings post...I hate reading posts like Boatless above...

 

[TrepMan]

Boatless - I'm reminded of information I got from Consumer Reports over the years. They list different vehicles repair records and even list used vehicles that you SHOULD AVOID! Well, over the years the Ford Escort (at one time the worlds best selling car) was rated in the used category as AVOID. I've personally owned 2 Escorts (my folks and in-laws 4 more) and had ZERO problems other then normal wear and tear! I've heard, when I had them, some horror stories from folks. But i've heard and read about horror stories about Ranger, Triton and other HIGH end bass boats. Would that stop me from looking at one IF I had the $$, nope!



I'm NOT a very experienced boat owner, my 175 is my first 'real' (read with a steering wheel) boat and had it for 2 1/2 years. But, I honestly believe the quality is good and the dealer makes ALL the difference. Heck, I had warranty problems with my '96 Nissan Maxima the first month I had it, and took it back to the dealer I bought it at 6 times in that month and they never fixed it (it pulled to the right). FINALY took it to another Nissan dealer, who fixed it WITH an appointment (the one I bought it from would NOT take appointments EVEN after 5 previous trips in 30 miles from my house!) and fixed it in under 30 minutes! Does that mean i'll not buy another Nissan, Nope just not from that dealer! Would I buy another Ford just because Consumer Reports said so, Nope LOVE My '96 Merc Sable wagon!! Would LOVE a Sport Trac!

 

[Bob G.]

Ok, I'll start the "Happy Endings". I have posted this info before, but I'll post it again because I am still happy with my boat.

My boat was rigged with the trolling motor reversed, but the tech fixed it on the water during the test drive after rigging. There was one other minor problem with a pinhole in one of the livewell hoses. A new hose was ordered that day and installed during the 20 hour checkup. I have just finished my third season and have not had any problems with the boat. I ordered/bought my boat through The Marine Collection in S. Burlington, VT and have had no problems with them either. They also do my winterizing each year for a reasonable fee ($75) and my motor starts up each spring.



Bob G.

 

[Kevin Thach]

 

[Kevin Thach]

Oops, itchy trigger finger.



I agree with all of you that no matter where you go you're going to have problems, and you usually only hear about the horror stories. People usually don't tell their friends when they have a good customer service experience.



If next year, I find a deal on a Nitro I can't pass up, I might consider it. However, as it stands right now, I'm pretty wary.



I appreciate everyone's input on the subject.

 

[Chad Justice]

Your story sounds familiar to me.. I lurked around here for a while when I was looking into buying an aluminum tracker... I asked for some advice about different models I'd come across and felt like I was getting a lot of negative responses from the folks around here.. Some more negative than others!! LOL!



Finally, in a post, I let fly that I could NOT believe that a Tracker 'enthusiast' forum was apparently so down on the products that they were, by default, supposed to be heralding! There was pretty much NO WAY I was buying ANY Tracker Marine product at that point!!



Next thing I know, these guys had started threads about why they loved their boats and how much enjoyment they got out of them and so on and so forth... To my surprise, the majority of people who posted to that thread said they'd had zero to minor problems with their trackers/nitros..



Eventually, I found a 1992 15.5' Astro bassboat w/ a 70HP Force, so I asked for opinions here once more.. Some folks said "too small", "too slow", "too much money" or "Force is BAD", etc.. I bought it anyway! LOL! Ya know what, though??? I couldn't be happier with it.



Oh yeah, it was only later that I discovered that Astro boats were made by Tracker Marine then, as they are now.

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Just one more thing boatless then I'm out on this thread, you say you want to spend 30-40k on your boat, how many negative posts come from boat owners with boats in that price range? You pay more and you expect more. I'm not knockin the tin boats, honest I'm not, but how many 929, or 901 owners do you see trashing NITRO? I think I saw some problems covered on a 901, and they got taken care of. Food for thought. You have to compare Tracker Tin to other tin rigs, not Triton and Ranger, Apples to Apples.



TOXIC

 

[Kevin Thach]

That's a good point Toxic. One I hadn't considered that much. Thanks again for your feedback.

 

[Texas Transplant]

Boatless,



After all is said and done, you obviously need to do what is right for you. If you buy somehting other than a Tracker or Nitro, you will still be welcome here.



After having about 5-6 different boats, both new and used, I found that my Tracker (Targa 18) has given me better quality and service than any of the others before - whether glass or tin. It has had a couple of problems, but most come under the category of basic stuff.



One of the things that would help me in making a new decision (if I trade up at some time), is the support I get from this site also. That's not at all a small consideration to make.



Tex

 

[Steven Atwell]

I run a "fancy" boat (Gambler), but would buy a comparable Nitro just as quickly for the right price. I have to trust the dealer first and foremost, that's what makes or breaks the deal. I still consider myself part of the Nitro club, I like their product, but there are shady dealers out there...............sa

 

[Jan Van Bennekum]

 

[Jan Van Bennekum]

Dang....spastic...



My happening ending..



Don't get me wrong. I am very happy with my TV-18. I shopped around before I made my purchase. The boat has lived up to all my expectations. I have totally enjoyed owning and using the boat.



My issues are with the dealership. They have not kept me from enjoying my purchase.



I certainly would recommend someone purchasing a TV-18.



Jan

 

[Steve Rossi]

My happy ending. I love the nitro. I love the engine. Not to impressed with the dealer. I guess thats the important thing to watch for when getting a boat, the servise department, and the rigging department. All in all the boat has had no manufacture problems at all. I wouldn't think of getting a different boat. Besides, my wife said, before we got the boat, I will only let you get a boat if its the red, white, and blue. So all in all I love the boat.

 

[Carlos Hathcock III]

My happy ending,

Have a Nitro and no problems on it at ALL!!!! It is even green



Carlos

 

[Mark Hofman]

Mine was rigged properly from the get-go. There have been NO, None, nada, zip structural problems. I had the livewell timer go bad, and one of the battery cable terminals was't crimped tight but both were fixed to my satisfaction.



I love my Tracker TV-18 so much, I played salesman two days ago with a couple in the Katy Texas store.



That's my happy ending story.

 

[Staci Matheis]

I'm on my second Nitro. First was a 1995 Nitro180 bought new and the second a 1994 Nitro2000 bought used. Not a single problem with either attributable to the boat - plenty to owner error! The boats and I have all survived my mistakes!



I gave Cujo a green light on his Astro 'cuz it was very similar in size, speed, price and motor to my first boat - a 15', 1973 Monark with 70 hp Evinrude. Neither Monark or Evinrude are in any way affiliated with Tracker Marine! :^)



Buy the boat that suits you best. Make sure of your dealer as well. Ken Neeley, who posted earlier, is the Manager of the Auburn Hills, Michigan BPS Marine Store. He has an excellent reputation. Bob Bourget with MarineUSA in Worchester, Massachusettes (sp?) is another. Ask about the dealer here - we'll tell you!



Then, even if you buy a Gambler..... Come on back and join in on the fun! We don't really care what kinda boat you drive - just so that you don't expect us to change the name of the site!



me!

 

[Adam Murray]

The dealer is the critical link and I'm not gonna say much more than that. My 901 is a giant, red & white, floating turd (how's that for a visual!)



If not for guys like Ken Neeley, Bob Bourget and the service manager at the local BPS, I'd probably be in Springfield right now inciting absolute bedlam and chaos!



Whatever rig you choose, find the local dealer and assess his ability to take care of your needs (which you WILL have!)