Mirrocraft vs. Tracker

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wrk2fish

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1/21/12 4:11 PM CST

Can anyone speak to the durability and quality differences between Mirrocraft and Tracker? I am looking at a 17.5 ft Mirrocraft, Holiday Series with a 115 Evinrude Etech. For the same money I can get a 19.1 ft Tracker Targa with a 150 Murcery Optimax. The Mirrocraft from what I can tell is a better built boat, however that comes from reading allot of sales jargon. I would like to say it's a no brainer and go with the extra length and width, but I am more concerned with quality, handling and durability. I want this thing to last a long time as it will be taken good care of and used often on pretty big water. Thanks for all input!

[This post was last edited on 1/22/12 at 1:16 PM]

takeme2dwalleye

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1/26/12 4:46 PM CST

This is biased but I sell Tracker; they are vastly improved over the boats that were produced back in the '90's....PM me if you wish, as I have pics from the factory that go into detail on their overall construction. For getting a turnkey package at a value conscious price they are tough to beat!! If you live near the IL/WI border, plan a trip to see us we are a full service dealer on the Fox Chain of Lakes.....

"Walleye"

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wrk2fish

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1/23/12 7:32 PM CST

Thanks for all of the great info!! Depending on what gets worked out, I will go with the Tracker. Looking forward to a great year on the water!

[This post was last edited on 1/23/12 at 7:34 PM]

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leopolis32

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1/23/12 4:39 PM CST

The new trackers are a very nice boat. alum. in the transom. I have had both. I would go with the tracker all day. no comparison. Yes 6 years ago I would have not got a tracker but today they make a great boat.

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Storm Chaser

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1/23/12 1:52 PM CST

I own a 2004 Targa Tracker 18' with a 115 Mercury 4 stroke and I have had no trouble. I'm not fond of the trailer they have but the price difference between a Tracker and a Lund I had to go with the Tracker. I agree other boats may be better but there is nothing wrong with my Tracker plus the money I saved. I enjoy the extra room over a 16 footer and the ride is nice and dry. As far as motors go both are good products. IMO I would go with the Tracker and the bigger motor. If you have any questions PM me and I'll help you out as much as I can.

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bassaddic

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1/23/12 1:27 PM CST

my dad has a 1994 tracker, no problems other than people hitting the trailer at the ramp

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KJGMH

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1/23/12 12:50 PM CST

Tracker quality has come a long way in the last 5-6 years. I would have no problem buying a new Tracker.

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wrk2fish

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1/22/12 12:58 PM CST

I understand that their are much better boats out there but price point being a factor I have settled on these two options. I really appreciate all the comments and facts. Especially the reasons for the opinions. Tough problem to have on a cold January day I know. I am trying to decide if their is enough quality difference to give up 1.6 ft in length, 9 inches in width and extra HP. Thank you to all that have commented!

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muskyschlott

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1/22/12 10:24 AM CST

i agree with scott, had a tracker pro angler v16 for my first boat. it was ok but a lot of little naging issues, such as leaky rivets, lack of storage, way under powered, and a crapy trailer. it was alrite for a starter boat, but i would go with the mirro. or if its an option, look at the lunds and crestliners. there more money but i think they are the best 2 boat manufactuers.

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Tool Time

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1/22/12 10:22 AM CST

I agree with Scott. Buy the WI made product!!

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Scott F

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1/22/12 9:22 AM CST

There is a reason Tracker boats are the least expensive boats on the market. Just remember, you get what you pay for.

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MileMark_714

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1/21/12 11:02 PM CST

I would say a horse a piece.But I would make sure the dealer is also highly rated.You could have the best rated boat/motor,but a crappy dealer can make it bad.

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mkjo

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1/21/12 10:17 PM CST

I have a 2007 Tracker V16 pro guide (similar hull design to the Targa) and have not had a single problem with it. I know that some of the older Tracker models had problems with transoms coming apart due to lack of proper reinforcement. But Tracker appears to have straightened that out.

I have never owned a Mirro, but having looked at some, I thought the Tracker was better built (IMO). I like the welded, deep-v aluminums. Mine is light enough that I can unload/load at the crappiest landings by myself. The deep-v keeps me dry out on the bay and, when the weather is favourable, out on lake michigan.

I would not hesitate to buy another Tracker if I were shopping for a boat. The only thing I would have done different was have the max hp motor put on it. Tracker's advertised prices are for rigs that are under-powered, just to keep the price down. Better just to pay the extra cost right from the beginning and put on the biggest motor you can.