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Building a Boat For Bowfishing

Fishing Bow Buying Tips

•The Grizzly jon boat is flat-bottomed for superior stability during the chaos of a successful shoot. There’s space enough in it for several shooters to safely draw, release and retrieve the arrow.

•The shooting deck gives a vantage point to see farther and deep into the water. It’s removable for fishing or waterfowl hunting.

•Lights surround the deck to illuminate the whole waterway and fish below. LEDs operate on 12 volts and are safer for boaters to maintain than AC current.

•A gas-powered generator to run a 12-volt charger is essential to keep lights lit.

•Easy-to-clean, nonskid decking, like this dense foam surface, quiets footsteps whether fishing, bowfishing or duck hunting.

•The foot-operated trolling motor is silent to sneak up on fish. A 24- to 36-volt system is required, and electronic pedal steering is essential to keep the bow hands-free.

•Rod holders, arrow quivers and cold-drink holders keep essentials in easy reach.

The post The Making of a Bowfishing Boat appeared first on Boating Mag.

Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW

Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW

Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW

Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW

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Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW

Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW

Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW

Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW

Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW

Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW

Tracker’s Pro Team 175 TXW has been the company’s best-selling bass boat for years, and it’s banking on raising the bar on that number with the all-new 2014 model. How? A brand-new factory in which to build a fully featured, top-shelf aluminum boat for a price comfortable to most family budgets.

The new Pro Team 175 TXW is powder-coated, not painted. Tracker calls it Diamond Coat for its tough brilliance. The durable finishing process, applying color and clear-coat to the entire hull for a deep and durable shine, is practical only to a builder of Tracker’s scale. It also is a nod to the environment, reducing to nearly zero volatile organic compound emissions.

Our test boat was equipped with a quiet, economical Mercury 60 hp four-stroke outboard (our only option) on a stepped transom for added efficiency. The rig made 7 miles per gallon even at wide-open-throttle speed of 35 miles per hour. At that rate, a 21-gallon tank can keep anglers fishing two or three days. The all-welded hull is solid and in our tests was comfortable in light wind chop or when crossing others’ wakes. Its shallow draft assures anglers can get to the honey holes deep into the creeks and flats.

A full quiver of standard features gives all that’s necessary to pursue any angler’s species of choice. For tournament anglers, a central locker can secure rods or tackle or a combination of both. A dividable livewell has a powerful aeration system to keep the catch alive. For walleye and crappie anglers, the forward 19-gallon livewell features a bait bucket holder. The livewell is powered by 500 gph pumps, on timers for convenience.

Just as on the full-size bass boats, Tracker recesses the standard 12-volt Minn Kota trolling motor pedal for comfort and to reduce fatigue. A tool and drink holder fits ahead of it, and a trim switch for the motor allows adjustments when demanded.

For comfort, the cockpit has three-across seating with two bucket seats and a center jump seat that folds down, offering an easy step to the aft platform. The driver console is suspended from the gunwale and foredeck bulkhead, making it easy to slip your legs beneath.

The Pro Team 175 TXW has many competitors in its category but few that offer this complete package of power, equipment and durable good looks as standard equipment.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Brilliant powder-coating colors are corrosion resistant.
*Custom trailer has E-Z Lube bearings, radial tires and swing-away tongue.

Specs
LOA: 17’7″
Beam: 7’5″
Dry Weight: 993 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 4/555 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 21 gal.

How We Tested
Engine: 60 hp Mercury 60 4-stroke EFI
Drive/Prop: Outboard/103/8″ x 14″ 3-blade aluminum
Gear Ratio: 1.83:1
Fuel Load: 15 gal.
Crew Weight: 235 lb.

Price
$17,020 (with test power, plus freight, destination charges)

Contact
Tracker Boats
Springfield, Missouri; 417-873-4555; trackerboats.com

The post Bass Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW appeared first on Boating Mag.

The driver’s console leaves room on the centerline for a large in-deck rod locker, capable of handling six to eight casting rods. (A dual-console version with walk-through windshield is also available.) Storage abounds in a variety of side and in-deck lockers. There are two aerated livewells: a 19-gallon in-deck well forward and a 28- gallon variety aft. An optional fishing package ($400) adds a Minn Kota trolling motor, Lowrance Xs1 fish finder and a dedicated Interstate trolling battery with onboard charger.

The Pro Guide V-175 shares the same hull design and construction as the company’s Targa models and provides the same roughwater capabilities. This rugged pedigree begins with a two-piece, all-welded hull and a beefy 25-inch aluminum transom designed to absorb the forces of rough water and to support a kicker motor. To further reinforce the hull, Tracker utilizes full-length longitudinal stringers supplemented with substantial grid-style cross members.

Though passengers in an open boat will never have the same protection that a full windshield can provide, the 175’s sharp bow and spray chine did tame spray in our choppy conditions. Though it carries a good deal of deadrise, the hull provides enough lift to operate efficiently with a midsize engine. Powered by a 90 hp twostroke, it came on plane at half throttle and topped out just under 40 mph.

Extra Points
• The center rod locker will accommodate rods of up to eight feet in length.
• The hull’s reverse chines enhance stability and knock down spray for a dry ride.
• Fishing chairs can be placed in five positions to accommodate all manner of casting, drifting and trolling setups.
• In-deck storage lockers feature aluminum lids for greater strength and durability.

Test Drive * Test Engine: Mercury 90 HP Optimax * Test Prop: 13″ X 9″ aluminum * Test Load: People (400 LB.) Fuel (21 GAL.) * Top Speed: 39.4 MPH @ 5,600 RPM * Time to Plane: 3.8 sec. * Time to 30 MPH: 7.8 sec * Most Economical Cruise Speed: 20.5 MPH @ 3,250 RPM, 2.6 GPH Vital Stats * Length Overall: 17’3″ * Beam: 8’5″ * Seating/Weight Capacity: 5/760 LB. * Fuel Capacity: 28 GAL. * Max HP: 135 * MSRP: $18,595 ( as tested, plus freight and prep) * NMMA Certified: Yes

The post Tracker Pro Guide V-175 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Tracker has gone to great lengths to make the Avalanche standout among aluminum or fiberglass boats. Take the five-step paintingprocess. Each Avalanche gets an acid bath to eliminate impurities.Then it’s etched and given a vinyl undercoat before the paintis baked on — the same process car companies use. A clear-coat isadded to that.

The interior is different, too, with high gunwales in thecockpit. The depth provides a secure ride at 60 mph, but itdoesn’t impose on casting. That’s because the 96-inchbeam (as opposed to the typical 89-inch beam) allows monstrous bowand stern casting platforms — among the biggest in the 18-footclass. It also allows for a divided livewell aft. The livewellrecirculates with a switch on the dash, and the water isautomatically replaced every three to four minutes.

Conveniences like a dash-mounted Humminbird fish finder, a67-pound-thrust Motorguide trolling motor and removable tackletrays are all standard. The dash isn’t skimpy either, with avoltmeter and water-pressure gauge in addition to fullinstrumentation.

It’s a thrill to pop onto pad and pass other boaters inthis red rocket. We had the Avalanche trimmed and the throttlemaxed at 5,600 rpm. It was windy and the lake was moderately rough,so 63 mph was legit with 150 horses. The number we still find hardto believe is 20,645 — dollars, that is. That’s the packageprice, and it includes a matching trailer with disk surge brakesand chrome wheels.

Final Take: Adrenaline rush from first glance

We Also Like …

1. Two deep rod lockers flank the bow, with rod straps on deckfor security on the fly.

2. Cooler built into the bow step drains to the bilge.

3. Rub rails are exceptionally thick and sturdy to preventdings.

4. Glove box is built into the bow platform in front of thepassenger seat.

5. Rod straps aft on the port side.

6. Stainless-steel grab handle for passenger will get used.

DETAILS

Length Overall: 18’2”

Beam: 8’

Dry Weight: 1,370 lb. (w/out motor)

Seating/Weight Capacity: 5/995 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 41 gal.

Max HP: 175

MSRP (test boat): $20,645 (not including freight andrigging)

Contact: 417-873-5900

PERFORMANCE

Test Engine: Mercury 150 XR6

Test Prop: 14.675 x 23 ventilated, stainless steel

Test Load: Fuel (11 gal.); People (190 lb.)

Top Speed: 63.0 MPH @ 5,600 RPM

Time to Plane: 2.0 sec.

Time to 30 MPH: 5.9 sec.

Minimum Planing Speed: 22.0 MPH @ 2,400 RPM

Noise at Idle: 59 db

Noise at 30 MPH: 80 db

Cruise Stats: 86 db; 46.1 MPH @ 4,200 RPM

POWER CURVE

RPM MPH

600 3.5

1,000 5.6

1,500 7.1

2,000 9.5

2,500 23.0

3,000 30.2

3,500 35.5

4,000 42.8

4,500 48.4

5,000 52.6

5,500 60.9

5,600 63.0

The post Tracker Avalanche 18 SC appeared first on Boating Mag.

Boaters, being no fans of change and used to the curves of wood and fiberglass, snub boxy aluminum boats because they look…well, boxy. One friend calls them floating industrial refrigerators. Our complaints have been justified in the past, but now there’s a new kid in town.

At a recent BOATING boat test rally, we came across Tracker Marine’s Tundra 18 (“Multiple Personalities,” April). It’s an aluminum alloy, deep-V multispecies fishboat that even up close looks as smooth as glass. How did it pull off this deception? We talked with the folks at Tracker Marine to find out.

Forming an Opinion. The Tundra’s hull-two bottoms, two sides, and, of course, a transom-is welded together. No big surprise. What’s interesting is that Tracker builds its boats using a process called stretch forming, which is similar to the way some aircraft and high-end automobiles are made. This is different from the more common method of fitting one flat sheet to another to form a predetermined shape. Stretch forming works by using robotic tooling and a high-grade 6000 series aluminum alloy. With these tools, hull-plating sheets are stretched around a mold to achieve desired curvature. This mold can be made of concrete, steel, fiberglass, or a combination thereof. So what are the practical applications? The advantages of stretch forming become clear when we examine the hullform, structural integrity, and appearance of the finished product.

Hull-abaloo. The stretch-forming process allows strakes and a pad to be formed into the aluminum sheet rather than being welded onto its surface. Welding causes heat distortion to the hull surface and results in a loss of hydrodynamic efficiency. The bow is positively affected during stretch forming. Because deep bow sections with reversed chines are incorporated with stretch-formed parts, these sections allow a sharper entry (more V in the keel and stem). Reversed chines deflect spray and air down, under, and away from the boat. The results? A drier ride. Lastly, the stepped, stretch-formed transom maximizes efficiency of the engine and trim.

Strong Arm Tactics. Aluminum boats are known for their strength. “Work hardening” of the aluminum skin during the stretch-forming process, especially in the areas of the deepest contours, yields even more strength than other building techniques. As marine alloy is stretched, bent, or pressed, the molecular structure aligns so that the pounds per square inch (psi) increases. The shapes that are stretch formed into the bottom, sides, bow, and transom provide stiffness to all areas.

If Looks Could Thrill. Check out the Tundra 18. Run your hand over it. Move in closer. It looks and feels like fiberglass. Stretch forming gives the boat its curves, but what about its finish? Tracker uses an automotive paint process. After completion of the hull and prior to the assembly of the interior, a high-grade acrylic polyester enamel-modified for scuff resistance-is baked on. The shell cooks at 180 degrees for 40 minutes, resulting in an excellent finish. Add to that the thick, heavy-duty rubrail, and it’s easy to think you’re looking at a boat made of fiberglass.

The post Easy to be Hard appeared first on Boating Mag.