Tracker Pro-Guide V-175 SC

Tracker Pro-Guide V-175 SC Review | Australia's Greatest Fishing Boats 2017

Some local aluminium boat manufacturers should be quaking in their socks at the sight of the latest imports from New Zealand and the US. In 2014 Crestliner opened our eyes to a new way of thinking about alloy boat construction, producing a package so well finished, so practical and with such ride quality we honestly thought it would be the standard for many years to come. The results bore out our thinking, the Yanks taking out AGB 2014 and 2015 Aluminium Fishing Boats category ahead of larger and pricier boats.

Roll on a few years and the Yanks are back with an even better boat from mammoth manufacturer Tracker. This simply rocked our world and had us all questioning the basics of hull design and construction. These boats have broken the mould and set the bar to an amazing new level. By traditional standards, big wide-bodied boats like this shouldn’t perform anywhere near as well as the Tracker Pro-Guide V-175 SC does.

The Tracker Pro-Guide V-175 SC features a fully welded hull supported by exceptionally strong underfloor frames including fully welded bulkheads, stringer, transom and gunwales. All underfloor cavities that aren’t used for livebait tanks, rod and general storage are foam filled, adding a solid yet safe and quiet backbone to the hull. This construction allows Tracker to back the V-175 with a limited lifetime hull warranty. That’s putting your money where your mouth is!

Make no mistake; this is a tournament quality boat with exceptional family credentials. Kevin Smith said: “An alloy boat that easily competes with some of the best fibreglass bass/tournament boats on the market,” while editor Tim added: “Triple lockers, twin livebait tanks and twin casting decks – it’s a fishing boat alright!” and Steve Starling exclaimed: “Amazing turnkey package!”

The Tracker Pro-Guide V-175 SC has a sharp blend of colours and textures coming together into a most alluring package. There are big casting platforms front and rear as well as a rod locker down the port side, deluxe swivel pedestal seating with a number of base mounts for versatility, and a neat side console that delivers the premium feel of a very fast sports machine.

Yet performance is more important than looks. The hull forms a sharp peak at the bow, with a very sharp entry to help cut the chop. The 20° deadrise creates an insanely soft ride when combined with 3mm bottom sheets and large reverse chines that boost the hull lift and keep the V-175 running on a straight, even keel even at high speed.

Meanwhile, internal space is impressive due to the wide beam and narrow Versa Track extrusions that allow a big range customised bolt-on accessories.

John Ford was gobsmacked: “Storage systems are a winner for fishos. Very well thought-out design,” while Tim loved “the low seats and the low centre of gravity they provide” and Jo piped in with: “Honest tinnie for tournament purposes, with ‘rev head’ dials as standard. Cool floor material which I hadn’t seen before.”

Tracker Pro-Guide V-175 SC specs

Tracker Pro-Guide V-175 SC price: $$49,000

Price as tested

OPTIONS FITTED

Factory storage cover, VersaTrack accessories, engine upgrade

GENERAL

MATERIAL Marine-grade alloy

TYPE Monohull side console

LENGTH 5.18m

BEAM 2.46m

BMT WEIGHT 2000kg (approx.)

FUEL 80L

ENGINE Mercury 115hp FourStroke outboard motor

Tracker Pro-Guide V-175 SC rating: 86.7/100