If you are a Bass Pro fan, then you have probably seen a tracker boat. Sun Tracker boats beginnings are with the company and date back to 1972, though the Sun Tracker boats have not been around since the early 80s. Sun Tracker, or Tracker boats as it is commonly referred to boasts of being a family-friendly boat manufacturing brand. Their models are intended for the leisure and cruising crowd, as well as those which want to participate in some minor water sports. The company does offer fishing pontoon boats, but it should be understood that these are more for leisure fishing than for the avid fishman/woman, as no model exceeds 27 feet (most are less than 25). That being stated, those looking for an economical solution to boating with a brand that has been established for 30+ years may want to look more in-depth at the Sun Tracker boats for sale.
Pontoons
Though the company, and review sites, tend to go a bit back and forth on the terminology for the Sun Tracker boats for sale, it should be understood that they are Pontoon manufacturers. This means that the boats are wider and flatter than the traditional boats which you would see upon the coastline. Pontoons are not intended for offshore excursions, though some of the boats may allow you to get into deeper water than the standard inshore boat. Again, keep in mind the length of the boat and weigh that against the waves and variables of the Atlantic.
Buyers should be warned, due to the boats being pontoon construction, you do have a higher risk of scrubbing the bottom of your boat when in shallow water. The logs on the Sun Tracker tend to be 24” in diameter, but they do have a No-Keel design which helps the flotation (by reducing weight) as well as minimizes the drag. The welds are around the entire circumference of the logs which do minimize the likelihood of leaks, and multichambered design ensures a failsafe flotation if there is a puncture.
Ideal Use
The ideal use of the pontoons offered by Sun Tracker manufacturing is for shallow water, the gulf, and for inshore activities. Boats such as the Party Barge fleet are specifically designed for larger parties (hence the name), with playpen areas and larger decks. There are really no cabins to the pontoons. There are areas which have a canopy which folds back on most models, but as far as a definitive design for the captain’s chair and controls, there is none. It is placed in the center of the boat and the seating is then distributed along the edges and deck to maximize the number of people who can fit upon it.
Typically, the pontoons only have one engine, though you may find some which have more. Sun Trackers are not intended to be high speed vehicles, but rather the slow stroll through the waters. They are not intended for narrow passageways either as the boats tend to be wide. Stick to the Gulf and to the coast.
Models
The Sun Tracker boats are divided into two pontoon fleets. These are the Fishing and the Recreations Pontoons. However, if you were to go to a Bass Pro Shop or contact the company directly, it is quite unlikely that they would have them separated (it is only so on the website). The boats which are best for family fishing include the Bass Buggy 16 DLX, Bass Buggy 16 DLX ET, Bass Buggy 18 DLX, the Fishing Bare 20 ,22, or 24 DLX, and the Fishing Barge 22 or 24 XP3. Recreational Sun Tracker boats for sale include the Party Barge 18, 20, 22 and 24 DLX. It also includes the Party Barge 22 XP3 and 24 XP3.
Those seeking Fishing Pontoons should note that there are no rod holders and bait boxes on most of the models. You may find some customization of the Sun Trackers to have such, especially in the newer models, but as a general rule, they are exempt from such features. The main difference between the Recreational and the Fishing Pontoons is the switch from bar seating to captain’s chairs, though there are a few other features which differ.
Want to know more about Sun Tracker?
If you wish to see some Sun Tracker boats for sale, then head down to your nearest Bass Pro Shop, they are sure to have some on sale. However, if you are looking for a pre-owned, cheaper alternative to buying new, then browse our selection of Sun Tracker boats. Vessel Vendor also has an extensive amount of boat reviews and information on the various pontoon boats for sale by Sun Tracker. Should you have any inquires about this or any other brand which is offered by Vessel Vendor please contact them directly.
