The Tracker brand is famous throughout the country for its bass fishing models as well as its Sun Tracker line of pontoon boats. The bass angle of the company came about first, back in 1978. Included in the Bass Pro catalog, the Tracker Bass Tracker was revolutionary at the time for being the first complete package for the angler looking for a craft to take out on the water. In those days, people bought hulls, engines, trolling motors, electronics and trailers separately. The new concept was a huge success, and people came from all over the United States to take delivery of its package boat from Bass Pro.
Sun Tracker pontoons soon followed, and you can bet that same spirit of innovation is prominent in these boats as well. Sun Tracker pontoon boats are known the world over for their great value. In fact, they have been the number one sellers for decades. The versatile lineup includes several models equipped for the fishing family, and all of them include many popular features. Sun Tracker boats are built on a platform deck designed to deliver more usable space, thanks to the unique extended motor pod, which sets the motor further back so it does not encroach on the deck.
"Our boats have many features designed for the multi-generation family, including double-latched gates which open inward, wheelchair access to the deck, movable tables, changing rooms, extended bimini tops, comfortable couches and extensive storage, just to name a few," says Steve Mason, product development manager for Tracker.
Two Choices
Tracker knows some boaters are dedicated to fish, fish and more fish, while others prefer to enjoy fish, fish and cruise, or maybe fish, cruise and cruise. For those in search of the big one, Sun Tracker offers the Fishin' Barge 21, a terrific and versatile fishing machine, sure to please anyone with a fishing rod.
And if you want to take a little off the trout aspect, there's the Party Barge 22 Sport Fish, with plenty of amenities to host a fishing trip in the morning and a family get-together that night.
Fishin' Barge 21
"The Fishin' Barge 21 is the best-selling pontoon in our lineup," Mason says. He went on to explainthat the model is especially popular among families with small children, and it's easy to see why, with the extra stability and high rails afforded by a 'toon. With a maximum passenger capacity of 11, you never have to turn down anyone who wants to join you on that early-morning excursion, and if you want to give fishing lessons en masse, this is the way to do it.
New for 2011 is a wider 8-foot, 6-inch beam for expanded floor area, as well as a redesigned aft fishing platform, which now sports a new non-skid surface and includes two fold-down fishing chairs (with pinchless hinges), a larger livewell and storage compartment (cushion tops included) and two rod holders and cup holders. The fishing seat bases even have new, more secure screw-in design. If ever there was a time to go fishing with a buddy, now is it.
This model includes not one, but two livewells; one is located on the bow port side and is 8 gallons, while the new and improved aft livewell holds 16 gallons and includes a bait well insert.
Storage abounds in the Fishin' Barge 21, with places to store your gear under the seats, a rod box at the aft (for rods up to 7.5 feet in length) and locking armrest storage.
Tack on a fish package that includes a Lowrance X50 DS LCG fish finder and MotorGuide W55 Wireless Series 12-volt, 55-pound thrust trolling motor (with remote), and you have yourself one serious fishing boat which even the serious anglers in the family will appreciate.
Party Barge 22 Sport Fish
"The upscale Regency Edition Party Barge 22 Sport Fish appeals to many people who want to add more friends and family to their fishing expeditions," Mason adds.
The Sport Fish includes many family-friendly features such as the oversized swiveling fishing chairs up front and lounges throughout that are lockable for secure storage.
A movable table was designed specifically to serve food or play games on, with options to install it at the aft or the bow. Floor-level drink holders and LED courtesy lights throughout add to a festive atmosphere people will remember.
The console includes a fiberglass-reinforced console with tinted windscreen, drink holders and small items tray. You'll enjoy the hydraulic tilt steering, and the deluxe sport steering wheel with burlwood accents is sure to gain some attention. A multifunction gauge with tachometer, voltmeter, fuel gauge, water pressure and trim gauge give you the information you need at a glance, while the Lowrance 3500 digital depth finder shows what's in the water blow.
The 2011 model includes a new upgraded water-resistant AM/FM/CD stereo (Sirius Satellite ready with available optional receiver and subscription) with MP3 jack and four directional speakers, as well as rocker switches and below-console storage space that is large enough for a cooler.
Parting Thoughts
"Sun Tracker, like all the boats in the Tracker Marine family, are sold with nationally advertised `No Haggle No Hassle pricing,'" says Mason. "Every customer, not just the best negotiators, gets a great deal every day."
In addition, the Party Barge models are especially attractive right now, as select models are eligible for discounts that can bring the final price down by as much as $1,000.
For more information on Sun Tracker pontoon boats, visit www.suntrackerboats.com.
