kegman1

I'm not sure how others do it but when i'm loading my boat, i like to use the outboard to get it up on the trailer as far as possible so i don't have to crank the winch as much. When i do this, i always trim the motor up to where the de-aeration plate (?) is just below the surface. This also assures me the motor is up enough before we pull it out.

to answer the first question - anything over 40 lb thrust should be sufficient. As far as the MK Powerdrives, they are very functional and easy to operate (I've had a couple). My fishin' buddy has owned several and loves them on his 16' alumacraft. The only drawback with them is the powerdrive unit will wear out and depending on usage, could be as soon as 2 years. The last pd unit I replaced costs $100. My buddy has gone through them that fast but he fishes 4-5 days a week. The cable operated ones definately last longer but do not turn as smoothly IMOH. I currently have 55 lb All Terrain and it gets the job done on my 17.5 footer.

RM_Bassman - I searched extensively this past winter for an aluminum bass boat. I'll admit the trackers have come a long way in the last 3-5 years (mostly hull construction) but i still think they fall short in overall fit and finish. In my experience, I found the best quality/price in the products made by G3 and Xpress. I don't think you'd be dissappointed with the tracker but it definately pays to shop around.

Fishrman - If your from SE Iowa, you're not too far away from a good smallie spot (from what I hear). It's Powerton Lake in Pekin Illinois. I've never been there myself but i've friends that fish it alot. You can get on it as early as Feb. because it's a lake used to cool a power plant. Look it up.

Hello All: I am new to this forum and noticed this posting so I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. I recently purchased a '99 Skeeter SX-17 which is really a G3 175. It has a '01 Merc 75 on it. The boat itself had not previously seen the best of care but it has suprisingly held together very well. None of the carpet has come apart and the only interior flaw is the vinyl has split at the top of the bench seat. It is not fully welded but its only rivets are above the waterline. It is a well put together boat. I was recently at a Tracker dealer and notice immediately some of the carpet seams and ends looked like they would come apart very soon. I've seen my exact boat (with different outboard) go for arount $6500 - $7000. Because mine needed some cleanup and the livewell and seat needed fixed, I got mine for $4500. I am really very happy with the boats performance and overall quality.