I am going to be fishing the waters around Northern VA - Upper & Tidal Potomac, Occoquon River/Bay, Lake Anna, with occasional trips to Gaston/Buggs, maybe the tidal rivers near Williamsburg too... I have been looking at a Tracker 175 TXW, but am beginning to worry that it won't be a big enough boat for those waters, especially the Tidal Potomac... Should I wait another year until I can afford something larger, or will the Tracker be capable?  I guess waiting a while wouldn't hurt, would very much like a Mako 18 LTS...

All of those places you listed are on our club schedule and we have several guys with 16' and 17' AL boats that get around just fine.  On the larger bodies of water they are somewhat limited in range and can be limited by weather, but they don't stay home and they all catch fish .  As long as you don't try to cross the main river on a day the wind is blowing hard you'll be fine.  Should be a great boat for this area.

 

I agree with Logan.

What you may want to consider is if you will ever fish river systems or maybe places like Briery, that place is full of tooth picks, an aluminum boat would fair much better against the dangers of a place like that, a glass boat, not so much, while both boats have their advantages and both are very good rides, there are many other things to consider too, draft, weight, (can your current vehicle tow either) fuel costs, yearly costs in taxes and maintainence as well as insurance.

Not sure if you have had the boaters safety course yet but it is needed, make sure above all else that you are ready for any maritime emergency, and never, NEVER, forget to put the plug in  

Proper docking and launching procedures should be practiced, if you have never backed a trailer before I would also suggest going to an empty parking lot and practicing putting it in between the lines from various angles, that really helps, make sure you are always calm, and always think ahead, think of others before you approach another craft, you may be in the right but there are a lot, A L O T of dumba$$es out there !!

Best of luck and let us know which one you choose !!!!

PS: With pics please, we like pictures ?

Awesome news fellas, thanks for the advice, 175 TXW here I come. 

Haven't had the boat safety course yet, but I grew up on the south Jersey Shore boating and sailboating through the intercoastal since I was 8. I am fair to midland with a trailer, but will practice... Can't wait... pictures will follow!

1 hour ago, Avalonjohn44 said:

Awesome news fellas, thanks for the advice, 175 TXW here I come. 

Haven't had the boat safety course yet, but I grew up on the south Jersey Shore boating and sailboating through the intercoastal since I was 8. I am fair to midland with a trailer, but will practice... Can't wait... pictures will follow!

Looking forward to seeing them and you over at Anna sometime !!!

Lots of luck and God bless !!

Do yourself a favor and take the coast guard boater safety course. You need to have that if you plan on fishing above the WW bridge on the Potomac.