Lund vs Tracker - How To Decide Between 2 Fishing Boats
If you’re shopping for an aluminum fishing boat then you’ll find yourself comparing Lund vs Tracker boats sooner or later. They are among the bestselling fishing boats in America and make great boats for Arizona’s freshwater lakes. But, before you can head to Lake Powell to catch some smallmouth bass, there are some important Lund vs Tracker boat comparisons to consider to get the best fishing boat for the money.
This article compares the similarities and differences, quality and design, storage and accessories, motor options, ride, and affordability and resale of Lund vs Tracker boats.
Lund Vs Tracker Aluminum Fishing Boats
In our research of customer satisfaction, quality and design specs, resale value, and reputation, we found that Lund boats are superior to Tracker boats, overall. Generally most boaters agree that Lund boats have more value for the money, use better quality materials, have a better reputation, offer a solid lifetime warranty program, and have better resale value with less depreciation.
A Lund boat might be more expensive than a Tracker, but when you consider the value over time, increased enjoyment on the water, and that it may be the last boat you ever need to buy, we think that buying a Lund is worth the investment.
Lund vs Tracker Similarities
Made in the USA
Factory warranty programs
Robotic welding on certain models
Diamond coat finish
Similar color options
Some models have wooden decks
Lund vs Tracker Differences
Riveted vs Welded construction
Thickness of aluminum metal
Price point
Overall craftsmanship
Quality of materials
Resale value
Injected closed-cell foam
Lund Vs Tracker - Quality & Design
When discussing the quality and design of a boat, you’ll find a passionate debate about whether a boat should be welded or riveted.
Pro-welders believe welding builds a better boat with less leaks and one that is less prone to hull damage. Pro-riveter’s argue that if leakage does happen, it happens more in boats made with cheap thin metals and lower quality craftsmanship, than riveted boats with higher quality metals and construction standards. And, the cost of fixing a broken rivet is much less than fixing a cracked weld.
Lund Boats are Riveted
Lund boats are riveted, but use thick 0.143 gauge high quality metal on the hull and 0.080 gauge on the bottom. Lund boats have a composite fiberglass structure and injected closed-cell foam. Closed-cell foam comes standard in all Lund boats which keep the boat from sinking even if it has serious damage to the hull. Some models of Lunds come with a double hull for added protection in case of damage.
While most Lunds are 100% aluminum, some models have wood decks which can lead to problems over time. The most common issue is rot. If this does happen to your boat, Lund’s lifetime factory warranty will cover it, but it needs to be repaired quickly to prevent further damage.
Rot on the transom has also been known to happen with Lund boats older than 2007. The transom was made with wood that wasn’t marine grade. After the company took on new ownership they fixed the problem by using a composite material instead of wood. If you buy a boat older than 2007 and have transom rot, it is covered under Lund’s lifetime warranty.
If you’ve ever had a boat with electrical problems you’ll be relieved that Lund seldom has this issue. Lund uses high quality electronics and electrical wiring in all their boats.
Tracker
Tracker boats are welded, which pro-welders love. Welded boats are thought to leak less often than riveted because there aren’t any areas for water to get through. Depending on which side of the argument you’re on, this may be a huge plus.
Tracker uses 0.100 gauge metal which is thinner than Lund. Thinner metals can leave a boat more vulnerable to damage. They also use wood for the decks, like Lund, which leaves them open to rot. Tracker also offers a solid warranty program which should cover these repairs.
Boat owners complain that Trackers use cheap carpet and upholstery vs Lund boats. Tracker uses Marine OEM carpet with a TufLok back.
The electrical system gets some complaints from Tracker owners. Power to the fishfinder, bilge, lights, and aerator have been known to fail. The repair may be simple or complex depending on the cause.
Lund vs Tracker - Storage & Accessories
Boat storage is important to keep your boat clean and organized. You need to be able to stow your fishing gear and tackle so you can maneuver all around the boat. With both Lund and Tracker boats you’ll find a decent amount of storage. With both brands, the more expensive the boat the more storage you get.
Both brands come standard with a Lowrance fish finder.
Lund
Lund tends to be packed with storage compartments. Many models have multiple long rod lockers, side storage, deck-level storage compartments, and console drawers.
Lund boats come standard with a mounting system for rods, downrigger brackets, and cup holders. It has an oxygenator which pulls fresh oxygenated water into the live well to freshly store your catch.
A Lowrance Hook 3 fish finder comes standard on Lund boats. It has a 3-inch high resolution LED color display and adjustable frequencies for different water conditions. It’s not a great fish finder but will get the job done.
Tracker
Tracker boats come with lots of storage options. Most models come with multiple storage compartments, under seat storage, rod storage, and a live well.
Bass Tracker boats come standard with a Minn Kota trolling motor, Lowrance color fishfinder and custom-matched GALVASHIELD. This is a decent fish finder, but doesn’t have GPS or any of the bells and whistles nicer fish finders include.
Lund vs Tracker - Motor Options
Lund boats give you a little more in the way of motor options. They offer 2-4 motor options and use reputable brands like Mercury and Honda. It comes standard with a 45 lbs trolling motor which can be upgraded.
Tracker boats give you 2-3 motor options and only use Mercury motors. They also come with a 45 lbs trolling motor which can be upgraded.
Lund vs Tracker - Ride
Boat owners love the stable ride of a Lund. They handle well and make great lake boats. Boaters tend to report that Tracker boats have a bumpier ride with more spray, even without chop, vs Lund.
Lund vs Tracker - Affordability & Resale
Tracker’s are priced lower than Lund’s and are geared towards more budget-conscious consumers. If this is your first boat, you’ll get what you need to go fishing at an affordable price. They come with basic fish finders, motors, and storage.
Lund boats are priced higher than Tracker but the overall value and quality is better. They hold their value over time and there is a huge market for vintage Lund boats. In fact, Lund boats built in the ‘70s and 80’s are considered quite valuable and many boaters will pay top dollar for them.
Over time, Tracker boats just don’t hold their value as well as Lund and the depreciation rate is higher. Here are 2 real examples of depreciation rates for Lund and Tracker boats.
Here is an example of 2 popular models of Lund and Tracker boats.
According to Boat Trader, the 2022 Lund 1875 Renegade is $42,243 new and the 2017 Lund 1875 Renegade is $32,500. This calculates to a 23% depreciation rate, which is pretty good for a boat.
The 2022 Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW is listed at $27,395 new and the 2017 Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW is listed at $18,900. This calculates to a 31% depreciation rate, which isn’t great for a boat.
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Final Thoughts
Both Lund and Tracker fishing boats will give you a nice day on the water and come standard with what you need to go fishing. But if you’re looking for more than just the basics, go with a Lund. Lund uses better quality and craftsmanship to hold up better over time, better resale value, motor options, and a lifetime warranty. For the money, you’ll get a better boat ownership experience with Lund than with Tracker. But, do avoid problems down the road, always buy from an Authorized Lund Dealer.