Tracker Tournament TX-17 Duck Boat Build

[hookedontronics]

A couple years ago I picked up a very similar tracker and redid the entire boat. That build is linked here: https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=28621

I said I'd never redo another boat after all the time I put into that tracker, and yet here I am. Looking to expand my duck hunting, and the amount of people I could bring I set out looking for another tracker. I wanted a flat bottom boat that wasn't enormous but could fit 4 guys comfortably. After a few months of looking I came across this 16.5' tracker in southern jersey and set out to get it. Guy said the motor runs and he was out last year on it, I still have to hook it up and see. If it does I'm going to put a tiller handle on it and keep it. Trolling motor was old, pedal didn't work. I took it apart and hooked it up to a battery and it spins fine so I'm going to convert that to a ice blaster which will be a nice addition for late season hunting.

Plans for this boat are pretty straight forward. Tiller or mud motor, fully welded aluminum everything for easy clean up, open deck, duck camo paint scheme, and a blind. I have a lot of little ideas in mind and I'll get into them along the way in this build.

Here she is:
Guy told me on the phone the trailer was rough so I picked it up on a car trailer. This boat was a good 4 hours away from me.

It's in rough shape, but the hull is solid and it had a title and that's all I needed

Made it home:

Started gutting it:

 

[huntinfool]

Looks like you're on your way. I think tearing them apart and building them up is half the fun.

 

[jparrishbt]

Nice boat. There is a diamond under all that dust. Had one just like that but a few years newer. Great boats. Learn from me and don't sell it for any reason.

 

[hookedontronics]

Nice boat. There is a diamond under all that dust. Had one just like that but a few years newer. Great boats. Learn from me and don't sell it for any reason.

I sold my last one but I replaced it with a 21' Nitro
This one is strictly for killing ducks

 

[hookedontronics]

Little more progress tonight. All stripped now

 

[Bigwrench]

Looking great so far and can't wait to see the progress !

 

[hookedontronics]

Pulled the motor off and the last of the riveted metal and cleaned it up a lot with the shop vac.






Next up I need to cut the transom and replace the wood

 

[hookedontronics]

Had a little trouble getting the motor fired up, only had spark on one cylinder. After talking with a boat shop they told me it was probably the switchboard. Bought one on eBay for $40 and a couple hours of messing with it got it fired up tonight. Also bought a couple things that should be in next week

 

[hookedontronics]

I ran the motor for awhile tonight and now I just need to pony up and buy the tiller handle for it.

 

[hookedontronics]

Filled the front holes with some jb weld




And removed the transom... I could have saved myself a lot of work and just left it, it probably would have been fine for another 10 years but oh well, waterfowl season isn't until September so I've got time.

 

[hookedontronics]

Stuff ordered:
24" led light bar (spot/flood)
bow lights
bilge pump fitting and hose

Need to order (updated 4/21):
Beavertail pods
Aluminum gun box
(2) 4x8x.125 aluminum sheets -Ordered
1.5 x 1.5 aluminum square stock
1" aluminum tube for led light bar mount and gear racks/grab handles
foam for floatation
4 gang switch panel w/ breakers (nav/anchor, bilge, courtesy lights, light bar)
led courtesy lights
steelflex/paint/camo stencils
fuel tank, bulb and hose (goiong to mount in the front)
battery box

 

[derekdiruz]

This is the epitome of what I'd love to have for duck hunting. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

 

[fool4fish1226]

Coming along nicely - keep up the nice work :beer:

 

[Hanr3]

Great find. I'm looking for a new project boat this fall as well.

 

[hookedontronics]

Picked up a galvanized trailer yesterday




I just need to lower the rollers and bunks

 

[hookedontronics]

Tiller handle kit ordered.

For anyone interested part #78551A29
Late 80s mercury 50&60hp 2 stroke 3 cylinder tiller handle kit

 

[Tallpine]

Looking forward to this build. That has some great potential! opcorn:

 

[Gators5220]

Looks fun, half the fun of doing a build is the work to me.

 

[hookedontronics]

Sanded the front down to blend the hole patches.


Got the light bar in. 24" curved spot/flood led


And flush mount overaized cup holders for that morning coffee

 

[JustinS]

I think we have the same light bar....it is bright!!