I love this boat Ott. Really enjoy your videos of you fishing out of it. Not all of us can afford a 90,000 dollar Nitro Z21, but this is a boat a common guy like me can relate to. Seeing how a champion like you rigs out a boat like this is great to watch. Thank you so much for sharing this. Makes me proud to work on my old tin boat.
Back in the 80's and early 90's BPS made a really nice inboard jet Pro Team 185. I wish they would bring it back or mass produce the Tracker River Otter!
Howdy; Had a tunnel hull back in the early 20's. If memory serves me correctly it was an X-press 1862 I found on ebay. It came with a Honda 90 hung on the back and I just loved it. It was a CC and I managed well with it personal preferences are what they are, right chuckle. Ran mine on the Ohio and Muskingum rivers in Ohio. Donated it to the Red Cross as I couldn't take it to Utah when I moved there. Sure do miss it. It was nice seeing someone else that appreciates a tunnel and what freedom they give ya to go places others shy away from.
Center rod box is a must! Just wondering what the hull thickness is, most boats are .100, however I’d prefer .125 even though it’s heavier! Great video, side console is cheaper than a center console!
Center consoles are nice because your standing straight up and able to see better picking your way thru rocks and a great place to have your batteries for weight distribution.
+1 for the river rats, @ottdefoe there really is nothing like running skinny. Keeps you on your a game reading the river. It’s awesome to see a pro bass fisherman embracing this other style of fishing. Your Rig looks killer man. I have thought about converting my Lowe roughneck into a side console. Keep up the awesome content sir and good luck in the fishing season.
Tracker should build the Ott Defoe models in this boat. Especially for river fisherman. And make it where you can use jet drive or outboard. I would get one in a second!
I love this set up !! I have a older ranger rt178 and man I get tempted all the time to set up a river rat like this for my area cause that right there would be perfecto👍 just don’t know of a shop around me that does anything like this on a boat like mine. Would love to rip all the carpet out, weld some floats on the back put a jet drive beast on it and hit the rivers all day. The dang lakes these days are just packed with people none stop. Really thinkin hard on pullin the trigger and trying this for my ranger.
Dude I’m with ya. I love my big glass boat. But in the heat of the summer I stay on my little pro 16 tracker hitting the small river ways. Takes me back to my raising.
I have the 1860 Center console with the new 90R Mercury and God I love it so much. Perfect bridge between wanting to go fish in the river, or go out in the gulf during the Cobia run or snapper season. Smokin fast too. Runs 52 right now but needs a 8inch set back bobs jplate because it porpoises around 53mph at ⅜trim
You wouldn’t have a part number for that windshield would you? Been looking to find the right one. I have a 2016 1754SC same as yours with the 60Hp. Love your set up. You should also put a video tag with the 1754SC. Not many videos covering them. Keep up the mods and videos!
@Nick Barnett My brother had a heck of a time finding one that fit properly. He ended up buying a piece of plexi glass, drew the shape he wanted and used a heat gun to bend it around a piece of steel pipe. Worked really well. And I think it cost him like $18 for the materials.
I’ve had center and side console. The center was an alumacraft 16 ft. tunnel hull. That thing would go places my 17ft weldcraft side console won’t. All in all though, I like the side console better. There’s more room.
@@OttDeFoeFishing how’s it do through that area when they ain’t releasing water I’ve been looking at getting one but didn’t know how good it did in that area
I just ordered my 1754sc last week. I got the 75 hp on it, I mainly fish the lakes in my area. The one thing I want on my boat is the front windsheild like yours. Years ago that was an option to get on them. Where did you get yours from? I love watching all your videos on fishing, very informative! I'm from Northern California, not San Francisco northern, I'm talking mt shasta, Oregon border northern California! Keep up the good work! Thanks for any info on a windsheild.
Works great. Ive always thought a little bit allows some of the air to escape before getting to the engine. I would put my set up against any outboard jet for handling.
It would be hard to mount them right if you have both. Ive had trim tabs before. I never will again on a jet. They were always the first thing damaged in shallow water.
@@OttDeFoeFishing yeah im thinking regular mod v style hull on a regular lake. i just like the idea of float pods in order to handle a heavier engine as the 70s engines were 2 strokes and weigh nothing, and modern engines are all way heavier. 76 evinrude 115 is 300lbs and a new pro xs 150 (boat is rated for 150) is almost 500lbs.
Would a 200hp outboard give an advantage over a 150hp? Ive heard some guys say anything past a 150 may not be worth it due to the amount of water you can move through the jet pump. What are your thoughts on this?
If it’s small enough it won’t be much issue. If it is big enough to clog the grates it will require stopping to clear it. Pads would do that for sure. Loose duck weed and grass wouldn’t be a big deal.
The basic set up you would get there of boat, motor and trailer before mods and accessories would be in the $20K range I think. Don’t hold me to it though!
I have a 36v ultrex on my 20ft g3 alunimun boat. In heavy current my trolling motor goes crazy turning left to right back and forth. Does yours do this too?
I’m guessing you’re talking on spot lock. It does from time to time. There’s a setting in your remote that can help. It’s like a sensitivity setting type thing. It will make it do it less if you turn it down.
@@OttDeFoeFishing that is really good to know! I love my spot lock and using the +5' feature on the remote to easily move up and down current but its really jumpy some times.
Looks really comfortable driving half way standing up hunched over.
Awesome setup! Tracker needs to build a special line of boats built just like this.
I love this boat Ott. Really enjoy your videos of you fishing out of it. Not all of us can afford a 90,000 dollar Nitro Z21, but this is a boat a common guy like me can relate to. Seeing how a champion like you rigs out a boat like this is great to watch. Thank you so much for sharing this. Makes me proud to work on my old tin boat.
I love fishing in it for sure!
Cant believe Bass Pro doesn't team up with Ott and factory produce this boat and call it a Tracker River Rat. I'd dang sure buy one.
Tracker River Otter
Maybe one day.
Back in the 80's and early 90's BPS made a really nice inboard jet Pro Team 185. I wish they would bring it back or mass produce the Tracker River Otter!
This^^^
Howdy; Had a tunnel hull back in the early 20's. If memory serves me correctly it was an X-press 1862 I found on ebay. It came with a Honda 90 hung on the back and I just loved it. It was a CC and I managed well with it personal preferences are what they are, right chuckle. Ran mine on the Ohio and Muskingum rivers in Ohio. Donated it to the Red Cross as I couldn't take it to Utah when I moved there. Sure do miss it. It was nice seeing someone else that appreciates a tunnel and what freedom they give ya to go places others shy away from.
Thanks for posting this Ott. All of your river rigs have been amazing, this is more! I really like the center rod box.
Center rod box is a must! Just wondering what the hull thickness is, most boats are .100, however I’d prefer .125 even though it’s heavier! Great video, side console is cheaper than a center console!
I love these trackers can’t wait to get one. I plan on getting the 2072 to fish the wabash river 5 minutes from my house in Indiana.
Old ones traker ha inboard jet or jey ourbiard
That tunnel is a great add.
What a great boat set up, I have seen a lot of your videos out of that boat, it’s nice how shallow you can get
Nice set up on your jet boat. I really enjoy how you include your family in your videos as well. Good luck for the rest of the season!
Nice boat and setup Ott. Hope get me one someday. Enjoy watching all of your river trips.
One of my favorite river boats I see online.
Center consoles are nice because your standing straight up and able to see better picking your way thru rocks and a great place to have your batteries for weight distribution.
Yeah that part is nice. As mine is I can stand up still. Having the weight forward does help too.
I love love love this boat.
Thanks for the tour!!!👊🏻 Nice set up!!! I put the tackle cradle on my boat and love it!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!
It’s great!
I had a 1754 Grizzly I put a center console in with a 60/40 jet and yea that haul gripped the water very well
Love it, you need to talk BPS/Tracker into offering this rig, I'd buy one in a heartbeat!
I’m trying!
I’m betting there’s a small fortune in that boat. Really incredible when he said 5” of water 👀😳 ‼️‼️‼️
+1 for the river rats, @ottdefoe there really is nothing like running skinny. Keeps you on your a game reading the river. It’s awesome to see a pro bass fisherman embracing this other style of fishing. Your Rig looks killer man. I have thought about converting my Lowe roughneck into a side console. Keep up the awesome content sir and good luck in the fishing season.
It’s fun. Half fishing half off roading 😂
I built the trailer under that boat a couple months ago
What brand of rims and size of tires were those?
Thanks! It does great.
Tracker should build the Ott Defoe models in this boat. Especially for river fisherman. And make it where you can use jet drive or outboard. I would get one in a second!
@Jordan Behlen absolutely!
I love this set up !! I have a older ranger rt178 and man I get tempted all the time to set up a river rat like this for my area cause that right there would be perfecto👍 just don’t know of a shop around me that does anything like this on a boat like mine. Would love to rip all the carpet out, weld some floats on the back put a jet drive beast on it and hit the rivers all day. The dang lakes these days are just packed with people none stop. Really thinkin hard on pullin the trigger and trying this for my ranger.
You would love it! Mike has done some rangers and they turned out great.
New subscriber. Awesome content. Keep up the great work and much love to ya from Maryland❤❤❤
I had a 16/48 grizzly tracker. 60/40 merc jet 2013 model raised jack plate, no tunnel 3 inches of water all day. No hitting hull
I’m shopping for this type of boat! This video is awesome!
@@lancevoorhees7318 I have a 1754 alweld now. With 90 / 60 jet. I love it
Mike Watson is building me a prop tunnel next month. Can’t wait!
Love the set up I want one thank you 😊
I agree about the side console. I have a center console and do not like it( no room ,no storage).
Dude I’m with ya. I love my big glass boat. But in the heat of the summer I stay on my little pro 16 tracker hitting the small river ways. Takes me back to my raising.
Wheaer 16. Shallw water draft
Nice ⛵
I have the 1860 Center console with the new 90R Mercury and God I love it so much. Perfect bridge between wanting to go fish in the river, or go out in the gulf during the Cobia run or snapper season. Smokin fast too. Runs 52 right now but needs a 8inch set back bobs jplate because it porpoises around 53mph at ⅜trim
Beefy, right down to the trailer.
You wouldn’t have a part number for that windshield would you? Been looking to find the right one. I have a 2016 1754SC same as yours with the 60Hp. Love your set up. You should also put a video tag with the 1754SC. Not many videos covering them. Keep up the mods and videos!
@Nick Barnett
My brother had a heck of a time finding one that fit properly. He ended up buying a piece of plexi glass, drew the shape he wanted and used a heat gun to bend it around a piece of steel pipe. Worked really well. And I think it cost him like $18 for the materials.
I’ve had center and side console. The center was an alumacraft 16 ft. tunnel hull. That thing would go places my 17ft weldcraft side console won’t. All in all though, I like the side console better. There’s more room.
I have a Lowe 1760 with a Cc pushing a 115hp jet. Which is 80hp at the jet
I know you're with white river but we need to get you in a BlazerSS
Ive been around some. They are fast but I would put mine up against one for shallow water and handling any day.
@@OttDeFoeFishing I'll have to get a ride in one some day. I'll be in the market soon for a new ride.
That’s cool 😎
Nice Boat! Ott would your bladed jig trailer video work on swim jigs?
Yes kind of. With a swim jig I use something with more action usually. A flappy style craw being my favorite.
I know that trailer didn’t come with that boat. What brand is it and where did you get it?
Nice boat you ever fish the Holston in grainger county in it
Yes I do.
@@OttDeFoeFishing how’s it do through that area when they ain’t releasing water I’ve been looking at getting one but didn’t know how good it did in that area
Where did you find the windshield?
Hey Ott what’s the total weight including motor and tackle?
I just ordered my 1754sc last week. I got the 75 hp on it, I mainly fish the lakes in my area. The one thing I want on my boat is the front windsheild like yours. Years ago that was an option to get on them. Where did you get yours from? I love watching all your videos on fishing, very informative! I'm from Northern California, not San Francisco northern, I'm talking mt shasta, Oregon border northern California! Keep up the good work! Thanks for any info on a windsheild.
I ordered it with the boat from tracker. Should be able to at a dealer.
And thanks for watching!
Top speed?
LOL 🤣I had a extra Mega Live !
Did you have to add the sponsons on the back of the boat for weight distribution ?
Can you take a sharp bend in the river at full throttle without it sliding?
How does the Jet like a set back? I’ve always heard it needs to be as close to the boat as possible to save cavitation
Works great. Ive always thought a little bit allows some of the air to escape before getting to the engine. I would put my set up against any outboard jet for handling.
@@OttDeFoeFishing good to hear. Boating has more myths than the Appalachian Mtns
Where can i get a adjustable transducer mount like that?
Mike Watson (423) 292-8102
How much money do you think all these modifications costed you?
are float pods with trim tabs a thing, or is it basically a one or the other type choice? basically talking about adding pods to a mod v tin boat
It would be hard to mount them right if you have both. Ive had trim tabs before. I never will again on a jet. They were always the first thing damaged in shallow water.
@@OttDeFoeFishing yeah im thinking regular mod v style hull on a regular lake. i just like the idea of float pods in order to handle a heavier engine as the 70s engines were 2 strokes and weigh nothing, and modern engines are all way heavier. 76 evinrude 115 is 300lbs and a new pro xs 150 (boat is rated for 150) is almost 500lbs.
Would a 200hp outboard give an advantage over a 150hp? Ive heard some guys say anything past a 150 may not be worth it due to the amount of water you can move through the jet pump. What are your thoughts on this?
It would be a little better performance I would guess. Maybe 3-5 mph. Not a ton.
What is the top speed
The 80 and 65 jet are the same weight, should have run the 80 and changed the decals ; )
I wish I could!
New jet. Techlgy
What wind screen did you get I can't find one would love to put one on mine
It’s from tracker. You have to order it.
What made you go with the tandem axle trailer?
Taking it on long trips from time to time.
How well do the jets operate in small floating debris from rising flood water conditions or hydrilla, duckweed, lily pads, etc ?
If it’s small enough it won’t be much issue. If it is big enough to clog the grates it will require stopping to clear it. Pads would do that for sure. Loose duck weed and grass wouldn’t be a big deal.
@OttDeFoeFishing Noted. Thank you, sir, for the fast response.
Do you run a kill switch on the jet boat?
Yes
Nope
HOW MUCH TO GET A BOAT LIKE DEFOES FROM BASS PRO SHOPS
The basic set up you would get there of boat, motor and trailer before mods and accessories would be in the $20K range I think. Don’t hold me to it though!
How did u get a tandem axle trailer ?
I had one built
let me know when you are ready to sell it
My flat bottom with a 40 jet is running 32
I have a 36v ultrex on my 20ft g3 alunimun boat. In heavy current my trolling motor goes crazy turning left to right back and forth. Does yours do this too?
I’m guessing you’re talking on spot lock. It does from time to time. There’s a setting in your remote that can help. It’s like a sensitivity setting type thing. It will make it do it less if you turn it down.
@@OttDeFoeFishing that is really good to know! I love my spot lock and using the +5' feature on the remote to easily move up and down current but its really jumpy some times.
Waler. 18 rage. Ford v8. Jet drive 285 hp 40 knots 45 mph
What kind of rims are those please?cant find em anywhere online.
Howd you get the tunnel and 60 jet in a tracker? Neither option listed on the website.
The tunnel is a custom job. The engine you could order from a Tracker dealer.
Why no shallow water anchors? Weight?
In current and rocks they only do ok.
Went to bass pro to order me one and they don’t offer jets. Props simply won’t work for me
You couldn’t even order a jet? The tunnel and stuff are mods but you should be able to order a jet. Which store are you closest to?
@@OttDeFoeFishing it’s the Bass pro in Roseville ca. or close to Roseville. I’m not exactly sure. It was a beautiful boat and perfect for me.
Every inch matters bro.