Tracker’s Targa series offers a deep, wide and sturdy multispecies fishing platform that doubles as a family-fun boat when the fish aren’t biting. It’s a high-value package, fully accessorized for fishing and at a nationally advertised, no-haggle price of just under $43,000 complete with trailer. Mercury’s 150 pushes the V-18 Combo to 44 mph and 5,500 rpm, and it storms to 30 mph in just 5.3 seconds. Its 40-gallon tank provides nearly 210 miles of range at 22.6 mph and 3,000 rpm, making nearly 6 mpg. It’s clear the Targa is built to take big-water and high-load punishment. It slices through afternoon wakes and wind chop sweetly, and makes hard-over turns confidently. The all-welded 0.125-inch-thick aluminum hull, transom and stringer system carries a limited lifetime warranty.
The bow casting deck has a handy 19-gallon lighted, aerated livewell and Minn Kota trolling motor. A molded bow storage compartment also doubles as a cooler, while a center lockable rod-storage locker holds rods up to 7 feet, 6 inches.
The twin consoles amidships feature high windshields for excellent wind protection. The portside console features lockable storage with integrated tackle storage. The captain’s side console features SeaStar tilt hydraulic steering and a Bluetooth stereo, with a full complement of engine gauges and ample space for necessary sonar and navigation electronics.
The cockpit seating features four swiveling, removable pedestal folding seats that can be relocated to the casting decks for comfortable angling. Plus, the aft casting deck features twin folding jump seats that flank a center-mounted, aerated 15-gallon lighted livewell with an integral bait bucket. The gunwales feature full-length nonskid covering for sure-footed line handling and boarding, with top-loading rod lockers that can handle 9-foot rods. The three batteries and an onboard charger are standard.
The Targa V-18 Combo has everything to be a hardcore fishing machine, but the optional thick sun-pad cushions for the bow and the ample arrangement of bucket seats in the cockpit plus transom jump seats make it an excellent family cruiser as well.
High Points
- Wide aft casting deck with built-in folding jump seats combine fishability with comfort.
- Tall consoles and high windshields keep the cold out.
- Top-loading rod lockers can handle 9-foot rods.
- Hydraulic steering and stereo are standard.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 150 XL FourStroke outboard
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia Eco 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.92:1 Fuel Load: 40 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $42,595 (as tested, same as base price) |
| LOA: | 18’2″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | 1’6.75″ |
| Dry Weight: | 2,205 lb. (without engine) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 6/885 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 40 gal. |
