Tracker Targa V-19 WT Review

The Tracker Targa V-19 WT is a versatile aluminum fishing boat that’s built to do many things very, very well.

Founded in 1978, Springfield, Missouri-based Tracker Boat Group has built a massive customer base on the strength of its aluminum fishing boats – to the point that the privately-held company is now the largest boat builder in the United States. Founded by Johnny Morris – who also founded retail giant Bass Pro Shops – Tracker pioneered the concept of delivering ready-to-fish packages of boat, motor, trailer and factory-installed electric motors and electronics, leveraging mass buying power to offer complete boats at lower prices than consumers were accustomed to seeing. It’s a concept that holds true today, as evidenced by the company’s continuing growth.

The all-new Tracker Targa V-19 WT upholds the company’s strategy of offering fully rigged boats that are ready to fish. The Targa V-19 WT is a versatile aluminum V-hull fishing boat that’s designed to maximizes fishability while keeping occupants comfortable and dry even in rough conditions. Its all-welded, two-piece .125 aluminum deep-V hull features a wide beam and reverse chine design for a drier ride and better handling.

The big Targa follows a proven multi-species fishing boat layout, with raised front and stern casting decks, and an open, central cockpit. It’s a time-honored arrangement that gives the boat the versatility to probe shallow weed beds or troll open waters – something that buyers are likely to do in the same day. The big front deck offers a comfortable casting space, with storage space and a 19-gallon lighted, aerated and recirculating live well tucked beneath its carpeted surface. There’s a bow panel right up front with a 24-volt electrical receptacle for the trolling motor, a 12-volt outlet, a live well aerator switch and a trim switch for the main engine. You’ll also find storage nets for small items like pliers, sunscreen and insect repellent, as well as a lockable rod box along the centerline with a designated organizer rods of up to eight feet in length. Best of all, the 24-volt Minn Kota PowerDrive foot-control trolling motor with 70 pounds of thrust is standard equipment.

A large central in-floor rod storage locker accommodates rods to eight feet in length.

Step between the walk-through safety glass windshield of the Tracker Targa V-19 WT and the main cockpit beckons with its large dual consoles for added protection from the elements. The passenger console offers lockable storage, a 12-volt outlet and a convenient tray for smaller items, while the helm console provides a neatly integrated dash layout that still leaves plenty of space to accept large graph. The padded sport steering wheel and SeaStar hydraulic steering with tilt adjustment are both standard, as is the Lowrance HOOK-5 color fishfinder with GPS and the weather-protected AM/FM Bluetooth-capable stereo. The driver is treated to a sliding deluxe seat with air-powered height adjustment and air-ride shock absorption, while passengers ride on similar  seats with 360-degree swivel rotation and identical shock absorbing pedestals. Three passenger seats come standard, which can be moved to any of six in-floor bases.

The neatly designed helm console is no-nonsense, with plenty of space for aftermarket electronics.

The big Tracker Targa V-19 WT boasts a huge amount of storage space, including a pair of top-loading rod boxes located in the super-wide gunnels, which accept rods to eight feet in length. There’s a large in-floor storage compartment in the center of the cockpit, plus a lockable closed side storage compartment with a composite door below the port gunnel. Where the bow and aft casting decks use marine-grade deep pile carpeting, the main cockpit floor is a tough, marine-grade vinyl for extra durability. Throughout, six flip-up cleats retract when not in use to avoid snagging lines. Further, the entire cockpit is surrounded by Tracker’s exclusive VersaTrack accessory-mounting channel in the extruded gunnels, making it easy to mount accessories like rod holders wherever they’re needed.

Storage spaces are everywhere on the Tracker Targa V-19 WT, including convenient drawer-type storage for 3700-style plastic trays. in the consoles.

The large rear casting deck conceals a large, lighted 48-gallon aerated live well with a timer and a recirculating pump-pout system, along with an integrated bait well for added convenience and a base to accept an optional ski pylon. The deck corners open to reveal useful jump seats in each of the stern corners – perfect for those occasions when you need to accommodate a couple of extra passengers. In all, the Tracker Targa V-19 WT will seat up to eight people.

An in-floor storage compartment on the main cockpit floor handles bulky gear.

The Targa includes just about everything that an avid angler needs to get out on the water, including a fire extinguisher, a three-bank battery charger and even a full set of three Interstate batteries.

In-gunnel storage along the boat’s port side handles essentials like lights and other bulky gear. A pair of additional rod lockers in the gunnels are a thoughtful addition.

Built from extra-thick, all-welded .125 marine-grade 5052 aluminum for durability, the Targa V-19 WT is rated for outboards of up to 225 horsepower. This boat will offer splendid performance with less than maximum power, and indeed runs very well with a 150. T

Tracker has built its reputation by offering nicely designed and built boats that come with everything an angler needs. That heritage lives on in the Tracker Targa V-19 WT.

Tracker Targa V-19 WT Specs

• Length: 19’ 10”
• Beam: 8’6”
• Dry weight: 2,001 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 47 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 8
• Maximum power: 225 hp