An Icon of the Fishing World

Few bass boats have the legacy of the Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL. For decades, this boat has been a go-to choice for anglers looking for an affordable, versatile, and easy-to-use fishing platform. It’s one of the most recognizable aluminum bass boats on the water, thanks to its long-standing reputation for reliability, simplicity, and value. Whether you’re a first-time boat owner or a seasoned fisherman who appreciates a straightforward, no-frills setup, the Classic XL delivers a tried-and-true experience that has stood the test of time.

At 16 feet, 8 inches, the Classic XL is the perfect size for navigating smaller lakes, winding river channels, and hidden fishing spots that larger boats might struggle to access. Despite its compact footprint, it still offers plenty of deck spacefor casting and moving around comfortably. The boat’s lightweight aluminum construction makes it easy to tow, launch, and maneuver, while also helping with fuel efficiency—something every angler can appreciate.

But what truly makes the Bass Tracker Classic XL a legend in the fishing world is its affordability and versatility. It’s one of the few bass boats that has consistently provided a quality fishing experience at a price point that doesn’t break the bank. It’s an ideal entry-level boat, but it’s also a fantastic second boat for anglers who want something easy to manage and maintain. The Classic XL proves that you don’t need a massive budget or a high-tech, tournament-style rig to enjoy great days on the water.

From its spacious forward casting deck to its built-in livewell and storage compartments, this boat is thoughtfully designed for fishing right out of the box. Whether you’re targeting bass, crappie, or panfish, the Tracker Classic XL remains one of the best options for anglers who want an efficient and enjoyable fishing experience without all the extras they might not need.

For anyone looking for a budget-friendly, time-tested bass boat that gets the job done, the Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL is hard to beat. Its legacy of durability, affordability, and fishability continues to make it one of the most iconic aluminum bass boats on the market today.

Specs

• Length: 16’8″
• Beam: 6’5″
• Max HP: 50 HP
• Fuel Capacity: 6 Gallons
• Max Capacity: 6 Persons or 555 lbs
• Hull Material: 0.100 5052 Marine Alloy
• Dry Weight: 780 lbs
• Towing Length: 23’2″
• Base Price: $17,220

Fishing Features & Storage

One of the biggest reasons the Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL has remained such a popular fishing boat over the years is its smart use of space. Despite being a compact aluminum bass boat, it maximizes every inch of its open deck layout to give anglers plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you’re casting along the shoreline for bass, jigging for crappie, or simply enjoying a day on the water, the Classic XL provides a well-thought-out fishing platform that caters to various fishing styles.

Deck Space

One of the best features of the Classic XL is its large rear casting deck, which gives anglers a stable and open space to fish without feeling cramped. The rear deck also includes a pedestal seat location, perfect for when you want to take a break from standing but also want to keep on fishing.

The bow deck is the centerpiece of the boat, offering an impressive amount of open fishing space for a boat this size. It’s designed for those who love fishing up front and staying in control of the action, whether you’re working the banks for bass or dropping a jig in deeper water. The front pedestal seat location gives you the flexibility to sit and fish comfortably for extended periods—an essential feature for those long days chasing fish.

Storage

Fishing requires gear, and the Classic XL ensures you have plenty of storage to keep everything organized and within reach. The rear casting deck features a built-in storage compartment, perfect for lifejackets, extra tackle, and other essentials. Additional storage can be found under the driver and passenger seats, providing even more room for gear, rainwear, or anything else you need to keep dry and secure.

For rod storage, the port-side rod holders come equipped with an organizer that can accommodate up to four rods up to 7 feet in length. This feature keeps your rods protected and easily accessible while allowing for quick transitions when switching between setups.

Livewell Space

A 9-gallon aerated livewell sits right in front of the console, giving you plenty of space to keep fish alive and healthy throughout the day. Whether you’re using it to store your catch or keep bait fresh, the 500 GPH aerator pump ensures proper oxygenation, so you don’t have to worry about fish stress. It’s a well-sized livewell for a boat of this class, offering a practical solution for both tournament and recreational anglers.

Additional Seating

The Classic XL comes standard with two fishing seats, one for the rear pedestal seat location and another for the bow pedestal seat location. These padded, ergonomic seats provide much-needed comfort, making it easier to stay out on the water longer without feeling fatigued. Whether you prefer to sit back and relax while fishing or stand for better visibility and control, the seating layout offers the flexibility to fish your way.

Electronics & Technology

Just because the Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL is one of the most affordable aluminum bass boats on the market doesn’t mean it skimps on technology. In fact, this boat comes equipped with everything you need to find fish, navigate safely, and maneuver effortlessly on the water. While it may not have the high-end multi-screen setups of tournament rigs, the Classic XL delivers all the essential electronics in a simple, user-friendly package.

Trolling Motor

One of the most important tools for any bass boat is the trolling motor, and Tracker didn’t cut any corners with the Minn Kota Edge 12V that comes standard on the Classic XL. This trolling motor features a 45-inch shaft and 45 pounds of thrust, which is plenty of power for a boat of this size. Whether you’re sneaking up on bass in shallow water, holding your position in the wind, or making precise adjustments while casting, the Minn Kota Edge is a reliable and capable choice.

Unlike many budget-friendly bass boats that come with a hand-controlled trolling motor, the Classic XL features a foot-controlled model. This is a game-changer because it allows you to keep both hands free for fishing, meaning you can work your bait, set the hook, and adjust your position all at the same time.

Displays

A good fish finder is essential for locating structure, marking waypoints, and finding those hard-to-spot crappie piles or deepwater bass schools. The Tracker Classic XL comes equipped with a Garmin Striker 4 color fish finder, a GPS-enabled unit with CHIRP sonar technology.

For an entry-level bass boat, the Striker 4 is a solid addition. It provides sharp sonar imaging, helping anglers distinguish between baitfish, structure, and game fish. The built-in GPS allows you to mark fishing spots, so once you find a honey hole, you can always return to it with pinpoint accuracy. It may not have the massive high-resolution screens of larger bass boats, but for a boat this size, the Striker 4 is more than enough to get the job done. Plus, if this isn’t enough for you, the Bass Tracker Classic XL has plenty of front deck space to mount bow electronics.

Reliable Power System with Interstate Batteries

Powering the electronics and motor on the Classic XL are two Interstate batteries, ensuring that you have enough juice to keep everything running throughout the day. One cranking battery is dedicated to starting the motor and powering the onboard electronics, while a separate deep-cycle trolling battery is used exclusively for the Minn Kota Edge trolling motor. This setup prevents unnecessary drain on the main battery, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power when you need it most.

Safety

While most people focus on fish finders and trolling motors, safety and visibility are just as important when you’re on the water. Tracker equipped the Classic XL with stowable navigation lights, ensuring you remain visible in low-light conditions. There are also courtesy lights at the bow and console, which make it easier to rig tackle or check your gear in the early morning or late evening.

Another crucial safety feature is the 800 GPH bilge pump, designed to quickly remove water from the hull in case of unexpected leaks or heavy rain. It’s one of those features that you hope you never need, but it provides peace of mind knowing that if water starts pooling in the boat, it can be drained efficiently.

Trailer

Unlike big center consoles that spend most of their time in the water, a good bass boat will likely rack up just as many miles on the road as it does on the lake. That means a reliable, durable, and easy-to-use trailer is just as important as the boat itself. Tracker understands this and equips the Bass Tracker Classic XL with a custom-fit, single-axle trailer designed for ease of towing, long-term durability, and secure transport.

Built for the Road

The Classic XL’s trailer isn’t just any standard setup—it’s powder-coated and reinforced with GALVASHIELD®, a protective coating that prevents corrosion and resists impacts from road debris. This is a huge advantage for anglers who frequently tow their boat through varied conditions, from salt-exposed highways to rough backroads leading to hidden fishing spots. GALVASHIELD® ensures that the trailer remains rust-resistant and structurally sound for years to come, meaning you don’t have to worry about premature wear and tear.

To keep the ride smooth and stable, the trailer is fitted with 13-inch chrome wheels and matching hub covers, along with radial tires designed to handle long hauls without excessive wear. Whether you’re heading to a nearby lake or making a longer trip to your favorite bass fishing destination, this setup keeps towing easy and reliable.

Space-Saving Swing-Away Tongue

For many bass anglers, garage space is at a premium, and fitting a boat inside can be a challenge. Thankfully, the Classic XL’s trailer includes a swing-away tongue, which helps reduce its overall footprint when storing it in tight spaces like a garage, shed, or even a side yard. This feature makes it far more convenient for owners who want to keep their boat at home rather than renting storage space.

Secure and Stable Towing

Keeping the boat secure on the trailer is a priority, and Tracker ensures that the Classic XL stays firmly in place during transport. The trailer features a heavy-duty winch with a nylon strap, as well as a bow safety strap and durable nylon tie-down straps, all of which help keep the boat locked down during transit. These additions prevent shifting, bouncing, or unnecessary hull movement, which can cause wear and tear over time.

To further protect the boat’s hull and transom during transport, Tracker includes a motor support system that helps reduce stress on these critical areas. This feature is especially valuable for anglers who frequently trailer their boat over long distances, ensuring that the transom doesn’t endure unnecessary strain from road vibrations.

Built-In Safety Features

Safety is another key element of any well-designed trailer, and the Classic XL trailer is equipped with submersible LED lighting to enhance visibility on the road. These bright, long-lasting lights ensure that other drivers can see your boat and trailer clearly, even in low-light conditions like early mornings or late evenings after a long day on the water.

For added security, safety cables are included, providing an extra layer of protection in case of an emergency while towing. These cables ensure that if the trailer were to disconnect from the hitch for any reason, it remains attached to the vehicle, reducing the risk of damage or an accident.

Final Thoughts

The Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL is a proven, budget-friendly bass boat that offers a simple yet effective setup for anglers who want a reliable fishing platform without the high price tag. Its spacious casting decks, smart storage solutions, and essential fishing features make it a great choice for beginners and weekend anglers alike.

With a Minn Kota Edge trolling motor, Garmin Striker 4 fish finder, and a well-built trailer, this boat is ready to hit the water right away. It may not have all the high-end extras of larger tournament boats, but it delivers everything you need for a great day of fishing in a compact, easy-to-handle package.

For those looking for an affordable, no-nonsense bass boat that has stood the test of time, the Classic XL remains one of the best options available.

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