Tracker Pro Guide V-165 WT Review

He wants a serious fishing boat, she wants to be comfortable, while the kids are all about watersports. Sound familiar? It’s a common ask from young families looking for a boat that can keep everyone happy. As one of the world’s largest boat builders, Tracker Marine hears it all the time – and more often than not its answer is the Tracker Pro Guide V-165 WT.

This boat’s fishing credentials stand out even in a very crowded market. Stretching 16 feet, 9 inches in length, the Pro Guide V-165 WT rides on a full 8-foot, 1-inch beam making this boat incredibly wide for its length. That extra real estate adds a lot, starting up on the elevated bow casting deck where there’s ample room for two to fish side-by-side – something that’s quite unusual in a 16-foot boat. There’s a raised pad for mounting an electric trolling motor with foot control, such as the standard Minn Kota PowerDrive 12-volt, 55-pound thrust model that comes standard with this boat. Look closely and you’ll note it’s not just screwed to the front deck, but through-bolted for added strength. An adjacent bow panel contains the trolling motor receptacle, plus a handy 12-volt outlet and a convenient trim switch for the main outboard.

A large centrerline rod storage locker keeps valuable tackle safely stowed when not in use.

To the center of the front deck is an integrated aluminum base for a removable pedestal-mount seat. To starboard of the seat base is a large in-deck storage compartment for keeping tackle boxes and other bulky gear safely stored, while to port there’s a convenient 19-gallon aerated live well complete with a timer, recirculation system and pump-out. Running down the center, and accessed by a large hatch, is an in-floor fishing rod locker with space for multiple rods up to seven feet, six inches in length.

A big in-floor storage locker handles bulky gear.

Step through the wrap-around, tempered safety glass windshield and a single step down puts you in the main cockpit. That big walk-through windshield provides a world of comfort when heading out early or late in the day, or when boating early or late in the season. The passenger console features a large storage compartment, drink holder and a tray for small items, while the helm console puts the main gauges up top where they’re easily seen, yet recessed so they’re protected from glare. Illuminated speedometer, tachometer, voltmeter, fuel gauge, water pressure and trim gauges come standard, while leaving plenty of space for the included Lowrance Hook2 5x swivel color fishfinder, complete with a SplitShot transducer and GPS. A soft-touch sport steering wheel and a weather-protected AM/FM Bluetooth-capable stereo complete the helm.

The helm is simple, straightforward, and uncluttered, with the main gauges well positioned for easy visibility.

The cockpit itself is spacious courtesy of the Tracker Pro Guide V-165 WT’s beamy hull, and comes this year with an all-new upholstery treatment. The seats are all-composite construction, and include a movable driver/fishing seat with a sliding base adjustment, plus two movable fishing seats with 360-degree swivel and lock. Tracker’s Versatrack accessory-mounting channel in the gunnels is also standard on this model. The gunnels conceal top-loading rod storage on both the starboard and port sides, while added in-floor storage in the cockpit handles bulky items with ease.

In-gunnel top-loading storage compartments are big enough for rods, or all sorts of tackle.

The aft deck provides a second raised casting surface, with an integral 29-gallon aerated live well with a removable bait bucket, timer, recirculator and pump-out system.

The large aft casting deck conceals a second live well with a removable bait bucket.

Whether fishing or cruising and enjoying the view, the Tracker Pro Guide V-165 WT enjoys a dry, smooth ride in even choppy conditions thanks to its 20-degree deadrise, all-welded deep-V hull. It also makes this boat a good contender for watersports, whether that’s pulling tubers, kneeboarders or skiers. There’s even a standard aft swim platform with a boarding ladder and a ski tow pylon receptacle – two features that are sure to keep the kids happy.

An inviting option list makes it possible to personalize this boat with every imaginable upgrade.

For all of its standard features, the Tracker Pro Guide V-165 WT also comes with an appealing option list, including niceties like a wakeboard holder that clips into the Versatrack gunnel system, downrigger brackets, a Bimini top to keep the mid-day sun at bay and a full canvas enclosure for weekend trips.