Tracker Bantam 3X
One handy little watercraft
by Kevin Lee McIver
Since 1977, Bass Pro Shop’s Tracker
Marine has manufactured a top line of fishing boats well known for their
quality and value.
Yet when most anglers dream of owning a
Tracker, they think of the aluminum Pro-series, or even the big Nitro’s
with fiberglass hulls. These are all excellent in their own right;
however, one lesser-known Tracker is also available which can reach those
fishing spots where the big boys can’t -- the Bantam 3X.
I bought my 3X many years ago and have been
pleased ever since. I’ve fished both rivers, streams and lakes in my
little craft, but it is most at home in bodies of water like ponds and
small lakes.
Constructed of ABS plastic, the 3X weighs
in at 150 lbs., making it easy to transport, load and unload from the back
of a truck or the top of a car. And with two carrying handles running on
each side of the hull, loading and unloading is that much easier.
Other features of Tracker’s Bantam
include two comfortable swivel seats, tackle trays, ribbed floor, drink
holders and a livewell. In fact, this little vessel has features required
by all anglers -- features not found on many other watercraft.
Powering the 3X is a simple affair with a
transom-mounted electric trolling motor. Both fore- and aft-transoms are
reinforced with metal braces for stable support. The boat is pre-wired
allowing the motor to be used either at the front or the rear with no
additional cables.
Fully loaded with two anglers and gear, the
3X makes ample headway especially when using a trolling motor in the
30-lb. thrust range and above. You might not create arching water-trails,
but you will certainly get to that old fishin’ hole in ample time to
cast a lure.
Coupled with all the standard features, the
Bantam 3X is a fine choice for the small-water angler. Priced under $600,
it is also a very economical watercraft, making it the top-choice for pond
and small lake fishing.
If you’re considering purchasing a
top-quality, economical, easily-transported boat to head out onto open
water, look no more, because Tracker Marine has just what you need to land
those keeper largemouths -- the Bantam 3X. |
