Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009 boat specs
Tracker
Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009
2009
View full specs →
VS
Tracker Panfish 16  2004 boat specs
Tracker
Tracker Panfish 16 2004
2004
View full specs →

Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009 vs Tracker Panfish 16 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009 vs Tracker Panfish 16 2004 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 23 hp for the Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009 and 40 hp for the Tracker Panfish 16 2004. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

Both boats are rated for 4 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Tracker Panfish 16 2004 and its 40-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009 with its 23-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeTracker
MakeTracker
ModelMarsh Hunter 1648
ModelPanfish 16
Model Year2009
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam63 in
Beam72 in
Beam - Meters1.6
Beam - Meters1.83
Beam - Inches63
Beam - Inches72
Weight - Detail550 lbs
Weight - Detail707 lbs
Weight - kg249.48
Weight - kg320.69
Weight - lbs.55
Weight - lbs.707
Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 48 in
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height [transom]16 in
Height [transom]21 in
Length - Feet16
Length - Feetnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail15 ft 9.75 in
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Meters0.25
Length overall - Inches192
Length overall - Inches9.75
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thickness0.125 in
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMud Buddy
Engine makenot available
Engine modelSport Short
Engine modelnot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typenot available
Horsepower23 hp
Horsepowernot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail9 gallons
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters34.07
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal9
Engine maxnot available
Engine max40 HP
Operational Info
Maximum capacity900 lbs
Maximum capacity880 lbs
Maximum people4 / 475 lbs
Maximum people4 Persons

Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009 vs Tracker Panfish 16 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009 or the Tracker Panfish 16 2004?
For trailering, the Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009 has the edge at 55 lbs dry weight versus 707 lbs for the Tracker Panfish 16 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Tracker Panfish 16 2004 is rated to a maximum of 40 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009 tops out at 23 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 4 passengers, while the Tracker Panfish 16 2004 is certified for 4. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Tracker Panfish 16 2004 measures 72" wide, compared to 63" for the Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009 and Tracker Panfish 16 2004 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Tracker Marsh Hunter 1648 2009 and the Tracker Panfish 16 2004 are built by Tracker. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.