Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 vs Tracker Topper 12 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 or the Tracker Topper 12 2003?

For trailering, the Tracker Topper 12 2003 has the edge at 105 lbs dry weight versus 147 lbs for the Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009. 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Tracker Topper 12 2003 tops out at 6 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Tracker Topper 12 2003 is certified for 3. 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 measures 98" wide, compared to 45" for the Tracker Topper 12 2003. 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.

Q: Are the Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 and Tracker Topper 12 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 and the Tracker Topper 12 2003 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.

Boat Comparison

Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 vs Tracker Topper 12 2003

Tracker

Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009

2009

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Tracker

Tracker Topper 12 2003

2003

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 vs Tracker Topper 12 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 vs Tracker Topper 12 2003 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 175 hp, the Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 has a 169-hp advantage over the Tracker Topper 12 2003's 6-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Tracker Topper 12 2003 caps at 3. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 18,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Tracker Topper 12 2003 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 3 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeTracker

ModelTarga? V-18 Combo

ModelTopper 12

Model Year2009

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam98 in

Beam45 in

Beam - Meters2.49

Beam - Meters1.14

Beam - Inches98

Beam - Inches45

Deadrise19℃

Deadrisenot available

Depth - Detail27 in

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters68.58

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches27

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail1,470 lbs

Weight - Detail105 Lbs

Weight - kg666.78

Weight - kg47.63

Weight - lbs.147

Weight - lbs.105

Width [transom] - DetailBottom: 82 in

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Height [transom]25 in

Height [transom]15 in

Length - Feet18

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail12 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Meters3.66

Length overall - Inches216

Length overall - Inches144

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness0.100 in

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMercury®

Engine makenot available

Engine model115 ELPT OptiMax®

Engine modelnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail40 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters151.42

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal4

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Horsepower115

Horsepowernot available

Engine max175 hp

Engine max6 HP

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,755 lbs

Maximum capacity440 Lbs

Maximum people7 / 1,050 lbs

Maximum people3 Persons

Trailer Info

Trailer - Length over all21 ft. 0 in. (with swing-away)

Trailer - Length over allnot available

Trailer - Weight2,945 lbs

Trailer - Weightnot available

Trailer - Width8 ft. 3 in

Trailer - Widthnot available

Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 vs Tracker Topper 12 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 or the Tracker Topper 12 2003?

For trailering, the Tracker Topper 12 2003 has the edge at 105 lbs dry weight versus 147 lbs for the Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009. 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 Targa V-18 Combo 2009 is rated to a maximum of 175 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Tracker Topper 12 2003 tops out at 6 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 Targa V-18 Combo 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Tracker Topper 12 2003 is certified for 3. 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 Targa V-18 Combo 2009 measures 98" wide, compared to 45" for the Tracker Topper 12 2003. 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 Targa V-18 Combo 2009 and Tracker Topper 12 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 and the Tracker Topper 12 2003 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.

← Tracker Targa V-18 Combo 2009 full specs ← Tracker Topper 12 2003 full specs