Sun Tracker boats are made by White River Marine Group, the boat manufacturing arm of Bass Pro Shops.
The brand is known for affordable pontoon and tritoon boats designed for family cruising, fishing, and entertaining on the water.
Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris created Sun Tracker in 1983 to serve the family fishing and cruising segment, expanding the company beyond its original Tracker aluminum fishing boats.
Knowing that Sun Tracker shares a parent company with Tracker and Nitro helps explain why the brand is sold through the same Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s dealer network as its sister brands.
This article covers Sun Tracker’s ownership, where the boats are built, its Party Barge and Bass Buggy model lines, and how it compares to sister brand Regency.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Sun Tracker Boats?
Sun Tracker was created by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris in 1983, three years after Morris introduced the original Bass Tracker.
Sun Tracker later became part of White River Marine Group when Bass Pro consolidated its various boat brands under that entity in 2015.
Bass Pro Shops remains a privately held company, and its boat manufacturing operations are based in Springfield, Missouri.
Where Are Sun Tracker Boats Made?
Sun Tracker pontoon and tritoon boats are manufactured at White River Marine Group facilities in Missouri, sharing production infrastructure with sister brand Tracker.
The company says every pontoon log is pressure tested twice at the factory to check for leaks before a boat ships to a dealer.
Sun Tracker boats are powered by Mercury outboard engines, reflecting the close relationship between Bass Pro Shops and Mercury Marine across the White River Marine Group lineup.
Sun Tracker Party Barge vs Bass Buggy: What Is the Difference?
The Party Barge Series is Sun Tracker’s signature entertaining focused lineup, built with ample seating, a sound system, and open deck space for cruising and hosting guests.
The Bass Buggy Series adds fishing features, including rod holders and a livewell, aimed at anglers who still want the comfort and space of a pontoon boat.
Both lines are offered in single pontoon and tritoon configurations, with tritoon models generally rated for higher horsepower and better performance in choppier water.
Sun Tracker vs Regency: How Do the Sister Brands Compare?
Sun Tracker and Regency are both pontoon brands under White River Marine Group, but they target different price points.
Sun Tracker sits at the value end of the pontoon market, while Regency is positioned as White River Marine Group’s limited line of luxury pontoon boats.
Buyers who want more upscale finishes and features within the same parent company’s dealer network often step up from Sun Tracker to Regency rather than switching brands entirely.
Are Sun Tracker Boats Any Good?
Sun Tracker is widely viewed as a good value pontoon brand, with many owners on forums like BBC Boards describing years of trouble free use and praising the layout and pricing compared to premium pontoon builders.
Recurring complaints on PissedConsumer and other review sites describe inconsistent build quality, including pontoon log welds that separated and let water into the logs, seat stitching that failed prematurely, and slow warranty and parts turnaround, according to owner reviews collected on PissedConsumer.
Several owners have also reported that standard outboard sizing on smaller models feels underpowered for the boat’s weight, echoing a similar complaint seen on Tracker’s aluminum fishing boats.
Owners in coastal or brackish water areas report faster corrosion and electrolysis issues on the aluminum pontoons, since the boats and trailers are primarily designed with freshwater use in mind, according to a breakdown of common Sun Tracker problems from BoatingWise.
The honest takeaway is that Sun Tracker delivers strong value for freshwater family boating, but buyers should inspect pontoon welds closely, confirm motor sizing fits their needs, and think carefully before using the boat regularly in saltwater or brackish conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Tracker Boats
Who owns Sun Tracker Boats?
Sun Tracker is owned by White River Marine Group, the boat manufacturing division of Bass Pro Shops.
When did Sun Tracker start making pontoon boats?
Sun Tracker was introduced in 1983 by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris.
Are Sun Tracker boats good for saltwater use?
Sun Tracker boats and trailers are primarily designed for freshwater use, and several owners have reported corrosion issues when the boats are used regularly in saltwater or brackish water.
What engines power Sun Tracker boats?
Sun Tracker boats are powered by Mercury outboard engines across the current model lineup.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.