New Boat Questions?

IMHO Tracker boat packages are always underpowered.  A 9.9 will push the boat easily at hull speed, around 7 mph.  A 25 won't put the boat on plane so offers no advantage over the 9.9.  I would also recommend the Minn Kota Autopilot bow mount upgrade. 

id be lookin at close to near max HP on that...if its 175 look at a 150 package.  If its 150 look at a 125...merc power is probaly the easiest to get serviced so i probaly would consider them just for maint. reasons.
 
You will never regret a 9.9 four stroke kicker....

As far as boats are concerned, you have low end, middle of the road and high end with aluminum boats.  No offense, but Trackers are cheaper and have always been cheaper and there is a reason for that.  You get what you pay for.  As for the Targa however, I believe they are one of Tracker's best models...with the all welded aluminum hull design.  They look great and the storage seems pretty good.  The people I've talked to with them, are satisfied.  As far as the motors go....Tracker packages always seem to put motors on that are just under what you would really want.  I'd certainly go with at least a 115 h.p. on the 18.5'  And a 9.9 kicker would safice just fine for what you want to do with it.  With a 25, there are still lakes around that you would not be allowed on such as Pymatuning.  Finally, I would definitley recommend a 4 stroke for your kicker.....they are a little more money, but well worth it, I assure you.  I have a Honda 9.9 on my Smoker Craft and I absolutley love it...no fumes, little vibration, very quiet, fuel efficient, no oil to mix and reliable as heck.

Best of Luck with your purchase and chioces...If you're a serious fisherman, buying a boat to fit your needs could be stressful.  However, once you get into the boat and set it up just the way you want,  it will bring many memorable moments.  With that size of boat on Erie, as with any size boat on Erie, just be sensible, safe and watch the weather very closely.  Good Luck!   

Thanks for the information guys.  I obviously have alot more researching to do before I purchase a new boat, but it's tough finding one that can do everything I would like it to do.  95% of the manufacturers don't list their prices, so that doesn't help!  I don't want to have to call 10 or 15 different dealers just to get prices.  I like the fact that Tracker list all their models costs and prices with the options included.
The 18.5 Targa baseline price is 19,995, but with the 150hp-2 stroke mercury you're up to to 23,000 or so.  I would consider getting the 115 hp 4-stroke, but uncertain there since it costs more than the 150 hp. 
I really don't have the money to afford a 25,000 boat, (I could finance one for that money, although preferably I wouldn't want to do so) I'm looking
more in the 20,000 range.   I haven't ruled out getting a used boat, but haven't had much luck finding anything a whole lot cheaper than buying new.  
Anyways, I appreciate the feedback--I welcome any other insight you guys might be able to provide me with.  Take care  

Lovegren,
 
Look at Starcraft's.  6 months ago you could not have paid me enough to step foot in an aluminum boat.  I have heard way too many "horor stories" about aluminums leaking and having all sorts of problems.  Storymaker and I went to the Buffalo boat show and talked to a Starcraft dealer out of Tonawanda.  In a mater of 15 minutes he changed both our minds.  But did have warnings about welded aluminum hulls.  Besides the Starcraft's are a really slick looking boat, set up strictly for fishing.  I was, and still am, contemplating buying one.
 
BTW, the only reason that I haven't outright bought one yet is becasue they incresed the height on the transom so that my 1971 80hp merc won't fit on them.  That's all that I would plan on having on that size of a boat.  Anything bigger and all you hear is an ominous sucking sound comming from your gas tank, especially when gas is 3 bucks a gallon.

Boat trader online. New and used boats and price guide.
http://http://www.boattraderonline.com/

NADA poat prices
http://www.nadaguides.com/SectionHome.aspx?LI=1-28-0-5000-502-578-50250&l=1&w=24&p=0&f=5601

My opinion is that used is the way to go.......I bought with a bad motor knowing that I would repower it the boat was cheap and now I have a reliable motor on a nice boat for much less $$$$...
The my big boat is fiberglass and I love it for erie, because I only have to tow it about 2.5 mile to get to walnut......It would suck if I had to tow it any further on a regular basis (and I tow with a suburban)  Aluminum is the way to go for any towing distance.  My little boat is a 17' sylvan..  Sylvan makes a great boat and is definitly worth checking out, along with alumacraft.