Here is the stock generator hook up.

 

From additional reading, if I go the 12 volt route, I will probably buy a Powermax Converter to charge the batteries. All depends on how the two batteries will power the 4 lights.

 

Are you sure the lights are a/c? Seems like the trackers all come with 12v DC lights from the factory. If they are ac you can hook them straight up to your predator no problem, if they're DC you'll need a power converter, powermax is the way to go.
Dont try to use an onboard charger while running your lights/troller, you'll end up frying and possibly catching the charger on fire (dont ask how I know lol).
You more than likely will not be happy with only running 4 50w LEDs, unless you have stupidly clear water that's just not a lot of light output.
I run a 3500 predator inverter and other than changing the oil every 20 or so hours I've never had to do anything to it, I absolutely live it.

 

Yes, the 2017 models came with a DC Generator and I assume 12v lights. The 2018 comes with a 120v lights. The generator listed on their sight doesn't not specify if its 120 A/C or 12 DC, but I would have to assume its 120 A/C.

https://www.trackerboats.com/boat/features_options.cfm?boat=4275

I would only be running the 4 - 50wat LED's in my lake community lake. For the most part, its stupid clear water. The other public lakes in the area, would have to run the 8 light factory system.

They changed the lighting system on the 2019's to use a different Inverter. I have to assume its a lot quieter.

https://www.trackerboats.com/boat/features_options.cfm?boat=4602

 

Update to the previous post. After looking at the picture of the generator, it appears to be a cheap Yangke 12v DC inverter and battery charger. So either A, they did not put 120v lights on it or B, they somehow have another inverter onboard to convert the 12V to 120volts for the lighting.

Makes sense why they jumped the 2019 price so high as they put a much better generator onboard.

I can see me going the route of the PowerMax Converter and my Predator Inverter.

 

Yeah that's a 12v hookup with the 2 single wires going to the generator. A single powermax should do you fine if you're only running lights off of it.

 

That’s what I’m thinking. I will probably try and see how loud the stock DC generator is and go from there. I have two extra deep cycle batteries that I could hook up with the power max converter and use my predator to power it.

 

Yup believe that is a 12v system, don’t know of tracker doing any 120v lights.... our buddy changed up his tracker bowfish model from 12/24vdc lights to 120v with Honda gennie...

 

Amsugg on here had that generator when he bought his tracker, maybe he'll chime in

 

Aint seen him online in a good while

 

So update again. Picked up the boat today. Its a 2018, but Tracker at some point must have changed to the 2019 generator and lights. It has the FIRMAN Inverter Generator that the 2019 model was supposed to come with as well as 120v lights.

They must have made a mid year model change and upgraded it. I'm fine with it. I would have rather had the 120v lights and the better, quieter generator.


I'm still considering getting a Powermax Converter to charge the 12v trolling motor battery. Thoughts?

 

i run 10 100 watt leds and a 24 volt powermax invertered to keep the troller good all night. plenty of amps and power to run all night. i run a 1860 tracker grizzly. i use a 3500 watt predator genny from harbor freight.

 

Nice looking set up. I thought about going the powermax route, but with my lights all being 120 volt and only the trolling motor battery running off the deep cycle, I opted to just go with an onboard battery charger (which I won't run when running the trolling motor). I have two extra trolling motor batteries at home that I can always bring and swap out one of them.

One question, the mechanic at Cabelas told me that I could run the 12 volt cord from the generator and hook it up to the deep cycle battery while I'm operating the trolling motor. It only puts out 5 amps. Will this hurt the trolling motor to do that?

 

That would be a waste of time and effort, your troller is gonna be pulling at least 55 amps and adding 5 amps in isn't gonna help much at all.

 

That’s about right. We ran several hours tonight bass fishing and carp shooting and still had juice left.

Found my first issue on this boat. The FIRMAN generator that came with the boat isn’t running right. I get it started and plug in the lights. It’s cycles up and down like it can barely keep the 400 watts of lights running. I shut the lights off and it runs for 20 seconds and dies.

Fortunately, my predator ran like a champ and powered the lights just fine.

 

yea the best route to go is with a solid genny and if you save up and get a power max converter (55 amp or bigger) you can run all night, one battery. even with a big genny the converter part of it isnt going to put out what your troller needs to run right. along time ago i tried an Iota brand converter and runny it off a my 5000 watt genny, the battery eventually gave out and busted. so even if you have to save up alittle and buy a good powermax converter and go that route it will well worth the peace of mind knowing you have solid equipment and it will last a long time too.