The Sun Tracker Fishin' Barge 21 has a LOA of 21'11’ (6.67 m), a beam of 8'1” (2.46 m) and weighs only 1,830 lbs (830 kg).

Changing Your Toon

It’s hard not to feel right at home on a pontoon boat. With so much open space, even landlubbers will have a hard time feeling ill at ease while onboard. The Sun Tracker Fishin' Barge 21 is a prime example of how simple life can be if you change to a toon. As long as the sun is shining and there’s gas in the tank, then your worries will be few and far between. Let’s take a look at her features and see what she has to offer--



Fishing Fantastic

Since she’s described as a fishing boat, let’s start with what features she brings to the bait table. Starting at the bow, an 8-gal (30.28 L) aerated livewell, while over on the starboard side, a storage bin holds your loose items. Both of these have a drink holder and rod holder built right in. In the center is a doorway leading out. A MotorGuide W55 Wireless Series 12V, 55-lb. thrust trolling motor with remote is added to an optional fish package in addition to a Lowrance X50 DS LCG fishfinder.

Rod storage is in a top loading box in the stern. Three pedestal bases allow for seating two in the bow and an additional fisherman at the stern. Also at the stern is a second 16-gal. (60.56 L) aerated livewell.

The deck is covered with your choice of either 22-oz. (.62 kg) sculptured marine-grade carpet or, if you take your fishing a bit more seriously, 30-oz. (.85 kg) heavy-duty, marine-grade vinyl with stain-resistant top coating for hose-and-go cleaning.

When It’s Time to Relax

If any of your clan decides that fishing isn’t their thing, then swimming or relaxing can be just as much fun. A large L-shaped seat lies to the port stern with a kidney-shaped table that is equally accessible from the captain’s seat with just a swing around to the side. Bring the supplies as there is plenty of storage under the seats.

Helm Layout

The console is an exhibit in simplicity. Gauges include a tachometer, voltmeter, fuel gauge and water pressure gauge. Engine temperature and oil pressure will be relegated to engine alarms included in the outboard motor. We love how there are two drink holders, since one is always used for holding anything but a drink, and in between is a recessed area that is lined with non-skid for holding whatever. We've mentioned in our videos how this feature is lacking on much more expensive, and larger, boats. Nice touch.

Underneath the helm, and right at the captain’s left knee, is a fire extinguisher. While we love that Sun Tracker included a fire extinguisher, the placement leaves a little to be desired. Thankfully the stereo is at the helm instead of a remote control, and it’s hard to miss that the engine control is mounted at such an extreme angle, just like virtually every other pontoon boat on the planet. Sooner or later, someone is going to mount the controls on the horizontal and then others will follow suit. So who wants to be first?



Notice the recessed area between the drink holders. We look for this on much larger and more expensive boats, but never see it. This shot also shows the optional fishfinder to starboard of the helm.

In front of the helm are a pair of drink holders, a soft padded area for “stuff”, and a trash receptacle. We’d rather see an option for adding a sink here in lieu of the trash receptacle. Under the helm is space for a carry-on cooler, the staple of every boating day.

Power Choices

You are not going to go too fast on the Sun Tracker Fishin' Barge 21, and that’s just fine with us. Speed will only spoil the relaxing atmosphere that we’re out to find so let’s keep it slow and steady. If we wanted a speed boat, we’d buy a speed boat.

You can opt up to a 60 ELPT Four-Stroke EFI BigFoot which Sun Tracker says will top out at 26 mph... still a sedate speed by anyone’s yardstick. (Note: we have not tested this boat.)

At the end of the day, when work and traffic are behind us, it’s time to settle down and watch the sunset in peace and quiet. On weekends, racing across the lake to get to the fish before the next guy and racing back to the weigh-in just won’t do for the family looking for tranquility. On the other hand, gently gliding across the lake with a cane pole and a can of worms, and lunch in the cooler while the ball game is on the radio, may be just the ticket for getting the mental housekeeping in order. And that’s a recipe for enjoying your Sun Tracker Fishin' Barge 21. The MSRP is $15,995.

Sun Tracker is a Tracker Marine brand.