Alumacraft opinion

[vfarmint]

Does anyone on this board own an Alumacraft boat? If so, what is your opinion. I'm ready to pull the trigger on one of the new Magnum175's. Any response would be helpful whether it's in reference to the boat above or Alumacraft in general. Thanks in advance.

[Greg P]

I have owned 2 Alumacrafts over the past 12 years. I have not had one major problem. And my boats get plenty of use.

They are one of the top Aluminum boat makers. No doubt about that, period. They are not the least expensive by a long shot.

They probably have the best customer service record of all the aluminum boat makers. At least according to what I have read on this board. But, very few people on this board have had occasion to use their customer service.

About the biggest problem I have encountered is the screws holding the floor down need tightening every couple of trips. Big deal.

I think you are making a wise choice with Alumacraft. Many different companies to choose from, most are very good. Most make a variety of models, made for different levels of use.

Have fun in your new boat. Buy Alumacraft with confidence. I am not sponsored by them.

[Skis]

I own my second Alumacraft and don't foresee changing that in the near future. I do own a Magnum 175 CS with a 125 Merc on it and absolutely love the boat! Great floor plan, lots of walking room and sturdy enough to handle rougher water.

I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, if you have any! Good luck on your decision!!

[Dave in Mpls]

I own a '97 Alumacraft 190 competitor with the 2XB hull. I have not had any problems with the boat which I did not induce myself! In addition, the folks at Alumacraft are a treat to work with.

Regards

[W1]

I have 98 165 tiller Magnum and my friend has the 2000 175 CS Magnum. Both great boats. No problems at all

[eyewitness]

Four brutal years on my 175 TP w/ 2 XB hull and the boat is holding together beautifully. I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

[Lund Owner]

I have owned Lunds forever and I bought a new one last year. At that time I seriously looked at Alumacraft and the only reason I stayed with a Lund is because they took a trade-in on my boat for more money and the price was only a little higher than the Alumacraft. I would buy an Alumacraft in a heartbeat, love my Lund but I am sure I would have been just as happy with the Alumacraft. I have seldom seen negative comments on Alumacraft here on this site. I really like the carpeted Gunnels!

[BAGGY]

Lund Owner & Skis,

I'm also looking at getting a 2002 175 MAGNUM CS, and those carpeted gunnels were one of my big concerns. How well has the carpet held up on the gunnels.
Also, after comparing the Alumacraft to the Lund 1700 Angler and the Crestliner 1750, the beam is a little narrower (88" compared to 91" & 92"). Do you see any problems mounting a kicker motor and still being able to turn it ok. I know it's only 4 inches or so difference, but I don't want to be jammed for space.
Other than that I was really impressed with the layout too.

Thanks
Baggy

[Skis]

Haven't had any problems with the carpet. Only thing I wish they would have changed is making the compartments waterproof. With rough water, I do need to air everything out when I get home.

As to the kicker, I don't think you would have problems with a kicker. I personally don't have a kicker on my boat (yet!), but I think you'd be OK. I'd talk to a dealer on that, they should know best!

[Tim]

I just came home from looking at the 175 tiller model and I'm going to buy it if I can come up with the cash. What a great lay out. Lots of room and plenty of storage. Only thing missing is a built in radio. I don't troll so I'm putting on a 75 merc (can't aford 80 4/stroke anyways) should push that boat just fine.

[Winnie T]

I bought an Alumacraft Backtroller back in the 80's and had three separate cracks develop in the hull, rivet to rivet. Alumacraft refused to fix it because of improper trailering. What was improper trailering, it was the fact that the boat sat on a EZ Loader trailer. Alumacraft said that EZ Loaders didn't have center keel rollers, and therefore refused to do any warranty work on it.

I personnally would never consider another one! Read their warranty before you buy one.

Winnie T

[rock2me]

vfarmint,

I WOULD NOT BUY AN ALUMACRAFT! Everyone tells me that they sink within the first year, I believe them.

You will not "catch" many fish as the sounds of popping rivets scares fish away. I heard someone actually got their eye poked out from a flying Alumacraft rivet. I would recommend welding the rivets in place before the maiden voyage.

The transoms just plain, fall-right-off. However, that comes in handy when they sink as it is kind of like a breakaway mount to save the lower unit.

I do not want to even get started on the carpet. You better get a hold of a good carpet guy. I've heard that the carpet just rolls right off after the first hint of water, or the first sinking (one year) whichever comes first.


Just kidding, I do not think you would go wrong with either Alumacraft, Lund or Crestliner. If it fits your needs go get the one that works best for you.

I just couldn't stand all the praise..... I also like the carpeted gunnels. In the heat of the summer it could get hot leaning over big wide metal gunnels.

Good Luck!

[nlar]

I had a competitor 170(GREAT BOAT!) and traded 4 years ago for a 175 Trophy Sport, I love the boat and use it pretty hard.The full windshield does take up some space but the wife likes it on those cool mornings in Canada.Alumacraft makes a excellent boat in my opinion!

[beetle]

Winnie T,
Looks more like it was the dealers fault for putting that boat on the wrong trailer. Personally, I've owned 4 Alumacrafts in the past 25 years and have had O trouble with any of them, except for boo boos of my own doing.

[Phil T.]

I'm still running my 1984 Trophy 175. I bought it new. I bought the Alumacraft because my "local" Lund salesman raised the price of a boat I was considering by $500 each time I visited the dealership. He must have thought he had a sucker in the line.
The main engine logs 100 hours/year, the kicker gets used much more. I have no idea how many hours that boat has floated. It still doesn't leak, after all these years on Lake Sakakawea. The carpet and flooring have been replaced.
I too, had a poorly fitted roller trailer. It caused a couple cracks in the skin. At the time the boat was near the end of its prorated warranty. Also, in the '80's, Alumacraft used a high-tech aluminum sheeting (the same 6016 alloy that is still used in most boats' rivets) and it was strong, light, but brittle. The repairs were successful, and like I said, the boat still doesn't leak.
I'll be shopping for a new boat next year. It's nice not to have a reason to rush into things.

[Cornhusker]

I was looking at a 2001 magnum 175 cs holdover with 2001 yammie 100hp 4stroke and 2001 shorelandr trailer. (Everything new) They are asking 13,800. Is this a good deal?

[Skis]

I bought a 2001 with a 125 Merc, air ride seats (4), a brand new MinnKota Auto Pilot, new Lowrance depthfinder, a custom made travel tarp, & a Shoreland'r trailer all rigged and ready to go for just under $16,000 last spring.

Doesn't sound like too bad of a deal.

[ChuckD]

I have a Tournament Pro 170 CS, and love the boat. It has performed extremely well on all large lakes (Winni, Leech, LOW) and it always brings me home safe in any weather. Sometimes I have found myself the only one on Leech in some of the nastiest waves too!
There were some minor problems that I had to repair on my own (loose screws, broke a metal support under the console, radio fell out). These issues resulted from my abuse in heavy waves. I feel the hull is the best out there (2XB). Better overall performance than my previous boats and others I have ridden in.

[vfarmint]

Everybody, thank you for the responses. Rock2Me, great response. I got a kick out of that. Considering I 2 young toddlers, (and they will fish!) the responses were extremely valuable.

[Don]

I have owned about 6 alumacraft boats over the years, and would continue to buy them, if ever the need should come up again.

[Sink'rSwim]

My Dad purchased a 16 foot tiller fishing boat from
Alumacraft in 1960. This boat has been everywhere- 3 trips to Canada,many years on Lake Shaffer (indiana). Dad sold it back in the early 1980's-the guy who bought it towed it to his home in N. Ind. Here about 8 years ago Dad saw a boat sitting in a yard for sale in his neighborhood (Speedway, Ind)---yep, his former boat. My brother in law bought it; still has it. Not one single leak, problem, or what have you---still in use, mostly on Eagle Creek Res. How is that for 'quality'?

[SnellTier]

Am on my 2nd Alumacraft ... may trade it on my 3rd if I can get the price I think is fair.

I have the 1997 model 165 Magnum CS with a 75 Mariner on it. At the time, the boat was only rated for 80, not 90 like it is now.

Like the other posts say ... ZERO problems!!!!

My only coaching would be ... make sure you max out the motor (Alumacraft is very conservative in their max). The ONLY reason I am thinking of trading is because the TP 175 allows a 2nd console and I cannot get that as an option on my boat nor can you on the 175 Magnum. As I fish big water a lot and my wife is my fishing partner, I want her to be comfortable.

Thumbs UP for Alumacraft!!

[Chief Sludgeman in PdC]

Bought my 16SC new in 1988. I've had it on the Missouri River, Lake Michigan, Lake of the Woods and all over the Mississippi river. It's as good as any out there. Those nagatives are probably Lund owners that found out they paid to much and are ticked. Getting ready to retire and getting a new rig. I'll look at all of them just as I did when I bought in 1988, and will probably buy what gives me the most for my money. Don't let them scare you. Go for it!

[Firetiger(MN)]

I've had a Magnum 165CS for the past 3 years and it's been great. Better fit and finish than the similar Lunds that I looked at. So far so good.