I have been hunting around the site for quite a while and cannot seem to find many pictures of the layouts of these two boats. I currently have a magnum 165cs with a 50hp fourstroke efi....the family is getting bigger and i don't have enough room or power anymore to take everyone out and play....(the 50 doesn't pull a tube very well!!!) I am trying to decide what boat to hunt for and what size is best....i think i am not going to go any shorter than 18' and probably not anything under 150 for hp. If anyone has any pics or good info on what boats would be good for family/fishing/pleasure boating thanks.....I see lund came out with a crossover but to me lunds are always a bit more pricey and I like the current alumacraft i have just not big enough anymore.....so i was just going to keep looking at alumacrafts for now..

I would take a look at the Dominator and Competitor lines. Good layouts for family and fishing. The Trophy series is too tall IMO.

Crestliner has the Superhawk line of boats that have a convertible bow so you can fish off it or open it up and have bow seating. They come in as small as 18' and I bought a 19' one two years ago. They have a ton of room. The Alumacraft Trophy are comparable, in configuration, and I don't know about too tall. It was on my short list when I bought the Crestliner. Went with welded over rivets.

If you want to keep in same boat manufacturer, either listed will fit bill.

Seeing as you are going dual purpose, trophy might suit you better due to seating arrangement. Any boat size from 175 (17'11") up should fit your requirements.

You did not specify new or used, but you also have described boats with full walk through windshields.

Definately don't go under 150 hp in these boat / hulls.

Make sure you look at the boats and decide for yourself what fits all your needs the best.

You should be able to get help at Alumacraft directly. I'm sure they would love to keep a satisfied customer. contact info is on their website.

For all around use, with a nod toward family use, I would consider only the trophy. Quite a bit more family friendly.

Take care
REW

The Trophy 185 would be a great choice, as you can opt for the bow cushions for more of a "bow rider" feel. The jump seats are a nice feature, as well. AM/FM/MP3 comes standard, as does the convertable top.

You also may want to think about a Stratos 386xf, very fishing friendly, as well as suitable for playtime with the tubers and skiers. A very well made boat for it's price point. I own a Stratos 385xf, which is more of a "strictly fishing" version, and couldn't be happier.

http://www.alumacraft.com/2012-models/trophy-205/trophy-185/#info

http://www.stratosboats.com/models.cfm?name=386xf

P.S. Both boats have good rebates, as well. PM me if you'd like more info on either boat.

Newer trophies all have the in floor rod storage. That was a must for me.

Actually, they can be ordered either way, as a Trophy 185 BRS (Bow Rod Storage), or a Trophy 185 (includes front coaming pads), either way the price is the same.

thanks for all the input....I would like to look at a few in person or see some better pictures of the tournament style boat, i am probably looking at a couple year old boat rather than a new one.....especially when the new ones are close to 30k....i know for sure i want the infloor rod storage betweent the front two seats.....i suppose i would go full windshield for the family part of it....the only thing I didn't like about about a full windshield was on a lund tyee and when we would pull cranks on a windy day it was hard to drive a straight line.....i know the tyees sit more out of the water so that could have also been an issue...anyways the jumpseats in the back are also nice...but wish the livewell was in between the seats...then it could be the cooler when pleasure boating...wish a guy could just build your own boat.....

.anyways the jumpseats in the back are also nice...but wish the livewell was in between the seats...then it could be the cooler when pleasure boating...

Sounds like a Reata to me... And you don't have to use the livewell as a cooler, there's one in the bow.

Needs a little TLC I think, but well below market for this boat.
https://www.walleyecentral.com/classified/new/adviewer.jsp?adv=16380

I never put out the possibility of a ranger.....i have fished out of one before they do ride nice...

I never put out the possibility of a ranger.....i have fished out of one before they do ride nice...

And IMO they are about the best combination of fish/ski boat out there. I use mine for fishing 95% or the time and it works great. However, the wife likes to go on the boat as well and tube behind it. Works great for the family portion as well, especially with the convertible bow. And the interior space on these things is enormous.

You should check out LaCannes Marine in Faribault. They had some used (2010 & 2011) Dominators and Trophys in the 185 and 175 models at a good price. I think they recently had a new 185 Tourney Sport that was a carry over listed here on WS.

I run the 185 Dominator, it's a great boat.