Alumacraft 185 Tournament pro

[Aaron Biglin]

I am looking at buying an Alumacraft 185 tournament pro with a 90 hp. Will this be underpowered? Not conserned with blistering speeds, just don't want a boat that is going to struggle. Can anyone give me any input. Also any comments about quality and ride would be great.

[Rigger]

You will love the boat. You looking at getting the tiller
or the steering wheel?

Rigger

[Aaron Biglin]

I'm looking at the steering wheel. Do you have one? If so what size motor do you have?

[Box]

I have the 175 CS with a 150. Good combination.

For the 185, and even if you aren't looking for high speed, I (personally) would go at least 135, or if you are looking at 4 stroke type, I'd go as large 4 stroke as you could afford. I haven't opperated any of the big four strokes (other than a 90 Honda on a 17 foot Lund), so can't say much about them.

I'm not a "speed demon" but do like to have good holeshot with several people on board, and good handling in rough water. The 150 hp (or 135 hp) on the 175 gives that.

What I will say about the one particular 90 4-stroke I used... I thought I was going to have to get out of the boat and push it to get it out of the hole. We had four people (2 fat, 2 skinny) and no gear at all. It seemed to take forever, but I'm accustomed to really good holeshot. It was quiet and smokefree. Not sure what prop it had, but most likely a standard alum.

Some other people might be able to tell you if the difference up to the 115 4-stroke is worth it over the 90 - I"m not sure. If you are getting a 2 cycle, I'd highly recommend the 135 or 150. Whatever brand you like, but I'm a big Merc fan, and all my boats will most likely have a black motor...

Good luck, and I think you will really like the boat!

Box in MN

[boomer]

I have a tp175 with a 115hp yamaha. Wished i had the 150. I would
not go any smaller than a 150 with the way the hull is designed.
Its great in rough water but just does not get up on a pad in calm water. It always has a lot of hull in contact with water.

[JonM]

I had a 135 Opti on my 175 T-Pro, I wouldn't go under 150 for the 185, you'll regret it down the road. For Safety and Retail value, go with the 150 or bigger.

[montana]

I have a 175 tournament pro with a 150 yamaha on it and I wouldnt go any smaller either! the 150 has just the right power for the boat its not to fast or to slow.

[REW]

If you aren't concerned about speed - the 90 hp will be just fine.
This is a lot of boat - and the 90 hp won't get a lot of the boat out of the water - but it will work just fine.

To get a decent hole shot - you might have to pitch down your prop as low as a 15 pitch prop. The 15 pitch prop - will give you head snapping acceleration - and work big waves great. However, the 15 pitch prop will limit your top speed to about 32 mph.

If you go to a 17 pitch prop - you will be able to get 34-36 mph, and suffer a bit on hole shot.

I suspect that, a 19 pitch prop would be nice for speed - and if you move your load - and if it isn't too heavy, you might be able to get the boat on plane with the 19 pitch. If you can get the boat on plane with the 19 pitch - you will be running about 36-38 mph. However, you might not be able to get the boat on plane with this prop - if you are working big water.

Certainly this boat will be underpowered with the 90 hp - but if you are basically satisfied with a 32 mph boat - it will work just fine.

Just keep the prop pitch low enough - so that you can get a good hole shot with the load that you are carrying - and don't get bent out of shape about your top speed and you will be fine.

Certainly the boat performs wonderfully well with the 150 - and is really the motor of choice for this boat.

If you haven't considered it -- you might thing about picking up a used 150 - rather than a new 90. Often, you can find "decent" used 150's for under 5K.

There are quite a few folks that are upgrading their boats from 150's to 175's or 200's. There are quite a few 150's out there that are decent.

Take care

REW

[Rigger]

I have a 175TP 75 merc. Tiller. love the boat would like to run a 125 Tiller. If I where you I would go as big as I could afford. Resale will be better and you will not be kicking your self in the back side 6 month's from now.

[Aaron]

Thanks for all the info guys! you may have just saved me from making a big mistake. If anyone knows of a similar boat for sale that is in excellent condition, please feel free to e-mail me at abiglin@bright.net
I'm from Ohio and would be willing to travel within reason for a good boat.

[Rigger]

Aaron
Have you looked in the Classifieds here on the board. It would be the best place to start looking.
Good luck
Rigger

[RMB]

REW, once again your right on the money. I run a 175 TP with a 90 HP Honda and the speeds you indicate for the propping are right on. If money is an issue, a 90 HP will work just fine. Not ideal, but comfortable. I am currently moving up to a 150 though. All I've spoke with that have this boat and a 150 are very pleased. Well, there goes the gas savings!