Which boat would you buy?

[WIF]

Here is my "dilemma". I am ready to move up from a 16ft tiller boat to an 18ft. side console. The reasons are typical - kids want to ski, I want to fish bigger water more often, etc..

However, I am not willing to give up boat control. I don't want to spend all that money and not be completely confident that I can fish the way I want to. In my mind, that means rigging the boat with a 8HP Yammie kicker. I spent a few days fishing with a relative in his ProV 1900 SE equipped with this kicker. He had awesome boat control! On days when we took both boats out, he was able to "out boat control" me on steep break lines with that kicker versus my 50HP tiller motor. He had almost infinite speed control from barely moving with lindy rigs to clipping along nicely with spinners and cranks. I was also amazed at how that motor could turn that big boat on a dime when back-trolling. I'd guess the high thrust is the reason for this. As you can tell, I was sold that I could get what I wanted as far as boat control with that kicker.

Anyway - here is my dilemma. I have a limited budget. I have narrowed my choices down to these two boat models - an Alumacraft Magnum 175 or the new Alumacraft TP 175 with the 96 inch beam. I can swing the Magnum 175 with a 115 Yammie 4 Stroke and the kicker and the rest of the goodies I want. But I really would like the extra width and added features of the new TP 175. The problem being, I cannot afford an Opti-Max or HPDI in the horsepower range that boat would require (150), especially when adding the kicker. Would I be satisfied with a Merc EFI 150? This motor would pull the price range back into what I can afford. Resale, which I assume would be better with an HPDI, isn't so much an issue, as I would plan to own this boat for a long time (at least that is what I am telling the wife) I would appreciate any comments. Thanks.

[Dodge1]

I would buy the Alumacraft TP 175 with the Merc. 150 EFI.

[Fishingdog]

I would pick the Lund Pro-V with the rod storage change. Get the 1800...much sweeeeteeerrr. The IPS outperforms the 2XB from my experience in each boat. Don't get me wrong, Alumacraft is a very nice boat, I would just go with the Lund.

[Skis]

I have the Alumacraft Magnum and am very happy with it. I thought that the Magnum was the same width as the Tournament Pro? I like the rod storage on the Magnum over the side console holders in the TP.

Biggest difference I think is the weight. The TP is heavier and maybe rides better in rough water. My father-in-law has the TP 175 and our boats look almost identical when standing side by side. The storage is the same (except the TP is waterproof). I have a 125 Merc on mine and hit 46 with two people in the boat.

Resale shouldn't be a problem with either boats. They hold their value.

Enjoy your new boat, whatever you decide.

[CD]

I have the T-Pro 170CS and with the 2XB hull makes a nice ride. I would definitely go with the T-Pro 175 over the Magnum any day. You get much more out of the pro series as far as ride and some better features. My boat can really take on the big lakes with ease.
You should be happy with a 150hp on the 175. My 115 Johnson pushes mine along great.

[Smitty]

One other option may be to look at the 135 OptiMax.. Depending on your needs, mine pushes my 1800 Fisherman mid to upper 40's.

[dogfish1]

WIF,

I was in your same situation this summer. I found a great deal on a used Alumacraft with a 115 Yamaha. The boat was a used 2001 only three months old. It had a great trolling motor, batteries, cover and Eagle trailer. I probably saved a good 4000 right of the bat. Those other goodies can get real expensive. I probably spent 6500-7000 on other toys.
Look around and see if you can find a used boat with some toys on it already. There are lots of them out there. Try to get a four stroke for the main engine. They might be a little heavier but they sure are quiet, hardly burn any fuel, any come with a great warranty compared to a two stroke.
It even works great for waterskiing. With four people in the boat it still pulls me up on one ski- no problem.

Jason

[Eyeowa]

I'd go w/the TP and 150. You'll appreciate the width and weight when the wind picks up...
eyeowa

[DENNY]

MY BOAT IS FOR SALE! MAYBE YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN IT. IT IS A 2000 CRESTLINER TS 182 WITH A 150 FICHT AND A 9.9 FOURSTROKE KICKER PLUS A BUNCH OF EXTRAS! THIS BOAT HAS THE TRU-TRAC KEEL AND OFFERS SUPERB BOAT CONTROL, I'VE DONE REALLY WELL IN TOURNAMENTS WITH THIS BOAT. IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE DETAILS CALL ME AT 330-584-9403 BETWEEN 8:00 AM AND 1:00 PM

[Mike Victor]

I have a 2001 1775 LUND PRO-V S E with a 100 H.P.FOUR STROKE YAMAHA, With all the goodies. Its for sale i will be in Green Bay fishing the R C L.If you have interest in the boat e-mail me at mvictor@remc8.k12.mi.us

[GrizzMaster]

Alumacraft all the way guy!

I recently had the same problem between alumacraft's tourney
pro185 and one of the lunds boat. My brother owns a couple of lund's so I have some experience with there ride quality and
warranties. I was recently invited to the Alumacraft Boat Co.
in St. Peter Minn. My wife and I made the trip two weeks ago.
Boy was I and My wife impressed, they gave us a tour of the
complete plant. We watch how a boat which started from coils
of high grade aluminum stock,up to thefinished boat products.
First of all the whole place was very clean and organized very well. They even showed us there warranty area, which most places
hide somewhere in a dark shadowed area of there building. Alumacraft has been building the 2XB system since 1996, which
helps to explain the companys new warranty on the 2XB, 20 years
on the complete structure of the boat no prorating, 10 year on the floor. Since 1996 the company has had less than 1% failure
on the 2XB system. What more! hold on!!! The owners Son Brain
took more Wife out for a test ride in a 2002 sc185 Tournament Pro
eqipped with a 200optimax Motor from Merc. These Baby is smooth
I mean real smooth, just like the new ads say like its riding on rails. After brain warmed it up with several runs up and down the Lake he turned the controls over to me. Man Oh! Man my wife and I were impressed, I made some very tight turns in this rig over some big waves also, it was very impressive.

Let me wrap up by saying that I think you will be very happy with
Alumacraft, Oh! by the way were saving for the big down payment
nexted spring My wife and I are Convinced!!!!E-mail if you want more..

[Jeff]

I just purchased a new Alumacraft 175cs with dual consoles and a 150 Optimax. Its perfect. The boat/motor combination is incredible. The stability and control that the boat offers is excellent.

I don't think I would be any less happy with an EFI motor. The only difference would be fuel economy & emissions. I would definately be unhappy if I would have went with a smaller motor.

Get the 150 on the 175 TP, but take a long hard look at the hydralic steering. It makes a big difference.

[Erich]

Regarding motors and Alumacraft. Our ski team ran a pair of 175 HPDI's that are for sale at 20% off regular price with full warranty. They have performed flawlessly and have been dealer maintained all along, 20 hr check, gear lube changed etc.
He sells Alumacraft also. Not sure where you are located, but this is in south central Wisconsin.
Email me at erichz@charter.net if you want more info.
The motors are posted on the classified section on this site. I am sure the deal would be sweeter with a boat also.

Thanks,
Erich