Alumacraft185 Trophy

[crawlerman]

I looked at a 185 Trophy today. The dealer has a 2000 new 185 and and 2001 new 185. With a 150 Mercury Optimax and trailer the 2000 price with full warranty is about $20,000. The 2001 is $1200 more. I like the depth and have to admit I am really impressed with this boat. Seems like a great large water boat. I am looking for opinions on the prices noted above, and ride quality, ride in rough water, still fishing stabilty and recomended HP applications. If the price is good, and since I will keep this boat, should I opt for the 2000 and go to the max hp of 175. I looked at crestiner's but have to admit I like this boat. I think this would be a great walleye boat and good for the grandson as well. What do you think? Lastly, how is the quality and how is Alumacrafts warranty service when it is needed.
Thanks

[BIGGESTEYE]

the quality of the Alumacraft is second to no one, they are unique in the fact that they were the first ever aluminum boat builder and that they are still independently owned, Gen-Mar will never own Alumacraft for many reasons, mainly the financial strength of the company, Irwin likes to buy struggling companys. I personally know how well the warranty dept works. they are a very reasonable company to deal with. the Trophy 185 is a great boat, it has more storage and standard features then any other boat of it's size plus it is a very soft and dry ride. I would put no less then a 135hp moter on the boat.

[crawlerman]

Thanks for the feedback on this boat.

[Jigs4eyes]

It really depends on how much you use it and how rough of water you use it in. I have a 1997 that for the first year every thing went well. The second and third winters my boat was back at the factory for most of the winter. I fish Lake Oahe alot probably 60 to 70 days a year[ alot of rough water]. I had trouble with the consoles coming loose, the transom seperating from the sides, the boat twisting enough that they had to remove the floor and put extra braces in the floor and replace most of the rivets that had broken in the floor plus a few minor things. I will say that they have fixed every thing under warranty and they seem concerned about the problems.. They did say they have made corrections to the problems and last summer I no longer had the prolems I have had before. Some people might not use their boat as much or in as rough of water as I do but it is something to keep in mind. I do like to fish out of this boat and it is fairly dry and stable, I run a 175 hp on it and the motor size should depend on the distance you normally travel and the load factor in the boat, I wouldn't go below a 135 hp. Hopes this helps.

[Bad Finger]

Well put. This boat can not take a beating. I had same problems as you. Oil can'ed the hull, busted rivets, lost windshield, loose floor. Only took me about 1/2 a season to wreck the boat. Alumacraft has wonderful warranty and great service and fixed everything. As soon as I got it back, I traded it for Glass.

[crawlerman]

thanks for the info. I looked at and purchased a Crestliner 18 ft Sport/fish today with a 175 ho engine. left over 2001 in show room with new 2002 Evinrude engine. Can't wait to try it. Thanks for the responses.