View Full Version : Alumacraft Boatshow Blues
Went to the Milwaukee boat show to buy a Trophy Sport 175. Had been anticipating getting a new boat for a year. I wanted the 175 because I fish Lake Michigan a lot and wanted the full windshield for rough weather. But I was shocked by how badly they ruined this boat. They put in the stearn two little silly jumpseats. They fold down and out of the way -supposedly. But the fit and finish is so bad that they don't fold down flat at all. I can just see me trying to work with my downriggers in the steran and having to knell on these stupid things. I asked the salesman what was Alumacraft thinking here. He said that now you have seating for 8. Well, who puts 8 people in a boat this size??
My buddy has a 175 TS and I really liked trolling with it. Now I have to figure out some other boat to buy. If you think I am just whining about nothing then go look at it. Its really stupid. Of course, that's just my opinion. I should have bought my 175 last year.
jigtugger
01-23-2003, 11:52 AM
Did you see the tournament sport 175? Looks like what you want, only obviously more money. It does have a sweet center rod storage between the consoles too.
Ya , I did see the Tournament Sport. Really liked it. But lots more money. Could be a tough sell with my wife. I also liked the layout of the Smokercraft Ultima but it didn't seem as classy as the Alumacraft TS. I will have to go back to the show and pick a different boat.
Koldfront Kraig
01-23-2003, 02:29 PM
I was wondering. Is the Tournament Sport the same boat as the Tournament Pro, but with a full winshield?
Don't know if this helps much, but I was at Cabela's in Sidney on Mon. and they have an '02 carryover at a pretty good price. Has a 125 Merc. on if I recollect. About $14,000 if memory is right. Don't quote me on the price though, cuz I looked at about 35 boats that day.
jughead
01-23-2003, 07:36 PM
I think the jump seats were installed this year I heard because that seems to be what the demand is right now, it doesn't mean you have to use them though. My uncle just purchased a new t175 at the Mpsl Boat Show last weekend, with his two smaller children he appreciated the jump seats. It's hard to find a boat that fits everyones needs. As far as fit and finish we didn't see any faults in the one he purchased. Good Luck on your shopping!
fishhunter
01-23-2003, 10:18 PM
Have you looked at the millentia smokercraft nice finish and setup pretty good. Its the boat that would be comparable to the 175 TS
Fish-R-Man77
01-23-2003, 10:25 PM
Noel:
Sympathize with your feelings about the jumpseats; so many of the newer boats have the transom area so filled with "stuff" that those of us who enjoy Lake Michigan downrigger fishing can't access the back to work the 'riggers & net fish. If you definitely want a new boat, by all means go for it. If you'd consider a used boat, my '91 Alumacraft Trophy 190 is for sale ($5500); rigged for LM trolling. I live in Milwaukee. Email me if you want specifics. diveguy61@hotmail.com
Shorelunch
01-24-2003, 07:27 AM
Alumacraft Trophy's, Crestliner Sportfish's and, to a certain degree, Lund Tyee' s are becoming the SUV of boats - all things for everybody. They still make excellent fishing boats, but are also marketed/manufactured for dad, mom & the rug rats, too.
I bet if you sit something heavy on top of the jumpseats folded down for a few days, they'll fold down better.