Alumacraft Hull Design

[Tom]

I know that the Alumacraft 2XB is suppose to be strong, but does it
handle big water? the hull at the transom has a somewhat concave or arc shape appearance, Does anyone have any response to how they handle the big waves, and if the ride is dry? How does the 2XB compare to the Lund IPS hull?
Tom

[Koldfront Kraig]

I have a 1999 Tournament Pro 175.

In 2 to 2 and a half foot waves wide open throttle, nice ride.
In 3 foot waves I slow down to about 22 mph. I don't like the idea of my gear getting beat up. I'm usualy not in a rush.

As for a wet ride, I do get spray when going into a cross wind. I have a tiller, so I expect to get wet. I have a good rain suit.

I have never fished out of a Pro V, so I couldn't honestly compare the two, but I would guess they are similer. You will get a million different responses, it's like discussing Ford and Chevy.

My TP 175 is a solid, sturdy boat and I would buy another one.

[MarkG]

Big Dave E. a Wisconsin guide seen often on Gillespie's show uses his 2XB as an icebreaker during winter trips.

[FlyBoy]

I own a 2001 Mag 175 CS with the 2XB hull. One thing I can say is it is very solid. Takes the big water with the best of them. My boat is actually 1" short of 18' so the boat model is a little misdleading.

Several of my buddies have newer lunds with the IPS hull. I don't think there is ANY comparsion. The lund hull seems to take the water just as well, but behaves much better.

Don't get me wrong, I love my boat. But it is a TANK. The lund hulls are much more nimble. They plane out much better than my 175CS. I don't think there is a measurable difference in the 'dry ride' department.

If your gonna beat the snot out of it, the 2XB is probably the way to go. My next hull will be an IPS.

Thats my .02

-John
FlyBoy

[willy]

I have a 175 cs with a 125 merc and 9.9 big foot merc on it. Its like any other boat. I've been in 6'to 8' waves on mich. and 4'to5' waves on erie. It handles and rides great in those waters with the proper captain. It can have a very dry ride at times or very wet. I've been in many other boats and you are never going to get a completely dry ride in any boat be it glass or alum. Choose your boat to how you like the lay out.

[scott5019]

Tom,
I have a 1999 195 Tournament Pro with a 150 Mercury XR6 with a 9.9 four stroke kicker. I use it on the Saginaw Bay and it handles the waves great. You will get wet in a cross wind but I have been in a Lund Pro V 1900 and the ride was similar. Just depends on how hard you want to push it. If your not in a rush, it is a dry ride. As far as being a solid boat, either one would be a great choice. Good luck looking for your boat.

Scott