Alumacraft Tournament Sport 175

[Fish 23]

I bought this boat new in April and have a ton of problems with it. Has anyone had difficulty with their's? The windshiled had popped out of the track on 3 different occasions and this was not in any rough water when it happened. Ii am talking small choppy water. There really seems to be an engineering mess up in how the windshield is supported or maybe the design of the glass isn't right for that type of console. I'm just looking to see if there are other problems out there or if I am just the unlucky one. Thanks

[bumps2]

I remember a post last spring about this. Believe the person had the 185 and was having the same problem. If I remember correctly a later post indicated that Alumacraft had received some faulty windshields and had subsequently changed suppliers. I am kinda sorta thinking about buying this same boat. Have you had any other problems with it. Also what size motor do you have. Thanks

[Greg P]

Fish23,
You are not the only one. My windshield popped out 3 weeks ago. It was only the left side that came loose. I brought it in to the dealership and they contacted Alumacraft, who sent a new windshield out. I am having it installed tomorrow.

I will post the results after I see the new windshield. I assume it will be covered by warrenty.

Incidentally, I have used the boat extensively for 3 years now. This is the first time the windshield has come out. It seems that a small screw near the hinge worked it's way loose and allowed it to pop out.

I was puzzled that Alumacraft is sending an entire new windshield to me. The windshield did not break. But the dealer said that the new windshield is a different design, and will not pop out. Seems a bit odd to me, because I would think the supports that hold the windshield in place would matter more than the glass itself . But again, I will see what happens.

I will post in a few days on how it goes, what it cost, and how well the fix looks. I hope this will be the end of problems for me.

I wonder why your dealership has not replaced the windshield? My dealership told me that Alumacraft is replacing the faulty design.

Good luck.

[fish23]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. My windshield has popped out on both sides right in the corner of where the windshield is curved. I think those supports are mounted terribly. They are so stubby. That windshield would have more support if it would run all the way to the top. They haven't failed me but I think it would take less stress off the rest of the window. Any of you have problems with your console cracking?

My dealer has replaced the glass once and it did absolutely no good. It came out on the very next trip. They sent a glass company to my house ( after I refused to drive the 2 hours to get it fixed as I had numerous times already this summer) and they put some gunk in there that they guaranteed wouldn't come out. My dealer told me it was a temporary fix and that they would do something about it this fall.

I've also had my main switch to the power just break off while I was driving, the latch inside the rod holder put a hole right through my new G-Loomis as the bolt was too long. Also, in the rod holder the interior lights must have been put in the wrong spot as I open the hatch and latch caught on the wires and pulled them right out.

I have a 140 Johnson that the power trim went out on and had to be replaced. Then when the dealer put it back in the put it in correctly and the boat wouldn't start because the shift lever was put back in gear )when it was in the upright position) so I had to take that back and get replaced. Trailer lights took a crap,travel cover got a hole in it. Bad boat buying experience. I think I'll stop here. Let me know what you guys find out and let's keep this post going. Thanks

[THROWINWOOD]

WOW LOTS OF LITTLE PROBLEMS ADD UP, DONT NEED TO DEAL WITH THAT WHEN YOUR TRYIN TO RELAX.

I'M ON MY 2nd ALUMACRAFT IF YOUR DEALER CAN'T SATISFY YOU CONTACT VERN AT THE FACTORY , HE'S THE MAN .

GOOD LUCK DAVE

[fishhunter]

This problem is not just alumacraft I have seen and read about almost every brand boat with the same problem. Most manufactures use the same company to get there windshields. The main problem with all full windshields is when the dealer puts them on (most do not come put on at the factory) they use screws because its cheaper and easier, the best fix for all would be to use bolts with lock washers. I had to do this on my previous boat, and will have to do in on my current boat also.

[SL Duck]

I too bought this spring. The left side of the windshield popped out. I was told by the dealer that Alumacraft advised to get an automotive glass company to glue it in place as this was the recommended repair. The factory said that they could replace the windshield but it would happen again. Now why would not the manufacturer than use a glue process in order to secure properly if this is the recommended repair? I am in the insurance business and have personal contacts in the auto glass business. The reason they do not glue it tight is because you have to have a little play in the glass and gasket so the glass does not shatter or break. Makes sense. Well I advised my dealer that this was not acceptable and we are putting in a new windshield and I plan on getting it replaced until I am satisfied. Sorry I spent serious cash on this and I expect more than this. The dealer is in agreement by the way. The power gauge to the electric trolling batteries does not work. The interior lights to the rod locker do not work. I will get these fixed when I take the boat in for the windshield. I will second the rod locker design flaw. The 7 1/2 lengths have to go on the top row. My trolling rod handles got all beat up because the rod locker lid edge comes down on them and they also come in contact with the latch. Other than that love the boat.

[fish23]

Duck, I agree with you on the glass installation. Do it right the first time.

My dealer also said the same thing ab out getting it fixed They told me to have a glass company come and glue it in rather than bringing it to the dealer. Then, when this failed, they told me to bring it to them and they will do it "right" only to have them do it wrong. Anyway, I wrote a lengthy letter to Alumacraft and they said there was a flaw in the glass design. They tried to replace the first ones only to have the replacements be flawed too. He said they now have the problem under control and that glass will be replaced with the "right" piece of glass. Guess we'll just have to wait and see. Should have bought Lund!

[fishhunter]

As I said before LUND uses the same windshield company

[fish23]

What type of lund to you own?

[JIMJOHN]

For the most part, love the boat. Do have some paint coming off, Some sighns of WS failure. All things the factury said they will fix at the dealership or factury. My main problem is with the dealer I purchased the boat from. He crossed me and as a result i'm done with them. Alumacraft and another dealer seem more than happy to resolve warrienty issues....

[MNHusker]

I will count my blessing because I have not had a problem with my TS 175.

Scott

[Fishinhound]

I also feel very lucky as I have no proglems to report. Have a TS175 with a Honda 130, also 9.9 for trolling and to fish the restricted lakes. I made my purchase from a very small dealer and his care for the needs of our boat have been great!
Lots of luck too all, The Fishin Hound

[Le pickerel]

I bought a TS 175 this spring with a complete top and the dealer had one heck of a time to get a top to fit. Apparently the windshield configuration had been changed and the top that used to be made to fit the boat (from Dufort Industries in Winnipeg) did not fit my new windshield. After two or three tries they got it right or close enough to right.
I have not had any problems with the windshield but I agree with some other posts that the bolt from the rod locker has gone through one of my rod handles. I had to hack saw it off.
Otherwise, other than the boat comes with the most useless owner's manual, it is one fine vessel.

Le pic

[Indyguy]

I have not had any problem with my windshield but I have a problem with water coming into the livewell while I am on plane. Vern from Alumacraft said I should shut off the areator nozzle and/or take off the water intake screen for the livewell pump.

I did as instructed but the livewell will still draw water if the drain is open or the livewell pump nozzle is open.

The automatic bilge stopped working, it only pumps water out on manual.

I feel that Alumacraft (Vern) is trying to work with me and my problems will be overcome.

[SL Duck]

I read the comment on the owners manual being useless. I would second that. I was in the sailboat business dealing with trailerable cruisers. Having problems with boat is just part of the game for some reason. The front voltage meter that monitors the trolling batteries probablty just has a bad switch. The windshield being faulty is getting fixed. The rod locker lights is repairable. I look at these things as small items in the big picture. I think this is the best boat out there in its class. The ride is great and the fishability of the boat is wonderful. It has more interior depth than the 1775 or 1800 Pro V's which I like. But it is not too deep and is almost perfect. The position of the console is perfect in that it gives you both room fore and aft as compared to the IFS 1800 where the aft space is less but the fore deck is a little larger. The fit and finsih is very good.

[FOBW1980]

A buddy of mine and I both bought matching 175 Alumacrafts at the MPLS boat show a year ago. We both were long time Lund owners. His Alumacraft has had the windshield pop out, the T/T switch go bad and is losing paint. I've had no issues with mine at all. They both have had A LOT oh hours put on them.

Oh well ... at least we Alumacrafters don't have our gas tanks dumping explosives into the bilge like another buddy who bought his new Lund at the same show.


Keep your line wet,
-Ken-

[clarkend]

Any of you guys willing to give me some more info on your boat purchase....other problems/likes/dislikes/$$ paid/motor choice, trailer choice, etc

I am seriously thinking about one of these boats.

Email
saskatchewan16@hotmail.com

Thanks.

[vikes40for60]

What motors are you guys running on this rig? What type of performance are you getting for top end?

[MNHusker]

I am running a Yamaha 115 4 stroke. Two guys fulling loaded I get 37-39 GPS. I am happy with that but I plan on upgrading to the 150 4stroke in the near future. The 115 was a budgeting reason but I am very pleased with the performance.

[NC]

Why the switch from Lund?

[SL Duck]

Shorelander trailer,135 Opti, 9.9 Bigfoot electric start,Wave Wackers paid $21495.

[JIMJOHN]

What trailer size do you have with this rig? My dealer sold me a 2400# trailer, 1360# tires. Have had nothing but trouble with this under sized unit, being the tires will not handle the 3300 pound load. The dealer will not do anything unless I pay for all what it will take to handle the load. Be carefull with the trailer size on this or any boat. The buyer needs to know for sure what the rig will weigh fully loaded (gas, gear, batteries, etc) going down the highway.... Good luck!

[SL Duck]

Have 3100 LB bunk trailer. I like it. Plenty sturdy.