Questions on Alumacraft TP175 for Bob

Bob -
My brother, dad, and I bought a TP 175 console in 1997 and while we've loved the boat for its fishability, dry smooth ride, and overall comfort there are a couple of things I'd like your input on.

We have found the rod storage to be inconvenient (if you stack more than a couple rods in either the top or bottom box on the port side it becomes a mess). We recently bought 2" PVC tubing and slid six tubes into the front of the rod box to protect the tips and keep the relatively tangle free, but would be interested to hear if you have found anything that has worked to make it easier to store several rods (on the new boats I think they fixed this issue)?

Also, do you use your font livewell or baitwell often? We don't use it often (I would trade half of the livewell for better storage). Not sure why they insist on having livewells 50+ inches wide - Most muskie fisherman I know don't put fish like that in the livewell anyway.

We have talked to Dean and he's a good guy. It is apparant that Alumacraft listens to fisherman because their boats continue to improve. What do you think of the new Tournament Sport or whatever its called? The center rod storage is a great improvement!!

Thanks and I enjoy your show - erik

[Bob Jensen]

Erik:

I have been running Tournament Pro 175 Consoles and Tournament Pro 170 Tillers ever since they have been in existence. They really are nice boats. Best value on the market today.

I don't put more than 4 or 5 rods in the side rod boxes, and they do get a little tangled sometimes. I prefer to just take a couple of rods in the boat with me, and I usually prop them up in a corner in the back of the boat. Please let us know by posting here how your PVC solution to rod storage works. If you are going to store and travel with several rods in the rod box, it works well to take all lures off and reel the line back into the reel. This reduces tangles and forces you to tie a new knot before you start fishing so you know your knot is fresh.

Some people like that big front live-well for fish, but I usually shut it off and use it for storage. You can fit a lot of stuff in there, and it's there if you should need it for fish.

The Tournament Sport looks great. I have one on order, hope to get it in a few days. The rod storage will make life easier and more organized, and I need organization. Battery storage is under the rod box, and there is additional dry storage in the bow. I can't imagine running out of storage areas in this boat.

You're right, Dean is a good guy, so are the other people at Alumacraft. They listen to the angler and truly want to make a boat that will do the best job possible.

Let me know how those rod tubes work for you, and thank you for watching Fishing the Midwest and for visiting this website.

Best Fishes,

[Box]

Bob,

We will take some pics (ebox is my bro) and send them to you if it works as good as we think (or I'll post them to a website for others to see). I also posted a quick snipet on it in the other boats forum the other day.

We fish with 3 guys most the time (or 4), so having good rod storage is critical for us.

The Tourn Sport 185 might be our next boat :) We have had 3 alumacrafts so far, and even bought an 82 lunker back after selling it 15 years ago.

If you get to bend Dean's ear, see if they cannot find a good solution ot storing an anchor ;)

-Box

I installed a Fentress 6 PVC rod storage system in the back of my tp 175. It mounted on face of the starter battery compartment and fits nicely over the fuel reserve lever. It was the only way I could fisure out some extra rod storage while fishing. It is nice for access while on the water and my landing net fits nicely in it as well. Cabela's sells the system for about $35.00 if I remember right. Overall I am happy with it.

[Cornhusker]

I put rod tubes in my 185 tp. What works better than pvc pipe is "golf club sleeves" You can buy them at walmart for 63 cents a piece. They are more flexible. have a flanged end on them to fit snug against your wooden template. And they look custom.

If I knew how to post pics on this site, i would take digital photo and show em to you.