Trying to decide which boat to purchase?

[David1017]

Hello Everyone,

I'm going to purchase a 17 foot tiller within the next 8-12 months and would love some feedback.

The two boats I'm looking at are the Alumacraft 175 Competiton Tiller
and the Crestliner Pro Tiller 175.

It seems both boats are very similar. Beam widths within an inch, Weight only 100 lbs different, I do like the bigger 34 gallon tank on the Alumacraft though.

I plan on putting a 70 hp Yamaha on this boat.

I'd love any feedback anyone could provide.

Thanks

[Horsager]

I don't know if this will help your decision or not but I just had to pay to have a new transom installed in my 8yr old Crestliner. After much arguing and many phone calls that went all the way up to the president of Crestliner it ONLY cost me $2K. This is on a boat that was stored indoors all but the days I was fishing.

[MB fisher]

Hello I just bought a new alumacraft competitor 165 sport with a 75 merc and I really like the fishability and the layout. The boat handles great and the fit and finish is good . I went from a 09 skeeter sl 180 and this competitor feels bigger when fishing . How ever creastliner makes a good boat to. This is my second alumacraft and I never had any problems with them.

[David1017]

Curious to know how well that boat fishes 4 guys. Figured I needed a 17.5 foot for a little more room.

[MB fisher]

I have only fished two so far, sometimes I will fish three but haven't yet . I think 4 will be tight in the 165.

[chris165]

I have a 165 Competitor tiller with a 60hp. Wish I would have went with the 175 but just wasn't in the budget. Run the 165 for a few more years till I jump into a 185.

I will say if you have plans on fishing 4 out of either boat you better scrap that 70hp and go with a 75hp unless it's the Suzuki 70. Both of those boats once loaded up with gas, batteries, trolling motor and gear will have a bunch more weight added.

When I was looking at boats I went with the Alumacraft over the Crestliner almost solely because I absolutely hate their electronics locker. Just looks cheap and clunky, I'd rather not have one like the Alumacraft is.

Both boats are so close it also can just come to pricing and which dealer will be able to serve you better.

[David1017]

Thanks for the info....a local dealer advised me the Yamaha 4 stroke would b all the motor I would need...why the Suzuki? Does that motor produce a little more power?

[chris165]

That 70 Yamaha is a small displacement motor. The Suzuki has 91.7ci vs the 60.8ci of the Yamaha.

[David1017]

Thanks Chris ...Good to know....

[7 Mag]

I think the competitor series is alumacrafts best series it would be my choice with a max hp yamaha