Alumacraft bow rider?

[Navy Jr.]

Do any of you Alumacraft fans know if they build a 16 or 17 foot sport fisher with full windshield and an open bow that converts between fishing and pleasure boating? In other words, does the panel in the middle of the bow ahead of the center window open up so one can sit on the sides with their feet down on the floor? It's kind of hard to tell from pictures on their website.

So far the Lund 1700 Pro Sport and Crestliner Super Hawk 1700 have made it to my short list. Would like to add Alumacraft to the list as well.

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Alumacraft bow rider?

I think I may have found the answer to my own question...

For 2008, Alumacraft sells a model called the Trophy that comes in 205, 195, 185 and 175 designations. I'd be interested in the 185/175 series as those are the ones that would fit in my garage and be easist to tow.

I've arranged for a tour of their plant in St. Peter, MN tomorrow, so I'll get more information then.

 

[Tredeb]

Re: Alumacraft bow rider?

I have a Trophy 185 and it is an awesome boat. One thing you need to keep in mind, is the height. My garage is big enough, but the door is not tall enough. My boat is around 7-7.5 feet to the top of the windshield when on the trailer.

Just for information sake, the Trophy 175 is a lot bigger than a 1700 pro sport. It is about the same size as a 1750 tyee.

I would definately recommend a trophy to anyone.

Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.

Trev

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Alumacraft bow rider?

Thanks for the tip regarding the height of the boat. My garage door is actually less than 7 feet, but the Trophy 175 will just barely make it if I lower the tongue on the trailer a bit while pushing it in.

Yes, the Trophy series looks very nice. Especially like the wide gunwhales, the solid construction of the boat (they use pressure treated wood), and the ability to pick your own power (vs getting stuck with Merc motors on Lund or Crestliner).

I'm still searching, though. My next and probably last boat to look at will be Tracker. I think it is the most popular aluminum boat made, followed by Alumacraft, followed by Lund. Tracker sells a model called the Targa 175 Sport that looks like it might fit the bill nicely.

That is, if it will fit under the top of the garage door!

Thanks again!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Alumacraft bow rider?

Tracker is getting better, but at resale time you will be much better off with the Alumacraft, Lund, Crestliner, etc.