Alumacraft Classic CS

[Sprout17]

Hey Guys,

I have been looking at the classic cs package and had some questions. The first question, the boat. Those that own them or been around them, how do you like these boats. They appear to be a well made and well finished boat. I have looked at about all the boats in this type of set up and it seems you get a lot of boat for the money with the Alumacraft.

My second question, the engine. The package I have been looking at comes with a Yamaha 50 horse two stroke outboard. Having been out of boating for sometime I have no knowledge of Yamaha outboards. I have researched this site and others and I cannot find anything negative about them. Also, since the boat is rated for up to a 75 horse do you think it would be wise to upgrade to say a 70 horse Yamaha? The boat will mainly be used on small lakes and I am not worried about having a lot of power however I would like to be able to pull our child on a tube once in awhile.

Any comments or suggestions would really be appreciated. I am looking at purchasing in the early spring.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Alumacraft Classic CS

Here's mine. I think you will be unhappy with a 50HP motor on that boat. It's rated for a 75 which I have on mine. It's a great boat and has presented me with absolutely no problems. It has one feature that I don't like and have since changed and that pertains to the live well. The live well is a great size and covers the full width of the boat. However, the drain is a stupid idea. With the plug out, the bottom of the live well is below the water line so there is no way to empty it unless you are under way. When you stop it begins to fill again. So you need someone with you to stick the plug in after it drains and before you stop. I modified mine by installing a threaded plug in drain at the back of the boat. I then cut the drain line, connected it to a new live well pump and the output of the pump dumps the water overboard. No more issues. PM me for more info.

 

[MuskyManiac]

Re: Alumacraft Classic CS

Sorry for the double post.

 

[MuskyManiac]

Re: Alumacraft Classic CS

I purchased the 165 CS this year with a four stroke 60 Yamaha, and I am very happy with the boat. With me alone I max out at 38 MPH. I opted for the 60 because according to the specs I would only gain about 3 MPH with the 75, and I didn't think that was worth another $1,000.00. I always owned two strokes and was concerned about all the negative comments about 4 strokes, but my dealer put those to rest. He said most people put about 75 hours on thier boat in one season, unless they live on a lake. Therefore you only need to change the oil at the end of the season when you winterize it. The 4 stroke is quite and very fuel efficient, there really isn't a loss of hole shot either. I would definitly purchase a four stroke again.

Here is a picture of my boat.

 

[bigdaddyjazz]

Re: Alumacraft Classic CS

Greeting Alumacraft Cs165 owners
I just purchased a 2008 model after a lot of research including this website. I liked what I read about the model and Alumacraft in general. I wanted a very stable platform for my grandkids. I also fish with a couple of big guys and I'm 245lbs so I'm counting on the Cs165 to deliver. I was also most impressed by the finish of the unit as displayed at the dealers. Most of the packages came equipped with a 50hp 2 stroke but I opted for a 4 stroke Suzuki DF60hp for a couple of reasons. The first was because my cottage is beside a Canadian National Park and starting 2007 the Nat. Parks only allow 4 stroke, Evinrude E Tec and / or Mercury Optimax engines on their lakes. I also wanted the 4 stroke as it's very quiet. I went with the 60hp as I have grandkids who want to wake board and tube and a couple a big teenagers. THe DF60 is a down rated DF70hp. and at 79.2cc's is bigger by about 30cc's than the Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda 50hp 4 strokes.and about 100lbs heavier but the dealer advises the extra weight is no problem. I was concerned about trolling ability as I'm not a fan of electric motors (no Bass fishing in my neck of the woods) and/or hanging a 6hp over the end due to extra weight and certainly cost concerns. The dealer assures me that the 60hp, having digital sequential, multi port fuel injection will allow me to throttle down to the equivilent of a 6-9hp but with-out the load-up and stall of a carb. fueled engine. He said that these engines can go from troll to full power without a hiccup. He also says he trolls for Walleyes with his 115hp Suzuki . I'm pretty confident I made the right choices on boat and motor. I'm also upgrading to an EZ Loader galvanized trailer from the painted model. At my age this will probably be my last boat purchase so although I'm pretty confident in my choices I would appreciate hearing your comments.
Thanks

 

[tkrueger]

Re: Alumacraft Classic CS

I'm in the exact same stage as you are, sprout17. I've been shopping around and have pretty much settled on the classic cs. Its fit and finish is better than anything i've found out there. and so far, nothing has been able to touch the price with the exception of the Ultracraft 166c. However, this boat doesn't have near the storage as the Alumacraft and its a touch narrower. I'm also powering it with a 70hp. I want to be able to pull my kids skiing.