Alumacraft Competitor Owners

[johnr]

I can also set my beers on the gunwale, so there is that advantage too.

 

[revolutionz]

I agree with Marbleyes....I've had my 2013 Trophy 185 out in some stuff on Devils Lake it probably shouldn't have been in, and other than having to wring out some clothes I never felt unsafe. That thing is rock solid in big water for being a small-ish aluminum boat.

 

[guywhofishes]

Allen, I was going to post the definition too - but couldnt find the energy - ha ha. So I just went with it.

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From the ND game and fish boating safety guide:

Termination of Unsafe Use

Any law enforcement officer who observes a vessel being used without sufficient lifesaving or fire fighting devices or in an overloaded or other unsafe condition as defined in Department regulations and in his or her judgment such use creates an especially hazardous condition, may direct the operator to take whatever immediate and reasonable steps would be necessary for the safety of those aboard the vessel, including directing the operator to return to mooring and to remain there until the situation creating the hazard is corrected or ended. For the purpose of this provision, an unsafe condition is any of the following:

1. Operating without required boat safety equipment.
2. Operating in an overloaded condition.
3. Fuel leakage or presence of fuel in the bilges.
4. Riding on the bow, gunwales, transom, or on the backs of seats without taking precautions sufficient to prevent falls overboard.
5. Operating a boat in a state of gross disrepair, rendering it in unseaworthy condition.
6. Operating in weather or water conditions which endanger the boat and its occupants.

#4 is really BS

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#nannystate

 

[8andcounting]

I have a 08 trophy 175 and fish Devils , I also have been in waves I probably shouldn't have been but never felt unsafe either . I absolutely love my boat and have a 115 4 stroke on it , could use a 150 but for way I fish the 115 works fine , I wouldn't buy a boat that didn't have wide gunwalls. Never. That and a full windshield and 4 stroke motor is s must

 

[Jigaman]

Are the tops of the gunwalls in alumacrafts still carpet? I never cared for that.

 

[LOV2HNT]

I had a 09 Trophy and I admit I really liked the wide gunwales for storage, sitting on etc. My rod locker was in the port side gunwale and although it worked, there wasn't a lot of room to get rod/reels in and out. The other side I had full of tackle and other odds and ends. I have since bough a 2016 Ranger Angler 1880 and everything I had in that Trophy found a new home in the Ranger. Maybe not in the same spot but I got it to work and now I don't miss the wide gunwales anymore and am enjoying the extra floor space.

 

[Callem'In]

Are the tops of the gunwalls in alumacrafts still carpet? I never cared for that.

I ordered my boat with all vinyl so no carpet anywhere you can step on. I love it so far.

 

[dewey89]

I have a 15 1850 Impact with the 150 Merc 4s. I was hesitant at first and wasn't even interested in the Impact when I was first shopping for a boat, I was dead set on either a Crossover or a Alumacraft trophy 185. However when I sat in the boat I ended up buying I fell in love with the storage and wide open layout of the interior. For an more modestly priced 18 foot boat it really is well done. I'm not sure I want to ever go back to wide gunwales after owning this boat, I like being able to stand on the side storage areas when fighting fish. I still run downriggers for salmon although they are shorter then I prefer. Mine tops out around 50-51 MPH with two guys and gear. Last year I had it in some bad weather on the big water during a storm, 4-5 foot swells and she handled it very well. I would buy this boat again given the chance.

 

[Big Iron]

Thanks for all the input. Much appreciated.

 

[dragoneyes]

In 2013 purchased a 1775 Alumacraft LE Competitor 150 Yamaha 4s after alot of looking and research, what i really like its a boat designed for fishing, love the narrow gunwales and the way my rod holders sits getting the tip of whatever length of rod i am using away from the boat without having the handle of the rod a foot inside taking up valuable space ,larger deck in front when pitching or jiggin alot just alot of space. Has alot of rod storage also currently i can store my 15 rods easily along with all my tackle. Ride is great hole shot great. Had the boat out in 30+ winds last weekend never felt unsafe. Would recommend you to research and do some measurement,and sit in different models and brands. Everyone is different make it your choice. There is a lot of misinformation that gets posted. Good Luck on finding your boat.

 

[Flatlander]

I have a 2016 Trophy 185 powered by a 150 Suzuki. Took a lot of time consider going to a 175 over the 150, but with the research that I found I would really be gaining nothing more than maybe a couple of miles per hour and more fuel consumption. With the 150 i have no problem hitting around 44 mph with 3 guys, and the storage is great. Handles big water no problem, but when it gets really big you might just get a little wet. Good luck on finding your new boat!

 

[Callem'In]

I also ordered mine with a 150 Suzuki and debated about the 175. I did not see enough of a gain to justify the cost/fuel consumption of the 175.

 

[shorthairsrus]

I have a 2011 trophy. I can't add anything other then I have center and gun"whale" storage. I have not shot any whales to date. I believe a lot of people use the gunwales for downriggers and other trolling.

 

[eyexer]

for 25K you could buy one hell of a nice used rig.

 

[shorthairsrus]

I ordered my boat with all vinyl so no carpet anywhere you can step on. I love it so far.

All brand will put the stuff u burn your arms on if you want it