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Member
Posts: 105
| I am looking at getting a new boat this coming winter and have been looking at Alumacraft's 175 Magum and 175 Navigator. What are your guys view points on these two boat or what other boat do you recommend.
I tend to do allot of fishing in the backwaters around LaCrosse for walleye and the occational bass, I hate to admit that, so I want a boat that can take a couple bumps and bruises. But I am starting to do allot more tournament fishing and want something that will get me places and be able to hand "MY ENOURMOUS CATCHES" ha ha. Thus I was looking at alluminum boats. I was also looking for a tiller, just a personal prefference. When I am not river fishing walleye I tend to be on the lakes in northern WI and Canada muskie fishing and want the ablitiy to guide fish down both sides of the boat.
What are your guys view points?
Thanks in advance.
Tom |
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Member
Posts: 1382
| Tom,
Both very nice boats. My only suggestion would be to not exclude glass. I would shop based upon a boat fitting your needs regardless of material used to build it. There are some awesome 17' tiller glass boats out there worth looking at.
It's just as tough but easier to fix to new condition if you do booger it up somehow. Install a good keelguard on the hull and you won't have to worry about pulling up on rocky shorelines.
There is a common misperception that glass costs more. It really doesn't, especially when you get into the class of boat that you are talking about. |
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Member
Posts: 190
Location: Annandale, MN | Tom,
I can speak from experience in that I run a 2004 Alumacraft 175cs Magnum and it's a dynamite boat for the river!!  AND I am on the water over 170 days a year.  A tiller version would be exceptional too. I WAS a glass boat owner (Rangers and Skeeters) for years and have made the switch to a more durable - gel coat free boat that only aluminum can give and believe this...the ride is very comparable to my old 681 fisherman. I can turn you onto a dealer that has the best prices in the midwest for Alumacraft and service 2nd to none.
And oh yeah, Alumacraft has one of the fastest Aluminum boat hulls out there with ton's of storage. Nav |
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Member
Posts: 105
| Thanks for the input guys, I am still looking. Not in any rush to buy just yet, and I am keeping my options open. I would like to get a look at the Patriot 1710, but the web site still doesn't have a photo of the 2004 rig yet on it. I have a brochure from them but that too does not show any of the new features.
Any comments on what type of motor one should run? I personally am leaning towards a Yamaha. I was thinking Mercury, but then I was reading a some posts on this site or In Depth Angling about the OptiMax and I didn't like what I was reading on the newer Opti's. I know some Merc owners and they love their Mercs, including my dad. How are their 4 Strokes stacking up to the Yamaha 4?
Thanks again guys,
tolden |
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Member
Posts: 1382
| Tom, is this you and your partner ?
http://walleye.outdoorsfirst.com/leaderboard/llb.asp?t=180&view=med... |
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Member
Posts: 105
| Yes that is my partner and I. Mike was driving the truck and I was loading up fish.
Tom |
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| what size river are you running? i have a 04 175 magnum that works well on the larger bodies of water. however the smaller rivers like the wisconsin it's hard to launch with the poor boat landings available. other than that the 175 magnum is a great boat and seems to have a better fit and finish than the other alum - boats i looked at. |
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| Tolden, What kind of dollars are you looking to spend, and how far do you want to travel to look at something? As for motors don't be shy of the Mercs, the Opti problems of past and I stress PAST, were on the larger motors and since have been solved. If your looking in the 135-150hp range the opti is probably the best buy in the market. Even the new Verado (if you can find one yet) will be nothing short of fantastic. I personaly have a 135 and will be looking at the Verado for next year. As for boats, Mr. Bluegill has a 1710 Patriot in Oshkosh with a 125 merc I am sure he would be happy to give you a ride. Give him a call! I have been in it and it is a nice setup!
Good Luck
Tyee |
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Member
Posts: 105
| I am very interested in the Patriot. I fish a weekly tournament on the Mississippi out of La Crosse with a guy that owns a Patriot. Very nice boat and rides great, that is a 2010 with a 125 merc.
I am looking at starting around 15-16000 and willing to move up from there as need be. Last summer I was just looking around and priced out some Warrior, Falcon models, 177BT with 115 yamahas. They varied greatly in price range, from 23k to 28k fully rigged. But I see that Warrior discontinues the 177BT in the Falcon model.
I am also not apposed to picking up a used rig either, but I would want to take a VERY good look at these. I got the FINAL OKAY from momma this weekend, but I think she wants me to run my little rig one more summer and then buy next fall, which is okay with me. That means I can do another year of research on these rigs. Although, I think I could maybe convince her that we need to buy if the deal is right.
Thanks for the help.
tolden |
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Posts: 1188
Location: Chicago IL. | I`m in the same boat as you. I was looking at the alumacraft tourn.175 and my wife has convinced me to fish 1 more year out of my Monark. I hope she changes her mind at the boat show.
John Mannerino |
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Member
Posts: 190
Location: Annandale, MN | Hi guys...I fished with Bob Jensen from Fishing the Midwest this past Monday and we used his boat. It's an Alumacraft 175 tour pro tiller and it was a dynamite boat. Very roomy, stable boat that handled three guys easily. I would definitely recommend owning one. Nav
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| I saw your reply on the forum in regards to knowing a great dealer with good prices and service and was wondering who you are reffering to? I'm looking at a Alumacraft boat. Thanks. |
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