The new Alumacraft Competitor FSX 175 Sport is a versatile fishing machine, delivering a ­trailerable boat that you can use to fish for different species in different kinds of ­weather and still have a great experience. It’s the epitome of what a fish and sport boat should be.

The Alumacraft’s 2XB hull is a riveted, two-plated hull that ­reduces sound and vibration on the water from bow to stern. It also has a sharper bow entry to help it knife through pesky lake and river chop. Add in the fully enclosed, tall walk-through windshield that keeps your crew protected from wind and spray, and you’ve got a freshwater fishing platform for all seasons.

Alumacraft offers outboard power ranging from 90 to 150 hp from all the major engine manufacturers: Mercury, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. You can also add a 10 to 15 hp kicker for trolling duty as well as a bow-mounted Minn Kota electric trolling motor.

The main cockpit can be ­configured with up to four pedestal seats (three come standard), and there’s an ­additional pedestal mount on the bow and stern casting platforms. Twin transom jump seats feature high-back ­flip-up ­backrests with grab handles mounted nearby for security while underway. No matter what, there’s a comfortable spot on board for up to six passengers.

Serious anglers will love the two aerated livewells that come standard, each with timers so that you don’t absentmindedly drain your batteries. Folding cleats help keep the deck clear of snags and potential toe-stubbers when fighting a fish. There’s lockable rod storage in the bow as well as in the main cockpit to starboard. Both rod lockers can hold rods up to 8 feet long. The boat is pre-wired for one of the optional 12- or 24-volt Minn Kota trolling motors. The Alumatrac system on the gunwales allows you to add many different accessories, including rod holders, cup holders and electronics.

Done fishing? Drop in the optional ski pylon and break out the water skis. A rear-deck comfort mat provides cushioning when kneeling to pull in a fish or assist swimmers back into the boat.

High Points

• Flip-up ­high-back transom jump seats come with nearby grab handles so passengers can enjoy a safe and secure ride.
• Riveted V-hull design with 2XB construction gives the Competitor FSX 175 Sport a smoother ride in lake chop and helps deaden noise and vibration on the water.
• A 13-gallon insulated built-in cooler lets you bring refreshments along for the crew.
• Ski-pylon base gives this boat sporty versatility—just add the optional pylon for towing skiers and wakeboarders.

Pricing and Specs

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Fish and sport aluminum boats ­provide so much versatility, and the new Alumacraft Competitor FSX 175 Sport is a prime example of that, delivering a ­trailerable boat that you can use to fish for different species in different kinds of ­weather and still have a great experience.

It all starts with Alumacraft’s 2XB hull: a riveted, two-plated hull that ­reduces sound and vibration on the water from bow to stern. Plus, its sharper bow entry helps it knife through pesky lake and river chop. Add in the fully enclosed, tall walk-through windshield that keeps your crew protected from wind and spray, and you’ve got a freshwater-fishing platform for all seasons.

Alumacraft offers outboard power ranging from 90 to 150 hp from all the major engine manufacturers: Mercury, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. You can also add a 10 to 15 hp kicker for trolling duty, as well as a bow-mounted Minn Kota electric trolling motor.

The main cockpit can be ­configured with up to four pedestal seats—three come standard—and there’s an ­additional pedestal mount on the bow and stern casting platforms. Twin transom jump seats feature high-backed ­flip-up ­backrests with grab handles mounted nearby for security underway. No matter what, there’s a comfortable spot on board for up to six passengers.

As far as fishability goes, two aerated livewells come standard, each with timers so that you don’t absentmindedly drain your batteries. Folding cleats help keep the deck clear of snags and potential toe-stubbers when fighting a fish. There’s lockable rod storage in the bow as well as in the main cockpit to starboard. Both rod lockers can hold rods up to 8 feet long. The boat is pre-wired for one of the optional 12-/24-volt Minn Kota trolling motors. The Alumatrac system on the gunwales allows you to add lots of different accessories, including rod holders, cup holders and electronics.

Done fishing? Drop in the optional ski pylon, and break out the water skis. A rear deck comfort mat provides cushioning when kneeling to pull in a fish or assisting swimmers back into the boat.

High Points

• Flip-up -high-back transom jump seats come with nearby grab handles, so passengers can enjoy a safe and secure ride.
• Riveted V-hull design with 2XB construction gives the Competitor FSX 175 Sport a smoother ride in lake chop and helps deaden noise and vibration on the water.
• A 13-gallon insulated built-in cooler lets you bring refreshments along for the crew.
• Ski pylon base gives this boat sporty versatility; just add the optional pylon for towing skiers and wakeboarders.

Pricing and Specs

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Boating with family requires some flexibility, and that’s the goal of the new Alumacraft Competitor 185 FSX. This aluminum crossover model retains all of the angling features of the popular Competitor line, and adds extras designed to make the boat more comfortable and versatile on days when fishing is not the top priority.

Start at the aft casting deck, where a reinforced socket for an optional ski tow pylon ($366) is in place for those days when watersports fun is on the agenda. That pylon can be conveniently stowed in a dedicated space in the starboard inwale locker. Soft foam mats on the aft deck corners will prove easy on the knees of your crew when reboarding the boat. The FSX package also includes a pair of handy jump seats that flip up from the aft platform. These boast 21-inch-high backrests and enough legroom for real comfort. To accommodate the jump seats, the FSX has a new 22-gallon dual-access livewell with a smaller center lid and a larger cover under the starboard seat. Finally, the Competitor 185 FSX comes with on-the-go rod racks to starboard, and updated upholstery with added color and attractive contrast stitching. Consider adding the comfort of optional bow deck cushions ($606) and console backrest cushions ($155), and you’ll be set for lounging at the sandbar while enjoying tunes from the standard Infinity audio system.

The FSX features do not diminish this boat’s angling prowess. The dual consoles are topped with a full windshield for outstanding weather protection. There’s an 18-gallon livewell in the bow deck, locking rod stowage under the walk-through, a 13-gallon insulated cooler compartment to port, and four tackle drawers. The optional digital dash ($2,001) replaces analog gauges with a Lowrance Elite 7 display, and the bow is pre-wired for electronics. The Alumacraft 2XB design adds a second plate of aluminum within the one-piece hull for added strength, durability and a solid, quiet ride. The extruded aluminum gunwales support the Alumatrac System, accessories for which include rod holders and tool pouches. This boat is ready to fish—and ski—in style.

High Points

• Fish-and-ski model that does not compromise fishability. For instance, its 22-gallon livewell proved as large as that aboard a 34-foot center-console we tested.
• Lots of locking stowage aboard this boat, whether for your rods or your gear.
• Jump seats that fit our tester’s 6-foot-tall frame. They will not torture your passengers, and fold away when not needed.
• Rock-solid construction with a double-bottom hull provides confidence and durability.

Specs

LOA: 18′8″

Beam: 7′11″

Draft: NA

Dry Weight: 1,500 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 6/1,600 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 34 gal.

Price: $41,187 (as tested with Shoreland’r trailer)

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury Pro XS 150

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 2.08:1

Fuel Load: 16 gal.

Crew Weight: 400 lb.

More Information

Alumacraft Boats – St. Peter, Minnesota; 507-931-1050; alumacraft.com

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The Alumacraft Tournament Sport 195 can please dedicated pro-level anglers, but this boat is so well-­designed, it will elevate the game of a weekend tournament warrior or casual worm-drowner. In fact, its versatile layout makes it a great runabout too. The abundant dry stowage and multiple rod lockers, the generous livewells, the perfect freeboard, and the elbow room fore and aft all make angling more efficient, and that’s really what separates the pro — and the pro’s boat — from the rest of us.

On the North Woods scene since 1946, Alumacraft was acquired by BRP in 2018, and so, going forward, expect to find ­mostly Evinrude outboards powering this brand. The Tournament Sport 195 has been in and out of the Alumacraft line over the years and remains a solid boat. And we mean ­really solid, thanks in part to its 2XB hull, which covers the entire running surface with two layers of aluminum and a stout hardened-­aluminum keel from stem to amidships. The ­Tournament Sport feels and sounds like a fiberglass boat in rough water. The bottom also has a subtle concave shape between the keel and chine, which enhances lift. The boat is level at rest, which helps it better hold position in the wind and rough water.

This dual-console boat has a tall windshield that’s dandy in cool and rainy weather. Our boat was rigged with an optional Humminbird Helix 7 GPS/locater ($982) in place of the standard analog ­gauges. There’s rod stowage below the walk-through and below a hatch in the port gunwale. The gunwales are wide and reinforced for mounting downriggers.

An Evinrude E-Tec G2 200 H.O. motor popped the Alumacraft on plane in a flash with just half-throttle. All that power is nice, but the Evinrude will also idle in gear at just 500 rpm, less than 3 mph with a 20-inch prop, the perfect speed for trolling a crankbait. For freshwater anglers, this boat and motor combo is the right tool for the job.

High Points

• Quick to plane and holds plane at low speed, which is perfect for making good time in rough water.
• All stowage hatches lipped to keep out inevitable rainwater.
• Full-length concave spray rail is effective in rough water.

Low Points

• Steering wheel blocks the view of an electronic helm display.
• Consoles could use a redesign to improve function and appearance.

Toughest Competitor
The 19-foot-10-inch Lund 1975 Pro-V ($53,717 with a Mercury Pro XS 200 and trailer) has a 22-gallon livewell and a deep aft casting deck. The generous 55-gallon fuel capacity extends range.

Price: $44,590 (with test power and without trailer)

Available Power: Outboard

How We Tested
Engine: Single Evinrude E-Tec G2 200 H.O. outboard
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Evinrude RX4 15″ x 20″ 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 16 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.

More Information
Alumacraft Boats – St. Peter, Minnesota; 877-314-7756; alumacraft.com

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The Alumacraft Tournament Sport 195 was created for pro-level anglers, but this boat is so well-designed it will elevate the fishing game of any weekend tournament warrior or casual worm-drowner while also accommodating family boaters. The abundant dry stowage and multiple rod lockers, the generous livewells, the perfect freeboard height, and the elbow room fore and aft all make angling on board more efficient. And that’s what really separates the pro — and the pro’s boat — from the rest of us and the boats we fish from.

On the Northwoods scene since 1946, Alumacraft was acquired by BRP in 2018. So going forward you can expect to find mostly Evinrude outboards powering Alumacraft boats. The Tournament Sport 195 has been in and out of the Alumacraft lineup over the years, and as this latest iteration that we tested proved, it remains a solid boat. We mean really solid, thanks in part to its proprietary 2XB hull, which utilizes two layers of aluminum to cover the boat’s entire running surface and also integrates a hardened-aluminum keel from the stem to amidships. The boat feels and sounds like a fiberglass boat in rough water. The bottom also has a subtle concave shape between the keel and chine, which enhances lift. Unlike some boats, the Tournament Sport 195 sits level in the water at rest, which helps it hold position in winds and rough water.

This dual-console boat has a tall windshield that’s dandy for weather protection during cool and rainy weather. Our boat was rigged with an optional Humminbird Helix 7 GPS/locator ($982) in place of the standard analog gauges. There’s stowage for rods below the walk-through and below a hatch in the port gunwale. The gunwales are wide and reinforced for mounting downriggers.

An Evinrude E-TEC G2 200 H.O. outboard motor popped the Alumacraft onto plane in a flash at just half-throttle. All that power is nice, but the Evinrude will also idle in gear at just 500 rpm, less than 3 mph with a 20-inch prop, the perfect speed for trolling a crankbait. For freshwater anglers, this boat-motor combo is the right tool for the job.

High Points

• It’s quick to plane and holds plane at low speed, perfect for making good time in rough water.
• All stowage hatches are lipped to keep out inevitable rainwater.
• A full-length concave spray rail helps in windy conditions.
• Main rod locker will hold 8-foot sticks.
• Toe holds below the inwales add security when reaching with a landing net.

Price: $44,590 (nationally advertised)

How We Tested
Engine: Evinrude E-TEC G2 200 H.O.
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Evinrude RX4 15″ x 20″ four-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 16 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Alumacraft Boats – St. Peter, Minnesota; 877-314-7756; alumacraft.com

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The Trophy 175 features fully carpeted deck and gunwales (vinyl covering is optional) and a trio of pedestal seats, with four mounting bases in the cockpit and one each on the bow and stern platforms. It also comes equipped with dual, aerated livewells and lockable rod stowage for sticks up to eight feet long. Our test boat had Teleflex hydraulic steering with a tilt-and-lock helm and a fore-and-aft adjustable helm seat to accommodate skippers of various heights. Though built for fishing, this rugged aluminum boat can double as a family water-sports fun machine on a warm day at the lake.

Who’d Want One: Anglers chasing walleye, pike, muskie and bass on big lakes in the North and Midwest that are prone to wind, waves and spray.

Another Choice: Polar Kraft’s Frontier 179 WT ($27,525 with an F115 Yamaha) offers a five-inch-wider beam and weighs 135 pounds less, but is rated for 15 fewer horsepower.

Bottom Line: $24,600 with test power; alumacraft.com

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The Classic 165 CS provides comfort underway by combining a symphony of hull shapes with robust build features. Its stem is steeply raked, allowing the boat to more gradually lift to wakes and chop than boats with more vertical bows. Aft, the Classic 165 CS carries its V-shape all the way to the transom. Its nearly full-length keel improves tracking, inhibiting the tendency to run a skewed course in crosswinds. Reversed spray rails deflect water back into the lake.

Structurally, the Classic 165 CS features double-plating in the bow, providing durability for the part of the boat that hits stuff most — this so-called 2XB feature also contributes to ride quality. I found this especially evident in turns, where the doubling prevents the hull from losing its shape momentarily, allowing for crisply carved crescents, rather than skittering and jostling, during course changes. That long keel also aids in shape-keeping.

I was comfortable behind the console with its acrylic windscreen and, when I inspected the wiring within, was impressed with the manner in which it was run. There are six seat sockets aboard the Classic 165 CS, including raised locations at the transom and bow. Hatches are aluminum: These didn’t deflect like plastic hatches — even when I stomped on ’em. Lockable stowage for 10 rods and a livewell big enough for a 50-inch northern pike complete the package.

Extra Points
•Great package price: Under $15K with motor, trailer and accessories.
•Seam tape and extra-large ¼-inch-diameter rivets ensure hull integrity and allow for easy down-the-road repair.
•Hatch latches are metal, not plastic, and lockable.
•Alumacraft protects all rigging tubes and raceways against chafing.

Vital Stats
Length Overall: 16’5″
Beam: 6’10”
Dry Weight: 895 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 5/1,285 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 20 gal.
Max HP: 75
MSRP (w/ Yamaha F50, Shoreland’r roller trailer): $14,595
NMMA Certified: Yes

Test Drive
Test Engine: Yamaha F50
Test Prop: 3.25″ x 15″ aluminum, 3-blade
Test Load: People (350 lb.), Fuel (20 gal.)
Top Speed: 29.5 mph @ 5,600 rpm
Time to Plane: 3.8 sec.

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After our time with the newest Trophy from Alumacraft, it became clear that it hits a bull’s-eye for all of the above. The conversion bow demonstrates this versatility. Within seconds, it switches from a bowrider with backrests to a spacious casting deck with a pedestal chair. The conversion required zero assembly or loose parts when we used it.

Another reason this Trophy satisfies everybody is because it’s big, with a layout that makes the most of the space. The four pedestal chairs are nicely spaced. If more passengers are coming along, two flip-up jump seats come standard too.

We tested the Trophy with a quiet Honda 225. It’s a good match, and it looked great, with its silver color complementing the aluminum hull. At 50 mph we trimmed the engine down, turned her sharp and opened wide-mouth smiles because of the way the Trophy bit into the turn. We were equally pleased with the boat’s soft ride compared with the “hard” feel of some aluminum boats we’ve tested. For most boaters, 50 mph is just a nice number and not a requirement. In that case, a more-economical 175 would be just fine (and make the family’s budget a little happier too).

Key Note: For those who fish and boat on big water or rocky lakes, the Trophy’s twin-plated hull is capable of handling rollers and some hazards.

Standout Features
• New side rod locker is accessible from the top to make it easier to get your gear. It includes tubes and handles 8-foot rods.
• Bimini top with quick-connect hardware is great protection from the hot sun or cold rain. It stows out of the way when not in use.
• It’s set up for a kicker with a side plate and fuel inlet, since many anglers want a secondary trolling motor at the stern.

Vital Stats
* Length Overall: 20’8″
* Beam: 8’2″
* Dry Weight(boat only): 1,915 lb.
* Seating/Weight Capacity: 9/ 2,350 lb.
* Fuel Capacity: 60 gal.
* Maximum HP: 225
* MSRP (as tested w/Honda 225): $39,875
* NMMA Certified: Yes

Test Drive
* Test Engine: Honda 225
* Test Load: People (330 lb.); Fuel (30 gal.)
* Top Speed: 51 mph @ 6,200 rpm
* Time to Plane: 2.5 sec
* Time to 30 MPH: 6.0 sec.
* Minimum Planing Speed: 17 mph @ 2,800 rpm

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Idling away from the landing, the Evinrude 130 purred along, pushing the Dominator at a scant 2.7 mph. If you fish, that’s an important stat, because it’s an ideal crawl speed — and whisper quiet — for many trolling applications.

With a push of the throttle, the boat popped to plane with hardly a hint of bow rise. Capping out at 44.5 mph, it didn’t take long to reach a well-known “hot spot” to test the boat’s fishing features, which are many. Along the way, the tall walk-through windshield kept us comfortable during a downright cold morning ride.

Alumacraft took some of the most-popular fishing nuances from its Tournament Series line and applied them to the Dominator, to give anglers professional treatment on an amateur’s salary. The center-mount rod locker with tubes, handling sticks up to 7 feet long, is a prime example. Plus there’s a 7.5-foot portside rod locker. Dual livewells and ample subsurface storage come standard too.

Alumacraft also outfitted the Dominator with two fold-down jump seats at the rear casting deck. Although compact, they’re well cushioned and help keep the whole family happy and comfortable on the water.

Key Note: An economical boat to own, drive and tow. We tested it with a 130 hp motor, but a 100 would shave the price and still perform well.

Standout Features
• A center rod locker is something found on $60,000 bass boats. By extending into the cockpit, this one doubles as a nice footrest.
• The twin-plated hull, with two sheets of .080 aluminum, gave us a strong ride in harsh conditions.
• Wide gunwales really help when boarding, since they’re wide enough to give good footing and carpeted to help resist slipping.

Vital Stats
* Length Overall: 17’9″
* Beam: 7’10”
* Dry Weight (w/ motor): 1,887 lb.
* Seating/Weight Capacity: 5/1,245 lb.
* Fuel Capacity: 38 gal.
* Maximum HP: 150
* MSRP (as tested w/ Minn-Kota 70AP, Lowrance X-102): $26,295
* NMMA Certified: Yes

Test Drive
* Test Engine: Evinrude 130 E-Tec
* Test Prop: Evinrude Viper 19 pitch, stainless
* Test Load: People (330 lb.); Fuel (28 gal.)
* Top Speed: 44.7 mph @ 5,700 rpm
* Time to Plane: 3.6 sec.
* Time to 30 MPH: 8.5 sec.
* Minimum Planing Speed: 16 mph @ 2,750 rpm

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Our side-console test boat was equipped with a 25-horsepower Yamaha two-stroke that reached 23 mph while burning minimal fuel. Too slow? Then opt for engines up to 40 horsepower, the maximum for which the boat is rated.

Alumacraft equips the 160CS with standard features that discerning anglers will appreciate, such as a seven-foot rod box in the floor that holds four rods and reels, a 36-inch livewell, 12-volt trolling motor hookup, two storage bins in the bow, two pedestal-mounted seats and a Lowrance x50 fish finder.

We give high marks for the no-feedback steering system and the cleats that are mounted on the inside of the gunwale, where they’re out of the way and less prone to snagging fishing line. The cleats are anchored with regular rivets, which are stronger than the pop rivets found on other boats.

New for 2008, the Fisherman 160CS fits nicely between Alumacraft’s Lunker and Yukon series of boats. It’s an easy boat to maintain and tow — all it takes is a small truck or even a sedan to transport. And the nine-gallon fuel tank is a portable system, so you don’t need the boat to fill up. Simplicity is what it’s all about.

Who should buy it: Anglers who want to access waters on which engines larger than 25 horsepower are banned, first-time buyers on a budget and anglers who primarily fish smaller lakes and rivers where a bigger hull and more horsepower aren’t needed.

Vital Stats * Length Overall: 16’3″ * Beam: 73″ * Dry Weight: 622 lb.. * Seating/Weight Capacity: 5/700 lb. * Fuel Capacity: 9 gal. (portable) * Max HP: 40 * MSRP: (w/ Yamaha 25 hp two-stroke and trailer): $8,395 * NMMA certified: Yes

Power Picks
25 hp Yamaha two-stroke $8,395

40 hp Yamaha four-stroke $10,500

Also Consider …
Lunker 165 CS
Length: 16’6″
Beam: 76″
Max HP: 50
Packaged with a 50 hp Yamaha two-stroke, it comes with Lowrance x50 and trailer for $10,395.

Fisherman 145
Length: 14’6″
Beam: 71″
Max HP: 35
One of Alumacraft’s most affordable boats ($4,499 for boat only) comes with six-foot rod storage, vinyl flooring and livewell.

Test Drive * Test Engine: Yamaha 25 hp two-stroke * Test Prop: 9.875 x 11.25 * Test Load: People (180 lb.); Fuel (3 gal.) * Top Speed: 23 mph * Time to Plane: 7 sec. * Time to 20 mph: 11 sec. * Min. Planing Speed: 13 mph

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