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Posts: 555
Location: Tennessee | I've been tossing around ideas for a couple months and still haven't came to an exact conclusion. Heck I may be overthinking everything. I started out looking at the Alumacraft Pro 185 because the marina where my dad works as an outboard tech is an Alumacraft dealer. So I have the benefit of, if I have a problem, go hook it on the back of his truck and it's his problem. I like the Mod-V hull for the huge casting deck and shallow water capability, however I really love a Deep-V. They just feel cozy and safe. It will be used for a mix of crappie and muskie and perhaps some walleye. I see alot on here about the Navigator series, but I'm looking more at maybe a 175CS Competitor, due to the center rodlocker. Anyone running this boat? Would max out hp w/ a Yamaha and 80lb MinnKota. I have also fell in love with the look of the Lund 1810 Predator. Only problem is the only Lund dealer is 3.5 hours away and our local Merc dealers suck. My biggest concern with the Alumacraft is the smaller casting deck and whether it will suit me. |
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| Just got a 165CS Navigator this past fall, and being in it on the water is like fishing out of your living room. The Competitors look pretty awesome with that center rod locker and the locker on the starboard side. Do you know how big the center rod lockers are on Competitors? All I can find is that they are 7'6". That's what specs they have on Navigators, but they will actually hold 8' rods. Alumacrafts give a lot of bang-for-your-buck, and I highly recommend them. I bet you could get at least an 8'er on the starboard side rod locker. A 175CS will give you a ton of boat, and I don't think you'll find that deck to be small unless you're accustomed to 20' bass boats, especially if you're getting the 175. I think you will be pleased with either a Competitor or Navigator. Their layouts are awesome. |
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Posts: 555
Location: Tennessee | I think the center is 7'6" as well. Good to know the 8 footers will fit the side locker though. At least my 8ft St.Croixs wouldn't have to ride on the deck. Rod locker is one big win over the Predator, but that predator is a pretty sweet lookin ride in terms of performance. I haven't priced the 175CS yet, but I know the Lund before I add all the electronics, and options I want with a 115 ProXS is about $24500. Since the 175CS is rated for a 150, I'd imagine it'd be a good deal more costly than the Lund. I did notice that in the 165s, the Navigator seems to be abit wider than the Competitor. That might too be an option. One thing to add, is I am used to the big bassboats. I live in east TN, so that's about all you see here. I probably don't see 3 Lunds a year. But I like to still get out in winter, plus I fish rivers, etc and I like the Deep-V because as you said, it's like fishing from your living room. Especially night fishing for crappie and cats, just put out the lights and lines and kick back snug in the cockpit. That way you don't wake up 4 hours later leaning over the transom propped up on the trolling motor drooling about to fall in the lake(don't ask how I know)
Edited by Wood_Duck 12/31/2011 8:34 AM
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| Lund Predators have a huge front deck for a boat of its size and they are well priced. I'm also pretty sure 8 ft rods will fit in the side storage compartment as well.These boats are rated at 44-48mph with the Opti 115 ProXS and 125 Opti. Ratings for the 115 4 strokes are 43-47mph. This layout is probably the closest thing to a glass bass boat you will find in an aluminium deep V boat.The only better rig of this type i can think of is the 2010 Predator with a 225 but then again that rig is twice the price!
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Posts: 247
Location: Uxbridge Ontario | mike phillips - 12/30/2011 10:19 PM
Lund Predators have a huge front deck for a boat of its size and they are well priced. I'm also pretty sure 8 ft rods will fit in the side storage compartment as well.These boats are rated at 44-48mph with the Opti 115 ProXS and 125 Opti. Ratings for the 115 4 strokes are 43-47mph. This layout is probably the closest thing to a glass bass boat you will find in an aluminium deep V boat.The only better rig of this type i can think of is the 2010 Predator with a 225 but then again that rig is twice the price!
I had (well still have it in the barn) a 2006 Lund Outfitter 1750ss. This boat became the 1810 Predator in 2009 with a bunch more refinements. It was a great boat for the size. Awesome casting deck, fast hull, light to tow and great price.
Only boat in that size that I would have considered would have been the Crestliner Raptor.
I own a 2011 Predator 2010 now. If you have the penny's, hold out for it... WOW. |
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