2014 alumacraft deep v 185 competitor

[johnbobby]

Just joined up with you guys,thanks for having me. Not much of a computer guy but I,ve been reading you guys for a couple ye ars now and finally sighed up. I,ve allways had big flat bottom aluminum boats and just got tired of getting beat up on ky and Cumberland. I ordered a 2014 alumacraft deep v 185 competitor side console 2 weeks ago and cant wait to pick it up. Wondered if anybody had any comments about these boats? Boat is due march 1 and will be going to Guntersville on march 15 and then concentrate on ky. Thanks in advance

[wannabe fisherman]

can't help with the boat but WELCOME ABOARD anyway!!

[Cray]

Welcome from NW Mississippi. Don't know much about the boat but it should be way more comfortable on big water than what you have had. Would suggest a 24 troller though. She is going to catch more wind with those high sides than you are used to. Get us some pictures when you get her rigged out.

[kycreek]

We need pics & welcome to a great website.

[Hookedonslabs]

Welcome aboard from Tennessee

["D"]

Welcome from Louisiana. Can't help with the boat except to say I hope you enjoy it for a long time.

[nabob]

can't help I gotta skeeter. but welcome from one kentucky member to another

[warhawk]

Right now I've got a Stratos 176xt bass boat. I've got back and knee troubles and think I made a mistake going with a bass boat. Between my back and knees I have a hard time getting up out of the seat that sits almost on the floor of the boat, and when I'm up on the front deck (never fished from the back deck) I have to stay sitting down or I feel like I'll fall in the lake. I am nervous about falling in every time I put the trolling motor up or down. It's a shame because I really like this little boat, and it's perfect for the 10 small lakes in Hot Springs Village, where I live. http://www.hotspringsvillagelakes.com/

I also likv close to Lake Ouachita, and want to get out and chase the stripers, walleyes, and hybrids at some of the other area lakes. I have always done well trolling and would like to try it on Ouachita, but the bass boat isn't too hot for trolling, and I haven't figured out how to attach a downrigger just yet.

I think I'm going to trade boats for what they call a "northern" boat around here. I want something where the seats are raised up off the floor, so I can get up and down better. I want the sides to have a little height so I don't feel like I'm going to fall out of the boat. And I'd like a 4 stroke motor with the slow idle feature for trolling. I don't understand carpet in a boat and whatever I get next will have a vinyl floor or spray in liner.

I've narrowed my list to three boats, and plan to run a 90hp motor on them.

Lund Alaskan 1800 - Looks like exactly what I want, a little short on storage but I can live with that. Basic boat that I can add to as I feel the need. The problem is there isn't a Lund dealer in the state, the closest ones are in Missouri and Oklahoma. Not sure about motors, would depend on the dealer.

Stratos 1760DV - This one is in the running because I like my 176XT so well. It would be the heaviest of the three, good for stability, bad for towing. And I tow with a Toyota Tacoma. These boats are scarce. I would go with the Yamaha F90 on this one.

Alumacraft Voyageur 175 - This one may be even more perfect than the Lund Alaskan. The biggest difference is a raised platform up front and more storage. It also comes with more goodies standard. Best of all the closest dealer to me sells Alumacraft and Suzuki motors, and is known for their service. The Suzuki 90 really appeals to me, great reviews, light weight, easy on fuel, and has the slow idle trolling feature. I haven't seen this model yet, but I really like the layout.
http://www.alumacraft.com/boats/deep...ype=1&layout=1

http://www.yamahaoutboards.com/sites...-05-29_ALM.pdf

Anybody here have any experience with these boats? The Alumacraft Voyageur is new for 2014 so probably not much out there on it yet. Yamaha does have performance data on it.

Also, if I go with the Alumacraft, I'd have the option of a side console or a full windshield. Any thoughts on that decision? I'm sure my wife would like the full WS, but my truck probably wouldn't like towing it.

[johnbobby]

I was in a very similar situation with a sore back and bad knee,dont wanna sound like a wimp but tired of limping up the ramp after a long day on ky lake.I too referred to these deep v boats as a yankee boat-no disrespect intended.I Looked at the lund and they are nice boats however very pricey for a guy tryin to fill a cooler with crappie or bluegill. I also looked at tracker and lowe before I looked at alumacraft and I gotta say the fit and finish is second to none on these boats-very nice to say the least. I agree on the carpet issue-I went with the grey vinyl and the side console for added room and storage.I ordered this boat without engine and will be running a 150 Yamaha and I cant comment on the Suzuki other than I am starting to see more of them.I will keep you guys posted-cant wait to pick it up.

[warhawk]

I did some looking today. The nearby Alumacraft dealer hasn't even ordered any Voyageurs, so I won't be seeing one there. He does have a couple of leftover boats that are tempting, a Competitor 165 Sport with the Limited package, and a Classic 165 CS, both have 60 hp Merc 4s but the Competitor could be upgraded to a Merc 90.

We have a new Stratos dealer on Lake Ouachita, small outfit but he's retired/relocated here from Oklahoma. Anyway, he's got a 1760dv on order that should be here in about 2 weeks. Anxious to see that one, it will have a Yamaha F90 and I should be able to demo it.

The Lund Alaskan is still in the running, a Lund dealer in Missouri has a leftover 2013 that he's willing to discount.