For a tiller? You say that like it’s a compromise. A tiller is what you want. LOL. And 45-50 is nothing. Boats have been costing that much for a long time.
There is rumors of a new pro guide coming out in 26. I would think that Lund is going to make some serious upgrades in order to stay competitive in this market
Great design concept with the x-pods on the transom. We do a lot of trolling with G3 V17 guide boats which have a similar seat layout. The Alumacraft might present a challenge with the orientation of the seats - it looks like the captain and the passengers will be seated very close to one another. It can feel a bit cluttered if your guests/clients spend more time sitting (e.g. when you are trolling). Thanks for the video Jay, your content is superb!
Jay, I have the perfect dingy to your 17.5 Competor; a 1968 14' Alumacraft, F7. Five horse merc hanging on the transom with a 40 lb Minn Kota along side. Nary a leak does she have. Love that little boat. Like that Competitor too. Great video.
I hope Alumacraft has you do a 2025 205 tiller review. I loved your 2024 model and your videos are the best on UA-cam. Excited to see the changes for the 2025 version I’m hoping to buy one next summer.
I've been eyeballing the 175 competitor tiller for a few years now. For those of us that don't have the space to store a larger boat, it's a solid choice. It's short but wide and can handle big water under reasonable conditions. The new 2025 looks like a solid design but like any new models, we'll see. Love that it comes ready for 36v. Dedicated battery for electronics is a must and the Traxtech is like, Duh, why didn't anyone do that before? Storage compartments are fantastic --> foam bottoms and molded tub compartments. It's so nice they got rid of the grooved holders for the center rod storage. The stepped system makes so much more sense, no grooves to fiddle with. Lastly, there is one thing I really want to know. What was top speed with the 90?
Some pretty big improvements over the current comps. Sad I just bought one especially with the storage all looking like it’ll be dry compared to the rain traps now. But I’m happy with the boat for the 18k below sticker I got it for. Glad they seem to make improvements on all that everyone’s been having beef with on previous generations. Looks like you got the kraken mounted on the QR plate better this time!
What are the odds? I was just looking last night at the Alumacraft website and saw that you’re an ambassador and some of the videos of you posted there. For what it’s worth, I’m making the switch from Lund to Alumacraft. Great video Jay!
Great review Jay! That boat is laid out amazing. What a great use of space. I know you've been a long time tiller user but have you ever thought of changing or is that what you prefer? I have a side console and I like it but this just looks like such a nice boat to fish from and get maximum use of all the space. I absolutely love that rod locker!
I love the new storage ideas, but being old school I do a lot of back trolling still and the pods rule out being able to comfortably reach a vantage and still have your seat be able to pivot a full 360.
Problem with the pods is you cannot run 2 shallow water anchors or a shallow water anchor and a kicker motor. You have 2 ways to install shallow water anchors, directly to the transom or via a sandwich bracket off of the back. With the pods you cannot use sandwich brackets so that leaves direct mount to the transom. The problem with that is that you can only mount on one side which is the side without the ladder. You cannot legally remove the ladder, at least that's what I was told, and since you cannot remove the ladder on one side that leaves you with only one side for either a shallow water anchor or a kicker. If they went with horizontal ladder like Lund, they could pull it off. You wouldn't be able to use the ladder but you also aren't removing it.
Noone other than folks that do walleye tournaments for a living would actually prefer the tiller. Maybe someone that wants a tiller thats 70000 in canada for a fishing boat but also have another primary boat. They might buy if money is no object. Its a neat thing the bigger tiller lunds and others but not something folks want or in demand
Thanks for this review. I think there are a lot of neat design features. I especially like the longer rod storage for those of us with fly rods. I don’t understand tho why these boats aren’t using sea deck EVA Foam instead of carpet?
Jay have you seen a 2025 model with all vinyl? I’m looking at ordering a 2025 185X Tiller and possibly doing the seadek type flooring. My only concern is how well the lids fit without the carpet? Are there large gaps? I see you did this same upgrade a couple of years ago.
Shallow Walleye, maybe are they just there to do their feeding? Bauer in Sweden talked about Pike being in shallow bays to both digest and to eat because the water is warmer
Nice boat leave it the way it is less electronics shows you can also catch fish without having thousands of dollars in toys, makes finishing more interesting, I recall on one of your episodes your good friend stated you don’t need all of these toys to catch fish 👍.
Bought a 2023 Voyageur CS with a 115 SHO this spring . Had my first Alumacraft for 39 years Lunker SS 16 . Noticed you have a Talon on your boat , what length did you put on ? Toss up between the 12 or a 15 ? Any thoughts ?
Hey Jay curious what live scope handle you have on that pole? I think I saw Aaron use the same one. Love the boat, super interesting space addition from the transom.
Awesome boat jay! Would you be willing/able to make a walkthrough video of your snowmobile setup please? I picked up a new expedition at the end of last season and am working on getting it ready for this upcoming season. I looking for some inspiration, specifically the auger mount since theres not really any good videos on linq mount with the ion alpha. Hope all is well with you and your family! Thank you for all the content!
Did they give you any Boat Motor Trailer lengths with adding in a kicker by chance? That 185 windshield boat with a 200hp has my eye on it, but I'd still wanna add a kicker!
Hey Jay! Off topic question I hope you can answer, looking for the best insulated cold weather rubber boot for ice fishing, lightweight would be nice too. Thanks!
They still have that, it’s just an option to buy when you customize your build, if you want. Which I think is cool that Alumacraft is offering so many options for ppl. There’s a video with Jon Thelen at a boat show with it here on UA-cam, the new 2025 trophy 205.
@@JaySiemens Ok, I see it now. Just not very intuitive to someone like myself that isn't as familiar with their lineup. I just saw 6 boats and it looked like stuff was missing. Maybe that's just me being someone not familiar with how boats are listed.
I wonder if alumacraft has any hiring opportunities that would help people move further north. Southern ontario is getting way to hot for me... And my job is slowly killing me. Time for a change i think...
Boat prices are out of range nowadays. I never understood why does a boat cost same or more as a car. Significantly lower complexity. The only thing comes into my mind that the manufacturing volume is lower and there is a lot of manual labour involved. Still, when it reaches the dealers, they put their margin on and they are stilll ripping you off. Out of reach for me 😢
hey jay, i neeeed help , i fish every weekend in southern Ontario, with my family mostly my 7 year old son . fishing from short , we have not caught a fish in two years , now he is starting to not want to go fishing with me, i don't want him to lose interest in the outdoors ,i try everything , live bait lures jigs cranks spinners spoons different times of day , im afraid he will never want to fish again , my father made me love the outdoors and fishing , i cant afford a boat with electronics and i don't know what to do or what I'm doing wrong .I'm desperate for advice or something to keep my little man into the beautiful outdoors , we watch every episode of your channel as well as mean eater to try and learn but as well as to keep my boy interested in the outdoors , i feel so so defeated not seeing him smile catching fish , anyways thank you for being you ! love that boat it is gorgeous !
There’s multiple spots that I know in southern Ontario that aren’t great for catching trophy size fish. But I’ll go for a day and catch 20-30 dinks. It’s fun and I have a blast even though their not huge.
i live in niagara falls , thanks guys , yeah i was looking for a cheap jon boat but they have gone up in price and the cheaap ones i wouldnt put my enemies kids in, let alone mine lol
Nice showcase for this brand 🎉 Are all the compartments waterproof? I have a 2023 Lund Rebel XL and let say Lund quality has gone on the drain, poor design and no waterproof comparments.
Lots of comments about the price. If you think about it, boats are getting about as complex as cars. Built in electronics. A lot of pre-rigging. Fuel injected electronically controlled 125 hp motors. This isn’t the Jon boat I bought in the 70’s.
I make north of $140k a year and I just see absolutely nothing in a fishing boat worth $40 let alone $80k This is a boat you will NEVER earn a penny while owning thats the part that makes it a no go for me If you're going to spend $40-$80 on a fishing boat I hope and pray you use it AT LEADT 60 days of the year otherwise IMO it is a colossal waist of money Im currently eyeing 20-25 year old used fishing boats for under $15k that are really nice deep V 18-20' walk throughs
As a guy ran old boats forever before buying a 2021 trophy I can say it's nice to not be fixing the damn thing after every trip, the boat ,motor and trailers ,throw in electronics, get beat on and after time it all gets worse. No more will I make it and will it start anxiety for me
$45-50k+ tax for a tiller… hard pass. Boat prices are just getting stupid now
I’d take a tiller any day over a console. Way more room
For a tiller? You say that like it’s a compromise. A tiller is what you want. LOL. And 45-50 is nothing. Boats have been costing that much for a long time.
NOW?! boats have always been crazy money!
The 205 Tillers have been north of 75k for quite a few years where have you been?
It’s turning into a rich man sport
I wish tillers were more popular here down south. Definitely the best use of space!
I love going to Canada and fishing from the tiller boats most camps rent to you. Tiller life isn’t for everyone. I love them. So fun!!!
I’ve been a Lund guy my whole life But will seriously be considering an alumacraft like this when it’s time to flip boats
Thanks jay
There is rumors of a new pro guide coming out in 26. I would think that Lund is going to make some serious upgrades in order to stay competitive in this market
@@northlandoutdoors7941 someone should let them know that if they’re looking for a person to abuse the heck out of one those boats, I’m available
Great design concept with the x-pods on the transom. We do a lot of trolling with G3 V17 guide boats which have a similar seat layout. The Alumacraft might present a challenge with the orientation of the seats - it looks like the captain and the passengers will be seated very close to one another. It can feel a bit cluttered if your guests/clients spend more time sitting (e.g. when you are trolling).
Thanks for the video Jay, your content is superb!
Jay, I have the perfect dingy to your 17.5 Competor; a 1968 14' Alumacraft, F7. Five horse merc hanging on the transom with a 40 lb Minn Kota along side. Nary a leak does she have. Love that little boat. Like that Competitor too. Great video.
Love the innovation and out of the box thinking on all of the updates!
Nice boat, Looks Now you have a His and Her boat, I bet Sam would like that one. Great Video
Definitely some nice improvements! The new Horsepower ratings are fantastic!
I hope Alumacraft has you do a 2025 205 tiller review. I loved your 2024 model and your videos are the best on UA-cam. Excited to see the changes for the 2025 version I’m hoping to buy one next summer.
JAY what a great review you really do a great work showing the boats.
Looks like a great design from Alumacraft and another great video from Jay!
Looks like Alumacraft is really stepping it up on the innovation side of things. Might have to switch from a Lund once mine ages out.
I've been eyeballing the 175 competitor tiller for a few years now. For those of us that don't have the space to store a larger boat, it's a solid choice. It's short but wide and can handle big water under reasonable conditions. The new 2025 looks like a solid design but like any new models, we'll see. Love that it comes ready for 36v. Dedicated battery for electronics is a must and the Traxtech is like, Duh, why didn't anyone do that before? Storage compartments are fantastic --> foam bottoms and molded tub compartments. It's so nice they got rid of the grooved holders for the center rod storage. The stepped system makes so much more sense, no grooves to fiddle with. Lastly, there is one thing I really want to know. What was top speed with the 90?
Alumacraft sure makes a nice boat, will definitely be checking them out when I'm ready to buy a boat
Some pretty big improvements over the current comps. Sad I just bought one especially with the storage all looking like it’ll be dry compared to the rain traps now. But I’m happy with the boat for the 18k below sticker I got it for. Glad they seem to make improvements on all that everyone’s been having beef with on previous generations. Looks like you got the kraken mounted on the QR plate better this time!
The batteries down low and in the keel is a nice touch and it should be a nice stable boat with those pods in back.
If I win the Lottery, I might not tell anyone, but there will be signs.... love this boat
Really nice boat. Only thing missing is your flooring you had in your last boat. That was so cool
ONLY $137,546.72 WHAT A DEAL. BOAT PRICES ARE NAUSEATING.
Nice job Alumacraft
That's one sexy looking new boat you have there! Love the color scheme on it and love how they designed everything to fit and look clean and nice!
Love your content Jay, ???? For Alumacraft… Where would I put a kicker motor on a Trophy? Oops, did they forget about something?
Thinking the same…..
What are the odds? I was just looking last night at the Alumacraft website and saw that you’re an ambassador and some of the videos of you posted there.
For what it’s worth, I’m making the switch from Lund to Alumacraft. Great video Jay!
Love the ideas on the new design......also love the colour. maybe some day ha ha
Great review Jay! That boat is laid out amazing. What a great use of space. I know you've been a long time tiller user but have you ever thought of changing or is that what you prefer? I have a side console and I like it but this just looks like such a nice boat to fish from and get maximum use of all the space. I absolutely love that rod locker!
I love the new storage ideas, but being old school I do a lot of back trolling still and the pods rule out being able to comfortably reach a vantage and still have your seat be able to pivot a full 360.
I saw a mention of Uncle Mark's Outpost in the current issue of In-Fisherman magazine. It was in their going places segment.
Problem with the pods is you cannot run 2 shallow water anchors or a shallow water anchor and a kicker motor.
You have 2 ways to install shallow water anchors, directly to the transom or via a sandwich bracket off of the back. With the pods you cannot use sandwich brackets so that leaves direct mount to the transom.
The problem with that is that you can only mount on one side which is the side without the ladder. You cannot legally remove the ladder, at least that's what I was told, and since you cannot remove the ladder on one side that leaves you with only one side for either a shallow water anchor or a kicker.
If they went with horizontal ladder like Lund, they could pull it off. You wouldn't be able to use the ladder but you also aren't removing it.
Noone other than folks that do walleye tournaments for a living would actually prefer the tiller. Maybe someone that wants a tiller thats 70000 in canada for a fishing boat but also have another primary boat. They might buy if money is no object. Its a neat thing the bigger tiller lunds and others but not something folks want or in demand
I would love to get that Competitor fully equiped to starter my guiding business 💪🎣🎣
Jay, do you know when they will have the 2025s on their website to look at? Absolutely LOVE the layout of this new series!
Love my aluma 175T but my next tiller will be fiberglass. Wont that TM head bang into docks being outside the boat when stowed?
Thanks for this review. I think there are a lot of neat design features. I especially like the longer rod storage for those of us with fly rods. I don’t understand tho why these boats aren’t using sea deck EVA Foam instead of carpet?
Jay have you seen a 2025 model with all vinyl? I’m looking at ordering a 2025 185X Tiller and possibly doing the seadek type flooring. My only concern is how well the lids fit without the carpet? Are there large gaps? I see you did this same upgrade a couple of years ago.
Shallow Walleye, maybe are they just there to do their feeding? Bauer in Sweden talked about Pike being in shallow bays to both digest and to eat because the water is warmer
Love this boat! Now to ask the boss for the money. 😂
Looks like the BRP touch ❤❤❤❤
Jay! Nice boat, what livescope pole do you have?
Nice boat, but Ill take the full windshield boat with a canvas top. Most of the days I fish its either cold and raining or waaay to hot without a top.
That recessed pedal pocket is the best thing since Betty White. I've always said that these pedals need to be thinner, or I need a thicker shoe
Nice boat leave it the way it is less electronics shows you can also catch fish without having thousands of dollars in toys, makes finishing more interesting, I recall on one of your episodes your good friend stated you don’t need all of these toys to catch fish 👍.
Bought a 2023 Voyageur CS with a 115 SHO this spring . Had my first Alumacraft for 39 years Lunker SS 16 . Noticed you have a Talon on your boat , what length did you put on ? Toss up between the 12 or a 15 ? Any thoughts ?
Hey Jay curious what live scope handle you have on that pole? I think I saw Aaron use the same one.
Love the boat, super interesting space addition from the transom.
Nice boat!! So when do you take possession of your new boat?
Awesome boat jay! Would you be willing/able to make a walkthrough video of your snowmobile setup please? I picked up a new expedition at the end of last season and am working on getting it ready for this upcoming season. I looking for some inspiration, specifically the auger mount since theres not really any good videos on linq mount with the ion alpha. Hope all is well with you and your family! Thank you for all the content!
@@MI_miner yup! It’s on the list!
@@JaySiemens thank you!
Can the new transom design support a kicker motor?
Did they give you any Boat Motor Trailer lengths with adding in a kicker by chance? That 185 windshield boat with a 200hp has my eye on it, but I'd still wanna add a kicker!
This is my dream boat. One day….
mega boat!!!
can you tell me how wide the 175 is?
Thank you very much
what kind of top end speed were you getting with that 90 on the back?
Draft would be better too, basically float pods brought up to deck height, I wonder how it trims.
Beautiful design
is the battery fumes safe to have your expensive rods be exposed to?
So Jay with the extended back end. Does it seem like u could get in shallower water like it doesn't run as deep.
Sigh...the rating werent "bumped" they made longer boats...
Is that the base model Jay, or are there any options added to that boat you’re sitting in?
Looks great
Hey Jay! Off topic question I hope you can answer, looking for the best insulated cold weather rubber boot for ice fishing, lightweight would be nice too. Thanks!
I use Nokian Naali boots rom Sweden, they can be studded too
have they tuned up the warrantie department at alumacraft yet?i had 2019 that needed warranty work and it was a nightmare!
Great boat but they need to work on taking care of their customers.
That thing is sick
Looks better than that max deck and rotax engine they hyped up a few years ago.
Rofl? They are part of new lineup
Rotax you mean BRP
They still have that, it’s just an option to buy when you customize your build, if you want. Which I think is cool that Alumacraft is offering so many options for ppl. There’s a video with Jon Thelen at a boat show with it here on UA-cam, the new 2025 trophy 205.
Love tiller.
Ballpark price for that boat and motor/trailer with no electronics or trolling motor? Very thought out floor plan.
Looked at the prices and they are far, far away from my ball park. Alumacraft, how about something more blue collar, ya know, us weekend fishermen?
If only I could afford one lol 😂
No lithium batteries?
What model is that
BRIS inflatable catamaran, 15 HP Suzuki 4-stroke. Fishing boat for under $5k! Done.
Maybe tell Alumacraft to fix their website. Tried to look this up and only see five, yes 5, models offered and none of them are tillers.
Hi Brad, once you select a model you can scroll down on the site and it will show the tiller models.
@@JaySiemens Ok, I see it now. Just not very intuitive to someone like myself that isn't as familiar with their lineup. I just saw 6 boats and it looked like stuff was missing. Maybe that's just me being someone not familiar with how boats are listed.
Fishing is easy in Canada. And easy to talk up a boat when you get it for free
I wonder if alumacraft has any hiring opportunities that would help people move further north. Southern ontario is getting way to hot for me... And my job is slowly killing me. Time for a change i think...
Boat prices are out of range nowadays. I never understood why does a boat cost same or more as a car. Significantly lower complexity. The only thing comes into my mind that the manufacturing volume is lower and there is a lot of manual labour involved. Still, when it reaches the dealers, they put their margin on and they are stilll ripping you off. Out of reach for me 😢
hey jay, i neeeed help , i fish every weekend in southern Ontario, with my family mostly my 7 year old son . fishing from short , we have not caught a fish in two years , now he is starting to not want to go fishing with me, i don't want him to lose interest in the outdoors ,i try everything , live bait lures jigs cranks spinners spoons different times of day , im afraid he will never want to fish again , my father made me love the outdoors and fishing , i cant afford a boat with electronics and i don't know what to do or what I'm doing wrong .I'm desperate for advice or something to keep my little man into the beautiful outdoors , we watch every episode of your channel as well as mean eater to try and learn but as well as to keep my boy interested in the outdoors , i feel so so defeated not seeing him smile catching fish , anyways thank you for being you ! love that boat it is gorgeous !
Find a cheap jon boat if you can. Doesn’t need to be fancy.
Will give you lot more opportunities for fishing than casting from shore
I live in southern Ontario… boy do I got a spot for you
Where in Southern Ontario? Let me know, lots of fish able water from shore.
There’s multiple spots that I know in southern Ontario that aren’t great for catching trophy size fish. But I’ll go for a day and catch 20-30 dinks. It’s fun and I have a blast even though their not huge.
i live in niagara falls , thanks guys , yeah i was looking for a cheap jon boat but they have gone up in price and the cheaap ones i wouldnt put my enemies kids in, let alone mine lol
Nice showcase for this brand 🎉
Are all the compartments waterproof?
I have a 2023 Lund Rebel XL and let say Lund quality has gone on the drain, poor design and no waterproof comparments.
When is drive by wire coming to small boats? Don’t need that steering wheel!
Nice
you need a power pole my guy
Lots of comments about the price. If you think about it, boats are getting about as complex as cars. Built in electronics. A lot of pre-rigging. Fuel injected electronically controlled 125 hp motors. This isn’t the Jon boat I bought in the 70’s.
Be that as it may, regular guys just can't afford this stuff.
👀
Haaahahaha, somebody needs to wake up with their pricing :)
nice looking , but nahhh on the price , its not worth that .
The curved-high gunnels are a big turn off for me. Back to the 80s lol
Just driving people into the used market with these ridiculous prices. I think I’m going to stop looking at new.
SPEAKERS HA HA I WATER I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING BUT WATER AND FISH SPLASHING. SOME GUY BLARING MUSIC IS AN A HOLE!! TORPEDOES AWAY!!
I make north of $140k a year and I just see absolutely nothing in a fishing boat worth $40 let alone $80k
This is a boat you will NEVER earn a penny while owning thats the part that makes it a no go for me
If you're going to spend $40-$80 on a fishing boat I hope and pray you use it AT LEADT 60 days of the year otherwise IMO it is a colossal waist of money
Im currently eyeing 20-25 year old used fishing boats for under $15k that are really nice deep V 18-20' walk throughs
As a guy ran old boats forever before buying a 2021 trophy I can say it's nice to not be fixing the damn thing after every trip, the boat ,motor and trailers ,throw in electronics, get beat on and after time it all gets worse. No more will I make it and will it start anxiety for me
I guess it's all about what someone wants to buy. After all if you buy it, you pay for it.
Wow, now that is my kind of boat. How much? I might buy it if only Jay would
get rid of that stupid look on his face. Ha!
Does it come with a paid for divorce? 17.5 foot boat and accessories= 80k