We Say: Dual-console aluminum boats provide outstanding weather protection for fishing the big, blustery lakes of Minnesota. That’s where the Alumacraft Trophy 175 was born and bred. The 17-foot-8-inch hull rode with surprising smoothness powered by Suzuki’s new DF140A four-stroke outboard with Lean Burn Control technology (which becomes effective only after keeping the same throttle setting for about five minutes) to get the most from the boat’s 34-gallon fuel tank.
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
