Alumacraft Navigator 165 Tiller

[Duffman]

I'm leaning towards purchasing one this year, I'm just curious on the opinions of other owners of this rig. Likes/Dislikes?? How did you rig it up for goodies? What would you do different if you were able to purchase the rig from scratch again?? Thanks for any replies.

[wisconsinfish]

I purchased an 05 navigator 165cs (console) w/ 90hp johnson 4-stroke on a prestige trailer. I like it. I have a maxxum pro 80 trolling motor with vexilar fl-18 up front. I have a lowrance 332c on the dash. I had the dealer install an hour meter (for maintenance). I installed a 12v outlet in the dash as they don't come with one.

The rod lockers are nice for me, alumacraft states them as 7', but you can get an 8' rod in them.

My top speed fully rigged, full tank of gas (23gal), one person, with a stainless prop is 41mph-gps.

I think the only down fall is the rivets. I musky fish a lot and have had my line get caught a few times, and there is nothing more aggrevating.

[MNice]

Hey, aren't you the one that told me about the best day in your life is when you buy a boat, and the second best day is when you sell it

Have fun shopping and be patient!! I jumped on one of the first boats and I wish I would have waited for a 16', even though I pretty much bought it for a song. I find I use the boat much more than the canoe. I think you know I just have a 14' lund but one thing for sure (even after I win the lottery tonight) I would by a tiller boat. I like the extra room it provides, especially in a smaller boat, it just gives you more room to fish and fewer things to walk around. Of coarse, this is only my opinion

PS. Let me know if youse guys are up for a problem solving meeting sometime.

Take care Bret

[PerchJerker]

Oooops, double-posted

[PerchJerker]

Since you haven't got much for replies, I'll chime in.

In the mid '90's I bought a new Competitor 170 tiller, 16'10" with a 60 hp 2-stroke Merc. Nice boat that changed to the Tournament Pro series when Alumacraft came out with the 2XB hull. When I got rid of that boat I got a Tournament Pro 175 CS. I have friends that have Tournament Pro tillers and Magnum tillers, and one buddy who is eyeing up a Navigator with full windshield.

Personally, I think Alumacraft boats are great and you get a lot for your dollar.

I was SOOOOO fired up when I got my Competitor. It went low 30's and was comfortable and roomy and awesome to fish out of. After I got that boat I started fishing bigger water and a few tournaments and decided I needed more speed. After 3 or 4 seasons I got rid of the tiller boat and since then have had console boats that go about 50 mph.

You're going to have a wet ride in an aluminum tiller boat that size if you're in much for wind or waves, it's just a fact. Doesn't matter which brand of boat you go with either in case you get anyone trying to steer you toward a Lund or a Crestliner. Just letting you know so you won't be surprised or disappointed.

Without question I would put a 4-stroke motor on that boat, like a 50 or 60 hp, and no kicker or transom electric motor. You should not be buying that boat with the idea of winning any races, and you should be looking for a motor that is ideal for running, trolling, backtrolling, and vertical jigging. A 50 or 60 4-stroke will do those things for you and you don't need the added expense, weight, or clutter from a kicker or transom electric. Assuming you're going to do any backtrolling I would get wavewackers or other splashguards.

If you're casting you would want a bowmount trolling motor. And a 2- or 3- bank onboard charger is really nice for keeping your deep cycle(s) and starting battery charged.

Lots of good options these days for sonar and gps. I'd spend the money to get good color units with mapping capabilities and card slots. Personally I prefer Lowrance and Eagle over the others.

Some of my buddies with tiller boats like having the foot-controlled trim and tilt for the motor, and also like having armrests on the driver's seat. Personally I don't like either of those features. But I do like air ride pedestals.

Good luck and I hope this helps.