Maximizing Fishability
Published: Wednesday, August 5, 2020
By: Jordan Balbresky
Summer is in full swing and many of us are finally able to get out on the water. After the spring we’ve had, most of us will take any lake time we can—we need it! And, while out, some may say “a boat is a boat,” but depending on your on-the-water activity of choice, some boats are better suited for its purpose than others.
When it comes to fishing, one of the popular boat brands in the region is Alumacraft. Based in Saint Peter, Minnesota, the Alumacraft brand has been around since 1946, making it one of the largest and oldest boat manufacturers in the country. It was recently acquired by Canadian company BRP and is part of the BRP Marine Group, which includes the Manitou and Telewater brands. The company is known for its revolutionary 2XB hull, the industry’s toughest hull system. Its flagship fishing boat is the Trophy 205, which is perfectly suited for the conditions we face on the big lakes.
So, what makes Alumacraft boats so unique? While the Trophy 205 is very versatile and able to excel in any activity you undertake on the water, the boat is designed and built by anglers and every detail is tailored to that activity.
The design of the hull includes a sharp, angled bow for a smooth entry into the water, delivering a very comfortable ride in big waves. The aquadynamic surface of the gull-wing-shaped hull results in quicker planing, better handling, and superior boat control even in harsh conditions. The hull is constructed in one piece, delivering superior strength, and includes full-length double plating for even more strength and protection all the way to the transom. The extra plating and solid-bottom construction also dramatically reduce sound and vibration and minimizes flex that can adversely affect handling. In addition, the seamless hull allows for ideal keel placement, ensuring the prop turns in pure, non-aerated water. The deep, one-piece keel adds structural integrity and improves handling, tracking, and control. The boat has an aluminum transom, which minimizes racking and vibration as well as providing a more durable mounting surface for today’s large, more powerful outboards. The hull is constructed with large rivets for greater inherent strength, which leads to fewer rivets needed, resulting in fewer holes that could compromise the watertight seal. The hull also has large, reverse-dispersal spray rails to deflect backsplash more effectively for a drier ride. To round out the high-end construction, every boat is finished with an automotive-quality base coat and clear coat paint that is resistant to fading from ultraviolet light. Even damage like dock rash or scratches can be easily repaired without having to repaint.
The Trophy 205 is loaded with features that add to your overall experience on the water. There is plenty of storage throughout—bow deck storage, bow platform storage, LED lit rod lockers, plus a lockable glove box and tons of side storage. There are also dual aerated livewells with timers and LED lighting for easy management of your bait during dusk and dawn operation. To add to your overall experience, the Trophy 205 is equipped with an Infinity AM/FM Bluetooth stereo system, four speakers, and very comfortable cushions and seating for a plush ride.
The Trophy 205 also features the Alumacraft-exclusive AlumaTracTM gunnel system, which gives owners infinite flexibility for the addition of optional equipment. AlumaTrac is an extruded aluminum gunnel that runs the length of the vessel and is made to fit a number of aftermarket accessories directly onto it, letting you put these accessories wherever you want them. The two included mounting brackets securely attach with a set of screws and let you mount rod holders, tool pouches, drink holders, tackle trays, and accessory pouches to fit your style of fishing and boating.
The versatile Trophy 205 also offers options that go well beyond the fishing heritage of the brand. You can add jump seats for additional family space, and it can accommodate an optional ski pylon for tow sports. When it comes to fishing, the Alumacraft Trophy 205 just may be the best of its class.
Learn more at the Alumacraft website, www.alumacraft.com.
About Jordan Balbresky
A former public relations practitioner serving the high-tech and consumer electronics industries, Jordan Balbresky returned to the agency world following a decade of hands-on marine experience. Living in the Caribbean and working in all aspects of the marine industry—from boat building, restoration and maintenance, to charter captain and delivery crew of sailing and motor yachts—Balbresky has a first-hand understanding of the outdoor and maritime markets. Fully immersing himself in the industry, he is a licensed scuba instructor, as well as master mariner and has lived on-board a custom-built schooner while skippering charters on boats of all sizes in the US Virgin Islands.
This article first appeared in the Summer Issue (Jul/Aug) 2020 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Fishing, New Boat Models
