“Fishing is the genesis of our business and the core of our passion,” states Alumacraft and this mission statement is most obvious given Alumacraft’s many dozens of models in multiple series of dedicated fishing boats. The all-new for 2018 Shadow series alone comprises nine separate models – three models each in 17 feet, 8 inches (175); 18 feet, 8 inches (185); and 20 feet, 6 inches (205) in length. The three models in each length are Sport with Dual Console and full windshield, Competitor Sport with a starboard Side Console, and Tiller model.
Riding on a relatively wide 95-inch beam, just one inch shy of a full eight feet, and even as the smallest Shadow model, the 175 CS features an unusually high content of standard equipment with a relatively very small list of available factory options. In other words, Alumacraft has equipped this Shadow series with virtually everything you, as an ardent fisherman, would mostly want and need as standard equipment. For example, the Shadow 175 CS is equipped with not just one but two livewells – one in the bow and one at the stern and both of the same capacity at 18 gallons (72 liters) each and both standard equipped with aeration, timer and LED lighting. Standard equipment seating is not only greater in quantity but also greater in quality than usually found standard in a similar sized fishing boat.
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Not just three but four “Premium Shadow Design” high-back contoured seats are provided standard and all four are mounted standard on Air-Ride pedestals. The driver’s seat is equipped with a slider. Pro Casting seats are optional as is a rear flip bench seat.
CRUISE CRAFT EXPLORER 595 REVIEW. This is truly a boat with the lot – a fine blend of fishing and family ergonomics, accessories and facilities. The key to success here is a blend of innovation matched with time-proven ideals. In the Explorer 595, Cruise Craft has developed an excellent trailerable fishing rig capable of extended saltwater sojourns. Apr 14, 2006 Starcraft Boats are they any good? Discussion in 'Boat Tips' started by MilwaukeeCatHunter, Apr 8, 2006. Apr 8, 2006 #1. Carpet, a deck and a larger motor. I highly recommend Star Craft, mine is only a 14 footer, but it handled the big waves better than my Bass boats, I would venture out in the rough water in this and not worry at all.
Lots of storage of varied capacity and intention is always a huge consideration and especially so on fishing boats. And here the Shadow 175 CS once again excels. Virtually all horizontal surfaces throughout the boat reveal hinged lids leading to useful storage compartments below.
The forward casting deck accommodates the afore-mentioned livewell plus three additional in-floor storage compartments. Centered in-floor between these is a lockable bow storage compartment capable of holding a total of eight rods; four up to seven feet long and four up to six foot, six inches long, all within protective tubes. Bow nets for securing of loose items are also standard as is a forward bow cubby storage area beneath the trolling motor mounting platform. Moving aft, the inner port side shelf below the gunwale offers three separate storage compartments, the center and largest one of which is a fixed, lockable, 13 gallon insulated cooler. The other two are for general storage. Within the inner starboard side shelf below the gunwale and aft of the side mounted throttle and gear change motor control box is another lockable rod storage compartment capable of storing five rods up to eight feet long.
Beneath the driver’s side console is another grab-all storage net and within the aft platform is the second afore-mentioned livewell plus a port side battery storage compartment. Built into the center cockpit floor of the Shadow 175 CS is a generous sized 34 gallon (129 liter) fuel tank. A starboard side folding and telescoping stern boarding ladder is standard as is LED interior courtesy lighting, grab handles for all cockpit seats, fold-down mooring cleats, plus pre-wiring for 12/24 volt trolling motor operation with a 36 volt option available. Alumacraft’s AlumaTrac™ Rail system is also standard. A full complement of accessories for use with this system is optionally available. The molded driver’s side console with windscreen provides attractive and standard speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and volt instrumentation to connect to your choice of a BRP, Honda, Mercury, Suzuki, or Yamaha outboard with recommended power from 90 to a maximum of 150 horsepower.
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To the right of the instrument cluster is a horizontal mounting platform ready to accommodate your choice of fish-finding electronics. A Bluetooth compatible stereo is standard as is a USB port. Hydraulic steering is optional as is a travel cover. Of course, to complete the intended look of the fishing purpose of this series, Shadow Black-on-Black hullside paint with exclusive Shadow decals is also standard. The look is complete and the boat is complete and this new Shadow series only adds to Alumacraft’s dedication to its passion for fishing. 2018 Alumacraft Shadow 175 Photo Gallery.
Re: Starcraft reviews? Not sure of any web sites, but I would say they are not the best built boats around. But I have one and love it because I like the big cabin, light weight for trailer towing and fuel economy on the water.
The craftmanship of how some of the wood and interior is fitted was a surprise to me and there where several leaks that rotted wood out. I replaced transom, and other. Starcrafts are good boats just don't plan an abusing them, treat it nice and your starcraft will last. I would go for a welded alum boat if I could afford one, but the 21 foot cheitain i have is a good boat and I love the layout of the boat. Starcrafts have basically been built the same for many many years.