Room is always at a premium on angling boats. For 2025, the Alumacraft Competitor line of aluminum multispecies boats offers a clever idea that expands the aft casting deck without compromising cockpit space or making the boat longer. The X-Pods on either side of the outboard ­extend the aft deck by 16 inches. This gives the angler more foot room and makes it easier to fish around the motor. Each X-Pod also incorporates stowage space. The X-Pods are not an extension of the running surface but do act as fixed tabs to improve planing performance and handling in turns. The X-Pods are a feature of 12 new Competitor models, including the 22-foot-2-inch-long 205X Side Console we tested.

Competitor models also feature a new bow control center with a recessed well for the ­trolling-motor pedal, a phone holder with a USB port, and fishing-tool slots. The center panel is designed for gimble or recessed mounting of a ­display up to 12 inches. A handsome new molded dash area at the helm features a standard 7-inch Garmin EchoMap MFD for instrumentation, with room for two 12-inch graphs above the dashboard.

The bow livewell holds 21 gallons. A choice of three new Flex Module configurations is offered for the aft cockpit: the Flex 29 with a carpeted bench/step and a ­29-gallon livewell, the Flex FSX with a pair of jump seats flanking a 30-­gallon livewell, and the Flex 50 with a 50-gallon livewell. Full-length ­13-inch-wide steps in the cockpit port and starboard make it easy to kneel and reach the water. The tops lift to reach stowage and the 46-quart cooler to starboard and 10-foot rod stowage to port. There’s additional rod stowage below the forward deck.

Alumacraft has not changed the revered Competitor running surface, which is slightly concave from keel to chine to help the boat better carve turns. The Alumacraft 2XB double-­plated hull with a seamless ­one-piece bottom is designed to be durable and feel solid on the water. The Competitor 205X is rated for up to 400 hp, but the 250 hp Mercury on our test boat provided satisfying performance, hopping on plane in less than 4 seconds and holding plane at just 17.5 mph—ideal performance when the water is rough.

Read Next: Alumacraft Trophy 185X Sport

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury FourStroke 250 DTS
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.2″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 48 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

High Points

• X-Pods expand the aft deck, making it easier to fish around the outboard motor.
• The 48-gallon fuel tank wraps around a house and cranking battery below the aft deck, moving battery weight forward for improved boat balance.
• Three Flex aft livewell options permit customization for your fishing activity.
• Bow control center offers flexible mounting options for up to a 12-inch ­display, with space for two more 12-inch displays at the helm.

Low Points

• Competitive boats come with a standard trailer, while this one does not.
• Innovative Rotax S outboard and Max Deck is not an option for this model.

Toughest Competitor

The 21-foot-2-inch G3 Angler V21 F (about $70,000 with a Yamaha F250 and EZ Loader trailer) is offered only as a dual-console with full windshield, with room for a single display above the dash and traditional analog instruments, and does not have a bow console for electronics. The optional Flip Deck ($688) expands the aft casting area and incorporates jump seats.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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The all-new Alumacraft ­Competitor line of aluminum multispecies boats offers anglers the advantage of a larger aft casting deck without compromising cockpit space or making the boat longer. The addition of X-Pods on each side of the outboard extends the aft deck by 16 inches to give the angler more foot room and make it easier to fish around the motor. Each X-Pod incorporates a stowage space. The X-Pods are not an extension of the running surface but do act as fixed tabs to improve planing performance and handling in turns. The X-Pods are featured on four different lengths of Competitor models, including the 22-foot-2-inch-long 205X Side Console we tested.

A new bow control center features a recessed foot-pedal well, a phone holder with a USB port, and tool slots. The center panel is designed for gimbal or recessed mounting of a multifunction display up to 12 inches. A handsome new molded dash area at the helm features a standard 7-inch Garmin EchoMap MFD for instrumentation, with room for two 12-inch graphs above the dashboard.

There’s a 21-gallon livewell in the bow deck and a choice of three new Flex Module configurations at the aft end of the ­cockpit: the Flex 29 with a carpeted bench/step and a 29-gallon livewell, the Flex FSX with a pair of jump seats flanking a 30-gallon livewell, or the Flex 50 with a 50-gallon livewell. Full-length 13-inch-wide steps port and starboard in the cockpit make it easy to kneel and reach the water. The tops lift to reach stowage, a 46-quart cooler to starboard and 10-foot rod stowage to port. There’s additional rod stowage below the forward deck.

Alumacraft did not change the Competitor running surface, which is slightly concave from keel to chine to help the boat carve turns better. The Alumacraft 2XB double-plated hull with a seamless one-piece bottom is designed to be durable and feel solid on the water. The Competitor 205X is rated for up to 400 hp, but the 250 hp Mercury on our test boat provided satisfying performance, hopping on plane in less than 4 seconds and holding plane at just 17.5 mph—ideal performance when the water is rough.

High Points

• X-Pods expand the aft deck and make it easier to fish around the outboard motor.
• New bow control center with a recessed trolling-motor pedal well is great.
• Three Flex aft livewell options permit customization for your fishing activity, plus jump seats.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury FourStroke 250 DTS
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14.2″ x 21″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 48 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Imagine the pleasure of being able to cast a lure right off your back porch. Here’s what may be the next-best thing: The Alumacraft Trophy 185X Sport with the new MAX Deck option features 25 square feet of elevated casting deck space, with no outboard motor getting in the way.

There is no outboard in the way because the Rotax S150 motor resides below the MAX Deck, its horizontal powerhead sealed in a watertight case. The MAX Deck surface is covered with soft MarineMat and has LinQ integrated attachment points to secure an accessory cooler or ­cargo box. The deck also has a pair of fishing seat bases, hatches covering a pair of small storage compartments, and a grab handle for the retractable boarding ladder.

The MAX Deck is great for angling, but it also provides extra space for family boating—room to lounge, a built-in diving platform or a spot to secure a tube. Alumacraft Trophy models feature a deluxe interior, padded backrests on the front of the consoles, a full-height windshield and a four-speaker audio system.

New for 2025 is a redesigned, injection-­molded helm with a standard 7-inch ­Garmin EchoMap multifunction display for instrumentation, a switch panel to the lower right, and room on top of the dash for two 12-inch displays. A new bow control center provides a recessed position for a 12-inch graph, plus a well for storing a trolling-motor pedal, tool holder, and cellphone holder with a USB port. A new Flex Module system offers three configuration options at the aft end of the cockpit: the Flex 29 with a carpeted bench/step and a 29-gallon livewell, the Flex FSX with a pair of jump seats flanking a 30-gallon livewell, or the Flex 50 with a 50-gallon livewell.

The Trophy rides Alumacraft’s 2XB double-plated aluminum hull with a seamless one-piece bottom designed to be durable and solid on the water. It is ­slightly concave from keel to chine to help the boat carve through turns smartly. A pair of 16-inch X-Pod extensions flanking the outboard improve planing performance and stability at rest. 

The Trophy 185X Sport with the MAX Deck expands the options for fishing and family fun.

High Points

• MAX Deck offers unmatched space while keeping the outboard out of sight.
• Full-height gunwales offer family-friendly security and tip-out stowage.
• New helm and bow control center accommodate the largest fishing electronics.

How We Tested

• Engine: Rotax S150 outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/BRP Rogue 13.5″ x 17″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 36 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Today we’re at Lake Minnetonka testing the brand new 2025 Alumacraft Competitor 205X. This is a great fishing boat from Alumacraft and we take you through all the new features. 

One of the new features for 2025 is the all-new Alumacraft X-Pods. These clever transom extensions wrap around both sides of the outboard to create 16 inches of additional fishing deck space. X-Pods also add storage, there are lockers underneath them, and help to improve buoyancy.

Alumacraft’s gone to an all-digital dash, and our test boat was fitted with a Garmin screen that shows navigation, fish finding, and all your vital instruments. Now up in the bow, there’s an angle control center where you can fit a large screen graph, a touch screen MFD, and room for your trolling motor pedal and controls. 

Another thing that impressed us about the 2025 Alumacraft Competitor 205X was the number of storage incorporated into the boat, it’s everywhere: The bow, stern, in the sides of the boat. And of course, if you’re an angler you’ll appreciate the ample amount of rod storage throughout the entire boat, including a rod locker in the bow that’s big enough to store rods up to 10 feet long! 

Let’s talk about construction and propulsion. This drove to a pretty fast 54 mph, running on a Mercury 250 HP outboard engine. It delivered great performance, stability, and excellent maneuverability. Overall it proves a great fishing boat, equipped with plenty of storage, fishability, and versatility for families on days when you are not just fishing. Learn more at alumacraft.com. 

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Join us here in beautiful Lake Minnetonka and aboard Alumacraft’s brand-new Trophy 185X. It’s wider, has more versatility, and has a stunning design and more storage. When we tested this boat it ran over 42 miles per hour with the Rotax S 150 outboard, an innovative engine that won Boating Magazine’s prestigious Marine Power Innovation Award.

It has a responsive trim, takes off instantly, and is economical to run. Besides efficiency, the Rotax S is seamlessly integrated into the boat delivering more usable space plus all the benefits of a traditional outboard. The new Rotax S enables the installation of the MAX Deck, which provides 25 sq. ft. of fishing and recreational space. Additionally, the MAX Deck offers two seat pedestals which allow a pair of anglers the option to comfortably fish standing up or sitting down. Built-in storage compartments in the MAX Deck offer a convenient place for all of your gear. And a sun pad that fits the MAX Deck turns this area into a great sun lounge. 

In addition to the innovative MAX Deck, the new Trophy model also offers a modern design that features a stylish curved gunnel. You might ask why doesn’t anyone else do that? Well, it takes a lot of extra work to get aluminum to bend in two directions. Alumacraft has the craftsmanship and special equipment to make it happen. 

On Trophy models like this one,  you’ll also notice the striking red accent color, and Alumacraft offers a selection of colors that feature automotive-like paint on the hull so you can really stand out on the water. 

One thing Alumacraft didn’t change is its exclusive full-length 2XB hull, and we could see why. Whether ripping along at top speed in rough conditions or idling among the lily pads seeking a fish, Alumacraft’s 2XB hull offers two times more strength and protection than most other aluminum fishing boats. Whether ripping along at top speed in rough conditions or idling amongst the lily pads seeking a fish, Alumacraft’s 2XB hull offers two times more strength and protection than most other aluminum fishing boats. The hull is double-plated for durability and delivers a quiet fiberglass-like ride. These Alumacraft boats are really built to go the distance. 

No walk-through of an Alumacraft boat would be complete unless we talked about fishing features. Standing by the gunnels here, they’re extra wide in this model that provides extra security for people who run on big waters. Additionally, there’s space for storage like these flip-out compartments and the compartment below which can hold all your gear, tackle, and what have you. It’s fitted with the Alumatrac system where you can fasten rod holders, down rigor mounts, and a host of other accessories, while positioning them exactly where you want. There’s locking rod storage that can easily accommodate rods of up to 10 feet. And in the stern of the boat thanks to the new Flex Module system, you have a variety of livewell and seating configurations.

With its dual consoles, and big protective windshield, this boat lends itself to a dual-purpose family. The Rotax S Series Outboard not only delivers great performance, but it also makes the max deck possible which is the key to the versatility of this new Alumacraft Trophy 185X boat. Learn more at alumacraft.com. 

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Follow the journey with two avid anglers on a serene day at Lake Minnetonka, where they reel in bass after bass. Meanwhile, a father and son create cherished memories on their boating adventure. Both groups take to the water in two sleek 2025 Alumacraft models, seamlessly blending the thrill of fishing with the joys of family fun. 

Hardcore anglers Jeremy and Chris are searching for bass. On the Alumacraft Competitor 205X, storage has been incorporated everywhere into the boat, and the rod storage is top tier. Since Alumacraft has gone to an all-digital dash there are no more gauges, the test boat was fitted with a Garmin screen that shows you navigation for fish finding.  

Nick and John, father and son, have rods handy but mostly want to soak in the sun taking off from West Arm Bay Marina. They ventured off on the Alumacraft Trophy 185X which features the innovative MAX Deck. A ton of space meets versatility, so you don’t have to compromise for fishability. 

Your perfect lake day and fishing trip with an Alumacraft awaits.

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The new Alumacraft Competitor FSX 175 Sport is a versatile fishing machine, delivering a ­trailerable boat that you can use to fish for different species in different kinds of ­weather and still have a great experience. It’s the epitome of what a fish and sport boat should be.

The Alumacraft’s 2XB hull is a riveted, two-plated hull that ­reduces sound and vibration on the water from bow to stern. It also has a sharper bow entry to help it knife through pesky lake and river chop. Add in the fully enclosed, tall walk-through windshield that keeps your crew protected from wind and spray, and you’ve got a freshwater fishing platform for all seasons.

Alumacraft offers outboard power ranging from 90 to 150 hp from all the major engine manufacturers: Mercury, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. You can also add a 10 to 15 hp kicker for trolling duty as well as a bow-mounted Minn Kota electric trolling motor.

The main cockpit can be ­configured with up to four pedestal seats (three come standard), and there’s an ­additional pedestal mount on the bow and stern casting platforms. Twin transom jump seats feature high-back ­flip-up ­backrests with grab handles mounted nearby for security while underway. No matter what, there’s a comfortable spot on board for up to six passengers.

Serious anglers will love the two aerated livewells that come standard, each with timers so that you don’t absentmindedly drain your batteries. Folding cleats help keep the deck clear of snags and potential toe-stubbers when fighting a fish. There’s lockable rod storage in the bow as well as in the main cockpit to starboard. Both rod lockers can hold rods up to 8 feet long. The boat is pre-wired for one of the optional 12- or 24-volt Minn Kota trolling motors. The Alumatrac system on the gunwales allows you to add many different accessories, including rod holders, cup holders and electronics.

Done fishing? Drop in the optional ski pylon and break out the water skis. A rear-deck comfort mat provides cushioning when kneeling to pull in a fish or assist swimmers back into the boat.

High Points

• Flip-up ­high-back transom jump seats come with nearby grab handles so passengers can enjoy a safe and secure ride.
• Riveted V-hull design with 2XB construction gives the Competitor FSX 175 Sport a smoother ride in lake chop and helps deaden noise and vibration on the water.
• A 13-gallon insulated built-in cooler lets you bring refreshments along for the crew.
• Ski-pylon base gives this boat sporty versatility—just add the optional pylon for towing skiers and wakeboarders.

Pricing and Specs

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Fish and sport aluminum boats ­provide so much versatility, and the new Alumacraft Competitor FSX 175 Sport is a prime example of that, delivering a ­trailerable boat that you can use to fish for different species in different kinds of ­weather and still have a great experience.

It all starts with Alumacraft’s 2XB hull: a riveted, two-plated hull that ­reduces sound and vibration on the water from bow to stern. Plus, its sharper bow entry helps it knife through pesky lake and river chop. Add in the fully enclosed, tall walk-through windshield that keeps your crew protected from wind and spray, and you’ve got a freshwater-fishing platform for all seasons.

Alumacraft offers outboard power ranging from 90 to 150 hp from all the major engine manufacturers: Mercury, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. You can also add a 10 to 15 hp kicker for trolling duty, as well as a bow-mounted Minn Kota electric trolling motor.

The main cockpit can be ­configured with up to four pedestal seats—three come standard—and there’s an ­additional pedestal mount on the bow and stern casting platforms. Twin transom jump seats feature high-backed ­flip-up ­backrests with grab handles mounted nearby for security underway. No matter what, there’s a comfortable spot on board for up to six passengers.

As far as fishability goes, two aerated livewells come standard, each with timers so that you don’t absentmindedly drain your batteries. Folding cleats help keep the deck clear of snags and potential toe-stubbers when fighting a fish. There’s lockable rod storage in the bow as well as in the main cockpit to starboard. Both rod lockers can hold rods up to 8 feet long. The boat is pre-wired for one of the optional 12-/24-volt Minn Kota trolling motors. The Alumatrac system on the gunwales allows you to add lots of different accessories, including rod holders, cup holders and electronics.

Done fishing? Drop in the optional ski pylon, and break out the water skis. A rear deck comfort mat provides cushioning when kneeling to pull in a fish or assisting swimmers back into the boat.

High Points

• Flip-up -high-back transom jump seats come with nearby grab handles, so passengers can enjoy a safe and secure ride.
• Riveted V-hull design with 2XB construction gives the Competitor FSX 175 Sport a smoother ride in lake chop and helps deaden noise and vibration on the water.
• A 13-gallon insulated built-in cooler lets you bring refreshments along for the crew.
• Ski pylon base gives this boat sporty versatility; just add the optional pylon for towing skiers and wakeboarders.

Pricing and Specs

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Boating with family requires some flexibility, and that’s the goal of the new Alumacraft Competitor 185 FSX. This aluminum crossover model retains all of the angling features of the popular Competitor line, and adds extras designed to make the boat more comfortable and versatile on days when fishing is not the top priority.

Start at the aft casting deck, where a reinforced socket for an optional ski tow pylon ($366) is in place for those days when watersports fun is on the agenda. That pylon can be conveniently stowed in a dedicated space in the starboard inwale locker. Soft foam mats on the aft deck corners will prove easy on the knees of your crew when reboarding the boat. The FSX package also includes a pair of handy jump seats that flip up from the aft platform. These boast 21-inch-high backrests and enough legroom for real comfort. To accommodate the jump seats, the FSX has a new 22-gallon dual-access livewell with a smaller center lid and a larger cover under the starboard seat. Finally, the Competitor 185 FSX comes with on-the-go rod racks to starboard, and updated upholstery with added color and attractive contrast stitching. Consider adding the comfort of optional bow deck cushions ($606) and console backrest cushions ($155), and you’ll be set for lounging at the sandbar while enjoying tunes from the standard Infinity audio system.

The FSX features do not diminish this boat’s angling prowess. The dual consoles are topped with a full windshield for outstanding weather protection. There’s an 18-gallon livewell in the bow deck, locking rod stowage under the walk-through, a 13-gallon insulated cooler compartment to port, and four tackle drawers. The optional digital dash ($2,001) replaces analog gauges with a Lowrance Elite 7 display, and the bow is pre-wired for electronics. The Alumacraft 2XB design adds a second plate of aluminum within the one-piece hull for added strength, durability and a solid, quiet ride. The extruded aluminum gunwales support the Alumatrac System, accessories for which include rod holders and tool pouches. This boat is ready to fish—and ski—in style.

High Points

• Fish-and-ski model that does not compromise fishability. For instance, its 22-gallon livewell proved as large as that aboard a 34-foot center-console we tested.
• Lots of locking stowage aboard this boat, whether for your rods or your gear.
• Jump seats that fit our tester’s 6-foot-tall frame. They will not torture your passengers, and fold away when not needed.
• Rock-solid construction with a double-bottom hull provides confidence and durability.

Specs

LOA: 18′8″

Beam: 7′11″

Draft: NA

Dry Weight: 1,500 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 6/1,600 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 34 gal.

Price: $41,187 (as tested with Shoreland’r trailer)

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury Pro XS 150

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 14″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 2.08:1

Fuel Load: 16 gal.

Crew Weight: 400 lb.

More Information

Alumacraft Boats – St. Peter, Minnesota; 507-931-1050; alumacraft.com

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The Alumacraft Tournament Sport 195 can please dedicated pro-level anglers, but this boat is so well-­designed, it will elevate the game of a weekend tournament warrior or casual worm-drowner. In fact, its versatile layout makes it a great runabout too. The abundant dry stowage and multiple rod lockers, the generous livewells, the perfect freeboard, and the elbow room fore and aft all make angling more efficient, and that’s really what separates the pro — and the pro’s boat — from the rest of us.

On the North Woods scene since 1946, Alumacraft was acquired by BRP in 2018, and so, going forward, expect to find ­mostly Evinrude outboards powering this brand. The Tournament Sport 195 has been in and out of the Alumacraft line over the years and remains a solid boat. And we mean ­really solid, thanks in part to its 2XB hull, which covers the entire running surface with two layers of aluminum and a stout hardened-­aluminum keel from stem to amidships. The ­Tournament Sport feels and sounds like a fiberglass boat in rough water. The bottom also has a subtle concave shape between the keel and chine, which enhances lift. The boat is level at rest, which helps it better hold position in the wind and rough water.

This dual-console boat has a tall windshield that’s dandy in cool and rainy weather. Our boat was rigged with an optional Humminbird Helix 7 GPS/locater ($982) in place of the standard analog ­gauges. There’s rod stowage below the walk-through and below a hatch in the port gunwale. The gunwales are wide and reinforced for mounting downriggers.

An Evinrude E-Tec G2 200 H.O. motor popped the Alumacraft on plane in a flash with just half-throttle. All that power is nice, but the Evinrude will also idle in gear at just 500 rpm, less than 3 mph with a 20-inch prop, the perfect speed for trolling a crankbait. For freshwater anglers, this boat and motor combo is the right tool for the job.

High Points

• Quick to plane and holds plane at low speed, which is perfect for making good time in rough water.
• All stowage hatches lipped to keep out inevitable rainwater.
• Full-length concave spray rail is effective in rough water.

Low Points

• Steering wheel blocks the view of an electronic helm display.
• Consoles could use a redesign to improve function and appearance.

Toughest Competitor
The 19-foot-10-inch Lund 1975 Pro-V ($53,717 with a Mercury Pro XS 200 and trailer) has a 22-gallon livewell and a deep aft casting deck. The generous 55-gallon fuel capacity extends range.

Price: $44,590 (with test power and without trailer)

Available Power: Outboard

How We Tested
Engine: Single Evinrude E-Tec G2 200 H.O. outboard
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Evinrude RX4 15″ x 20″ 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 16 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.

More Information
Alumacraft Boats – St. Peter, Minnesota; 877-314-7756; alumacraft.com

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