Alumacraft Trophy 205 (2014-)

Brief Summary

Alumacraft’s specialty is fishing boats. They have been about their business for a long time—in fact, their story began in Minnesota in 1946. The company makes more than 80 different types of boats in a broad line of aluminum-built rigs, as their name suggests. The Trophy Series tops their extensive line, and the Trophy 205 is their largest tournament designed fishing boat. The 205 is a sound choice for serious fishermen angling for a roomy layout in a big water, full windshield fishing machine.

Key Features

• Available colors in Olympic White, Mica Black, Ice Blue or Canyon Red
• AM/FM/MP3 stereo
• Hydraulic steering
• Driver’s seat slider
• Chrome cup holders
• Dual aerated livewells with timers
• Lockable storage
• Stowable running lights
• Livewell lights
• Folding cleats

Specifications

Length Overall	20' 8'' / 6.2 m
Beam	98'' 2.49 m
Dry Weight	1,915 lbs. 868 kg
Draft	N/A
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	N/A
Fuel Capacity	45 gal. 170 L
Water Capacity	N/A

Engine Options

Tested Engine	Currently no test results
Std. Power	Not Available
Opt. Power	Not Available

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Mission

The Trophy 205 is designed primarily for multi-species fishing and built to handle well in big lakes and in rough water. She can carry a large party of passengers or 2,350 lbs. (1,066 kgs.) and can tote plenty of fuel for a long day on the lake. Although a trolling motor and electronics are options, the Trophy 205 has all the basic necessities and some handy extras to please serious and weekend anglers alike. The 205 can be optionally equipped as a fish and ski with forward amenities more akin to those of a bow rider to favor family fun on the water.

Overview

Her interior depth of 47'' (1.2 m) makes this a safer ride for kids. The 205’s flip-up aft jump seats allow wakeboarders to pump up the wake by adding passenger weight to the stern. A top set with full-closure curtains are also an available option. It should be understood that Alumacraft’s core business is fishing boats. Manufacturers with a sharper focus on sport boats will typically refer to their adaptable rigs as “ski and fish.” The Trophy 205 is first and foremost a fishing boat, but her stable ride and roomy layout will serve capably as a family friendly fish-and-ski.

The 205 is rated for up to 9 adult passengers and a total passenger weight of 2,350 lbs. (1,066 kg.). Nine aboard would make for a crowded boat, but her weight rating is appreciably realistic when we consider the average size of a typical male adult fisherman. She has a deep cockpit, dual aerated livewells, a 45-gallon (170 L) fuel capacity, horsepower rating of up to 250-hp (186 kW), an 8' 2'' (2.49 m) beam, plenty of rod storage and a floor/seating plan that supports practical fishing. Depending on dealers and buyer preferences, she may be fitted with any brand of outboard engine.

Construction Details

A major benefit of the Alumacraft design is its durable V- hull. Its twin-plated 2XB hulls contain two layers of heavy gauge, high quality 5052 hardened marine-grade aluminum at a thickness of .100'' (2.5 mm) for each layer, uniform the full length. Her freeboard is .08'' (2.032 mm) thick. Longitudinal stringers provide dependable strength for the entire length of the boat. Other distinctive features of the Trophy 205 include:

• A one-piece hull utilizing a single piece of aluminum cut and shaped to form the hull, meaning no seams on the boat’s bottom—the benefit is greater inherent strength and no heaving; some manufacturers rivet or weld two or more separate pieces together.
• A deep-V hull design that provides sturdy, thick keel/hull that limits flex and bounce.
• Larger, aircraft-grade rivets provide greater strength and reduce the number of rivets used in the construction.
• Optional bow features that include a choice of either additional lockable rod storage forward, or a convertible fish and ski design that permits walking in the forward section, provides legroom and the addition of optional cushioned bow seating.
• Concave, reverse curve spray rails that direct water down and out, enhancing the dry ride characteristics.
• The AlumaTrac system running the entire length port and starboard, permitting mounting and easy slide positioning of numerous accessories such as rod holders, without drilling holes; the AlumaTrac system also permits fastening of an optional custom cover using j-hooks, avoiding bungee or other tie-downs.
• 6 seats including 2 jump seats aft are standard.

Major Features

The following features are standard on the Trophy 205:

• Hydraulic steering, tilt steering
• New integrated AlumaTrac system
• AM/FM/MP3 stereo
• Lockable 8’ rod compartment
• Lockable glove box
• Dual aerated livewells with timers
• Multi-functional gauges
• Bow rod storage (8’) or open bow
• Master electrical switch
• Dual power points
• Circuit breakers
• Trolling systems – 12/24V
• Interior courtesy lights
• Livewell lights
• Bilge pumps – 1 auto and 1 manual (205, 195, 185), 1 manual (175)
• Fire extinguisher
• Driver’s seat slider
• Cupholders (chrome)
• Folding cleats

Options include:

• Limited Package* (Package is pictured in all photos)
• AlumaTrac accessories
• MinnKota trolling motor
• Graph (Lowrance/Humminbird)
• Vinyl floor – replaces carpeting
• Snap-in carpet, convertible high-rise top with boot
• Side, aft and walkway curtain
• Bow cushions
• Mooring/travel covers
• Bow cover and captain’s chair
• Top Set hider, hydraulic SeaStar steering (Mandatory 150+ HP) (Standard on Trophy 205 and 195)
• Sport steering wheel
• ShoreLand’r/Eagle/EZ loader trailer

Boat Inspection

At its deepest, the cockpit depth of 47'' (1.2 m) in the 205 provides security for families with children. Her extra-wide, carpeted gunwales help make this an easy boat to board. Considering her size, hull construction and design, it’s no surprise that this rig is not only popular on smaller inland lakes and rivers, but that she can be sighted on bigger lakes as well.

Storage Galore

The Trophy 205 has ample storage, including bow storage, dry storage forward of the bow livewell on her portside, and two bow storage compartments starboard. There’s forward battery storage between the dual consoles, additional battery storage in the port aft section, glove compartment storage in the port console, optional 8-foot (2.44 m) center bow rod storage, port and starboard aft rod storage standard, and an additional dry storage compartment centered between the jump seats adjacent to the aft livewell.

Amenities

The bow livewell is 13 gallons (49 L) and the aft livewell has a 21 gallon (49 L) capacity. Both are lighted and aerated. Pedestal seat positions make for sensible and flexible seating arrangements, and the 205’s fold-down jump seats convert to a narrow but functional carpeted rear casting platform just forward of the transom.

Hardware

Alumacraft’s emphasis on hardware quality extends throughout the Trophy 205’s construction. She has chromed metal hardware down to the cup holders. Most of her parts are built at the factory, further ensuring quality and design integrity. The 205 has wood-free seating and wood-free hatches on her livewell and storage compartments. Her carpeted decks (vinyl is an option) are built of high-quality marine grade plywood. In all, the Trophy 205 is a well-built, sturdy boat that is made to last.

Engine Description and Options

The Trophy 205 will operate efficiently on a 150-hp (110.3kw) motor, but 200-hp (147.1 kW) or 250-hp (183.9 kW) engines are options. Larger engines are probably better for fish-and-ski applications. The 150-hp option will propel the boat in the low to mid-40-mph range. Engine choice is a matter of buyer preference and brand availability depending on dealerships.

Price and Cost of Major Options

The Alumacraft Trophy 205 as pictured, equipped with the 250 HP Yamaha motor is priced at approximately $45,000 MSRP including the Limited Edition or LE package as shown in the photographs. The LE package adds about $2,000 to the price of the boat and includes special items like an extra fishing chair, all air-ride pedestals, sports steering wheel, special stitching on the upholstery, bow cargo nets, remote livewell drain in the rear, 2 Alumatrac accessory mounts, 2 under-console slide-out drawers, a special metallic finish with 3 color options and a color-matched console and gauge panel. Interested buyers should check with their dealer as trailer, dealer prep and freight are extras. The carpet vs. vinyl floor covering option is priced the same.

Observations

The Trophy 205 is not an entry-level, starter or price-point boat. However, she represents a solid value for buyers interested in a multi-species boat her size. Aluminum boats are generally lighter than comparably-sized fiberglass boats, and therefore more economical to tow. Her weight of 1,915 lbs. (868 kg), with the addition of a typical outboard motor—figure +/- another 400 lbs. (181.4 kg), and standard trailer at approximately 800 lbs. (362.9 kg) will put her total towing weight just under 3,200 lbs. (1,451.5 kg). This enables the 205 to be within reach of many mid-size tow vehicles. It should be noted that a boat of this size with outboard and a standard trailer with swing-away tongue will measure at least 24.5 feet or approximately 7.5 meters, making her package a touch too large for most standard-sized garage storage. However, boaters looking for this kind of size and stability should expect this. Alumacraft is an independently owned manufacturer with a long history building aluminum fishing boats and a strong track record. The Trophy 205 is a fine example of the durability and fishability Alumacraft is known for.