2010 Alumacraft Navigator 175 CC

By: Mike Milne

Today, the world of production fishing boats is more like a universe of specialized craft – built for a variety of water and weather conditions and species of prey. To extend the metaphor, there’s a whole constellation of centre consoles in mass production, but most of them are fibreglass and aimed at saltwater anglers. They range in size from smaller 16- to 20-foot “bay” boats to hefty 25 to 35 footers capable of heading far offshore.

A centre console, which leaves a lot of fishing space around its perimeter, is a very sensible design. Widely adopted by anglers in Florida and other southern climes, it’s slowly gaining popularity in Canada and other northern regions.

The modified-V aluminum production boats that dominate the north-country fishing scene seem to be available in every kind of configuration – side console, tiller and dual console – but not centre console. Alumacraft hopes to change that with its 2010 Navigator 175 Centre Console. It starts with a proven 17-foot, 8-inch riveted aluminum hull with a moderate-V hull and a slightly concave bottom to provide a smoother ride. A sizeable keel adds stability and spray rails make for a dry ride.The new design adds a moulded fibreglass centre console, complete with stainless steel grabrail, windshield, three fishing rod  holders aside and a jump seat forward.

The double-wide helm seat has a flip-flop backrest and a 94-quart (89-litre) cooler beneath. There’s a 15- gallon (57-litre) livewell forward and sockets for pedestal seats on the fore and aft casting decks. The lower

Deck area maintains a low centre of gravity with the seat and centre console.

The Navigator 175 CC has vinyl-covered decks and platforms for low maintenance. The hull is painted, but graphics are subdued. It looks like a hard-working fish boat.

Rated for power up to 140 hp, the 175 CC will work well with a 90- or 115-hp outboard. Performance should be fairly comparable to its dual- and side-console sisterships. A BRP test of a Navigator 175 side console powered by a 115 Evinrude E-TEC shows top speeds of 42 mph with cruising speeds in the 20 to 30 mph zone.

The newest member of Alumacraft’s Navigator family may never head far offshore in search of saltwater

gamefish, but gives savvy freshwater anglers a new way to pursue their favourite prey.