Tim J wrote:

He is referring to your transom mounted minnkota vantage trolling motor. Assuming you have one. Most tiller guys do.

Ahhh… no, my trolling motor in a bow mount and I am using my main engine on its lowest setting.

I might consider a rear one down the road!

Hey Paul,
Apologies for my ignorance… can you explain what you mean by dropping my vantage point?

My biggest out of Lake Simcoe in 2017
Ripped off… 39.75 inches bahhhhh! Lol

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Congrats and welcome to the Alumacraft family! She’s a beauty!

A few more

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Well, I have my boat finally! I am thrilled with the look and in my first day of break in can already tell… the 115 SHO is plenty of kick.

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I hear what you’re saying. My other issue outside of being a Yamaha guy is the additional cost to max out at 200hp with Merc… extra cost about 23k.

I really do like the looks of the big Tiller and the troll control system that Merc has, but the extra parts and add ons are just too much.

I really do appreciate the response though and will report back with an honest opinion of how I feel the 115 SHO is doing with this boat.

Thanks for the input all!

Well, I have my order in for a 2018 Competitor 205 -Tiller (Shadow Series)…
Motor selection? 115 Yamaha SHO!

Could not come to terms with any other brand, and seems like plenty unless I wanted to set the water on fire! Lol

I will post up some stats when I take possession in April/May so if someone else is running into the same question, it may be helpful.

Thanks again for the responses, and I will be sure to link up my walk through YouTube video as soon as it gets shot.

Cheers, and happy/safe holidays to all!

Thanks for the input everyone. Some great points to consider.

I am struggling with the thought of getting a Merc… nothing against them, just have always been a Yamaha, Nissan, Johnson guy.

Once you pass the 140 Suzuki it’s all Merc. On the other hand, I have read and heard that the newer Mercs are far better than they were in years past.

I will have to come to a decision sooner than later!