ALUMACRAFT ESCAPE 165 (TILLER) Walkthrough

[@StompinDirt]

Good video, that boat looks really comfortable to fish from. Lots of storage, can't wait to see some videos of your fishing trips on the boat!!

[@whales302]

Like that bracket you made for your live scope!. On my second Alumacraft boat now and I'm thinking about downsizing to the Escape in a few years. Thank you for the in-depth review. Awesome boat and the graphic looks cool.

[@jonlively6137]

Awesome video. Love the long-winded explanations btw. Very informative. Think I’m going to pick one of these up:)

[@ronnybaby100]

Sweet looking boat!Looking forward to seeing it in action!

[@tonylachapelle5857]

once again excellent video..well worth the watch..

[@thewildnorthnetley3054]

Nice work Mike, you wont be hard to spot on the water ....see ya at Hecla.

[@dragonbreath315]

I have watched this video several times after purchasing a 2023 165 Escape. Thank you for the detailed walk through on your new boat! I'm looking for a travel cover, wondering how your getting along with your Dufort cover? Keep up the great work!

[@kbboutdoorz204]

Now we need to do a 1st break-in service video on the Suzuki 👍Great video mike..!

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

Well I did the break in but it was super boring. I’ll prob explain my process when I do the performance video. Thanks for watching

[@kbboutdoorz204]

@@ReelLifeWithMike oil change../re-setting oil interval light...Etc..👍

[@outdoorsmanal1759]

Great video! Super thorough!

[@hirdlej]

Do you have any specifications for how slow you can troll down with this motor? Also, how smooth and quiet is the motor? Any vibration detectable in the handle? My boat dealers around here cannot answer these questions and I'm hesitant to drop money on a boat that no one can answer questions about. Any input on low speed operation, speed and vibration are appreciated. I might consider dropping down to a 30HP just to be safe if no one can help.

[@tfrantastic]

Nice boat….you should do a follow-up review

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

I will for sure have one in the works. I just completed a 304 mile trip on one of central canadas toughest waters and we’ll stay tuned to how at how it went.

[@BigRichFishing]

Your logo looks good too Mike

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

Thanks man I think it turned out ok

[@sheade_mcshyster]

Love this boat! I'm between this one and a Princecraft.

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

I think either one will be a great choice.

[@INSPECTOR73]

hello!what is the most optimal propeller number for a 50-horsepower Honda engine? I go fishing alone

[@nezyaj]

I wish a have a boat like this🥰 to explore fishing spot in lake winnipeg.full suppot here mike from winnipeg.

[@johnwalker9388]

Awesome could u give me some info on that box u install in the bow of the boat to lock up stuff and any info on your Trasom saver would be much appreciated great video

[@lunkercarp]

Mike ...I just purchased a 2017 Alumacraft Escape picking it up next Thursday..and was wondering if you could tell me the opening size in bow so I also can order a hatch...and do you possibly have a template of your wave wackers that you could send as a jpg.they look awesome 👌

[@omieyouknowme]

Great walkthrough, you should add a master battery switch if you did not already. If the lexan is not UV rated it could get stress cracks, recommend using delrin.

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

Thanks man for the info. I have done some additional work to it by now and have a master switch. I’ll use the lexan till it breaks but will Definitely look in to that other material. Thanks a lot.

[@jay27fish]

Nice boat I just got the exact same boat. Same colour and everything 👍 hope your Ontario dealer was better than mine though.

[@rickarmbruster2895]

Once again …. great stuff Mike … nice job with the mods and enjoy your rationale in doing them …. nice layout. I’m in kind of the same mode right now with a new tub, add-ons, splash guards, etc. Do you have closer up pics of your switch work/panel in the transom? Can also associate with your prop testing … good info and well explained for others with that range of Suzi! Lovin’ your channel so far 👏👏👏👏

[@johnwalker9388]

Hey mike great video do u have a measurement from the tip of the swing tounge to the motor swung in or up on a slant to keep the distance as short as possible wondering if it will fit in a garage

[@evanhammond7305]

Sweet boat looks similar to Sean Konrad's boat

[@adamengel2233]

Congrats on the 165! Awesome video and great work on the customization! I'd be very interested to hear your detailed thoughts on the DF50A as I am looking to buy an Escape 165 tiller in the near future. My wife and I go camping with our dog on Ontario shield lakes using our Alumacraft V14 and 15hp 2-stroke. It's *just* enough boat/power since our gear is very light and is also used for portaging. The V14 has no transom splash guard/rail, so it can get filled by waves when pulled up on shore if precautions aren't taken. Thankfully the setup is very lightweight so it can be positioned up/along side rocky shores in ways that larger boats can't. We want to upgrade to something with comfortable setting, bow trolling motor, and the potential to carry more gear/people, but also stay as light as possible to avoid issues/damage onshore. Something like the Lund Fury might be ideal, but I am partial to Alumacraft and the Escape is clearly much better quality. I had initially planned on a Mercury 50hp EFI, but my dad has the 60hp (same size/weight) and it's so big. Suzuki is uncommon around here and wasn't on my radar until seeing your video. The specs look impressive - DOHC, 12 valves, timing chain, at least 25lbs less weight, and still very similar displacement with 3 cylinders compared to the 4 cylinder Merc. You mentioned moving to the 13" prop and how it improved holeshot and responsiveness. Is it maybe a bit weak on the low end? How has more people/weight affected performance? Would you recommend a 12" for more than just 2 people and fishing gear? I am not opposed to giving up some top speed and efficiency for the smaller profile and lower weight, but the in and out trips, when we're fully loaded, are only a small portion of the trip. Thanks for your thoughts and tight lines!

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

So sorry for the late response. I love the outboard. I did pitch down and it made a great difference. Whole shot is super quick and with 4 people and gear it still pushes along great. With the new pitch prop I lost about 1.5 mph in top end, but with another person or rougher waters it seems to pick up better. Factory prop I would get about 32 mph and pitch down I got 30-31 mph. Not much difference for top end but like I said whole shot and more cargo pitching down was a great choice.

[@adamengel2233]

@@ReelLifeWithMike That's awesome that it still does well with 4 people and gear. I know that pushing past 30mph requires a lot of additional horsepower with ever decreasing yields in speed so it definitely makes sense to give up 1-2mph to get better holeshot and weight capacity. Thanks!

[@DavidSchulte-f2x]

Hi Mike, thanks for the in-depth look at your rig. Well done. Did the support poles come with the boat's cover? If so, do they insert into the seat receivers? I am thinking about buying this boat. Thanks!!

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

The support poles came with it. They just rest on the floor as the holes for the seat are on the side not in the middle.

[@andreindy5]

Love this kind of walkthrough. If you could do it again, would you have gone with a 24v 80# Terrova in the front versus the 12v Terrova? Anyone else have any thoughts on that?

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

I for sure would have. This one is ok but I can tell it struggles in certain lakes.

[@andreindy5]

I will actually only have the Escape 145 tiller and have to make that decision. I think I am going to opt for the 80# and iLink it to my Hummingbird. Beautiful set-up you have. @@ReelLifeWithMike

[@nicholas8793]

Nice boat. Were the speaker holes roughed in from behind? Do you make the hole cuts on your boat?

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

I cut the panels to where I thought they would sound best

[@BS-bc7gu]

Hello, great boat! Where did you get that bow storage door if you don’t mind me asking?

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

I just got it off Amazon. I did have to cut the hole slightly larger but it was worth it for sure.

[@gravis00]

Great rig. Thinking of this with vinyl flooring for saltwater bay use. Thoughts?

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

As far as I know they use the same adhesive for salt as fresh so I don’t see a problem

[@johnwalker9388]

Hey Mike I got the exact boat but a side console can u please give me the information on that front lid on the bow as I would two like bro close mine off as well awesome video thanks

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

My boat is in storage for the next like 7 months, winter is really long. But I’ll look at my orders and put up the link for sure.

[@philkaske2907]

Hello Mike, thanks for the info, I purchased a summit 165, very similar boat, I plan on trolling with a suzi 50 like yours, there is an older tiller handle available for the suzuki, that is shorter, I'm having a hard time deciding on the older shorter handle or the newer longer style , I don't want to mount the tiller seat to far forward for viewing rods and angle of the downrigger cables, could you please give me your opinion on the length of the handle, does it ever conflict with the seat or your body, when you have to make hard port adjustments, much appreciated Mike !

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

There is definitely a negative and positive to both. I also like to sit as far back as possible and if my seat were to be right at the back, I would go with the shorter tiller handle, but I have to admit the longer handle when driving 90% of the time is really nice as your arm is not stretched really far back. Even with the longer handle I don’t really notice it being an issue unless I’m turning around or a super sharp corner which is not that common.

[@OnlyFinsTcona]

Great video mike. With so many people using live scope these days, I'd love to see a video of how you did your custom pole setup for open water. I'm looking for ideas what i want to do with mine.

[@ChewyVang]

How did you nake your front cover fit at the bow? I bought the same one as yours but it is 1 onch too tall. Did you have to cut the aluminum to make it fit?

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

Yeah. Unfortunatly I had to cut a bit to make it fit but it was so worth it

[@ethanm1580]

Very nice setup, well thought out and rigged! I am going to build my Livescope mount like yours, it looks very well built and practical. I also have a 16ft tiller with a similar rail system (Crestliner). What is that retractable pole? What did you use to shim the end to fit the transducer? thanks

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

Thanks so much for watching. The pole is actually a monopole for a camera. I think I got it at Best Buy for like 13$

[@ethanm1580]

Thanks for the reply! I just picked up an aluminium telescopic painting pole on sale. Should be good. thanks again, have a great 2023 season, all the best!

[@s35flyer]

Got my new escape, thanks for tips. Can’t find the door for front cubby hole on Amazon, can you help?

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B08P7GGLS8?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

This is the one but you Do have to trim the opening a bit.

[@Zork150]

Do you know how much the trailer weighs or the total with with trailer and motor

[@jonlively6137]

One more question Mike. Did you get Alumatrac clamps with your boat? I didn’t get any with my Escape and I can’t find OEM clamps anywhere. A few aftermarket ones from Brocraft and Extreme Max, but nothing from Alumacraft.

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

@@jonlively6137 yeah It came with 2 and the dealer game me another 2. Where are you located?

[@jonlively6137]

@@ReelLifeWithMikeI’m in Northern Ontario. I got it from an Alumacraft dealer. The story of this boat… it’s a 2021 Escape tiller, brand new stock. They said they had purchased a lot of them and this was their last one. Seems odd… three year old new stock, but it is new with full warranty. Seems like I’m getting screwed out of two mounts. Like they put them in another boat to sell.

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

@@jonlively6137 lol. I know they had a whole bunch during the Covid years that were on train cars waiting to be unloaded. That’s the story I heard. There is a place called Luke’s hometown service in Manitoba here. I don’t know if they ship out there, but I know that’s where I got a couple extra as well.

[@jonlively6137]

@@ReelLifeWithMikethat makes sense then:). One other thing too… took it out this weekend for the maiden voyage. They put a 14x13 prop on it. Didn’t even notice until I hit the water and it took me 8 seconds to plane out. I’ll be going in tomorrow to ask for a 11.5x13. Thanks for convering prop selection. Seriously love your walk-thru. Super helpful:)

[@JTheProducer]

Hi Mr. Mike, what specific door did you order from Amazon to put over that front hole? Could you post the link to it, I want to purchase it for my escape 165. Thanks

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

I will double check to see if I still have the link for it. I do have to admit I did have to trim about an inch off of the left and right side. YaeMarine Marine Access Hatch Boat Deck Hatch Lid Access Hatch & Lid 10-5/8"x14-3/4 RV (270mm x 375mm)

[@JTheProducer]

@@ReelLifeWithMike ok appreciate it

[@danieljessome5566]

Those are some great add in’s Mike. Can you send me the Amazon link for the bow storage compartment.

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

www.amazon.ca/YaeMarine-Marine-Access-Hatch-x14-3/dp/B08P7GGLS8/ref=mp_s_a_1_30?crid=1E8U238BZ6UKO&keywords=water+tight+hatch&pscroll=1&qid=1660538745&sprefix=water+tight+hatch%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-30&wIndexMainSlot=22 I believe that’s the one. You will have to do a little trimming still but it works great.

[@kevinoscarson2941]

Pull the restrictor ring from the throttle body, couple of friends have done it and they picked up 3-4 mph.

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

I did that at the end of the season. Actually noticed a difference as well. I got about that exact 3-4 mph increase.

[@chriscarmody6353]

What is the floor cockpit width and length? Thanks

[@dalbert4991]

Sweet

[@s35flyer]

Where did you get the folding net, I thought you said Lucky Strike, I can’t find on their website.

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

www.amazon.ca/Lucky-Strike-Foldaway-Fishing-Telescopic/dp/B08VGWZQWR/ref=asc_df_B08VGWZQWR/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=579082094103&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8459078944217301426&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001172&hvtargid=pla-1637014345676&psc=1

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

This is the one

[@DB-FISHING]

Nice setup I have similar boat I like the hatch idea at the front can you send me the Amazon link? Also wanted to build my own rock guard for mine so looking forward how you do that I hope you make a video!

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

www.amazon.ca/SEAFLO-Marine-Deck-Access-Hatch/dp/B07Q887FF9/ref=sr_1_4?crid=GUEKF1AV6DN0&keywords=yae+hatch&qid=1654712382&sprefix=yae+hatch%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-4 . This is the link for the hatch. The widh is perfect fit but I did have to cut the height a bit as this was the smallest hatch I could find

[@jacobanderson4547]

How long will your trolling motor run with the one 12v battery in heavy current

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

Right now I was running the 60ah amped outdoors battery and would easily run a full 7-10 hour day. Of course it wasn’t trolling for a constant 10 hours but close. I just got picked up by Dakota lithium so we will see what there batteries will do

[@chriscarmody6353]

Do you have a link on where to get that net?

[@jonlively6137]

Hey Mike, just picked one up! What did you use to measure rpm?

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

My rpm is on the outboard handle but if yours does not have one then a sierra rpm gauge works really well. Pretty easy to install as well

[@jonlively6137]

@@ReelLifeWithMikeawesome thanks. Mine came with a 50 merc. Not my preferred, but the price was right:)

[@kylebuschfan3228]

How many rods you can put in the rod storage? I'm really intesrested in this boat and it is one think that I have difficulty to find info

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

If you just pile them on top of each other you could fit 7-8. I keep 4 in there super easily

[@kylebuschfan3228]

@@ReelLifeWithMike Thank you a lot

[@larsvegas1505]

things id change is probably the livescope pole.. too flimsy.. also the 7 inch screen up front.. shouldve went with 2 10'' (or 9)... also hate how u need to put plexiglass in the back.. esp if it only last 1-3 years.. they shoudlve made the back higher..

[@RageofNash]

What is required tow capacity needed to tow an Escape?

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

Honestly, you could probably talk with a car. I can move it around by myself

[@darrengillesdarrengilles8336]

I must've watched 50 videos by now just trying to learn how to adjust the height of the tiller handle the end of my tiller on my brand new 40 Suzuki with the tiller in this video sits at my ear and I can't figure out how to lower it

[@paulbowkunowicz6960]

Who makes the cover....

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

It’s a company called Dufort out of winniepg.

[@BigRichFishing]

Did you install the USB plugs?

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

Yup. I ordered a few extra as they only had a regular 12v socket at the back

[@reederwinzoski8766]

great video bud! thanks for sharing... Are you an electronics guy by trade?

[@ReelLifeWithMike]

Thanks. No I am not but I have been doing wiring since I was super young.

[@reederwinzoski8766]

@@ReelLifeWithMike, you guys heading out anywhere for opening day?

[@BigRichFishing]

Ahhh snap