The one they have in the picture at the display is not the one they are actually selling. The pic is of thier discontinued 1540. The one you get is actually the 2010-2011 1542 that is on the Alumacraft Website. This was a big concern of mine when I was shopping. The 2 best priced boats were at stores within 20 min of my house Academy had the AlumaCraft and Gander Mtn had the Tracker. All Academy had on display was a 1236 and pics of the other models they sell. I saw that they had the 1540 for $999.00. So I went to an ALumaCraft Dealer (BIg Boys Play Toys in Palatka, FL) https://ads.sold.com/searchresults.html?multi=SEARCH1&site=bigboysplaytoyslink
They had the 2010 1542. for $1,400.00 I then went back to Academy and asked to see the 1540 they had in the picture... They took me in the back to the Warehouse and sure enough it was the 2010 1542 That is pictured hereat Big Boys Play toys dealer ship....
https://ads.sold.com/moredetails.html?97677345&sitecode=bigboysplaytoyslink
Even then my decision wasn't made for me based on that because now they were both about the same price and the Same size. I originally planned on cutting the center seat out so the live well thing wasn't even a consideration. Plus everyone says its really more of a bait well than a live well. If you have ever seen one in person you know what im talking about.
Here is what made my decision... Although I have always been a fan of the tracker boats because of their bang for the buck and would definately buy one, and although a lot of guys on here have had bad experiences with them.. I personally don't know anyone that is unhappy with their tracker. And a lot of guys around my area have them!
When you look at the AlumaCraft and you look at the Tracker you will know the difference instantly. The AlumaCraft is better built. The have bigger ribs and they go up the sides of the boat. The Trackers ribs are smaller and do not go up the sides. Thier only side support is the seats, so cutting a seat out for any kind of mod is a definate NO GO. Its only rated for 3 people. The Alumacraft is rated for 4. THe rear bench seat and the supports that extend to the transom are bigger and stronger on the AlumaCraft. The transom just looks stronger and when you bang on each one of these boats you can tell that the AlumaCraft is a better built boat.
I know I sound like an ALumaCraft salesman or someone that works for Academy. I assure you that I am niether. I am just a guy that is really happy on the deal he got on a good quality boat. I proabably would have been happy with the Tracker as well. Go check them both out and make your own decision. Im pretty sure you know what My suggestion is though.
AlumaCraft has been in business for 65 years for a reason!