Buying A New Boat

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

When it comes to buying a new boat, If you had the choice of purchasing a cheaper aluminum tracker or lowe and upgrading the electronics and learning with it being your first boat or holding off and saving up to get a larger fiberglass boat which would you take? Time on the water and learning and eventually upgrading to a better boat or starting off in a higher end boat? Looking to get a boat but not wanting to sink neck deep in a loan.

[Logan S]

I started with an aluminum boat before going to a full size boat.  I think it's smart and I usually recommend it when people ask.  You will learn how to be a boater for much less cash and much less maintenance.  

 

 

You can also fish smaller waters or rivers where you can't take a glass boat if you have those in your area.  

 

 

Most important thing is you will learn exactly what you want when you get a full size boat...You will know what limitations you can live with and which you can't.  It makes your decision on the full size rig much easier.  

[tomustang]

It depends, if you're a quick learner bypass a starter boat and dig in, you don't have to utilize everything right away in a bigger glass boat. Regardless make sure you get the right options when choosing your boat.

[livetofish28]

I started out in a fiberglass rig and didn't notice any real sharp learning curve after being out in it a few times we were able to get it all the way up to WOT. It honestly depends on the type of boat you want

Tight lines

Andrew

[slonezp]

Just because a boat is made out of aluminum doesn't mean it's a lesser boat. There are many out there that have the same options as a 'glass rig. IMO if you have the means to skip the "beginner" boat than that's what I would recommend. If you just want to get out and fish, than either would be an acceptable choice.  

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

I honestly could go for either money wise but I want something to learn in and be comfortable in to start off with. I hear an aluminum boat is more forgiving when it comes to hitting things in shallow water and not causing damage. I'm leaning towards a used aluminum tracker to start off with and get my feet wet and get comfortable on the water. From what I've read they are perfect for what I need in my area. No real big water around here and I'm going to be fishing shallow 90% of the time so the ride shouldn't be too rough which is the main complaint I hear about the aluminum boats. Just wanting to get further in put from you guy's on here to make a more educated decision based on people's preference and experiences.

[Mr_Scrogg]

I went Lowe Stinger. And glad I did. I've learned alot. And have the battle scars to prove it.

My next rig will be bigger. Glass? IDK. I love what the tin companies are doing.

[Dwight Hottle]

I had a buddy suggest to me that my first boat should be a used boat to learn how to dock, load & unload, etc. His concept was you will make mistakes & they will be less painful with a used starter boat than a new one. After your learning process is over you can sell the first boat & order/buy whatever you want.

Good advice. 

 

 

But I didn't follow it. I told him at my age (50+) I was getting new & would learn from my mistakes as they occur. Dings & boat rash are pretty typical of a first time boat owner in my experience.  

[S Hovanec]

I've had 3 different tin boats and even if money was no object, my next would be tin too.