Fiberglass vs. Aluminum hull pros/cons

[Tygaiser7]

If it runs good and you think it's a good deal that's all that matters really. You are probably going to end up wanting to upgrade all the electronics and trolling motor on that though so you also have to take that into consideration

[Robeng]

Agree with RyneB.  Go aluminum for your usage.  

[Brett's_daddy]

8 minutes ago, Tygaiser7 said:

If it runs good and you think it's a good deal that's all that matters really. You are probably going to end up wanting to upgrade all the electronics and trolling motor on that though so you also have to take that into consideration

No upgrades in the foreseeable future, whatever I buy will have to last a while as is with minor tweaking (maybe an updated fish finder or trolling motor) but certainly nothing right away! There's a 1993 Sea Nymph 15,5ft. w/20hp OB, looks in really good shape but doesn't have a trolling motor but is wired for one on the bow, would that be a better deal than the Lowe? The thing with the Lowe is it's at a respectable dealers so i know it's been taken care of...hard to say with a private sale sometimes.

[Tygaiser7]

Hard to say. But either way take them for a test run and see what one you like better and fits you better. I'm happy with my boat but I know others wouldn't be. To each their own

[Brett's_daddy]

It'll be hard to take the Lowe for a test run, it's still wrapped for winter. He made small slits in the wrap on each end so we could look in and see what condition the interior was in. He said if we bought it he'd bring it in and clean it all up, make sure everything still worked properly and give it a spring tune-up. Not sure about the Sea Nymph, went to look for his Craigslist ad and it's gone so maybe he sold it already. The problem with that is it didn't have a trolling motor and I know brand new bow mount motors cost almost $400.

[Brett's_daddy]

2 hours ago, Tygaiser7 said:

Hard to say. But either way take them for a test run and see what one you like better and fits you better. I'm happy with my boat but I know others wouldn't be. To each their own

Here's the other boat I'm looking at, this is the private sale.

http://vermont.craigslist.org/boa/5523787944.html

[Tygaiser7]

4 hours ago, Brett's_daddy said:

Here's the other boat I'm looking at, this is the private sale.

http://vermont.craigslist.org/boa/5523787944.html

I don't know about that one. I paid that much for mine in way better condition. With a trolling motor and a 40 hp. But I'm in Michigan so I don't know if prices vary that much from here to there

[ww2farmer]

I am an aluminum owner..........here is how I see it:

Glass wins in big water, or the wind for the stability

Tin wins  if you are "rough" on things (holes in aluminum are easier to fix than holes in fiber glass)

Glass wins for speed............but that speed comes with a price $$$

Tin wins for economy.............but that economy comes with drawbacks

Glass looks nicer to people..............fish don't care

Tin tows easier...........with a glass rig, IMHO a 1/2 ton truck is almost mandatory unless you want premature problems with the tow rig. You can tow small tin boats safely with a car

Maintenance is far simpler with tin..........no wax, no gel coat to worry about............if it gets ugly..........paint it.

I am not anti glass boat. I just don' t think I need one.