aluminum vs. fiberglass

[bleonard]

My wife and I are going to be looking at used boats soon. She is fond of metal boats (we have rented some) but I have concerns.

I have talked to experienced folks that go both ways. I hear complaints about the dangers of the light aluminum boats, but equal complaints about the others, including cost.

What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the two? What should we be looking for in a new (to us) boat. We will use it for fishing only. We do not need an extremely fast boat, but I want enough power to get from one hole on a large lake to another in a fairly short timeframe. Stability and storage are important, but nothing is as important as dependability (except for safety).

At this time, we are looking at no less than 17 1/2 feet, and prefer over 18. We would like decent rod storage and two live wells.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

[cart7t]

If you're going to be fishing a larger lake and want a good, safe ride that's relatively smooth even in some of the roughest waters you can't beat a fiberglass boat.  There is no comparison in the solid feel of a fiberglass boat cutting through any type of water more than a chop.  Of course, on the downside is the weight of fiberglass which requires a larger motor and also a larger tow vehicle to get you to the lake.  If that isn't an issue, I wouldn't even consider aluminum.

[NBR]

So much depends on where and how you will fish. If you are fishing rocky lakes or you want to beach the boat fairly often the aluminum is worth a strong look. For ride, comfort and quietness it is pretty hard to beat fiberglass.

You mention going from spot to spot on a large lake. How large? I used to fish a 5,000 acre lake with a 14' aluminum boat and a 9.9hp engine. My fishing location was dictated by going from spot to spot in a reasonable amount of time not where I thought I should be according to conditions.

You should only consider boats with motors at or near the maximum HP for the hull. Smaller motors have to work harder to attain the speed and use more fuel in getting there.

A well built high sided aluminum in the size range you mention should not be a safety issue. Vee hulled boats are much better in rougher conditions than the flat bottomed versions. A flat bottom boat like many or most of the aluminum bass boats will beat you to death with any significant wave action.

Depending on how much you plan to spend you might want to get a marine survey to have the boat and motor professional checked.

I repeat, so much depends on where and how you fish to decide on hull material. I have had aluminum and if I was fishing more remote Canadian like lakes where I would want to beach the boat and go to shore fairly often I would opt for the aluminum. My current boat is fiberglass which is my material of choice.

[HPBB]

It depends on a lot of things. I run a 17 1/2 foot aluminum Deep V with a 75HP. Runs around  35-40mph depending on load. Its a great boat, handels big water good, yes a fiberglass boat is faster and rides better. , like the above post if you going to beach it alot go  aluminum.

Where do you fish? if you run shallow, close to rock and stumps an aluminum boat will take hits from objects a lot better. There are alot of places that I will go with my boat the the guys I fish with that have Fiberglass boat will not go.

Also what will you be towing with? since an aluminum boat is lighter its easier to tow.

aluminum boats are set up a little different. My rod locker is on the side rail, some boats have them in the middle.

I have fron and back raised casting decks, and two live wells.

 It a personal preferance, for the way I fish its an  aluminum boat

[Pa Angler]

I have a 17' Tracker Targa Deep V with a 90hp Merc witha stainless prop with a heavy load I'll get 42mph out of it and it floats in about 6" of water with the motor trimed all the way up but wind will push it around due to it's lighter weight and the height that's out of the water but I'm happy with it as mentioned before it will take more abuse than a glass boat. The Bass Tracker Bass boat is the number one selling boat in America so I would start with something like that you should be able to get a good deal on a used one and is easy to trailer as well.. Stay away from older galss boats anything before the late 90's as most had wood in it's construction and costly repairs can and will be part of ownership. Glass boats are good boats though and if there comes a time for me to buy one I would not be afraid to own one the choice is yours though. Happy Hunting.

Chow