Looking to buy 1st boat. Glass or alum?

[presta24]

Looking to buy a used bass boat. Was leaning towards aluminum as it will be my 1st boat and could take a beating from inexperience. Pros/cons of the 2?

[WCWV]

I've owned both and prefer aluminum but that's just me. But, if I fished big water I would consider glass. I've had my aluminum on some big water with out any issues. Also, if you're buying used, I think on most aluminum you would have a better idea what shape the transom is in.

Just my opinion. 

[J._Bricker]

This is a question frequently asked @presta24 in the Forums. Without knowing the waters you plan to fish, budget, family needs, tournament, fun fishing or both, it would be difficult to answer. A good used boat would helps with the learning curve and soften some of the experiences that come with owning our first boat. IMHO, the ownership of a used boat also allows one to decide what you may want in the future. I’m sure other members with fill in the many blanks I left and provide additional insight. Good luck with your research and informed decision!

[Dirtyeggroll]

-Budget?

-Type of water you fish?

-Tow vehicle?

 

These questions will help to provide better advice.

 

You are right, in general, aluminum boats are more forgiving.

[Catt]

Here's where I disagree with the above!

 

Define aluminum rig?

 

Ya talking Xpress, Vexus, Lund, or are ya talking Jon Boats?

 

[presta24]

I will be fishing southern ohio and northern Michigan lakes. Aluminum I was looking at trackers. Budget, $15-20. No tournies. Casual bass, perch, walleye fishing. I have a 2014 tacoma to tow with. 

[JLBBass]

On 3/10/2019 at 6:18 AM, presta24 said:

I will be fishing southern ohio and northern Michigan lakes. Aluminum I was looking at trackers. Budget, $15-20. No tournies. Casual bass, perch, walleye fishing. I have a 2014 tacoma to tow with. 

you can get one hek of a used aluminum bassboat for that price range. You can get a "decent" fiberglass for that price range. I'd go aluminum if the lakes you fish allow it.

[Dirtyeggroll]

Pulling with a Tacoma, you are going to be limited in the amount of weight with which you can stop safely.

 

I think an aluminum boat would be a good choice.

 

Lots of fantastic aluminum boats out there in that price range.

[th365thli]

I have a 2017 Tacoma and I tow an old ranger glass boat. If you stick to 18-19 feet or below you'll be okay. Aluminum boats can go shallower and are more forgiving if you ding them up a little. Glass boats tend to be faster. Stability depends on weight. There are definitely stable/heavy aluminum boats out there. You can definitely get a decent glass or aluminum boat for 15-20k. Personally I'd go with glass. You should be able to find a late 90s or early 20s glass boat with at least a 150hp in good condition.