Calling Aluminum Boat Anglers!!

[Way north bass guy]

I’ve run a few different boats over the years, both glass and aluminum. 

Currently I'm running a 2014 Smokercraft Pro Mag 182 with a Suzuki Df140. It’s a deep-v that has a ton of room and storage for an 18’6” boat, and we use it everywhere from 1’ of water in smaller lakes for largemouth to the big, open water of Georgian Bay for salmon and trout, and it’ll take on any weather/waves I can find ( been in 10’ rollers on the bay with it). The Suzuki is a tank, runs just shy of 50mph loaded up and will troll for hours with hardly a sound to it and sips the gas. For my needs, it’s a super boat choice.  

[clark9312]

On 6/4/2019 at 9:46 AM, RHuff said:

 

I fish out of a 2007 Triton Aluminum with a 50HP. I can run 30mph with two people, full tank of gas, and all of our gear. It's great for just a pleasure day out fishing. I started tournament fishing with a local group doing evening tournaments on a small lake. The boat fit me perfect for that. I had some success and decided to up my game and fish a state tournament trail. Me and another guy out of 120 boats are the only two fishing out of Aluminum and under 150HP. Draw number is now irrelevant. I also get beat to death pretty good during blast off as the bigger glass boats just beat the water to death. My best advice to you is to really look at the situation your in and what you want your boat for in the future. There are two sides to my story - 

 

1) I bought my boat, barely used and garage kept, outright for $5200 so I OWN it with no payments. 

    It's easy to store and easy to tow.

    Two people can fish out of it comfortably.

    I know my boat, I can handle it, and can fish it pretty much anywhere that I want.

    I can take my boat in 5 feet of water or less with the trolling motor raised up. 

    Overall, it is relatively inexpensive to run and maintain. 

 

2) I get blown around in the wind.

    I get beat to death while running in large tournaments

    It gets cramped with three people fishing out of it

    It takes me a long time to make big runs at only 30mph.

    It gets too dangerous on big water in rough conditions. 

 

You really gotta just decide what you want in your boat and what you want to use it for and pick what fits your needs best. To me, I see more pros than cons out of my boat and I will probably keep it for a long, long time. For me and my family, it fits my needs. I can fish occasional tournaments with no issues. If I were to pursue tournament fishing any harder, I would probably trade it in for something bigger. To me, it doesn't make any sense to go into debt over a newer, bigger boat when I don't really need to. 

 

This is very accurate. I think if you plan on fishing a lot of tournaments you may want to look into getting a fiberglass boat. Don’t make the same mistake I did and in a few years you regret not biting the bullet and getting a bigger boat. For what you spend on the top end aluminum boats you can get a fiber glass. 

[BigBankBassin]

56 minutes ago, clark9312 said:

This is very accurate. I think if you plan on fishing a lot of tournaments you may want to look into getting a fiberglass boat. Don’t make the same mistake I did and in a few years you regret not biting the bullet and getting a bigger boat. For what you spend on the top end aluminum boats you can get a fiber glass. 

accurate statement, however can you still get a fully rigged out 18/19 foot glass boat for under 40k?  Storage is also an issue for me which is another reason I am looking to aluminum as I think it will hold better to outdoor storage in the Midwest.

[clark9312]

I got a quote on a 2019 z19 pro package for 42 out the door. The z18 is mid 30s. Honestly both seem to have their own pros and cons and if you go with a higher end aluminum I’m sure you’ll be satisfied just don’t base your decision off money like I did and regret not going ahead and getting what you wanted to begin with. Main complaint about my tracker right now is trade in value lol

[BigBankBassin]

2 minutes ago, clark9312 said:

I got a quote on a 2019 z19 pro package for 42 out the door. The z18 is mid 30s. Honestly both have types seem to have their own pros and cons and if you go with a higher end aluminum I’m sure you’ll be satisfied just don’t base your decision off money like I did and regret not going ahead and getting what you wanted to begin with. Main complaint about my tracker right now is trade in value lol

I got you. I'm not super sticky on price just don't want to dump a huge amount on a first boat 34-38 seems about the sweet spot for a nice big Aluminum with everything I am wanting including good electronics but then again a used glass boat a couple years old is right there as well.  I am very hesitant on buying a used boat.  Stressful decisions. Thanks.  

[zeth]

On 6/4/2019 at 6:37 AM, Bob C said:

That looks like some serious abuse. I have a Lowe 175 stinger (built by Brunswick) and the build quality is very good and has a lifetime warranty on the hull. It's fast and rides very good.

no sorry no abuse. failed welds all over the boat. I'm not the only one. This has happened on multiple PT20 boats. The PT20 has been discontinued due to having too many failures. The new one  for 2020 is supposed to be much better. crestliner is buying this boat back from me.

[slonezp]

On 6/5/2019 at 3:36 PM, clark9312 said:

I got a quote on a 2019 z19 pro package for 42 out the door. The z18 is mid 30s. Honestly both seem to have their own pros and cons and if you go with a higher end aluminum I’m sure you’ll be satisfied just don’t base your decision off money like I did and regret not going ahead and getting what you wanted to begin with. Main complaint about my tracker right now is trade in value lol

Trade in value on all boats sucks. You're better off selling it outright and then use the cash to buy the new boat.

[clark9312]

On 6/14/2019 at 7:10 AM, slonezp said:

Trade in value on all boats sucks. You're better off selling it outright and then use the cash to buy the new boat.

Yeah that’s what I’m trying to do. I screwed up a couple of weeks ago, I tried to play hard ball and the guy ended up walking over 500 bucks. I should’ve took the offer lol

[Hower08]

I'm an aluminum boat fan I fish a tracker and yes it fishes tournaments just fine. My dad has a rt 188 and it's a very nice boat. I crawled all over a new vexus 19' the other day, I will own one next year. Guaranteed the storage will be as dry or if not more than any other top of the line boat the interior of the boat is fiberglass not just aluminum channel that the lids drop over. I would sell my truck and buy a beater if that's what it took to afford one

[BigBankBassin]

On 6/18/2019 at 9:41 AM, Hower08 said:

I'm an aluminum boat fan I fish a tracker and yes it fishes tournaments just fine. My dad has a rt 188 and it's a very nice boat. I crawled all over a new vexus 19' the other day, I will own one next year. Guaranteed the storage will be as dry or if not more than any other top of the line boat the interior of the boat is fiberglass not just aluminum channel that the lids drop over. I would sell my truck and buy a beater if that's what it took to afford one

I am leaning very heavy towards a Vexus or an Xpress I have a few months yet to make a decision.. too many nice boats!

[JLBBass]

Polar Kraft TX195 Pro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[OnthePotomac]

On 6/2/2019 at 11:15 PM, A-Jay said:

Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass ~ 

Pros - everything

Cons - none. 

Good Luck with your decision.

A-Jay

d**n A-Jay, that is one nice rig and being a native Michigander I can tell you came prepared to deal with Great Lakes fickle weather.

[Hower08]

AJ how dry is the storage in your lund. Out of my price range but still curious

[A-Jay]

3 hours ago, Hower08 said:

AJ how dry is the storage in your lund. Out of my price range but still curious

Very Dry ~ From rain or water / waves washing over the deck.  

 There is a raised frame up from the deck at the top & inside each space which 'seal' nicely into the foam material inside each lid.  Effectively channels topside water away from the spaces and into the bilge. 

The 'latch' on each lid is adjustable to ensure a snug closure.

The spaces are not 'ventilated' - so if left closed up tight, there can be some condensation associated with fluctuating temperature and or humidity.  Simply airing it out address it. 

A-Jay

[Hower08]

Very nice. And it doesn't matter what boat storage you have they need to be aired out.alot of guys neglect this. My boat always sits with the lids open for atleast a day or two after fishing or in humid weather 

[Janderson45]

I’ve got the Lund Renegade 1875.  Overall I’m very pleased with it.   The deck space is enormous for it’s class and fishing with two or three people is very comfortable.  

 

Hole shot is lightning quick,  top speed is around 50mph with an Evinrude 115HO on the back.  Two guys full tournament load and livewell I get about 44-46mph.  

 

Storage space is very good compared to other comparably sized aluminum mod v hulls - although the storage on AJs pro v bass puts it to shame. I usually have 16 or so combos in the rod box, then a dedicated Plano box compartment and a dedicated soft plastic compartment. I do like the way that the storage is laid out on the Renegade - I converted the small igloo cooler compartment that doubles as a step to the front deck into a catch-all type of storage for miscellaneous lures and fishing accessories. I keep a larger yeti tundra cooler on the back deck for drinks and food.  It doubles as a nice seat or casting platform for shallow water sight fishing.  

 

Boat handles very well and is a very stable casting platform, it doesn’t dramatically rock back and forth with two guys moving about the deck like some other aluminum boats do.

 

I have an Ultrex and dual power poles, so wind issues are typically very manageable.  It handles rough water conditions pretty

much as you’d expect - you’ll probably take a bit of a pounding and in any real chop you’re going to get wet.  I’ve had it out on a few larger lakes in some pretty nasty conditions - so far I’ve only come across one day on Lake Champlain that was a bit rougher than my partner was comfortable with (I hammered the throttle down to get on top of some 2-3’ rollers and he wasn’t having it).  Never had anything even approaching an issue on the multitude of smaller lakes I typically fish.

 

Compartments certainly aren’t 100% waterproof, but they do a pretty good job.  The Lund Travel cover keeps the boat nice and dry and is very easy to take on and off - about a 5 minute process start to finish. 

 

 

 

Oh - I forgot to mention the draft - it’s insanely shallow.  I think Lund claims 11.5”, but if you asked me I’d swear I’ve had this boat floating in 8” of water.  It’s very light at 1170lbs so it’s incredibly easy to manhandle in the water.  Launching and getting the boat back onto the trailer is a breeze and I pretty much forget it’s behind me when towing it.  Gas mileage while towing and operating the boat are both superb. 

 

[Janderson45]

3 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Very Dry ~ From rain or water / waves washing over the deck.  

 There is a raised frame up from the deck at the top & inside each space which 'seal' nicely into the foam material inside each lid.  Effectively channels topside water away from the spaces and into the bilge. 

The 'latch' on each lid is adjustable to ensure a snug closure.

The spaces are not 'ventilated' - so if left closed up tight, there can be some condensation associated with fluctuating temperature and or humidity.  Simply airing it out address it. 

A-Jay

 

Did you line the inside of the compartment lids with something?  They’re not black like that on my Renegade, and I have a tough time getting decals/stickers to stay stuck on the inside of them.  

[A-Jay]

17 minutes ago, Janderson45 said:

 

Did you line the inside of the compartment lids with something?  They’re not black like that on my Renegade, and I have a tough time getting decals/stickers to stay stuck on the inside of them.  

I did not - just the way it came.

A-Jay

[Shimano_1]

I traded in my Triton 20x2 with a 250 pro xs this year for a new triton 18tx with a 115 pro xs 4 stroke. Obviously I lost some speed. This rig tops out right around 50. Gave up some storage.  Gained amazing fuel economy. Gained being able to take my daughter fishing and not having to work at getting the boat in and outta the water. Gained less wear and tear on my truck. Love the 4 stroke.  Super quiet and plenty of power. Had a few warranty issues with carpet coming loose around lids and steering helm had some noise that had to have anti chatter valves added...or so they said. Its quiet now so who cares. Overall I'm satisfied with the boat and dont regret trading the glass rig. It is lighter so gets blown around a little more but not as bad as I figured.  It's not quite Lund build quality but it was considerably cheaper. I'm a welder and am actually impressed with the metal work and welds on this boat. I think as time goes on there will be a shift in popularity as companies continue to improve hulls and performance.  I bought the Triton instead of the ranger because I knew the dealer and it's on my way to my favorite lake.

[Troy85]

On 6/29/2019 at 5:12 PM, A-Jay said:

I did not - just the way it came.

A-Jay

I see you have made at least 4 purchases from tacklewarehouse that exeeded $50.  ?

[A-Jay]

9 hours ago, Troy85 said:

I see you have made at least 4 purchases from tacklewarehouse that exeeded $50.  ?

More like a monthly allotment from direct deposit at this point.

I'm considering wallpapering my tackle room with the stickers that are left . . .

A-Jay

[Fastie]

Any experience with Aluminum boats in brackish water?  WOuld like some of the features of Aluminum but not sure about in brackish water I fish mostly currently have a 18 foot Ranger Z118 - almost 19 -- can't imagine anything less.  Looked at Vexus, Crestliner, Lund and Ranger so far -- leaning towards a Lund Aluminum which was actually my first boat years ago - a small Rebel.  As I am getting older, I loved Ranger the best -- pre-BPS quality (sorry not a fan of Nitro or Tracker products).  But, I am reluctant to get a fiberglass rig since I am fishing tourneys less and want something easy to pull and handle out of the water as I get older.   Since this thread has been around since July - was wondering what decision you made?  Also, curious if the guy who had the Crestliner boat got that resolved - seems strange since someone won a Classic in one!  Also tandem axle is a must!  Thoughts out there?

Edited May 29, 2020 by Fastie

[Catt]

@Fastie I live on the Louisiana Gulf Coast where everything is brackish.

 

We run everything from jon boats to custom built aluminum boats. We also run the same boats in the Gulf. Corrosion on the boat is not an issue, what is an issue is your electronics. 

 

Not your graphs & trolling motor, they're pretty much sealed, look at all the connections & the fuse block. Look at the wiring on the trailer.

[slonezp]

19 hours ago, Fastie said:

Any experience with Aluminum boats in brackish water?  WOuld like some of the features of Aluminum but not sure about in brackish water I fish mostly currently have a 18 foot Ranger Z118 - almost 19 -- can't imagine anything less.  Looked at Vexus, Crestliner, Lund and Ranger so far -- leaning towards a Lund Aluminum which was actually my first boat years ago - a small Rebel.  As I am getting older, I loved Ranger the best -- pre-BPS quality (sorry not a fan of Nitro or Tracker products).  But, I am reluctant to get a fiberglass rig since I am fishing tourneys less and want something easy to pull and handle out of the water as I get older.   Since this thread has been around since July - was wondering what decision you made?  Also, curious if the guy who had the Crestliner boat got that resolved - seems strange since someone won a Classic in one!  Also tandem axle is a must!  Thoughts out there?

There are plenty of tin boats run in salt water. There is a large number of manufacturers that build large aluminum boats for ocean use.

[K1500]

Seadek is hard to clean stains off of but otherwise very nice.