Glass or alluminum? Couple of questions.

[Iowa Matt]

I am in the market for a new boat (likely an early 2010 purchase) and I have a couple of questions for folks with experience with both glass and alluminum boats.  

I have zero experience with glass boats.  We have had an early 80's Starcraft, an early 90's Lund, and an '89 Tracker.........so thats three alluminum deep/mod V hulls and no glass.  I am, however, intrigued by glass boats because I have heard that they ride and fish with less up and down movement.  My only concern is that the glass boat will be a poor choice for some of the fishing I do.  I fish a lot on the Des Moines River here in Iowa and it has a gravel bottom that (despite my best efforts) does come into contact with the hull from time to time (never at speed, just dragging).  My alluminum boats don't give a darn when this happens.  Will a glass boat not like this treatment?

Also, which one drafts more?  Given the same hull length, which boat will require more water to float it?

I am looking in the 16k to 20k range of prices and so far I like the following:

Nitro X4/X5

Stratos 176XT/186XT

Lund Rebel 1625 XL SS

Allumacraft Classic 165

Any others I should look at?

Any experience with any of these?

Any sites where I might get an UNBIASED review of some boats?

Sorry, lots of questions, but its a big decision for us.

Thanks

Matt

[Jig Man]

Given what you say about the gravel, I recommend that you stay with the alum. boat.  Glass and rocks don't mix.

[cart7t]

You already answered your question on the glass vs aluminum comparison.  Given the time frame of your purchase, I'd suggest taking rides in as many models as you can.  That's always been the best way to make an informed decision on what boat will be best for you.  

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Times like this even if i had 50 tho to blow id still get a Aluminum boat ,they are just so much more versatile

[Wayne P.]

For the shallowest draft, get the widest, non-deep v-hull aluminum.

[old bassman]

I now have an aluminum boat and it fishes very well. My opinion is a aluminum boat for cost to buy and less maintenance cost.

[unhbass37]

I say aluminum as well.

[NBR]

I am a big fan of glass. They ride better, fish better and are generally more stable. BUUUT, when you are going to beach the boat often or rub bottom without a doubt I'd opt for the aluminum.

[Catt]

All welded modified V hull, no narrower than a 50 bottom, the widest beam available for lengths from 16-18'.

From Alumacraft I would look at the MV tunnel hull all welded series; drop in a floor & you're good to go.