New Aluminum Boat Suggestions..

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

A few years back I purchased an older model G3 18ft aluminum bass boat with a 2001 Yamaha 115 V4. Motor has been completely rebuilt from top to bottom. The G3 has been good, but a few months back I had issues with the console. The guy I bought the boat from was a BIG guy, and apparently he used the steering wheel to pull himself out of the seat every time he stood up, so the console had a stress crack under the steering wheel. A buddy and I were taking off for a tournament and I went over another boats wake and when my boat came down the steering wheel fell out of the console and landed between my feet on the floor of my boat. Scary situation, but no one was hurt and we were able to get it back on the trailer. Never had a chance to work on it bc of work, and I’ve decided to just replace the boat. Going to keep the old Yammy… it runs like a top and I spent all that money getting it rebuilt so I’m gonna get my moneys worth out it. Any suggestions on brands to check out???? I have my eyes on having a GatorTrax custom built, but I’m still browsing looking for options. 

[Catt]

https://www.alweld.com/

 

I've had 3-4 Alwelds & I'm currently running one.

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

4 minutes ago, Catt said:

https://www.alweld.com/

 

I've had 3-4 Alwelds & I'm currently running one.

Never had an Alweld. One that I def will not be buying again is Alumacraft. I can be tough on boats, which I why I run aluminum. I had one of their 16ft semi-v jon boats back in the day. I was idling using side imaging and bumped a stump. Barely changed the angle of the boat. Well… it put a 5in crack in the bottom. I’ve hit stumps in other boats running 50mph and there was no damage lol. 

[Woody B]

If you're looking for a tough aluminum boat I'd say either Gator Trax or Sea Ark.  

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

Gator Trax is at the top of my list. The customization options are amazing. 

[DaubsNU1]

Buddy has Sea Ark, loves it.

 

He had a tracker wide body...did not like that so much. 

 

 

[steves191145]

I've owned a couple aluminum rigs over the years. Currently have an xpress h20bay and love it. Rides so smooth in rougher water compared to anything else I've owned.  Tons of storage and plenty of power. Not as l fast as a 21ft fiberglass bass boat with a 300hp outboard  but cruises in the low to mid thirties and tops out around 55mph with a 150hp outboard.

[TnRiver46]

I run my duracraft way too shallow all the time and hit stuff, it hasn’t leaked a drop in 12 or so yrs. I don’t think the brand is around anymore , seems like war eagle bought them 

 

[gim]

25 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

war eagle bought them

War Eagles are tough boats. Many of them are used by duck hunters up here too. Not sure if the OP has a dealer nearby though.

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

1 hour ago, steves191145 said:

I've owned a couple aluminum rigs over the years. Currently have an xpress h20bay and love it. Rides so smooth in rougher water compared to anything else I've owned.  Tons of storage and plenty of power. Not as l fast as a 21ft fiberglass bass boat with a 300hp outboard  but cruises in the low to mid thirties and tops out around 55mph with a 150hp outboard.

I’m perfectly fine with 55mph. If I go with the Gator Trax I’m going to add a hydraulic jack plate. 

[Catt]

I run Alweld through marshes, swamps, rivers, bayous, & lakes. 

 

Tuff as any 😉

[Susky River Rat]

I and many others around here run a G3 tunnel but with a jet. 

[airshot]

While not a bass boat, I had a Starcraft 18' CC, one evening going down the river at night thru town, we hit a steel bouy at 30 mph.  Caved the whole bottom up about two feet and made a big crook down the center.  Had about 2-3 miles to get back to the launch ramp and made it.  Didn't leak a drop !!  Ins adjuster was quite surprised, but stated....if it had been a fiberglass boat, it would have shattered and sunk like a rock.   

[BayouSlide]

I'm the second owner of a 2004 G3 16+ footer. Navigating and fishing in South Louisiana means bouncing off of sunken logs, cypress stumps, etc. nearly every outing. I'd buy another in a heartbeat, that is if I ever manage to break this one 😄.

[Catt]

Start with basics & customize to your liking.

[Koz]

Lowe boats.

[K1500]

I’ve got a Lowe Bay20 which is similar to the Xpress mentioned above. I would say no matter what you do I would look close at the spec sheets. For example, the Lowe bay 20 has thicker aluminum and a lot more foam that similar sized Lowe Stinger bass boats do. That sounds like something that would make a difference in your application.