Should I Go With A Fiberglass Or Aluminum Boat?

Randy poses the question if he should get an aluminum or a fiberglass boat…#bassfishing #bassmasters #fishing #lake #sportfishing #bassfish #fishingtrip #bass #angling

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[bobbarnhill]

Bought a Vexus AVX. Owned in for 3 yrs. Light and easy to pull and move around. Spot lock helps with the wind issues. But it’s still a tin boat! Cracked welds and other QC issues and I sold it.
Back into a glass boat again. Much, Much happier in my new Phoenix.

[PaulFerber]

I have the tracker 195. Love it. After all my own upgrades of course. Comes with basic 70lb trolling motor and (2) lowrance hook 5’s. Ditch the interstate batteries quick.

[Flippersflops]

I’ve fished my Tracker 160 20+ miles offshore in the Gulf. It handles nasty conditions amazingly well. Plus, it’s got a divided live well, plenty of storage, locking rod lockers—all the basics you need. No joke, I’ve caught everything from bluegill to tuna (and king macks, amberjack, redfish, you name it) on this thing. Entry and deadrise are critical. If you have that, an aluminum will treat you just fine. I love mine.

[brianburns]

Randy, I have owned both the past few years. Avid 19 XB with 150 Yamaha. It was ok. Im now in a Caymas 18 SS with 150 Merc. The Yamaha is a stronger motor. 150 on 181/2 glass boat is barely enough motor. If i were to do it again, I would buy an Xpress H18 with a 115. Reason is it will tow easier and it fishes big. I fish out of one with my good friend who owns it. Do get a spot lock motor. I dont have poles and really dont need them. Only use for poles is beaching boat loading and un loading. the Caymas will barely get on plane loaded with a Tournament load. Take a look at Xpress. They are tough!!!

[rosssciascia]

I have owned 2 fiberglass rangers and am currently in an rt 188 with a 115 I have owned it for 4 years. I have zero complaints I new what I was getting into and the way I fish is shallow river and creek arms. It has served me well. I'm a ranger guy all the way.

[kevenroberts]

The 198 when it’s rains you better have waterproof boxes in your storage. They will fill quickly in a hard rain. The Vexus aluminum has fiberglass boxes and rain tight but a bit more expensive

[frankmolash]

Wait for the biggest boat show in your region.They usually discount models .

[ScottsMarineInc-]

The 195 with 150 PXS is a great choice. The Revolution hull design has more deadrise than the 198 and handles heavy chop without slamming. It cuts the chop. It also will not slide in a turn because of the reverse chines in the hull. On the trolling motor with the engine trimmed all the way up it will get into about a foot of water. There's more storage than you need and front deck space is larger than the Z18 Nitro. Fully loaded with fuel, full livewell, two anglers and gear mid 50's is doable. Running light it will hit low 60's. It's still under the $40K mark with the tandem axle trailer option. It is truly insane to even consider $100K for a bass boat and there are a few close to the $150K mark. Ranger's newest aluminum, the 208 Alpha, hits the $80K+ mark loaded out. It will become even harder to grow or even maintain the sport if anglers think they have to spend a mortgage payment to have a boat.

[Southpawreb]

I have a aluminum one, it pulls a lot easier but wind affects it more. I love it though

[walterdog]

Is that your silver star on the wall in the frame behind you?

[CfRlCajunfishRiplips]

In Louisiana we have some great custom aluminum boat builders. 3/16 hauls and water proof storage. Life time boats. The prices will surprise you Vs a big box manufacturer. Hanko’s Metal Works, Scully Boats, and sportsman fabrication.

[robertmccorkle]

An Express 19 with a 150 could work for you if you got an upscale drivers seat to protect your back.

[larrystolzman]

Randy: I’ve never owned fiberglass, but my 22 year old welded aluminum has served me very well. Easy to tow. Easy to launch and load anywhere. Cost new $10, 000. Replacement cost about $25, 000. Less horsepower than you want, but less gas cost as well. As I get older I can afford an upgrade, but why? One of the things I’ve learned over the years is my Tennessee trailer is a key part of why I love my boat. Save money for a really good trailer. Thanks for trying to keep fishing real! God Bless. P.S. Buy aluminum. It will save you a fortune over it’s lifetime of use.

[shaunterellchong]

I have the Tracker 195 and wish so bad I had a fiberglass. I’m tired of being blown around and not able to open it up when it’s a lot of waves! So much more comfort in a fiberglass

[slowbalt]

Glass is for pros and those that feel the need to fulfill their status quo life. Aluminum boats like the Xpress x18/19/20/21 all have pad hulls now, can run the big motors like a glass boat and are not rough like the old aluminum boats of the 90's. They have just as much storage, run faster with a smaller motor, better fuel economy, tow easier, can run up against trees and rocky banks without worries, can run all the same electronics and gear. Its a no brainer to buy the boat thats literally half the cost of a glittering water fairy.

[Lymorej]

You were talking about buying a brand new boat. I would like to hear your perspective on the “why’s” and “why nots” on a used boat.

[BassKat]

Randy get a BassCat Pantera 2. It’s a get platform to get in those tight spots where guys like us fish.
It’s the absolute best platform for under 62k..
Bought mine in 2022 for 55k.

[gregfuller]

I admire your attitude Randy. Thanks for the refreshing way you're approaching this! Keep it up!

[Lunkersteve]

I’m firmly in the aluminum camp. I love the durability and have not been affected much by the wind issue. A big plus for me was being able to pay cash for a brand new boat. I also like the fact that I get better gas mileage towing and on the water because of the lighter weight. In the meantime my fiberglass buddies complain about gas mileage and repair costs from damage caused in the flooded timber or reservoirs.

[jcfish]

I have a dandy 2010 Strados 176xt with a 99 25 hp Suzuki tuned for power plant lakes. She runs in the 20-24 m.p.h. range on a cool day with a little chop. If you really want to cut back she's your girl. Definitely cost under $30k