Aluminum or Fiberglass?

[CDN_Falcon]

After reading the sticky thread for beginners I've been trying to get to the Aluminum or Fiberglass thread mentioned in a post. Did a search and guess that maybe it doesn't exist anymore so...

Aluminum or Fiberglass?

Looking for opinions, why one is better than the other given whatever circumstance...

What to watch out for when buying used Aluminum or used Fiberglass boats.

And why in my neck of the woods does Lund boats sell for so much more over the years than many other aluminum boat manufacturers?

I'm hoping this will be a good thread for guys like me who are fairly new to the boat buying market to decide one what to buy and what to watch out for.

Thanks

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

I've always preferred a welded aluminum hull. Aluminum is lighter, easier to fix, easier to handle, and not as prone to age cracks and punctures.
The only drawback to aluminum is saltwater, which can cause corrosion if not properly protected.
I can't speak much for Lund boats, but all aluminum boats have gotten pretty high lately, aluminum has gone through the roof.

The common boats here are Alumacraft and Lowe. There used to be a lot of Grumman boats but I don't think they make boats anymore. I had a few Grumman bass boats that were really tough, both were all welded hulls.

I like the ability to just weld up any damage and be on my way, with fiberglass you have to worry about whether or not the repair will hold or crack down the road. A lot has to do with what you are more comfortable with. I run in an area with lots of stumps and sand bars, so the occasional scrapes and bumps are often part of a days fishing. The aluminum just brushes it off, were as I may not be so lucky with the fiberglass. (Just take a look at a older glass boat that's been beached a few times). I often just beach land my aluminum boats, with nothing more than a few bottom scratches.

 

[KCook]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

Oops, sorry about that. This site has changed it's software and database TWICE since I put that post up. So those old links no longer work. Just tried to edit that post, but that failed as well. Anyways, all of those old threads are still in existence, in spite of all the changes.

Aluminium Or Fibreglass
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=19755

Kelly Cook

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

Size for size, aluminum is lighter, takes less power to get the same performance, which equals less fuel, probably a lighter trailer and probably less tow vehicle to tow it. Glass looks a little sexier but in my view requires much more upkeep and care when beaching. (I've owned both). As for aluminum, welding vs riveting is an age old argument that will likely never get settled but what you read on these threads is welds crack and rivets leak. I've owned lots of riveted boats, probably travel more rough water than most, over longer distances and at speed and have never had a leaky rivet. On the other hand, I do have a couple friends that have welded boats and they have had issues with cracked welds. As for what to look for, check the hull for damage. A few nicks or scrapes are acceptable. Patches are reason to walk away. Be sure you get an on-water test run. If the seller balks at that, you have reason to walk away. If you are mechanically challenged, I strongly suggest you have someone with you that knows which end of a screwdriver to hold and how a good running engine should perform.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

as said i have learned the hard way about aluminum and salt water. if salt water use. i recommend trailering the boat. and not more than a week in the water. then a through washdown. my boat has begun to get pin holes from salt water galvinization.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

I like my aluminum boat because I don't have to be as careful with it. I can beach it anywhere and not worry about banging it up other than scratching my already bad paint job Also aluminum boats are much easier "projects" if bought it basket-case condition because you take the whole stringer issue out of the equation. Replacing the floor in mine was a breeze.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

And why in my neck of the woods does Lund boats sell for so much more over the years than many other aluminum boat manufacturers?

Your profile doesn't list where your neck of the woods is, but having spent a lot of time in Northern Minnesota and Canada, I can tell you that a lot of the reason for Lunds carrying a higher price, is reputation - most of which is very well deserved.

 

[Scout Sport Fish]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

To me I prefer fiberglass. But

Aluminum = Not in the water for long periods of time and in freshwater

Fiberglass = Water in for long periods and to me the only thing allowed in salt water.

 

[rndn]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

As long as you don't frequent salt water, go with aluminum. Much less ongoing maintenance.

 

[sbulla]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

As long as you don't frequent salt water, go with aluminum. Much less ongoing maintenance.

Not to hijack the thread but, I would be OK to take my Tracker V17 w/Merc 45 down to my Sis's place on the Outer Banks and use it as long as I pulled it out after every use, flushed the engine, and hosed down the outside with fresh water?

It's only seen fresh water all it's life, but the occasion might arise if they ever let me off work long enough.

Sonny

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

Aluminum. Go through a boat boneyard (or somewhere that sells only project boats) and look at the aluminum vs fiberglass of the same year. Aluminum wont rust bust or collect dust. Not to mention that aluminum doesn't have a wood core that will rot.
As for the Lunds, it is because they are better boats. You can't understand until you gut one, and park it next to another gutted boat. You didn't mention where your neck of the woods was, but here in Ga, they can pick a purty good penny, as they are so hard to find. We are restoring a 1974 that had been sitting out for 13 years. If we got it back to original condition, it would fetch a bit more than other equivalent boats of that time period. We aren't restoring to original condition, as we are planning keeping it in the family for many many years, and didn't like the original layout for bass fishing. Then, we could gut it, and put it back originally if we wanted to sell it. The only thing permanently installed is the deck and flotation foam. The rest is gonna be bolted with SS so it has the option of being removed.
Back to the higher priced issue, modern days, they are built to even higher standards. They can take a brutal beating and be fine.
Riveted over welded.
As Lund says, "airplanes aren't welded."
I have owned a few riveted boats that don't leak.
Unlike reelfishin, my Grumman is a riveted boat that is comparable to many other brands (not Lund - the Grumman is average) Yet, being aluminum, I never worry much about stumps or rocks, and often beach it on riprap. Wouldn't dare do that to a glass boat.

 

[CDN_Falcon]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

Sorry about not posting "my neck of the woods."

I'm in Manitoba, Canada. Just north of Minnesota/North Dakota for those mariners who are a little rusty on their geography.

Just like Minnesota we have hundreds of lakes and rivers. The boat will probably end up being a 50/50 split between Fishing and Playing (ski, cruise, etc)

Has anyone heard of Legend boats, built in southern Ontario? Just wanting to know their reputation since I can't seem to find much in the way of reviews on their boats.

And yesterday I went to a new boat dealer and was confused that a 17ft Crestliner with a 90HP Merc outboard was going for around $24,000cdn new and a 17ft Bayliner flight package with a 3.0 Mercruiser was going for $17,000cdn new. The Bayliner made the girls oooh and ahhh and frankly looks like a very nice boat. Guess the aluminum crestliner would suit the fishing model much better...

Anyone ever hear of a 17ft Bayliner with a livewell? (I suspect only the 19ft has a fishing package).

Oh lastly, I saw something somewhere of a 2006 or 2007 Bayliner review on here. Can someone link that for me?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

And yesterday I went to a new boat dealer and was confused that a 17ft Crestliner with a 90HP Merc outboard was going for around $24,000cdn new and a 17ft Bayliner flight package with a 3.0 Mercruiser was going for $17,000cdn new.

Outboards are MUCH more expensive. I don't really know why but they are.

 

[Esox]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

For the style of boating/fishing I do I prefer aluminum. I often fish very late in the season in northern IL and southern WI - Nov, Dec, Jan - after all the docks are pulled out and that means beaching the boat right up on concrete ramps etc. I have a '73 14' Starcraft (riveted) and a '97 Lund (riveted). The Starcraft has needed some rivets tightend up over the years but has been a durable boat. I have left my Lund in the water for over a week on fishing trips and it doesn't take on any water. I would eventually like to get a glass boat but I will always have an aluminum for those times when I'm going to be abusing it.​

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

if your talking that kind of money definately read this link. the fish & ski would be perfect.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=198208&highlight=test+drive

 

[KCook]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

Motor choice will affect the price more than aluminum vs fiberglass. Here is another thread on motors -

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=117562

Kelly

 

[scrobo]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

Couldn't help but notice the thread about aluminum vs fiberglass.

Now... I read in there "doesn;t have a wood core to rot." Is that the stringers? Or is there a thin layer of wood sandwiched in the fiberglass?

I know... stupid question... but my stringers weren't made of wood. Some hard pink composite material like fiberglass. Which is the basis of my question.

Also... is there a lifespan on the stresses fiberglass can take through regular use? My old Lonestar is somewhere around 50 years old but I did not see any cracks during the sanddown to repaint it. Only the rotten transom cracked where the wood was swelling.

 

[Esox]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

Couldn't help but notice the thread about aluminum vs fiberglass.

Now... I read in there "doesn;t have a wood core to rot." Is that the stringers? Or is there a thin layer of wood sandwiched in the fiberglass?

I know... stupid question... but my stringers weren't made of wood. Some hard pink composite material like fiberglass. Which is the basis of my question.

Also... is there a lifespan on the stresses fiberglass can take through regular use? My old Lonestar is somewhere around 50 years old but I did not see any cracks during the sanddown to repaint it. Only the rotten transom cracked where the wood was swelling.

Good points scrobo. I think that comment about the wood core is in refrence to the stringers - but like you said some aren't made of wood. Aluminums still have wood. I'm currently replacing the transom in my 10 year old aluminum boat alson with some trim panels that are vinyl covered wood. I'm sure the wood floor isn't too far behind.

 

[tommays]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

I think you find very GOOD and very BAD boats made in both materials


It kind of like asking if STICK WELDING is better than MIG WELDING well it depends on what your doing and WHO is doing it

I have seen plenty of ALU get metal fatigue and plenty of glass get stress cracks



Tommays

 

[Esox]

Re: Aluminum or Fiberglass?

I think you find very GOOD and very BAD boats made in both materials


It kind of like asking if STICK WELDING is better than MIG WELDING well it depends on what your doing and WHO is doing it

I have seen plenty of ALU get metal fatigue and plenty of glass get stress cracks



Tommays

If looking at a used boat another thing to take into consideration is how they have been stored and cared for.