Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

[bjennings79]

After narrowing my decision down to a deck boat, I'm now trying to decide on a fiberglass or aluminum hull. I have only found one manufacturer of aluminum hull deck boats, which is the Suncruiser SD. Also came across this Fisher on craigslist, but it doesn't look like they are making them anymore.

http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/1803252961.html

I've been looking at the Hurricane and Tahoe for fiberglass. Any insight? I'm assuming the aluminum would be a lot more durable, but would weigh more.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

That Fisher is actually owned by Tracker Marine

Aluminum weighs LESS and does not "normally" provide as nice of ride.

Hey it all boils down to what suit's your needs. Go and water test the boat....it may be perfect for you.

 

[bjennings79]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

Thanks for the quick input. I would never have guessed that the aluminum weighed less. I'm not all that interested in that particular boat due to the location. I think its about a 3 hr drive from me and I wouldn't want to take a chance on it being a bust. Am I correct in that the aluminum would be more durable and last longer? I'm not the type of person who buys something and then wants to sell and get something else every few years. I keep my vehicles as long as it makes sense to do so financially. I plan on doing the same with my boat, which is why I'm trying to narrow down to exactly what I want. I think the Hurricane FunDecks are my ideal boat, there just don't seem to be a ton of them coming up for sale used. When they do, they are usually at a premium.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

I was just reading about the new 25' Carolina Skiff, a different series than the J or DX. Rated for 17 people! Stable platform; travels well. Might be a good alternative to decks and pontoons due to versatility.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

The all-welded aluminum boats have just gotten better over the years, much lighter than fiberglass, last pretty much forever, easy to weld or repair if required, but don't ride as smooth and quiet as glass. I run an 18' aluminum jon boat and really enjoy the durability of it, don't mind beaching it on an oyster bar or rocky area where a glass boat might damage that pretty gel coat. But running in a light chop, the aluminum jon can be a rough ride. Some of the newer aluminum boats have a deeper V, or dead-rise, which would make them ride much better. All depends on where you're going to be running. We're mostly in creeks and rivers, so mostly stay off big water. Good Luck!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

I'm not sure who still makes the metal ones, but at one time several did. Lowe, SeaArk and Tracker come immediately to mind. SeaArk is probably the best in terms of build quality and durability. Aluminum deck boats in general are pretty rare, but I do see them around here fairly often. For every three I see one is worth even considering. The greatest disadvantage to the metal ones is the ride in rough water. They're plenty stable and safe, but compared to glass rigs they're rough and wet. That will bother your family more than you. I like metal in general because it's lighter, I think more durable, and easier and cheaper to repair. I guess if you find one that truly interests you just be sure and water test it pretty extensively and try and replicate what you think your typical outing will be; number of passengers, water conditions, etc. I know that's easier said than done, but testing boats can be fun, and you want to be sure you'll be happy with what you get. Welcome to iboats. Where ya from?

 

[robert graham]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

One other thought, check out Sea Ark boats and look at their "Big Easy" model which is a 24' aluminum jon/deck type boat, no that's a boat!...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

Princecraft makes some real nice aluminum deck boats.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

Ya mon. SeaArk builds 'em right! They're just a little over an hour south of me. We have quite the concentration of aluminum boat builders here.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

I vote Hurricane but then again, I've owned two of them and love them.

Another consideration of the 'glass deck boats is Starcraft....They're really nice too.

As ez mentioned, Princecraft builds a very nice one out of aluminum and are more slanted towards the fishing side of things but has all the standard amenities of a deck boat.

 

[bjennings79]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

So are we going to get wetter in an aluminum deck boat due to the design of the hull, or for some other reason?

 

[bjennings79]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

Welcome to iboats. Where ya from?

We live in Lufkin, TX. I expect that we'll spend most of our time on Rayburn, but plan on taking it quite a few places around Tx.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

So are we going to get wetter in an aluminum deck boat due to the design of the hull, or for some other reason?

Hull design is definitely a factor, but it's mainly due to a decrease in weight. Since aluminum boats are so much lighter than fiberglass they bounce more, which causes the hulls to kind of slap the water and cause more splashing. Being in Texas I'm sure you'll encounter plenty of chop even without the wakes being thrown up by your fellow boaters, so careful consideration is warranted.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

I vote Hurricane but then again, I've owned two of them and love them.

Another consideration of the 'glass deck boats is Starcraft....They're really nice too.

As ez mentioned, Princecraft builds a very nice one out of aluminum and are more slanted towards the fishing side of things but has all the standard amenities of a deck boat.

We like our Starcraft Aurora. I'm trying to imagine the punishing ride in an aluminum deckboat. Our glass deckboat does okay, but even in that the dihedral designed hull can be a bit harsh in the rough stuff at LOTO.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

Here's what Robert Graham was referring to. Just out of curiosity, what led you to zero in on a deck boat?
http://www.seaarkboats.com/boat.php?measure=Standard&boat=Big+Easy

 

[bjennings79]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

The main thing thats pushing me towards the deck boat is that it seems to be useful for just about everything I would want to do. It can hold the 4 of us, plus a good number of family or friends. Most of them are low enough to the water that they are comfortable to fish from. I really like that you can get the bow mounted fishing seats. We can tube and ski from it. My wife has room to recline on one of the bench seats and read a book or just relax while we are fishing. I looked at pontoons, but they just seem very cumbersome. I can't see their benefit over the deck boat, other than the cost. I did check out the Sea Ark and requested a dealer quote. I'm expecting it to be around the $30k mark, just like the Hurricane FD 198 and every other new deck boat that I have looked at. We are going to check out the local boat in the link from the original post this evening. Not going to do a test run at this point, just looking and talking to the guy. Will post my findings tonight and hopefully I can get some input from you guys.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Boating newbie....aluminum vs fiberglass hull deck boat

Well, you know what you want and why. That puts you ahead of many engrossed in a boat search. Just remember, no boat is going to meet all your needs. You'll inevitably sacrifice something you want in a rig because every boat is a compromise. Sounds like you're on the right track though. Good luck and keep us posted.