aluminum boats

[rmulhern]

Thinking of buying 15' or 16' alum boat. Have had v-hull before and know how boat rides in different water conditions. Anyone out there with experience with both v-hull and flat bottom (jon type) that can tell me how they handle and ride differently. Especally in rough water.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: aluminum boats

Jonboats are terrible in rough water. Period. Think BANG! BANG! BANG!, then think SPLASH! SPLASH! SPLASH!

A good v-hull is a much nicer boat overall. The modern Aluminum deep V-hull fishing boats are really stable in those lengths, and are suitable for most waters. Think Lund, Crestliner, and the other major brands. All are great boats.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: aluminum boats

agree

 

[ondarvr]

Re: aluminum boats

How do you plan on using the boat? I use both types, Flat bottoms need less hp and run in shallower water, V's are much better in larger bodies of water when waves are an issue.

 

[rndn]

Re: aluminum boats

Flat bottoms are a rough ride in waves.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: aluminum boats

agree. Also if you are in open water and tie up to fish, the waves hit the flat bottom....come in under the bow and bang bang bang the whole time you are trying to be quiet and fish.

Great on small lakes or small rivers. Suck on open water and have been in them as big as 18'.

Also alum boats are light and tend to bounce a lot more than the usually heavier glass boats, regardless of the hull design.

Mark

 

[rndn]

Re: aluminum boats

That is true about the ride. You just can't beat the extra weight of fiberglass to smooth out the ride. I'm sure there will be lot's of people who disagree, but I have yet to ride in an aluminum boat that rides as nice as a comparable length fiberglass boat.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: aluminum boats

Agree rndn. Can't beat the weight of glass......course it does come at a price (speed-fuel), but just like trucks, the older you get the more important comfort is. Need I say more. I'm turning 66 very soon?

Mark