Aluminum vs fiberglass

[beneteau]

I currently have a fiberglass bass boat; but, have always been, somewhat, partial to aluminum.

My last aluminum boat (Polarcraft) was many years ago and I just don't recall having the issues with an aluminum hull that I've had with fiberglass.

The upkeep and care required for fiberglass just seems to far outweigh aluminum. My other considerations are the durability of aluminum vs fiberglass, oxidation and the subceptibility of damage to fiberglass vs aluminum.

I would appreciate hearing your comments (pros/cons) on fiberglass vs aluminum.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Aluminum vs fiberglass

i had been a fiberglass man, until i got an aluminum, won't go back to F/G. lighter than glass, easier to mount accessories. smaller more economical tow vehicle. more speed for the hp. when set up right.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Aluminum vs fiberglass

Had both. Currently in alum. Glass is usually prettier and heavier and can be molded in more shapes and in that comes smoothness of the ride.

Otherwise tas has it nailed.

Mark

 

[DJ]

Re: Aluminum vs fiberglass

I've also had my share of both.

For me, it depends on the style of the boat. There is no aluminum Boston Whaler eqivelant, for example.

On the other hand, the aluminum Fish & Ski's (Lowe-Starcraft-Sea Nymph) I've owned were: spacious, performed well, and easy to tow-for their size.

 

[ruf1967]

Re: Aluminum vs fiberglass

I've owned both as well. Fiberglass looks and rides nicer but there is more upkeep.

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Aluminum vs fiberglass

I have both F/G and Alum. and both for different reasons, but the same as stated above. My F/G for the lake, a deep V hull rides nice & handles the weather well offers everything you'll need for a Great Lakes boat.

Then my river boat (alum. jet sled) Light weight for ease of transport., shallow draft 3", it'll go anywhere, takes a lickin and keeps on tickin...

Rocks are hell on fiberglass and my lil boat won't do waves.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Aluminum vs fiberglass

I too have had owned everything from canoes to large glass and aluminum runabouts. My current boat is an Alumacraft Navigator (aluminum obviously). I fish all over the midwest and log lots of road miles so the lighter weight is a definite plus for towing and when it comes time to fill up the tow vehicle. Upkeep is far less work on aluminum and of all the horror stories about leaky riveted boats I can honestly say I've never had one that leaked. Glass looks a little more classy, but looks don't catch fish.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Aluminum vs fiberglass

Gotta brag a tad.

Wife talked me into a cell phone finally. Came with a camera. So here I am blasting away in my little 17' tin lizzie with 90 colts a pushin, one hand on the wheel and the other over my head with the phone and finally got a snapshot of the little beast in action. Got it to my Avatar so I can enjoy it every day.

Obviously tin pushes easily with lower hp engines. 8)

Mark