Fast aluminum boat: Looking for recommendations

[drpeeb]

I'm wondering what choices there are: I'd like a light-weight aluminum ~20-foot runabout that can still take a big motor, something less expensive and lighter than a typical fiberglass boat.

I want a boat where I care a whole lot less about scratches on the sides & bottom of the hull as I do with my Cobalt, yet I still want speed.

So far I see:

- Xpress Yukon 195 19.5' long, 225 HP max motor & dry weight 1,673 lbs.

- Jetcraft 2025 Discovery 20' long, 225 HP max motor & dry weight 1,670 lbs.

Anybody know of any others?

Tks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fast aluminum boat: Looking for recommendations

I want a boat where I care a whole lot less about scratches on the sides & bottom of the hull as I do with my Cobalt, yet I still want speed.

Ayuh,... I think you're confused about the durability of aluminum, vs. fiberglass...
Especially against Scratching, + Gouging.....

The 2nd choice does have the .190" bottom, but still .125" sides...

 

[drpeeb]

Re: Fast aluminum boat: Looking for recommendations

Ayuh,... I think you're confused about the durability of aluminum, vs. fiberglass...
Especially against Scratching, + Gouging.....

The 2nd choice does have the .190" bottom, but still .125" sides...

Durability isn't the issue .. The issue is that the Cobalt cost so darn much & is so nice I find myself not wanting to let it get the first scratch. It's an incredible boat, prefectly built, & fast as cr@p, but it's like riding around in a Ferrari. Or like when people get new, white carpet in their house & then tell people to take their shoes off before coming in.

I can afford the Cobalt, I just can't stand the thought of it getting abused.

I'm looking for a nice, fast, decent boat that I won't mind gettin' dirty and won't mind superficial scratches & gouges.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Fast aluminum boat: Looking for recommendations

Dr Peeb heres a crazy idea why not find a nice older Starcraft Super Sport or even a Holiday and join us downstairs in the Resto forum and make it what you want it . I dont know anybody with a Starcraft that doesnt LOOOOVE their Starcraft .


Rick

 

[rolmops]

Re: Fast aluminum boat: Looking for recommendations

I love my aluminum boats.Having owned a Duratech,a Starcraft and now a Sylvan,I would not want to tow anything else.
The Smokercraft, the Sylvan,Starcraft and a few others all come from the same plant and are different brand names,but all produced by the same family.Somebody will give a more complete list.Quality is very high and much the same for these boats.The 18 footers generally take outboards up to 140 horse and the 19 footers a bit higher.
A scratch on a fiberglass boat is easily patched up.Aluminum gets dents and they are not as easily hidden.
I would definitely choose a brand from among, what I would like to call,the Smoker craft family.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fast aluminum boat: Looking for recommendations

I dont know anybody with a Starcraft that doesnt LOOOOVE their Starcraft .

Ayuh,... Then you're down to .063",.... Bottom,+ sides.....
While I've had a 221 Islander for 12/ 14 years,... The Love is long Gone...

 

[drpeeb]

Re: Fast aluminum boat: Looking for recommendations

I love my aluminum boats.Having owned a Duratech,a Starcraft and now a Sylvan,I would not want to tow anything else.
The Smokercraft, the Sylvan,Starcraft and a few others all come from the same plant and are different brand names,but all produced by the same family.Somebody will give a more complete list.Quality is very high and much the same for these boats.The 18 footers generally take outboards up to 140 horse and the 19 footers a bit higher.
A scratch on a fiberglass boat is easily patched up.Aluminum gets dents and they are not as easily hidden.
I would definitely choose a brand from among, what I would like to call,the Smoker craft family.

OK, thanks everybody for the info - I'm gonna look into these now.

I'm OK with dents on an aluminum boat. Fixing scratches & gouges, & patching vinyl holes on the Cobalt I would love to avoid; Just rubs me the wrong way! I need something more utilitarian.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Fast aluminum boat: Looking for recommendations

Lund and Crestliner have boats in your catagory. I know Crestliner offers an Alaskan package that uses spray in bedliner type material instead of carpet, easy to clean and care for.

Do you want a bare aluminum hull or painted?

 

[drpeeb]

Re: Fast aluminum boat: Looking for recommendations

Lund and Crestliner have boats in your catagory. I know Crestliner offers an Alaskan package that uses spray in bedliner type material instead of carpet, easy to clean and care for.

Do you want a bare aluminum hull or painted?

Bare aluminum preferred, not trying to impress with looks on this boat. Been there, done that with the Cobalt, now I'm ready to move on.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Fast aluminum boat: Looking for recommendations

I need something more utilitarian.

i personally would not call them jetcraft or yukons utilitarian. many folks would like to just have either or for their only boat. least i would. you want something ya don't care what happens to. get a plain and simple 16' aluminum fishing boat. ya know. 4 wood bench seats, has oar locks, takes an outboard maybe up to 35 or 40... then go have your fun and beat her up on the rocks or whatever...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fast aluminum boat: Looking for recommendations

I looked very long and hard about xpress boats and I waited.... glad I did
The local dealer dropped the line due to lack of factory support from warranty issues and hull cracks. I have 3 starcrafts in my yard ...all aluminum.

There are many quality aluminum boats out there many in the "fish and ski" configuration.

Now if you want a fast thick aluminum hull you will have to look at the northwest or into Canada....... get an aluminum jet boat like a Rogue, or Duckworth or Thunderjet...they may satisfy your Cobolt taste

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Fast aluminum boat: Looking for recommendations

I like aluminum as well.....and i like light too

but anything that will handle a 225 hp outboard wont be light....especially in the 20 foot range

my LOWE 2070 is hanging a 115....the boat weighs maybe 1100 tops..


I wouldnt put it in the catergory you are looking at by any means



anything with a 3/16th hull will go over 1500 lbs....for sure

out in the northwest they know how to make a super tough aluminum boat...built to take the weather and the rocks

bob