Fiberglass or aluminum

[zonaman]

I'm thinking about a classic cuddy cabin- Around the 20 foot range. I'd use it in freshwater excluisvely. It would be trailered to the water as opposed to a wet storage situation. I'm a fairly competant mechanic and I can use a riveter or patch fiberglass. Still, I like to start with a boat that's had the best chance of suriving the years without needing major stuctural reapirs. Something along the lines of a Glasspar Seafair Sedan or a Starcraft Chieftain. What's a better choice fiberglass or aluminum? Any thoughts or advice you might have on this would be appreciated.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Fiberglass or aluminum

Aluminum has the advantage of little rot. Anything that could rot can be unbolted and replaced fairly easily. A person can replace plywood floors with pressure treated and pretty much be done with it. The aluminum boat will hold more value, hence be more expensive to buy initially. You don't need as much horsepower to move an aluminum boat, an advantage in these gas price days.<br /><br />Fiberglass had a lower initial cost when it comes to project boats, but requires more material to rebuild. It is heavier, so it needs more power. Me, I want an aluminum hull, but I am too cheap to pony up the loot. One day though, when I grow up, I 'll have my tinny...

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Fiberglass or aluminum

Aluminum hulls are limited in design because of the material and are lighter, this can make for a harsh ride in rough water, it can also limit how they handle at higher speeds. With constant pounding aluminun can fatigue and develope stress cracks, these cracks are not as easy to repair as the ones you may get in fiberglass. <br />They can be louder and colder.<br />But being lighter you need less HP to get good performance and it's easier to tow. you can leave it outside for years and may only have a small amount of wood to replace if there is some rot.<br /><br />Fiberglass hulls can be designed to do just about any task well, not that one design does all things well, but you are not as limited by the material, so you can design it to do what you want it to do. They are heavier and with a better shaped V in the hull, can ride smoother in rough water. Repairs can be done fairly easily at home with supplies from the hardware store or auto parts store. <br />The wood in it will rot if left outside unprotected in the weather and will be difficult to replace. <br />you will find more fiberglass hulls to choose from in that size range.<br /><br />After saying all that, just get the boat you like the best, or the wife likes the best. Most aluminum boats in that size are not sexy looking, so she may not want to go out on it with you, that can be good or bad. <br />I have aluminum and fiberglass boats and have no problem with either type.