Fiberglass Vs Aluminum Boat 2024
Todd2 reply :
I've fished out of a 17 foot fiberglass Fish and Ski for about 12 years. It's the only boat I've owned and has served me well..but I've got this new boat itch that won't go away so I'm looking to move up to a 18-19 Bass Boat. Enough chatter...what's the pros and cons?
Matthew2000 reply :
Aluminum
- Slower
- Cannot handle big water as well
- Less Money
- Most have a odd layout
- sip gas compared to some fiberglass.
Glass
- Faster
- Handle big water well
- More Options
- More Money
- larger outboards
Matthew2000 reply :
Are you looking new or used ? And what years ?
Catt reply :
On 5/19/2015 at 8:56 AM, Matthew2000 said:Aluminum
- Slower
- Cannot handle big water as well
- Less Money
- Most have a odd layout
- sip gas compared to some fiberglass.
Glass
- Faster
- Handle big water well
- More Options
- More Money
- larger outboards
Completely false!
Matthew2000 reply :
On 5/19/2015 at 10:27 AM, Catt said:Completely false!
Enlighten me!
Catt reply :
Ya ever run a 2015 Xpress X21 with a Yamaha 250 SHO in Xclusive Team Package?
Or a 2014 Xpress X19 with a Yamaha 200 SHO in Xclusive Package?
Or a 2012 H18 Hyperlift Series with a Yamaha 150 V-Max?
I can go on if ya want 
Long Mike reply :
Aluminum, when compared to a glass boat and engine of the same size:
Generally, less expensive to buy.
Generally, less expensive to operate and tow because they are lighter.
Generally, hull repairs are less expensive.
With the proper choice of hull, will be just as fast, or faster, than a glass boat.
Glass, when compared to an aluminum boat and engine of the same size:
Much more eye candy. i.e. variety of colors and glitter.
A properly chosen hull will allow any boat, regardless of type of construction, to handle big water, and be very stable to fish from. A properly chosen interior layout, regardless of type of construction, will allow ample storage of rods and other gear. This is speculation on my part, but I would surmise that glass boats can be faster because they can handle larger engines. There may be aluminum hulls out there that will handle a 250 hp, but I don't know of any of the bass boat variety.
Edit: I was typing this before I saw Catt's post. What he said.
slonezp reply :
On 5/19/2015 at 11:15 AM, Matthew2000 said:Enlighten me!
Be enlightened
https://youtu.be/8Z0CodkhhZM
slonezp reply :
Are you looking new or used? Size of water you fish? Budget? Reputable dealerships nearby?
Glenn reply :
Buy an AlumaFiber boat. 
I think the answers you're going to get are going to depend on personal experience and budget. Aluminum boats cost lest than fiberglass, so that's a major consideration
I've owned both, and won't get another aluminum boat. Why? It leaked like a sieve. It was a Smokercraft 17' aluminum and leaked really bad. I finally replaced all the rivets with expensive aircraft grade rivets and FAA approved sealant, along with some expensive aluminum welding (read that "specialty welding"), which finally fixed it. But it never compared to the storage capabilities (no dry storage), nor speed (45mph tops) of fiberglass boats. Plus it wasn't as stable as fiberglass boats (rocked back and forth easily). Also, it didn't handle waves very well....ok, not at all. Anything more than small whitecaps were out of the question. It was like riding a battering ram.....and you were going to get wet no matter what. Rough water handling was horrible. It didn't have a V-hull, that's why. Never get a Smokercraft.....ever.
I now have a Ranger 520 Comanche and couldn't be more happy. Check out all the storage I have: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/boat-organization.html
I'm certain there are better aluminum boats our there that are fantastic options. I'm just saying my personal experience would advise you to go with fiberglass. I'm sure others with great experiences with aluminum boats would say otherwise.
Lund Explorer reply :
On 5/19/2015 at 11:15 AM, Matthew2000 said:Enlighten me!
Just for giggles, enlighten us!
Todd2 reply :
I'll be buying used. I mostly fish about 2 or 3 reservoirs that are about 4000 to 6000 acres. I do fish KY lake a few times a year at most and even now in my 17 footer I stay off the main lake if there is a strong South wind. My main lake is about 25 min from my house so fuel efficiency isn't a huge deal as a pro for aluminum. But I would like to fish up in the rivers a little more so I'd like to find a good welded aluminum boat. I'm just concerned about how they ride in big waves and just the stability of normal fishing. Also, it appears I can get a much nicer/newer boat if I go Aluminum. Decisions decisions.
Matthew2000 reply :
Ahh I was thinking like the trackers.On 5/19/2015 at 12:09 PM, Catt said:Ya ever run a 2015 Xpress X21 with a Yamaha 250 SHO in Xclusive Team Package?
Or a 2014 Xpress X19 with a Yamaha 200 SHO in Xclusive Package?
Or a 2012 H18 Hyperlift Series with a Yamaha 150 V-Max?
I can go on if ya want
How much does one of those X21s cost ?
S Hovanec reply :
And a 621 Ranger and a Lund 2075 Pro-V both weigh the same and are both north of $60k.
My 17' Lund handles heavy water just as good as any comparable glass boat in its class.
slonezp reply :
There's a good number of tin bass boats with a 18 foot platform. Once you up it to 19 foot the choices slim down. Xpress and sea ark will be the 2 brands with higher HP ratings. Then crestliner and the new 19ft tracker are rated up to 150. Lowe has one of the wider platforms on their modified v.
slonezp reply :
A tournament loaded x21 is close to 50 grand with all the bells and whistles.On 5/19/2015 at 7:06 PM, Matthew2000 said:Ahh I was thinking like the trackers.
How much does one of those X21s cost ?
I'd put my Lund up against any of the glass brands. It may not be as fast since it tops out at 60 mph but it will exceed most if not all in fish ability and versatility.
Catt reply :
The Xpress Xclusive Team Package is a Team Fishing Package with Yamaha, Minn Kota, Hummingbird, Gamma Fishing Line, Dobyns Rods, Lews Reels, ARE truck covers, Onyx, & K2 Coolers. It comes in 19' with a 200 or 21' with a 250, don't know what the total package cost!
J Francho reply :
I have an Xpress and a Bullet. I also have fishing kayaks and a rowboat. There things I can do with each, and places I can go in each that I can't with the other.
Where you fish and how you fish determines what is best for you.
J Francho reply :
Slonezp, I bet your Lund can go 50 when I'm stuck pointing the bow of my Bullet to heaven.
Matthew2000 reply :
On 5/20/2015 at 3:47 AM, J Francho said:Slonezp, I bet your Lund can go 50 when I'm stuck pointing the bow of my Bullet to heaven.
I hate the layouts of bullets. Going fast is awesome and all but I just hate their layouts.
Rented Mule reply :
there are exceptions to every situation, but I've always looked at it like this.
A guy buys a tin boat and gets passed on the highway by a glass boat, he'll most likely be second guessing his self about not opting for a glass rig.
A guy buys a glass boat and gets passed on the highway by someone towing a tin boat. Do you ever think he says to his self " sure wish I had bought a tin rig " ?
Tim Kelly reply :
On 5/20/2015 at 5:42 AM, Rented Mule said:there are exceptions to every situation, but I've always looked at it like this.
A guy buys a tin boat and gets passed on the highway by a glass boat, he'll most likely be second guessing his self about not opting for a glass rig.
A guy buys a glass boat and gets passed on the highway by someone towing a tin boat. Do you ever think he says to his self " sure wish I had bought a tin rig " ?
In PA I bet that happens a lot. The tin boat guys are killing the big smallies on the Susquehanna and the glass guys don't dare put their boats in the river so are stuck on some of the less than stellar ponds. 
Rented Mule reply :
Yes, the Susky is one of those exceptions. I've had my glass boat in there several times, but ultra careful about where I went, and could never attempt to get on plane. It was one place where I wish I did have a second boat that was made of metal.
But, PA is a big state, and just because you can't fish the Susky, doesn't mean you're stuck fishing sub prime waters. And if you prefer LM's over smallies, the Susky is hardly the place to fish anyway. But regardless, it's a first class destination.
slonezp reply :
On 5/20/2015 at 3:47 AM, J Francho said:Slonezp, I bet your Lund can go 50 when I'm stuck pointing the bow of my Bullet to heaven.
Put the Bullet back on the trailer and get yourself one of these https://www.facebook.com/jake.parkinson.984/videos/364189383733843/
Todd2 reply :
Well..I took pics to sell my current boat and I started thinking about all of my memories the last 12 years. Memories of fishing with my dad before we lost him 3 years ago, of him rebuilding the motor...wow, not sure if I can let it go. He had rebuilt auto and tractor engines but never an outboard. He told me mine was the first and the last and it was. It's been running great for about 8 years since. It's going to be hard to let go but I don't have room for two.
mcgreggor57 reply :
Can't add to the discussion Todd, but if you're ever looking for a co-angler I just live up the Snyder from you. LOL
Todd2 reply :
On 5/20/2015 at 9:26 AM, mcgreggor57 said:Can't add to the discussion Todd, but if you're ever looking for a co-angler I just live up the Snyder from you. LOL
I don't tournament fish but if you fun fish we can get hit it sometime...
Matthew2000 reply :
On 5/20/2015 at 9:03 AM, Todd2 said:Well..I took pics to sell my current boat and I started thinking about all of my memories the last 12 years. Memories of fishing with my dad before we lost him 3 years ago, of him rebuilding the motor...wow, not sure if I can let it go. He had rebuilt auto and tractor engines but never an outboard. He told me mine was the first and the last and it was. It's been running great for about 8 years since. It's going to be hard to let go but I don't have room for two.
If it has the sentimental value then don't let go of it. Memories are worth much more than a new boat, if the boat makes you have happy memories about you're father, I would hold on to it forever.
Todd2 reply :
On 5/20/2015 at 10:12 AM, Matthew2000 said:If it has the sentimental value then don't let go of it. Memories are worth much more than a new boat, if the boat makes you have happy memories about you're father, I would hold on to it forever.
I hear ya buddy...it's tough. But I'll always have those memories.
Back to topic, wide range of opinions. Ill probably keep an open mind and grab a good deal. The only way I'll make this "jump" is to sell mine first. Then I'll go crazy without something.
J Francho reply :
On 5/20/2015 at 5:20 AM, Matthew2000 said:I hate the layouts of bullets. Going fast is awesome and all but I just hate their layouts.
Do you need a hug?
Matthew2000 reply :
On 5/20/2015 at 8:14 PM, J Francho said:Do you need a hug?
I need a bass cat. But I would be honored to have the chance to hug you.
gardnerjigman reply :
On 5/21/2015 at 7:37 AM, Matthew2000 said:I need a bass cat. But I would be honored to have the chance to hug you.
Get a room
Todd2 reply :
I sold the fish n ski, looked at a lot of boats. If I were purchasing a new aluminum, the answer would've been Ranger. Not much more expensive than Lowe or Bass Tracker but honestly a better boat after talking with the Cabelas guy for about 45 mins. As it turned out, I found a used Tracker 175 and picked it up last night. So hopefully I'll get my gear all set and get out in the next day or two. My Fish n Ski was 16.5, so technically only a foot longer but I have way more room.
GetJigginWithIt reply :
On 5/19/2015 at 7:06 PM, Matthew2000 said:Ahh I was thinking like the trackers.
How much does one of those X21s cost ?
And what is wrong with a tracker?
thomas15 reply :
A tin boat is far superior to no boat.
Or a leaking glasser.
mcgreggor57 reply :
On 6/2/2015 at 6:42 PM, Todd2 said:I sold the fish n ski, looked at a lot of boats. If I were purchasing a new aluminum, the answer would've been Ranger. Not much more expensive than Lowe or Bass Tracker but honestly a better boat after talking with the Cabelas guy for about 45 mins. As it turned out, I found a used Tracker 175 and picked it up last night. So hopefully I'll get my gear all set and get out in the next day or two. My Fish n Ski was 16.5, so technically only a foot longer but I have way more room.
Congrats! Pics when you get them.
Todd2 reply :
Thanks, nothing too fancy. Just a 2003 Tracker, but it's "new" to me, lol. Here's a pic of the inside.On 6/3/2015 at 7:37 AM, mcgreggor57 said:Congrats! Pics when you get them.
jamey1e reply :
On 6/3/2015 at 9:30 PM, Todd2 said:Thanks, nothing too fancy. Just a 2003 Tracker, but it's "new" to me, lol. Here's a pic of the inside.
Congrats on the boat.
viking4 reply :
I have a RT 178 and live in PA and here is my opinion. I can do anything on my boat that all the Bigger Fiberglass boats can with one exception, SPEED, it tops out around 40 miles per hour. On the contrary the Fiberglass guys Cannot do what I do in this boat for fear of damaging their hulls. I can fish HEAVY cover, I can Beach if I need to and I can also retrieve my $5 spinnerbait when I wrap it around a tree near the bank. The storage is dry and the layout is equal to or better than some fiberglass models of similar size. The Beam allows for a very stable platform to fish from, very comparable to Fiberglass stability when fishing. To sum this up I can fish everywhere I want to with this thing of which you cannot on a fiberglass hull.
The two Big negatives of aluminum are as follows for me
Speed: I can get anywhere I need to get to in a reasonable amount of time, there are no HUGE lakes in our area that the speed would make that much of a difference
Big Water: I would not take this thing on BIG WATER, however the only BIG WATER in PA is Lake Erie which is not something I would choose to fish in any Bass Boat when the conditions get bad
BrianinMD reply :
Tin boats of today are WAY WAY different than tin boats of 10 years ago. Cannot compare the two.
Mjmj reply :
On 8/2/2018 at 6:44 PM, viking4 said:I have a RT 178 and live in PA
Where at in Pa.
gimruis reply :
On 8/2/2018 at 6:44 PM, viking4 said:it tops out around 40 miles per hour
Hey viking what kind of outboard/prop setup are you running on that thing? I can only get about 35 out of mine on a merc 75 four stroke.
viking4 reply :
I live in SW PA, most lakes in my area are smaller aside from a few exceptions, speed is not that important for me as I do not make a living bass fishing. The boat will run 40 mph with just me in it and an empty livewell, I have a 75 merc on the back with a 3 blade black max aluminum prop.
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