Aluminum Boats???

[b.gagnon]

Aluminum Boats???<br />I have a friend that is interested in aluminum boats,due to there light weight. We took a look on line and most seem to be for fishing. He is looking in the 18’- 20’ range that would compare to a bow rider or similar boat. It will need to hold 5 people (2 adult 3 children). It will be used on lakes for joy rides and occasional water skiing. Would like the price to stay under 20k but willing to spend more for quality!

 

[granpafish]

Re: Aluminum Boats???

There are a number of quality aluminum manufacturers. Virtually all use a high marine grade at this point. I switched about 8 years ago and haven't looked back. Easier towing, less hp for similar speed, and they can take a beating. Research will show you that almost all small boats used for work in Alaska are aluminum. Partly because they are able to take a hit in cold weather where FG would be likely to shatter but also because they are tough. I bought a Lund and love it. I would think that you can find a good quality aluminum boat in that price range without too much trouble. Good luck Granp***

 

[Calcol]

Re: Aluminum Boats???

Are looking for suggestions? An 18-20 ft boat (bowrider) will hold 6 people easily and generally are rated for 8 people.<br /><br />My dream boat is a Crestliner 1900 Phantom SST. It's 19ft-2in long and Crestliner has the best aluminum hull in the industry and it's welded, not riveted. This boat is a family cruiser, ski boat, and can be used to fish out of. Brand new, depending on options, this boat will sell between $25-30,000 dollars. I have seen used models advertised from $10-15,000 depending on year and condition. <br /><br />Lund would be another suggestion. Their sport & fish series models are the Baron & Tyee.<br /><br />Good luck and have fun!

 

[waterguy]

Re: Aluminum Boats???

B.Gagnon. Are you any relation to the guy who invented SCUBA gear? Just wondered. Anyway...I had an aluminum boat for 22 years. It was a 16' Sea Nymph bow rider with a 70hp Mercury. I loved the boat and the motor ran flawlessly. I sold it last year and it was still going great. I now have a Sting Ray with a 75hp Force. I went for the fiberglass boat because they look sleeker then any aluminum boat I've seen, but it does weigh twice as much. Even so it will go faster than the aluminum boat with about the same size motor because the coefficient of roughness is much less for fiberglass than aluminum and the computer design of a fiberglass boat slips through the water more efficiently. It's very difficult to mold aluminum the way they can fiberglass. The new polymer products they make boats out of today can be shaped by a computer in any way they want. My aluminum boat was also riveted and it would leak a little if you kept it on the water all day. I think the boats of today are welded and that would eliminate that problem. I also found that the aluminum was much noiser on the water. The sound of the waves slapping againist the side and sounds in general would resonate through the aluminum more. Which ever you chose, I'm sure you will have lots of fun, as boating is the greatest way to enjoy any day....have fun!!!

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Aluminum Boats???

Check out the new stretch formed and welded aluminum boats from Tracker.....best of both worlds now...why go glass? Only a matter of time before model lines of all boats are changed.

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Aluminum Boats???

No relation….but I have met his son many times and he considers us family!!!

 

[KCook]

Re: Aluminum Boats???

The vast majority of aluminum boats are designed with fishing foremost. If you want comfortable seating for lots of folks, then a deckboat layout may work better for you -<br /><br />www.lowe.com/Suncruiser/Tahiti/TH192.html<br /><br />Boats this big, with enough power for skiing, will likely squeeze your $20k figure though. Unless you can find a used one of course.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[tjthorson]

Re: Aluminum Boats???

Well, not that I am impartial because I just bought a Sylvan - but they are known for their excellent aluminum boats. This one looks pretty nice, rated for eight....<br /><br /> http://www.sylvanmarine.com/2002/aluminum/adventurer1900io.htm <br /><br />This one comes in somewhere under 17K I believe.