Aluminum mod. v boats,opinion help

[Barlow]

I've been tossing the idea around of buying an 18' aluminum mod.v boat (tiller w/alum. floor) for fishing smaller rivers and waterfowling. My 16' jon boat collects social security this year and the skin grafts are getting a bit tiresome so, I'm looking for some opinions on which manufacturers I should consider. Quality, ruggedness and, comfort are important. <br /><br />Thanks for your knowledge and feed back everyone.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Aluminum mod. v boats,opinion help

Difinitly a LUND I had a 20' Lund for 6 years & used it off shore tonly maintance was the once a year spring maintance. Oh! Idid replace the wiring after 5 years only by choice. The Lunds also hold their value. Sold it for what I paid for it. Also had an Alumarcraft which also was a fine boat. Never had a problem with the rivets <br /><br /> The Unorthodox Flyfisher

 

[roscoe]

Re: Aluminum mod. v boats,opinion help

Lund and Alumacraft are fine, But you should also look at FISHER. THey make a complete line of all welded utility and fishing models. They are made for rivers and require little water to make them float.<br /><br /> http://www.fisherboats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.models&nav=69 <br /><br /> http://www.fisherboats.com/dealerlocator/index.cfm

 

[martyscher]

Re: Aluminum mod. v boats,opinion help

I can suggest taking a look at the Lowe (Sea Nymph) boats. They have both welded and riveted models. They carry a lifetime warranty on hull seams and decking. <br /><br />I have a 2001 165 Angler, that I have not had a problem with. A good price too.<br /><br />Whatever make\model you choose, I would suggest moving up to a console steering, walk-around deck model. The comfort level between nice seats and being able to move around, or being trapped in a boat seat, is night and day better.<br /><br />The difference in price is well worth it, IMO.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Barlow]

Re: Aluminum mod. v boats,opinion help

Thanks for the feedback and direction.Lund, Alumacraft, Fisher, Lowe.....I've got my work cut out for me but like anything else you've got to do some foot work. Thanks again.

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Aluminum mod. v boats,opinion help

Barlow wrote,<br />"Quality, ruggedness and, comfort are important."<br /><br />Barlow, there is a hlf a dozen boat manufactures out here on the west coast that are custom manufacturing some awesome products. The key word here is custom, not mass produced. They are all made from top quality materials and are all hand cut and welded. All have lifetime warranties on thier hulls. Yes, they are more expensive,yet they are made to take more extreme punishment. The smaller lenghts are still affordable.<br />I'm in no way putting down the Fishers, Lunds or Lowes but these boats that I'm talking about are a different animal all togeather. <br /><br />These boats include, North River(mine), Alumaweld, Jetcraft, Wooldridge, Custom Weld, Bentz, Design Concepts, Pacific Angler.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=002087

 

[Barlow]

Re: Aluminum mod. v boats,opinion help

Skinnywater- I took a look at mfg web sites that you mentioned and I'd agree about them being different animals...monsters is more like it! I'm in a different market as far as those are concerned but you've got me thinking. Thanks much!

 

[Boatist]

Re: Aluminum mod. v boats,opinion help

Barlow<br />I really like Klamath boats. They are Deep V bows for a great ride, have square chims for a dry ride, very wide and stable. Stern are fairly flat for stable ride and good for shallow water. Boat all welded so strong and no leaks. I do not think they have a web site. I am not sure sold in the east. One thing for sure I will never buy another leaky boat with rivets, welding so much better. <br /><br /> http://www.finefishing.com/1freshfish/aahowto/boating/klamath.htm <br /><br /> http://www.boats.com/builder/builder_boats_handler.jsp?mid=1755

 

[Barlow]

Re: Aluminum mod. v boats,opinion help

-anyone with experience with War Eagle boats out of Monticello, AR.?? Stopped and took a look at them last night. .100 ga. hull, all welded fully skinned int.??

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Aluminum mod. v boats,opinion help

Barlow, at one time I was considering one of these.<br /><br /> http://www.loweboats.com/FishBoats/Utility/RoughneckUltra/R1860VDC.cfm

 

[scmasondr]

Re: Aluminum mod. v boats,opinion help

No personal experience with war eagle, but they seem to be popular in this area {SC}.

 

[DS-3]

Re: Aluminum mod. v boats,opinion help

G-3 is the best money can buy. I don't have one, I can't afford one. I have a 1756vj Xpress With a tiller control 40 HP yamaha on the back. scares the H22L out of us all. In excess 40 mph loaded very light. 30 mph with duck hunting prop and 1400 lbs load.Check it out.