Fiberglass or aluminum?

[mslajoieat99]

Deciding whether to purchase fiberglass or aluminum fishing boat. What's more durable and long lasting? Flat bottom or not. Any suggestions?

 

[Jason Adam]

Re: Fiberglass or aluminum?

You question is VERY vague. What do you plan to use the baot for?(trolling, casting, etc..) What kind of water do you fish?(Open seas, inland lakes, rivers, flats)<br /><br />Whats "durable and long lasting" will be whatever is well taken care of. I see glass and aluminum that are equally in good or bad shape at 30 years old, depending on how they were treated.<br /><br />Each has their own benefits and weeknesses. Each serves its own applications. Your going to have to be a little more specific.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Fiberglass or aluminum?

Aluminum is lighter and stronger, and requires less power. If you are going to be fishing shallow water, aluminum is the way to go, as it has a shallower draft and if you bump a rock its no big deal. I have a glass boat, but if I came across an aluminum hull I would switch in a heart beat (Someone has to die and will you an aluminum hull around here). You have not said what size, type of fishing, budget etc, all of which is a factor. Hull design will be based on the water you will use it on. If the water is rough, a V bottom is what you want. If the water is mostly calm, a more flatter bottom will work. Just remember, a flat bottom does not need as much power as a V bottom to plane.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Fiberglass or aluminum?

Jason, I looked in on your website, and I'm in awe of your project skills. You certainly make good use of your snow time!<br />Years ago, I worked my way through college working in the Sunshine Mine and lived in Wallace during that time. I remember those North Idaho snow days, but wasn't nearly as productive as are you. Congratulations on a very nice job.