aluminum vs fiberglass

[uncleglenny]

hi everyone new here and new to boating....looking at buying my first boat , wondering what is better aluminum or fiberglass? i will use it in mostly bigger lakes and rivers, ive heard fiberglass can be expensive to repair any advice is appreciated

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

That's a loaded question there! Anyone can make a case for or against either. As far as fiberglass being expensive to repair, it's not so bad and aluminum can be even more so; depends on what kind of damage. The trick is to not damage either one and you reduce the repair costs.

What size boat are you looking to get? What are you going to use the boat for the most? Answering these questions will give us an idea of what boat would be best suited for you.

Welcome to iboats!!!<

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

i have both. we need more info.

 

[NBE]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

After spending way too much time in the Boat Restoration and Building forum and reading about stringers, transoms, floors, fiberglass repairs, etc., I went with an aluminum boat.

Each have their own good and bad points and I have owned many of each kind. I guess I am just partial to aluminum especially since I fish mostly in fairly shallow water and have had more than one encounter with a sunken log or two. A dent is much better than a hole.

I guess it just boils down to personal preference. From what you described about where you will be fishing, seems either will do fine. You have to also consider features and price of each type of boat. Probably whichever you can find the best deal on that fits your need will be ok to go with.

 

[KCook]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

If you expect frequent repairs, then aluminum would be the way to go. But most boaters don't beat up their boats that much. So I wouldn't make repair costs a key factor.

Mostly comes down to region and type and size of boat. Aluminum dominates for inland fishing boats and pontoons. Fiberglass dominates for saltwater boats, fancy pleasure or performance boats, and big boats.

As the guys already said, need to know more about how and where you will be using the boat. Also, if you see particular boats of both types that you like, list them. We can then help you with the differences.

Kelly Cook

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

Fiberglass hulls are sculpted to exact tolerances and are hydrodynamically far superior to aluminum hulls. There's only so much you can do with sheets of aluminum. But there are a few formed aluminum boats out there that you'd swear were glass.

 

[KCook]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

What WillyBWright posted is true. However that is a necessary requirement only at very high speeds (nearing 100mph). There are production aluminum boats running over 60mph.

Kelly

PS - That's cute. Seems this new software automatically highlights any member name entered! :=

 

[Silvertip]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

If you intend to trailer the boat, aluminimum has a definite advantage because its far lighter. Tows easier so you don't need as big a tow vehicle. Being lighter it also requires less power to push it. At todays fuel prices those factors are important unless you have extremely deep pockets.

 

[uncleglenny]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

i would be trailering to the lakes and rivers im thinking between 17-19 feet for mostly fishing and cruising should i be concerned over if its an inboard/outboard or should i stay with an outboard,do aluminum boats even come with i/o ?

 

[uncleglenny]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

as far as where id be using it in the great lakes, detroit river maybe northern ontario

 

[DangerDan]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

I couldn't decide which was best. I have one of each. The aluminum boat is strictly for rivers and small lakes though. I was running in a river yesterday in about 3" of water on plane. Don't wanna do that in a fiberglass boat. On the other hand I can't really fish the big lakes with my jet sled so a nice heavy fiberglass boat is best in that situation.

 

[Almeja]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

IMHO follows:

Fishing? Aluminum.

Why? Light weight, low draft, 'beachable' more utilitarian design.

Skiing & watersports? Long cruises? (etc.) Fiberglass.

Why? The extra weight and more 'evolved' hull forms available in fiberglass make for a better tow boat... and a smoother riding boat for cruising.

Inboard or outboard?

How deep is your wallet? When you start shopping larger outboards you're in for a shock. Heck, when you start shopping anything 'boats' you're in for a shock.

 

[KCook]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

Fiberglass is often a preference for the Great Lakes.

Kelly

 

[Silvertip]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

Yes - aluminum boats are available with I/Os but are not really popular for fishing because the engines are inside the boat and take up a fair amount of room. Outboards get my vote. I've had both and will never have another glass boat or an I/O. With an I/O you need to be a contortionist to work on the darned things. Outboards you simply stand along side them. If you are unhappy with the engine but love the boat you can swap engines. If you love the engine and hate the boat you can change boats. Try either scenario with an I/O.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

I just looked at a few Xpress aluminum boats yesterday and I was impressed with the construction.... all welded.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

Have had both. Current boat is aluminum. It has foam under the deck and carpet on it. Not noisy. Nice and solid; like FG somewhat.

Agree on sculptured fiberglas gives you more options for smooth riding.

Agree that alum is cheaper to tow and usually lighter alowing for easier handling around the dock and launch.

Agree that the weight of FG helps in a smooth ride especially with a deep V.

Agree that alum can run 60 mph. Mine is rated for 130 hp (17'). With the existing 90 hp I clocked 52 this past winter.

Used to be older FG were a problem due to water intrusion into the wooden structure. Nowadays they are building them without wood.

My 2c

Mark

 

[Teamhyperstriper]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

Aluminum is the only way to go. It is pound for pound just as strong as steel, but lighter than fiberglass. America has been hung up on fiberglass because manufacturers can crank them out quick, not because it's the best for the job. Fiberglass is much heavier, and has much more problem potential. All welded Aluminum boats last a lifetime and hold there value much better, because they are lighter, faster, stronger, and more dependable. I have studied in depth the boating industry for the past five years, and finally America is realizing that aluminum is the way to go.

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

My vote goes for aluminum for all of the reasons that the other posters put in. I have had both and the only way I would have another I/O glass boat is if I never trailered it and could afford to have mechanics do all of the maintence. I currently have a little MFG glass boat but it was because of the price I bought it. My main boaat is aluminum.8)

 

[uncleglenny]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

WELL I AM LEANING TOWARDS AN OLDER ALUMINUM BOAT BUT ITS NICE TO KNOW THAT FIBERGLASS IS NOTHING TO BE AFRAID OF

 

[Texasmark]

Re: aluminum vs fiberglass

Hey Uncle, you said "older aluminum boat", I assume that you will be considering "older glass boats" also.

If so, beware of wood rot; not only where you can see it, but in the stringers where you can't see it.

Aluminum boats have aluminum stringers.

Mark