best hull material

[Frusterated Ameture]

I have fished all of my life, but I have never actually bought a bass boat so I know very little about them. Being fairly interested in them I thought I might ask your oppinion on which is better, aluminum or fiberglass? What kind of maintanance you need to do to each? Future possible problems? I have always admired fiberglass since that is what all of the pro's use, so it has to be better, but how is it that much better? Is it lighter? Faster? Smoother? These are just a few of my dumb questions that I should already know, but don't. Thanks for your inputs.<br /><br />MattL

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: best hull material

When I did my bass fishing regulary I used an alluminum. The reason I liked it is the durability of it over fiberglass where I fished. I did a lot of things that would have punched holes in a fiberglass boat or at least cracked the gelcoat and never once hurt the aluminum boat. You gotta love stump jumpers.

 

[martyscher]

Re: best hull material

I agree that aluminum is probably more durable and possibly lighter tahn glass.<br /><br />My 16.5' Lowe tows pretty good through the Rocky mountains and loads pretty easy.<br /><br />I almost cr*pped myself yesterday when I hit a submerged rock hard, that appeared suddenly in 30' of water. It missed my motor and afterwards I could not find any scratches.<br /><br />I'm sure I would have seen something if it were gelcoat.<br /><br />I am a fan of glass on larger boats though.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: best hull material

Nitro has a new stretch formed aluminum hull........Many, many advantages to this......<br />Aluminum is also much easier to repair.

 

[rpeeples]

Re: best hull material

I have both a fiberglass boat and an aluminum one. The fiberglass feels more "sturdy" but the alum. is easier to load and unload. <br /><br />My fiberglass is in need of keel repair from bumping into the concrete ramp. But nothing serious. My alum. has hit a tree at full speed and now has a horseshoe shaped bow, but no leaks.<br /><br />Fiberglass might be a little easier to repair - anybody know? <br /><br />I do know one thing for sure - keep fiberglass covered or stored out of the sun when not in use...<br /><br />