Fiber Glass or ALuminum

[joedogg111]

I am new to boating and have a question. Going to get my first fishing boat and was wondering how do I tell the difference between fiber glass boats and aluminum?

Please help.

Thank you

 

[fhhuber]

tap the side of the boat... if it feels like metal its probably aluminum.

in appx 10 to 18 ft range, The fiberglass boat will probably weigh 3 to 5 times as much as the same size aluminum boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

if it has rivets or welds.....its aluminum

if it only has the rub rail, and feels like plastic - its fiberglass

 

[gm280]

Absolutely great previous ideas and advice. Most aluminum hulled boat these days are not painted and you can tell easily. JMHO

Okay my wife just came up with another good idea to distinguish between them. If you can smell fiberglass it is fiberglass. Fiberglass (actually polyester resin) has a distinct smell that is easily distinguishable.